$100 to spend, need your votes!

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Flash Owl

Joined
Aug 24, 2011
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so ive built up some funds in my paypal account.

im kind of new to knives, so im still very much in my trial period when it comes to what im looking for.
the only medium size knives ive experienced are the delica, and leek. neither im too fond of.

im looking at....
Spyderco Paramilitary2 camo/black blade.
Spyderco Lum - this knife literary has my name on it! the chinese character means forest in case your wondering. plus the CF handle is gorgeous.
ESEE 4 - OD/orange G-10 - i love orange!

any other suggestions would be very welcomed!
 
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You can never go wrong with the para2, although the native 5 just came out (hard to get at the moment, so I am just waiting myself).
 
The Kershaw Echelon is being released here soon, and it looks like it will be f-ing awesome.
 
The Para 2 was the first knife I thought of when I saw the thread title. It's a fantastic knife, so if you're already considering it I'd say go for it. The digicam G-10/black blade version is a nice choice too. At least in terms of looks, it's my favorite of the regular (non-sprint run) Para 2 blade/handle color combos.
 
momouppa said:
the para 2 is about the same price as the ZT 350 I think
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I've got a Para 2 as well as a ZT350 and for edc the Para 2 fits in the pocket a bit better. That being said, to me the ZT350 gets just as much pocket time because I really enjoy the knife and it fits and locks so well in my hand. My only real complaint about both of these knives is that they ride a bit high in the pocket when carrying tip up. Either way I dont think you could go wrong with each knife.

Also to your other choice of an ESEE 4, it is a great fixed blade. Some like it, some hate it. I love mine. If you are planning on edc'ing a fixed blade though I would recommend an Izula or Izula 2 by ESEE.

Another good option would be a BK14 by Becker. I dont have one yet but am planning on getting one soon and it combined with something like BM Griptilian or a higher end Kershaw would put you about at your budget and you would have a folder and a smaller fixed blade.

This is just my .02. Everyone here has likes and dislikes.

Also, if you would like some comparison pics of the Para 2 and the ZT350 message me and I will get some to you or post some in the thread.

JD
 
Of what you listed I would go with the para2, particularly if you are not happy with your current EDC's.
 
Had a para-military and sold it , just wasn't too fond of the aesthetics, as for the Lum no experience but once again the aesthetics don't appeal to me. If you are just starting out handle them and see what feels right to you. Plus once you start you'll probably end up getting both and quite a few more . For the price though I'd second the ZT 0350 as mentioned. Ergo's are good for my med-large hands, assisted opening, and a lot stouter than the Para. I honestly don't think you can do better for the money. Or get a Cold Steel Recon or Ak-47, and pocket some change .
 
I'd agree with citizensoldierNY on a good CS offering. You can't hardly beat a Recon-1 for about $60'ish w 4" blade and tough triad lock. It lays very flat in my pocket and after sanding under the clip for a few minutes, it's easy to use the clip for pocket carry. The new Voyagers are out and worth a look with new steel too.
 
Flash Owl said:
the only medium size knives ive experienced are the delica, and leek. neither im too fond of.
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I think the most helpful question to ask is why are you not fond of the delica or leek. Knowing what you don't like about them (and what you do like about them, if anything) will help determine a more suitable knife for your tastes/purposes. In my experience, this approach is much more useful than just arbitrarily picking a new knife.
 
As I mentioned in my earlier post, the Para 2 is an excellent knife. But after seeing the points made by subsequent posters, I think that given that your collection is still in its infancy, you might be better off getting two knives in the $40-60 range instead of one $100 knife.

When I got into knives a couple years ago, I intentionally worked my way up -- in terms of price point and blade steel -- and found that doing so really prepared me to appreciate the differences in quality, steel performance, and so forth once I reached higher price points and "super steels". And, of course, it also gave me lots of exposure to the excellent knives that can be found at price points as low as $20-30.

In line with that, one good combination of knives you might consider is the Cold Steel Recon 1 (already mentioned) and the Buck Vantage Pro (large), each of which can be had for around $55-60. The Recon 1 will give you a chance to try out a big, tough folder, while the Vantage Pro will give you a taste of an excellent all-around steel, namely CPM-S30V with Paul Bos's superb heat treat.
 
Wunderbar said:
Check out the Benchmade Mini Onslaught 746. GPKnives has it in your price range.
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+1. Onslaught is huge, but Mini Onslaught is very nice looking good size solid knife. I love Bob Lum's designs. BM DeJavoo is great both regular and Mini. Such a pity that it has got discontinued. They are still available in some stores, but will probably cost a bit more than what you would like to pay. As for Spyderco Chinese folder - I have got three of them. Just a great knife! The only thing I would be cautious about is Spyderco VG10. Though the latest examples I have purchased , like Spyderco Stretch actually feel OK: the edge does not "falls off", holds quite well.
Para 2 is probably OK knife. I do not like Military - sold it away pretty fast. Para looks like a different animal. But I am not in the position to recommend it.
 
sheepdog229 said:
I think the most helpful question to ask is why are you not fond of the delica or leek. Knowing what you don't like about them (and what you do like about them, if anything) will help determine a more suitable knife for your tastes/purposes. In my experience, this approach is much more useful than just arbitrarily picking a new knife.
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I think its because both are alittle large for my pockets, and dont feel substantial in the hand.
my friend gave me a CRKT M-16, and although its cheap, i kind of like it for its heft. feels like i can do some serious work with it. and dont care if i beat it up.
i had those knives years ago, before i discovered BF.

i have a dragonfly G-10 on the way, i think i prefer smaller for EDC, and more precise cutting.
i want to order a orange izula, as well as the other knives ive mentioned to see how i like fixed blades.
but 1 thing i learned from my flashlight buying sprees is to "dont buy'em faster than they can ship 'em". LOL

the ZT 350 looks great! i had no idea it was in the $120 price range. i love the look of the ZT301, so i might have to get that too.
the recon 1 also looks like a winner. too bad its so plain looking.

half my flashlights are black, and im just tired of black. i want my knives to look different from one another.
so black and silver knives will get alittle neglected.
and of course anything orange will get alot of attention. LOL

thanks for helping this foolish newbie.
this forum is awesome! and i know my wallet is going to be in big trouble.
 
ESEE 4 is a great knife, but for EDC I'd go with a kabar/becker BK14 (Eskabar) or an ESEE Izula 2.
on the folder side of things, check out the spyderco UK Pen Knife (non-locking, but STOUT spring)
CS Lawman or Recon 1 is a good thing, as is the Ontario RAT-1 (or Model 1,depending on where you're shopping)
 
I'd suggest the Para-military 2 it is about the perfect size for an EDC knife not too large not too small and it has a very cool and secure locking mechanism.
 
If you think about the 2 knives for $100, you could take a look at the Kershaw JYD Composite, for a nice knife of good size. Then another Kershaw for what you have left. If you deal with kershawguy, you are going to get MORE than your money's worth!
 
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