3 inch slicer FFG

[dustd3]

Alright I got step 1 down. I was looking for a knife for hard use edc around $250. I made a post and decided to go with the Spyderco Gayle Bradley. Good news is that leaves me with money left over for a sidekick.

For the second knife I'm looking for a slicer. Something with a FFG blade, or close to it anyways. Blade shape sheepsfoot, wharncliff or a modified version of one of those two.
It would be preferred if it wasn't something I already have as far as brand. I've got spyderco, benchmade, and coldsteel and kershaw. But if it fits the guild lines hit me with it. 3 in blade, give or take. 3.5 is too big, 2.5 is too small. This will be cutting lots of tape and cardboard. I would also like a nice steel, S30V, 35VN, anything in that range or higher. One hand opening is a must, no lockback or triad locks. Also prefer no assit.

I know this is a long list but I have been having trouble finding the right one!

$125 budget, will stretch to $150 if I LOVE it.

Food for though, a knife that I like a lot and would buy if it were a 3 in blade is the Kizer splinter.

Thanks in advance,
Dustin

 

[bflying]

Just wondering, will this knife be used differently than what you chose the Gayle Bradley for? In place of (for carry variety)? Or in addition to (for different tasks)?

Since you were attracted to the GB from the last set of recommendations, the first thing that popped into my mind was the Spyderco GB Air. But it is on the small side (right around the mark you said was too small).

Next rec would be the ZT 770CF. You mentioned that you prefer no assist, but it really just works on this model. Great one-hand opener (although assisted), Elmax blade, nice looking CF slabs, great use of space fitting the 3.25" blade, solid lockup, and weight comes in right at 3 oz. Sort of a modified wharnie with a touch of belly. So has a tip that's perfect for opening and breaking boxes, but a bit-o-belly so it could be used as a slicer also.

I don't have the GB Air, though it is on my future hit list. But the ZT 770CF is a model I not only recommend often, but have also given two as gifts because I think it's that good. Not sure where the Elmax would fall between the s30v and 35vn, but many say it's as good if not better.

Comparing other ZT's, the 770 is on the right, second from the bottom. You may also want to take a peek at the ZT 808. In the pic it's on the right, second down from top.

Spyder pic not mine, picked-off Spyderco's website.

 

[dustd3]

Just wondering, will this knife be used differently than what you chose the Gayle Bradley for? In place of (for carry variety)? Or in addition to (for different tasks)?

Since you were attracted to the GB from the last set of recommendations, the first thing that popped into my mind was the Spyderco GB Air. But it is on the small side (right around the mark you said was too small).

Next rec would be the ZT 770CF. You mentioned that you prefer no assist, but it really just works on this model. Great one-hand opener (although assisted), Elmax blade, nice looking CF slabs, great use of space fitting the 3.25" blade, solid lockup, and weight comes in right at 3 oz. Sort of a modified wharnie with a touch of belly. So has a tip that's perfect for opening and breaking boxes, but a bit-o-belly so it could be used as a slicer also.

I don't have the GB Air, though it is on my future hit list. But the ZT 770CF is a model I not only recommend often, but have also given two as gifts because I think it's that good. Not sure where the Elmax would fall between the s30v and 35vn, but many say it's as good if not better.

It will be in addition to and occasionally in place of for variety.

Don't really love the overall looks of the Gayle Bradley air, so for the stretch on budget I probably wouldn't go for it.

The 0770 is a design that I love. I really do not love the assist though. However I have not handled thag particular knife so maybe it wouldn't bother me. I will have to look at blade grind again on the 0770.

I'm not stuck on S30V or s35vn, I just want something better than cheap Chinese steels.

Thanks!

