$150 knife recommendations?

[jaseman]

Looking for suggestions on a good EDC knife under $150 (absolute max). Current EDC is a Leek, which I love, but I'm looking for something a bit stouter.

Blade length should be between 3" and 4" (ideally somewhere in between so it's a beg enough for some hard use, but not so big as to be unwieldy on a daily basis)

Prefer assisted, but not a deal breaker.

Prefer American made, but again, not a deal breaker for a quality knife.

One handed operation is a must, so no lock-backs.

Knife will be a user (all my knives are) and as such, may see some fairly hard use.

Currently I'm looking at the following, but would also love other recommendations on others, that maybe I wouldn't normally think of

First the obvious choices:
ZT 0350 or 0566 (anyone have both to compare pros/cons)
BM Griptilian
Spyderco Manix 2 or PM 2

Other I'm looking at, but know nothing about:
Viper Kyomi Vox
Stedeman DSG
Kiser Ki401

I'll be at a Field and Stream store later today, so I'll be able to put some of the more common ones in my hands. But whatever I decide on will, I'll be ordering in the next day or two.

 

[mycough]

I would keep an eye on the sales forums, you could get a nicer knife, barely used for 150$ a lot of guys here buy a knife and never really use it and sell it at some loss. Manix g10 s110v fits the bill if you buy new, quite a package for the price.


Russ

 

[Raz94]

I would go with the pm2, and it's pretty sleek so the transition between the leek and the pm2 would be fairly easy. And the compression lock is tons of fun


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[jstn]

Hands down, PM2. It isn't assisted, but all my are so smooth the flip open faster than an assisted opener. I've owned most of the other blades on your list. They are all gone, but I still have 4 PM2s.

 

[GB940Rookie]

Gayle Bradley 2
PM 2
Manix 2

 

[Srtr]

i carry a pm2 and 0566 together every day. the 0566 is slowly getting less and less use. pm2 is simply amazing.

de assist the 0566 if you get that.

 

[sharp_edge]

You can buy BNIB from dealers within your budget:

Benchmade Ritter grip M390
ZT 0801
or if adding just a few dollars, BM 710 D2

 

[rschuch]

How about a Benchmade 710? Slim but has a 4" blade. Not assisted, but the axis lock is a breeze to open and close one handed.
Could do a Launch 1 or 6.
CRKT Hissatsu is assisted.
How about a Cryo 2?

 

[mqqn]

How about the HOB Exclusive Kershaw Link?

Or - you can save a little and get a "standard" aluminum-scaled Link from Kershawguy.com - or, for a good working knife that is made in USA for under $40, try the FRN-scaled version of the Link.

best

mqqn

 

[15mtyler]

Benchmade h&k axis. It's everything the griptilian could and should have been. Stainless steel liners, g10 scales and d2 steel

 

[Maddogg774]

I can easily one hand close my cold steel lock backs, so for price point(you can get 2 code 4's in cts-xhp for less than $150) I wouldn't rule them out. But in the realm of Ti frame lock I love my Combative edge M1. Kershaw guy has several ZT and Kershaws that would fit the bill as well. Maybe a premium steel blur.

 

[Icehawk]

I'd also recommend checking out HK's knifes - BM produces them and I believe they are all US manufactured. Should save you a few bucks and still be a nice user plus you aren't using the same old, same old everyone else does

 

[JJ_Colt45]

if youre looking between the ZT 350 and ZT 566 Id take the 566 everytime its frame lock the 350 is a liner lock ... the slight recurve of the ZT 350 makes it a little harder to sharpen then the ZT 566 .The 566 is a bit heavier then the PM 2 others have suggested and I also like the PM 2 but the ZT 566 is my EDC its a bit beefier but still slices very well ... and if you prefer assisted Id highly reccomend the ZT 566 . You can also get the ZT 566 in Elmax or S35VN or even M390 and in G-10 or CF scales and it can be deassisted for a very nice flipper if you decide youd rather not have the assisted open.Only other assisted knife in that range that I own is a Benchmade Voli .. which is a really nice knife also but my preference would still be the ZT 566. If you want to save some money but stay with assisted open the Kershaw Knockout is a nice knife for the price and a bit beefier then the Leek.

