Advice on Next Knife?

Shorttime said:
And it doesn't have an Axis-style lock.

We all understand the "more than the sum of it's parts" quality of Chris Reeve's work. The OP asked for "similarly shaped blades", which implies to me, long-clip style knives, and the Umnumzaan is... kinda clip-point, but I would still describe it as a modified harpoon.
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And since I didn’t suggest a knife to the OP I’m not sure why you felt the need to make this post.

I read the OP and I’m well aware that a Sebenza didn’t fit the criteria, that’s why I didn’t suggest it, or any knife for that matter.

Perhaps if you had actually read more ( don’t worry I included a pic for you) you could have avoided this embarrassment.

Happy Thanksgiving
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P.S. Thanks for the Umnumzaan blade shape lesson, simply fascinating.
 
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Kettleman said:
And since I didn’t suggest a knife to the OP I’m not sure why you felt the need to make this post.

I read the OP and I’m well aware that a Sebenza didn’t fit the criteria, that’s why I didn’t suggest it, or any knife for that matter.

Perhaps if you had actually read more ( don’t worry I included a pic for you) you could have avoided this embarrassment.

Happy Thanksgiving
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P.S. Thanks for the Umnumzaan blade shape lesson, simply fascinating.
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Oh, no worries about that! This is the internet, I'm going to embarrass myself, sooner or later.

Fact of the matter is, my win/loss ratio is slightly higher online, because I have the opportunity to tab out and check to make sure what I'm about to say is accurate.

Now, whether I do it or not.....
 
Shorttime said:
Oh, no worries about that! This is the internet, I'm going to embarrass myself, sooner or later.

Fact of the matter is, my win/loss ratio is slightly higher online, because I have the opportunity to tab out and check to make sure what I'm about to say is accurate.

Now, whether I do it or not.....
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I am sorry, I woke up in a crap mood and kinda got my feathers ruffled. I would actually delete my post but I deserve to let my ass show since I hung it out there.

I do hope you have a great day.
Clay
 
Kettleman said:
I am sorry, I woke up in a crap mood and kinda got my feathers ruffled. I would actually delete my post but I deserve to let my ass show since I hung it out there.

I do hope you have a great day.
Clay
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All good! I've said far worse things!

I've seen these threads turn into a page and a half of "+1 for Sebenza", which we've done, many times before. When I can, I try to suggest things that steer the conversation in a different direction.

I shouldn't quote people when I do it, though. No matter what kind of mood somebody's in, it can look like a personal attack, especially since tone of voice is something like 90% of how people figure out what you mean, and we don't have that to rely on!
 
The Benchmade I like the most and would buy right now is the Mini Freek. For something bigger, I also like the Crooked River and the Ritter RSK. For something different, I recommend the Spyderco Cruwear Stretch XL (backlock). That's the knife I am waiting for ATM.
 
I would say the best thing to do is go to a knife shop or a big retailer like cabelas that has a ton of name brand knives in store. There is no replacement for putting hands in knives.

I have carried a benchmade s30v grizzly creek for 5 years or so now. This year got to looking at new knives. I looked and looked and looked online but it wasn't until I went into a store and picked them up I got it. I instantly ruled out some knives I'd been looking at like the benchmade superfreek. And I tell you what, the Spyderco PM2 I'd been considering had the juice. I instantly knew that was the knife I would be getting. The ergonomics and feel in hand are far superior to any benchmade, to my hands at least. And I was a benchmade fan for many years. Looking forward to using their awesome compression lock too.

Another factor for me is benchmade is still playing in the little leagues with blade steel/heat treats with very limited options that only s90v to me is good but im not paying 6 grand for one with carbon fiber scales. Spyderco is willing to give you k390, s110v, maxamet, cruwear, s30/45vn, magnacut etc all as standard production steels cheaper or same cost as BM's s30v! Im excitedly waiting for Christmas as i found a brand new 15V BBB paramilitary 2 to put on santas list...

Plus the handle materials, again gotta go put hands on. My grizzly creek always worries me it's going to slip out of my hands. I wanted a knife that is secure and comfortable. For me that's a PM2, Spydercos g10 is very well done and a little grippy. Benchmade g10 is wayyy to smooth.

Not saying spydercos the only other option by any means. All I im saying is there's alot more to life than axis locks and soft s30v.
 
In the past couple of years ago I bought two affordable Spyderco Resilience 4+" folders made in their China plant. One has S35VN steel and blue handle and the other has 8Cr13MoV steel black handle. I like the long size of their blades and their cost.


 
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If you don't mind FRN handles, I personally think the best value in knives right now is Spydercos value line of FRN handled knives make in Seki, you can get a full size knife with k390 heat treated to 65-66 for under 150 bucks.
 
Another thing to think about is that the Axis lock is no longer under patent. Lots of companies have been trying their hand at it under various names. While they might not scratch the itch on blade shape, Kizer has made waves with their "clutch lock". They have a couple of models that use it, including one designed by Dirk Pinkerton, but their Drop Bear seems to be the star. It is available in 154CM, 20CV, Elmax, and LC200N with a variety of handle materials.

