Best larger EDC options that can be bought w/premium steel for $100ish or less?

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yatesd

Joined
Dec 30, 2012
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Hi Everyone,

I am hoping you can help provide some advice? I am looking for the best larger EDC that can be bought with premium steel for $100ish or less (leaning toward s30v & US made). I am looking for something that will work for hunting, fishing, hiking, and weekend EDC. Realize this is a compromise.

On my short list:

- Kershaw s30v Blur (one of the best values I can find, just want to see if another $50 should be spent on something else)
- Spyderco Military (left hand)
- Spyderco Paramilitary
- ZT350
- Buck Pro Vantage

Some Benchmade options also seem tempting. Words of wisdom?
 
All of those are nice knives with their own strong fans. In other words, you can't go wrong with your choice there except in regard to your personal preferences.

I might suggest the left hand Military because it's discontinued. Discontinued Spydercos rocket up in price eventually, so now is the time to buy that one if you have any interest in it.
 
You really can't go wrong with any of your choices.

The Blur and the 350 have recurve blades. (just an observation)

I've been carrying the Large Vantage Pro for 2 years ... great knife.

And for $60 ish, it's a steal.

JMHO - good luck.
 
I own or have owned all of those, except the left handed Military. They are all great knives. Another you might consider is the Benchmade Griptilian. If you are left handed, the BM Axis Lock knives are ambidextrous .
 
kreole said:
All of those are nice knives with their own strong fans. In other words, you can't go wrong with your choice there except in regard to your personal preferences.

I might suggest the left hand Military because it's discontinued. Discontinued Spydercos rocket up in price eventually, so now is the time to buy that one if you have any interest in it.
Click to expand...

Thanks, this option is certainly tempting due to the large discount. It seemed like some were saying a Military 2 might be around the corner and if they refresh it like they did on the Paramilitary, then the left hand benefit becomes irrelevant. I would lean towards the Para 2, but availability and prices don't seem to be in my favor.

Edit: It also seems kind of weird to pay another 10% more for the smaller version
 
Check out Kershawguy's Blems. he has the s30v Blur, also check out a kershaw Junkyard dog
 
yatesd said:
Thanks, this option is certainly tempting due to the large discount. It seemed like some were saying a Military 2 might be around the corner and if they refresh it like they did on the Paramilitary, then the left hand benefit becomes irrelevant. I would lean towards the Para 2, but availability and prices don't seem to be in my favor.

Edit: It also seems kind of weird to pay another 10% more for the smaller version
Click to expand...
The Military 2 is years away
 
OK, getting ansy...

$99 LH Spyderco Military is in my shopping cart

$58 Kershaw Blur s30v is on order, but currently backordered (can easily cancel)

$124 Spyderco Paramilitary with DLC and camo

I am leaning toward the Military...any final words of advice? I really appreciate your input! Very hard to make a decision when none are in stock locally.
 
I would go for the Blur myself our of those options. Another I would look at since you seem to be up to $125 is the Benchmade Bone Collector. It's a great largish edc with a nice blade. And I am a huge fan of the Axis lock. It also comes in a number if handles.
 
The ZT350 is $115 (but free shipping)

Also considering the Manix 2 for $82. All knives have the same s30v steel. Any other thoughts? I didn't realize this would be so difficult. I plan to buy and keep until it wears out.
 
Bigfatts said:
I would go for the Blur myself our of those options. Another I would look at since you seem to be up to $125 is the Benchmade Bone Collector. It's a great largish edc with a nice blade. And I am a huge fan of the Axis lock. It also comes in a number if handles.
Click to expand...

Bigfatts,

I couldn't find a Bone Collector with s30v steel. The cheapest Benchmade I could find was around $130 for a 470 Emissary Axis. Looks really nice, but slightly out of range. I've been trying to stick with premium steel and s30v just to keep that aspect equal. Although I am also open to other options (CPM154)
 
I've tried all the knives in your initial post, and my favorite is the paramilitary. Best all-around EDC, in my opinion.
 
The bone collector comes in D2. Gets sharper and stays sharper much longer than S30V for me. I have the BM 15020 and it's an awesome knife. Almost like a heavier duty griptilian.
 
^^ D2 itself is a premium steel. You are not taking a loss in the steel at all. D2 actually takes a finer edge than s30v and holds it longer in my experience. The Bone Collector is an awesome knife, especially for the price. It's a really good knife.
The Paramilitary is also an amazing knife. The lock is great. s30v steel is a good steel for EDC and is one of my favorites. I really love D2 as well.
 
As a lefty, I cannot recommend the left handed Military enough. I bought an extra as backup in case my user gets misplaced/lost.
 
The military is a big knife. I have a LH one and I don't carry it often because, simply put, it's huge. It doesn't feel big in the pocket because it has a narrow profile, but it has a big 4" blade and a large handle. It's very light though. You have to want a large knife, and for me at least it's bigger than what I like for EDC. If you are looking for a big knife then just get the Military.

Kershaw has a few offerings in s30v that are worth taking a look at.

The ZT 0350 is heavier than the Military and shorter, but it also has a narrow profile so it doesn't feel bad in the pocket. I wish it were just about 1/2" longer on the handle. I like the blade but the handle is just a touch too short for me.

I haven't owned a paramilitary 2 but I saw some on sale for $96 shipped a couple months ago. Look around at the approved bladeforums dealers and see if you can find a better price than $126 or whatever you said it was.
 
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