 

[bflying]

If you decide you want to stay away from an assisted action for sure, then really take a look at the ZT0808. S35VN blade, clipped point, flat ground to swedge. If I knew I would be hacking on cardboard during the day, that may be the one I'd grab. The titanium handle design is a bit fatter, giving a better grip for cutting through thick stuff. And the KVT (ball bearing) pivot on this newest generation of ZT's works flawlessly (at least on all of my samples). The detent is a tad lighter than my 450/452's, but still enough to allow the blade to fly open as fast as any assisted/auto, but closes nice and smooth because there is no spring to overcome.

http://zt.kaiusaltd.com/knives/knife/zt0808

 

[dustd3]

If you decide you want to stay away from an assisted action for sure, then really take a look at the ZT0808. S35VN blade, clipped point, flat ground to swedge. If I knew I would be hacking on cardboard during the day, that may be the one I'd grab. The titanium handle design is a bit fatter, giving a better grip for cutting through thick stuff. And the KVT (ball bearing) pivot on this newest generation of ZT's works flawlessly (at least on all of my samples). The detent is a tad lighter than my 450/452's, but still enough to allow the blade to fly open as fast as any assisted/auto, but closes nice and smooth because there is no spring to overcome.

http://zt.kaiusaltd.com/knives/knife/zt0808

Ugh you are killing me my man! That looks gorgeous but I can't spend that much on this purchase at the moment. Maybe I'll have to just wait a little longer...

Thanks a bunch for the advice. I don't have any ZTs so I do need to change that asap.

 

[TravisH]

Spyderco Delica (2.88") in ZDP189 or new HAP40 due out first of the year.

Spyderco Native 5 (3.0") in S35VN or S90V (2015 Forum).

Spyderco Manix LW (3.37") in S110V. I used mine to effortlessly cut up a bunch of old carpet.


BUT ... the KING of the Spyderco 'cutters' is the Pacific Salt in H1 serrated edge ... bar none! Even Sal Glesser says so.

In one review, a Pacific cut over a half-mile of cardboard before degradation of cutting performance was notable. If the Pacific Salt's 3.8" is a deal breaker, consider the Salt I in 3". Hellava performer for just $73 (you could buy 2) or TiCN coated for $85.

 

[NeilB]

I like my Mini Grip, which is slightly under 3". A Delica is the obvious choice, of course. For a different stroke, have you looked at the Brous Bionic? Terrible flipper and vastly overpriced for what it is, but once you get it tuned up, it's not bad. It's only D2, though. Of course, D2 is one of my personal favorite steels.

Edited to add: The Benchmade 940. The blade is 3.4", so it might feel a little long, but it's very light and friendly.

 

[dustd3]

Spyderco Delica (2.88") in ZDP189 or new HAP40 due out first of the year.

Spyderco Native 5 (3.0") in S35VN or S90V (2015 Forum).

Spyderco Manix LW (3.37") in S110V. I used mine to effortlessly cut up a bunch of old carpet.


BUT ... the KING of the Spyderco 'cutters' is the Pacific Salt in H1 serrated edge ... bar none! Even Sal Glesser says so.

In one review, a Pacific cut over a half-mile of cardboard before degradation of cutting performance was notable. If the Pacific Salt's 3.8" is a deal breaker, consider the Salt I in 3". Hellava performer for just $73 (you could buy 2) or TiCN coated for $85.

Good options! Unfortunately the Pacific is too large. I have mostly big blades and want to tone it down a bit.
Delicas have always been a bit ugly too may, to put it bluntly. Haha, but other than looks and lockback it could be a great option.

I really like the native 5, only holdback is lockback.

Manix LW is definitely going to be a contender. I have a Manix 2 in 154cm that isn't FFG. So this lw version with s110v sounds awesome.

Travis you have been a lot of help this week! Thank you!

 

[Tankerwolf]

Just my two cents. I got the 0770cf and did not like it at all with the assist. I de assisted it and now it doesn't leave my pocket. Works absolutely great without the assist.

 

[Insipid Moniker]

Blade shape isn't quite right, but maybe the Kizer Walkabout? Handsome little knife that looks like it will slice quite well.

 

[dustd3]

I like my Mini Grip, which is slightly under 3". A Delica is the obvious choice, of course. For a different stroke, have you looked at the Brous Bionic? Terrible flipper and vastly overpriced for what it is, but once you get it tuned up, it's not bad. It's only D2, though. Of course, D2 is one of my personal favorite steels.

