$150 knife recommendations?

jaseman said:
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.
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How are lock-backs not 1 handed operation?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I have Southard Tolk, Umnumzaan, Manix2 LW S110V, and Gayle Bradley 1 as my stouter knives.
Then I got Blurple PM2 S110V and am stuck on it over these knives.
What a great design and superb cutter.
It works along very nicely with my main user Boker Exskelibur I, which is a thin slicer.

PM2_EXK2.JPG




Miso
 
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As others have said you can get a PM2 in G10 and S30V for less than $150 NIB. They are great EDC knives and I think everyone that loves knives should try one. I believe you will be very happy with it.
 
So I ended up with a Manix 2 in S30v, with g10 scales and coated blade. Paid more than I would online, but only by about $15, which was worth it to have in my hand today.

 
BilboBaggins said:
Great knife. You'll love it.
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Thanks. So far I haven't had a chance to cut anything, but...

Man is that action smooth! Think I'll get over not having an assisted opener pretty quickly.

Blade is almost the perfect size for what I was looking for. More stout than the Grip, but not monstrous like the ZT 350. I can see this thing pulling some hard duty without complaint.

Was a real toss up between the BM Grip and the Manix - the BM was actually a bit more comfortable in the hand, but something about the Spydie just called to me - so that's what I went with.

Only real complaint is the lock is really stiff. I'm sure it will ease up as it wears in a little, but right now it's a bit tough to release with just your thumb.

But really, I see this spending a tom of time riding in my pocket!
 
you could look into the spyderco stretch lightweight in zdp 189. its about 3.4 inches blade, with a very fine steel. excellent ergonomics and very light and "pocketable". I really like the spyderco native5 in g10. it has s35vn steel which is one of my favorite stainless steels for knives. it is very tough and takes a very fine edge and holds it for quite some time and then sharpens up almost as easily as vg10.
 
I love both my PM2 and 0566. The 0566 is a heavier and much sturdier knife and the PM2 is just the perfect cutting tool. I find when I'm working in the yard I tend to grab the PM2 for light around the yard chores.
 
Spyderco K2 is 150 right now on sale. its a 10v blade.

Spyderco is also going to release a manix2 LW in Maxamet soon. not sure when. it was estimated to be around $160 give or take iirc. if you want excellent edge retention but dont want a knife as big as the K2 this is a good one.
 
as long as 'hard use' doesn't include pry-bar activity, the PM2 is hard use and it will be more like the Leek for EDC - disappears in your pocket...

the ZTs and BMs are hard use... just a bit more heft in the pocket...
 
jaseman said:
So I ended up with a Manix 2 in S30v, with g10 scales and coated blade. Paid more than I would online, but only by about $15, which was worth it to have in my hand today.


Congrats brother!!! You chose very well!!!
The lock will loosen up......little lube and flick the snot out of it! I have 5 Manix 2s. Each was a bit tight out of the box, they are all smooth as silk now!!
Enjoy it!!
Joe
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Congrats. Love me some Manix. I think I have 5 now. The only one that is still a bear to unlock is the Cruwear. Easily a contender for my favorite knife.
 
Glad you liked your choice. I just gotta say, those Habaneros are gorgeous! Time to make some Salsa! :D
 
Daniel Dorn said:
Glad you liked your choice. I just gotta say, those Habaneros are gorgeous! Time to make some Salsa! :D
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After just a few days with her, and I'm already getting used to the lock. Still tikes some oomph, but I'm getting the knack.

My pepper plants came in late this season. But man, are they bursting with fruit finally. I've got them coming out my ears at the moment!
Those happies are going in all sorts of stuff. Just made a gallon of chili with some. Got some drying that'll get ground up into a special dry rub. Gonna roast some and either pickle them, or stuff em in a jar of EVOO for cooking with.Might even try my hand at a hot sauce. And yes, I make salsa about once every two weeks.
 
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