A Wolf in Sheep's clothing. Seeking suggestions.

H

HARDBALL

Joined
May 6, 2001
Messages
930
Hi all,

Several years ago, I owned a Spyderco "Endura". I liked the "Endura" but, I lost it and it was never replaced. Long story short, I am looking for a new quality EDC folder. I have been researching hundreds of knives and I am overwhelmed with so many choices. I decided (I think) to stay away from the AO models. Although I have XL hands, I don't want to pocket a knife that is TOO big and heavy. I'd like a blade length between three and four inches that is easy to open as eight months out the the year, I will be wearing some type of gloves. Another strong consideration is a knife that has more of a "Gentleman's" look as opposed to something too WICKED looking! I recently examine a Benchmade "Torrent" which I found to be quite handsome in my opinion. The "Torrent" felt nice in my hand but, as stated above, I'd rather stay away from AO models especially after hearing the story about a Maine State Trooper who's AO (make/model unknown) knife (unbeknownst to him) opened in his pocket, the point sticking out his pants and while reaching towards his pocket, SERIOUSLY cut deeply into his hand and now has a loss of sensation in that hand! YIKES! At any rate, as of this writing, I am strongly considering the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 as my EDC, howevere, I don't know if BF members would consider the Para 2 as being too big as an EDC. As far as looks, I think the Paramilitary 2 is about as "Tactical" looking as I like to go. I also like the Benchmade 710 McHenry Williams. I am truly open to other suggestions from the fine members of Blade Forums. Oooh, before someone suggest another "Endura", I'd rather just try something "different".
Thank you all for any help you may offer.

Regards,
HARDBALL
 
I've carried Buck 110s and 112s for many years without a problem.

I've always thought that some of the newer knives were accidents waiting to happen.
 
I've carried two different BM Barrages, a Kershaw Packrat, Kershaw Shallot, a Buck Tempest, and CRKT Hissatsu with no problem. And I'm always digging around in the carry pocket in search of coins, keys, etc. In my experience the AO hazard is greatly exaggerated. But YMMV.
 
Both the Para2 and the 710 are very good choices. However, the 710 might be a little difficult to operate with gloves on. The 14mm opening hole on the Para2 is a breeze to open with gloves.
 
Since you're considering a Para-Military 2, here's a size comparison pic with an Endura and Delica...

trio01.jpg


The Para 2 is a beautiful knife. As you can see from the photo, the size is somewhere between the Delica and Endura (leaning more towards the Endura, I suppose) and just as thick. It carries well, performs well, nice big deployment hole that won't be a problem with gloves, has fantastic ergos, but perhaps it isn't a very gentlemanly-looking knife. Maybe take a peek at the Spyderco Gayle Bradley before you decide...

Good luck! :)
 
Hi guys,

Thanks for your thoughts and suggestions. TW, thank you for posting that pix! I am really leaning towards the Para 2.
Yes, it is not quite as "Gentlemanly" as I'd like but, it sure seem to have a LOT going for it! The glove thing is something I can not over look. I also like the Para 2's blade having a lot more belly than the "Endura". I will also look into the Gayle Bradley as well. Thanks again.

Regards,
HARDBALL
 
I would look at the spyderco sage and caly series. also, I would look to see if I could find a ZT 0551. this is a very nice folder that would be easy to open with gloved hands.
 
Hi Geek,

Wow! The ZT is one HANDSOME knife! I'd love to own a such a beautiful knife some day. Funny you should mention Spyderco Sage. The Sage has really caught my eye. Thanks for the info.

Regards,
HARDBALL
 
Any of the Victorinox (SAK) OH series. It definitely won't look like weapon. Discussed the change they made for recent model, it's designed with people wearing gloves in mind ... For best handle thickness, I suggest the standard One Hand Trekker.
 
Hi Chris,

Ahhhh yes, the "Trekker" is very nice indeed. I've wanted a SAK "lock back" for some time now. I ALWAYS carry a SAK.