Edited to add: The Benchmade 940. The blade is 3.4", so it might feel a little long, but it's very light and friendly.

The mini 550 is on the radar. Love everything except handles. Wish it was FFG.
I like the bionic, but like stated it is overpriced. Also I have heard mixed reviews on the flipper so I think I'll stay away.

The 940 could be good too but I'm going to try to stay lower than that on the budget.

Thanks [emoji3]

 

[dustd3]

Just my two cents. I got the 0770cf and did not like it at all with the assist. I de assisted it and now it doesn't leave my pocket. Works absolutely great without the assist.

What's the process like on the de assist? Is it hard? I would probably jump on it if I was confident on taking assist out.

 

[dustd3]

Blade shape isn't quite right, but maybe the Kizer Walkabout? Handsome little knife that looks like it will slice quite well.

I actually love ALMOST everything about that knife. I'm sure it wouldn't be hard to guess that the paw prints are what I do not love.

Trying to decide how much I don't like those prints!

Good call though that one will make me think!!

 

[Insipid Moniker]

I actually love ALMOST everything about that knife. I'm sure it wouldn't be hard to guess that the paw prints are what I do not love.

Trying to decide how much I don't like those prints!

Good call though that one will make me think!!

I think the Paw Prints are gonna be love 'em or hate 'em for most. I kind of dig them, personally, as it's an interesting touch that will help make the knife less a scary pointy thing and more a conversation piece to the non knife folk out there.

 

[M1GarandGuy]

Spyderco Manix 2 LW in s110v
The cutting performance is just out of this world!
If your wondering if it is tough enough, let me tell you that the ball bearing lock and the frn handles will never fail you!
Ive put mine through lots of crap and its still perfect lockup!

If you're open to one more suggestion, i would recommend the boker plus urban trapper.
Very lightweight and a very slicy blade.
It is also very high quality.

Overall i think the Manix is the king for your criteria...

 

[dustd3]

I think the Paw Prints are gonna be love 'em or hate 'em for most. I kind of dig them, personally, as it's an interesting touch that will help make the knife less a scary pointy thing and more a conversation piece to the non knife folk out there.

Good point on the scare factor! First look I hated. Second look I hated. Third look I'm like meh.
Now on the like 15th look and I'm thinking I kinda like it...
Time will tell.

 

[dustd3]

Spyderco Manix 2 LW in s110v
The cutting performance is just out of this world!
If your wondering if it is tough enough, let me tell you that the ball bearing lock and the frn handles will never fail you!
Ive put mine through lots of crap and its still perfect lockup!

If you're open to one more suggestion, i would recommend the boker plus urban trapper.
Very lightweight and a very slicy blade.
It is also very high quality.

Overall i think the Manix is the king for your criteria...

Yeah for the price that design with s110v is awesome. Right now it is definitely tipping the scales. I like my Manix a lot and I know I'll like this one even better.

Thanks for the suggestion on the urban trapper. I like it a lot but it's a little long and I'm not huge on the holey handle.

 

[Insipid Moniker]

Good point on the scare factor! First look I hated. Second look I hated. Third look I'm like meh.
Now on the like 15th look and I'm thinking I kinda like it...
Time will tell.

I also admire their commitment to the theme. It took me a bit to notice that one of the paw pads also served as the lockbar stabilizer.

 

[NJBillK]

What about a spyderco caly 3?
Regarding the urban trapper, look up the wooden scaled versions. No holes and nice stabilized slabs.

On the ZT 770, I have one in M4 and I Love it! I picked it up on the exchange for around the price of an Elmax version. It deassisted just fine, just leave the steel plate in it and pull the spring out. Adjusting the centering can be a bit tedious, but my CFm4 flips fine with good centering.


A 1.5 - 2 hour soak in hydrogen peroxide was used to loosen the DLC which I wet/dry sanded with 800 grit to an impromptu black wash.

 

[Tankerwolf]

Unscrew scales, take out the bar that acts as a spring, screw back together, enjoy knife. I would say if you wanted to put the assist back in its harder but taking it out is super easy if you have the correct size bits for the screws.