$400 Budget - Next Knife?

Which Option?

  • A

    Votes: 31 66.0%

  • B

    Votes: 4 8.5%

  • C

    Votes: 1 2.1%

  • D

    Votes: 11 23.4%
  • Total voters
    47
KAR9889 said:
Just get a Hinderer. You’ll thank me later 😂
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They are beefy for sure, but mine are less refined when it comes to edges, jumping, etc. I've got an XM-18 and an Eklipse (both lefties) that I like ok, but they're nowhere near my CRK or Arno Bernard iMambas on fit and finish.
 
I'm a fan of the Sebenza and recommend one.

i-dLtXwnp-L.jpg
 
I'm a huge Spyderco fan, so I'd suggest considering the following pair:
Spyderco Military: ~$250
Spyderco Manix 2 Lightweight: ~$150

The Millie is a large folder for large tasks, medium to hard use, and tactical stuff. Old version is still available with the liner lock. New version has the compression lock. I prefer the liner version.
The Manix 2 LW is an ultra-light (3 oz) but super-capable EDC knife. On super hot summer days, I clip one to my basketball or running shorts (IWB if no pockets), and you don't even know you have it until you need it. Both are staples in any collection, IMHO.
 
David Mary said:
Can I vote F for fixed blade?
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Seriously, get one of this guy's knives! Here is a picture of one of my David Mary knives.

You might also do just one of the knives from C in combination with another option. I've had significant issues with Artisan/CJRB and cannot recommend them. However, Kizer, Sencut, and Vosteed generally do a great job at their respective price levels. I've had a huge number of knives from Kizer, plenty from Sencut and Civivi, and a few Vosteeds. I've largely enjoyed them and some models have long-term presence in my EDC rotation. Sure, more expensive knives might be better in various ways but there are two things to consider. First, the curve of diminishing returns is real. Depending on your needs, some of this class of "better budget knives" can go a long way. Second, low overhead can sometimes be a good thing. I've had thousand-dollar knives that I just don't carry because they are thousand-dollar knives.

7xyXs3C.jpg
 
link2derek said:
I'm a huge Spyderco fan, so I'd suggest considering the following pair:
Spyderco Military: ~$250
Spyderco Manix 2 Lightweight: ~$150

The Millie is a large folder for large tasks, medium to hard use, and tactical stuff. Old version is still available with the liner lock. New version has the compression lock. I prefer the liner version.
The Manix 2 LW is an ultra-light (3 oz) but super-capable EDC knife. On super hot summer days, I clip one to my basketball or running shorts (IWB if no pockets), and you don't even know you have it until you need it. Both are staples in any collection, IMHO.
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Or get yourself a Sage 5 LW and a Manix 2 XL :P
 
You can purchase a NEW Chaves 229 Kickstop for $199! I’d start there, it’s a tremendous bargain. Google it.
 
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azndragon5333 said:
Hello,

I am deciding on my next purchase in my collection, currently I have: Protech Malibu, Smock, Benchmade mini barrage
- These are Knives I would use around the house, opening boxes, etc , no hard use knives at the moment.

which of these options do you suggest next? ~$400 budget

Option A $425

Chris Reeve Small Sebenza 31 (2.99" Magnacut) S31-1000​


Option B $395

Winterblade FACTOR B3 (PREORDER): BLACK COATED FULL TITANIUM, DAMASCUS BLADE w/ FLIP LEVER​



Option C $400

Kizer Cormorant titanium $170
CJRB Pyrite $40
SENCUT serene $55
Vosteed Thunderbird $135


Option D?
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OP , have you made a decision? Just curious.
 
Hackenslash said:
Of those you’ve listed I’d go with the Sebenza. You’ll need to experience one in your blade life journey, so may as well do it now! If it’s not for you, you can sell with a minimal loss.

A suggestion for (D) might be an iMamba.
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^^^^This.

I’m a big fan of the small Sebenza and happen to have one in pocket at the moment. There are many CRK fans that say “Go large or go home,” however.

I have a big personal preference for inlays (some don’t). I’m not sure of values on the Exchange right now, I quit browsing there when G&S payment options evaporated.

IMamba would also be a great choice. I’ve been on the brink of picking one up numerous times.

I understand the allure of your option C (lately I’ve been carrying < $200 knives much more than my CRK’s). But I think it’s a meaningful part of the knife journey to have something of an “apex” knife, whatever that means to you.
 
BD_01 said:
^^^^This.

I’m a big fan of the small Sebenza and happen to have one in pocket at the moment. There are many CRK fans that say “Go large or go home,” however.

I have a big personal preference for inlays (some don’t). I’m not sure of values on the Exchange right now, I quit browsing there when G&S payment options evaporated.

IMamba would also be a great choice. I’ve been on the brink of picking one up numerous times.

I understand the allure of your option C (lately I’ve been carrying < $200 knives much more than my CRK’s). But I think it’s a meaningful part of the knife journey to have something of an “apex” knife, whatever that means to you.
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I'm the reverse. Since getting into nicer knives, the less expensive ones stay home or get sold. I carry multiple CRK a day along with an iMamba or Koenig Arius.
 
WedgeAntilles said:
I'm the reverse. Since getting into nicer knives, the less expensive ones stay home or get sold. I carry multiple CRK a day along with an iMamba or Koenig Arius.
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I hear ya. I was that way for several years also. The nice, but less expensive knives I acquired early in the journey sat quietly in my safe…. Until a few months ago. For whatever reason, I’ve gone full circle recently and am once again enamored by the well thought out simplicity of something like an Endura.

I wouldn’t have predicted it.
 
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