Regards,
HARDBALL
 
I was a bit nervous about buying the Harley Davidson Mini Hardtail when I bought it. Mostly this was due to this fear built up by years of seeing other HD stuff that really was not all that nice but this was one made by Benchmade so I gave the benefit of the doubt and got one. I find its about the perfect size, great looks and ergos and a great reliable yet strong lock in the Axis lock. I did remove the skulls from the G10 handles and bead blasted over the clip logo but otherwise I have it pretty much as it came except I did make a custom clip for it later. This knife kind of reminds me of my Buck 110 blade only I like the size better as well as the upgrade to a thumb stud with a modern lock.
 

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Hi all,

I found this old thread today. Just to update, I did buy the Spyderco Para Military 2. I like it! Thank again for all who responded to my thread.

Regards,

HARDBALL
 
Cool, glad to see you're happy. It's always good to see an extended use field report, not just "I've owned it for 5 minutes and I like it." I'm also glad to see that it's not someone randomly performing thread necromancy and offering another suggestion 2 years after the fact, which does happen occasionally.
 
2 tone rift. It's a nice sized blade, axis lock, and the 2 tone G-10 handle keeps it from looking tactical. I've had plenty of non knife people react positively and none negatively to it.

My DLC para? Well, it's black. People react poorly to black knives if they aren't knife people.

Edit: oh old thread. Did you get the satin para? I'd love to do a test and see how people react to the same knife, one being black the other plain.
 
Hi Sim,

Ummmm....I just bought a MORA Champ. HD F which is a sweeeet knife on the cheap! I am for sure going to buy more MORA's. I still have and carry my lil' Nick Rossi EDC fixed blade. Don't laugh now but, I was given a MAXAM folder as a freebie. Now, I have seen the thread here with everyone ragging on/making fun of the MAXAM. Truthfully, I don't get it. My Maxam is a SOLID, tight, HEAVY and VERY well made folder. It is metal and wood handle and the quality of workmanship is beautiful. My folder is seven inches OAL with a WICKED sharp three inch blade. At any rate, I just don't get all the negative comments about Maxam. Judging from the one I own, it is a darn nice folder although a bit too heavy for pocket carry IMHO and nearly a half inch thick! Anyway, I also bought several Machetes. I also have several other knives (both folders and fixed) I've had for years. I am mostly interested now in finding/buying an "all around" EDC fixed blade with a blade 2.5 to no more than 3 inches. I will more than likely go with a ESEE Izula ll (in part due to cost) although there are many Bark River Knives I like although a bit costly for a production knife. I also have rather XXL hands so, I really need a knife that has close to a four inch handle. Oooh, I'm also thinking I might buy a FISKER'S Brush Axe if I can find a "made in Finland" marked Axe. Despite my destroying my new Marbles 18" (Orange) Machete (SNAPPED in two) I will more than likely buy another. I think I must of gotten a bad (heat treated) unit. Oooh, I still would really like a custom Michael Morris EDC 60. Ummmm, someday, someday.

Regards,

HARDBALL
 
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HARDBALL said:
...I'm also thinking I might buy a FISKER'S Brush Axe if I can find a "made in Finland" marked Axe...
Click to expand...

My splitting axe is a 28" Fiskars 7854. I love it. I must have 4 or 5 other brands of axe in my tool shed and none are as easy to use, or as durable, as the Fiskars. 11 years old now and as good as new. Only needs periodic sharpening. It gets a lot of use as I have a wood burning stove and live at 8000 ft. elevation. I'm very pleased and would not hesitate to replace it in kind when the time comes.
 
Hi SB,

Thank you for your insight on Fiskars. I too like in a cold weather area and have a wood stove. I could use a good Axe as well. I'll be checking out Fiskers for their Axe as well. Thanks SB.

Regards,
HARDBALL
 
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