 
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Still, my all time fav is the TRM Neutron, but sticking with the axis lock I do also love my s90v BM Mini Freek. Lastly. I've also been eyeing the BM Taggedout in Magnacut, although the blade coating would have to go lol..
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All - Thank you all for your suggestions! Every time I turn to the folks on this forum, I'm greeted by an outpouring of knowledge and understanding. Apologies for not replying sooner; my e-mail notifications were evidently not working.

I've recently discovered the Tactile Rockwall Thumbstud and, although it's not a crossbar lock, it's really captured my attention. Magnacut steel, superb slicing grind, and a (hopefully) well-tuned action hits all the right spots.


Don_Logan said:
What's your budget? Maybe try something from Spyderco this time around. If the budget allows, the Chapman Lake CLK-2D I have is very nice and shares similar line. Chris Reeve Sebenza, so on and so forth.

Budget is needed

Chapman Lake: Top
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Budget, <$500

jux t said:
Yeah a budget would help. Is your avatar Clint Howard?? Cool knife by the way.
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Yes, that's ol' Clint! Hahaha. Thank you - I should've mentioned: I commissioned the scales by way of DeathGripScales on this very forum; I hope he's doing well these days.

Knives&Lint said:
Yea, you might be in for some sticker shock at Benchmade's current pricing. One thing to be aware of is that the patent on the AXIS lock has expired, so there are other manufacturers offering it now; Namely Hogue if you want to stay US made. They make a model called the Deka that might be somewhat similar in shape and seems to be well liked (I have no experience with it).
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Ozmose said:
I have a hard time justifying Benchmade's pricing these days. The Deka is a nice knife, but I'm not a fan of the crazy thin blade stock. I guess if I were in your shoes, I'd just bank a couple hundred more and buy a MagnaCut Sebenza.
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Agreed - for the OOB fit and finish and materials, it's tough to justify the pricing.

mitchnola said:
I started off loving the axis lock but once I experienced liner/frame locks amongst others I no longer prefer the axis lock. I’d recommend whatever route ya go to try a new style of lock. Not that there’s anything wrong with the axis lock though.
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mitchnola said:
I dunno if he’s vecp material. More like a shf 3.437”
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I cut my teeth (or, more accurately, my digits) on lockbacks, frame locks, and liner locks since a young boy. I've found the crossbar/axis lock style much quicker, more convenient, and inherently safer in (my) everyday use. My fingers are never in the blade's path while closing it, something especially meritorious in a knife that falls shut.

The VECP is beautiful. It's definitely on my list.

Chronovore said:
The thin blade stock is part of what makes it good. Same goes for the TRM Atom mentioned by @mmmotorcycle . Frankly, I wish more modern folders would use thinner blade stock.

I get that a thick bar of steel feels sturdy but what are we actually doing with our pocket folders? How often do we use them for a task wherein the difference in strength between 0.10", 0.125", etc. becomes crucial? (Like some of the arguments about lock strength, I always wonder what tasks live between the failure points of different lock types and why people think those are appropriate tasks for a folding knife in the first place.)

I use my EDC folders to cut things. For cuts that pass the height of the blade through a medium, that means dragging a wedge behind the edge. A thinner wedge tends to work better there. While there may be situations in which you want a wider wedge, it just doesn't seem to come up for me in the context of an EDC folder.
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Well said - I have rarely but occasionally found myself in a position that requires me to use my blade as a pry bar or wedge, but by and large the task of my pocket knife is to slice cleanly and accurately.
 
A.L. said:
Forget about the knives - I'm interested in that retro looking keyboard!
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🤜🤛
Chassis: Customized IKBC MF-108 v3, all aluminum; weighs about 6lbs, assembled. I enjoy the looks I get when people borrow my desk :D
Switches: Gat. Oil King, except for numpad, which is Boba U4T
Keycaps: Customized 9009 colorway
 
clanderson said:
I've recently discovered the Tactile Rockwall Thumbstud and, although it's not a crossbar lock, it's really captured my attention. Magnacut steel, superb slicing grind, and a (hopefully) well-tuned action hits all the right spots.
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Just throwing this out there, you may also consider the Quiet Carry Waypoint. I was also considering the Rockwall and it ended up between it and the QC. I have an xl hand and was worried the Rockwall may be just a little small so I went with the Waypoint as it's just slightly bigger overall.

Was not disappointed. Basically rust proof construction, Vanax steel, milled titanium, super slicy hollow grind, weighs next to nothing and it dissappears in the pocket. One of my fav's for basic edc..
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Corton93 said:
Just throwing this out there, you may also consider the Quiet Carry Waypoint. I was also considering the Rockwall and it ended up between it and the QC. I have an xl hand and was worried the Rockwall may be just a little small so I went with the Waypoint as it's just slightly bigger overall.

Was not disappointed. Basically rust proof construction, Vanax steel, milled titanium, super slicy hollow grind, weighs next to nothing and it dissappears in the pocket. One of my fav's for basic edc..
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Yes! This is also on my list! A beautiful tool! I'm torn between it and the Rockwall... A classic no-lose-no-win situation...
 
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