 

[luke86]

Manix 2 g10 s110v and keep a few bucks in your pocket. You wont be disappointed with that knife. Best deal out there imho.

 

[jaseman]

Just a few follow ups...

I would keep an eye on the sales forums, you could get a nicer knife, barely used for 150$ a lot of guys here buy a knife and never really use it and sell it at some loss. Manix g10 s110v fits the bill if you buy new, quite a package for the price.


Russ

Prefer new. Mainly because I was given a $150 gift card as a thank you from someone. It's just easier than setting up a Paypal acc. and going through all that.

I would go with the pm2, and it's pretty sleek so the transition between the leek and the pm2 would be fairly easy. And the compression lock is tons of fun


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Transitioning from the Leek is no biggie. I've owned my share of bigger folders in the past. That said, the PM2 is high on my list - but how does it compare to the Manix2 (I leaning towards a little beefier blade for harder use)

You can buy BNIB from dealers within your budget:

Benchmade Ritter grip M390
ZT 0801
or if adding just a few dollars, BM 710 D2

How's the 801 compare to the 566?
How's the 710 compare to the Grip?

$150 is my absolute max (see gift card above) unless I'm in a "box store" and have the few extra $$ on me right there.

How about a Benchmade 710? Slim but has a 4" blade. Not assisted, but the axis lock is a breeze to open and close one handed.
Could do a Launch 1 or 6.
CRKT Hissatsu is assisted.
How about a Cryo 2?

Launch is auto (correct me if I'm wrong) which is a no go for EDC in my state. The 710 has potential though...

I'd also recommend checking out HK's knifes - BM produces them and I believe they are all US manufactured. Should save you a few bucks and still be a nice user plus you aren't using the same old, same old everyone else does

HK's are another option I'm willing to explore.





Ideally, I'm not looking to skimp on a cheaper knife. I've got the budget, and would like to get into something a bit nicer. So while knives like the Cryo, Link, and Blur would certainly do the job, I'm looking to treat myself a little. It's 'found money' so to speak.

What are the differences between S30v, S35v, Elmax, D2, or some of the others I'm looking at (in layman's terms...)

Like I said earlier, I'll be somewhere tonight where I can see what feels good in my hand, so that'll play a big role as well, but please, keep the suggestions and info coming!



Lastly, other than Kershaw Guy (who I will definitely consider, being a forum member) where else is a good place to order from? (Providing it's not against rules to ask suck questions)

Thanks

 

[MidnightSun]

The ZT 0450 can be found online new for around $150. It is a really sweet little knife and is full titanium. S35VN steel and ZT quality and warranty, pic borrowed from google....
To me, its got class and quality a ways above its price point...

 

[kda89508]

How about one of the Benchmade 940 series? Good Luck 😊 Kevin

 

[Cursum Perficio]

Para 2 or Manix 2, some prefer one or the other but both are proven, awesome EDC folders. Considered a Manix XL? It's my favorite Manix.

I don't have a Grip or either of those ZTs you mention so others can advise you there. A do highly recommend a ZT 0562 but that's over your budget and I'm not sure if you are happy with 5.5 ounces.

Differences between S30V, S35VN, Elmax, D2: Well, the D2 is not stainless. I have and like all of them, but I like everything from AUS8 to S110V for one reason or another.
Of the steels you list I prefer Elmax, the more I use it the more I like it, for it's balance of edge holding and ease of sharpening.
But honestly I think you would be better off to focus on the knife characteristics you prefer and the steel you get is what it is. Really, for general EDC use you can't go wrong with any of those steels.

How about a 950 Rift or a Military? Here's a few comparison pics.

 

[NDJeep]

Ive owned almost every one of the knives recommended to you.

If there can only be one, I would factor in toughness, ergonomics, build quality, steel. While several of these are very close and check all the boxes, I would choose...

....the ZT0566.

 

[JJ_Colt45]

Both the Spyderco PM2 and Manix are great knives , I own both and also the ZTs you mentioned ... Kershaws ... CRKs ... Hinderers ... and in the price range you mentioned with a preference of assist open and something a bit beefier for hard use ... I would still chose the ZT 566 over any of the others ... its quality ... its warrenty ... and versitility IMHO are hard to beat. I prefer the S35VN by a hair over the Elmax but cant go wrong with either. Good luck hope you find the one that feels just right in your hand.