Recommendation? Buying a nicer knife for someone who has cheaper knives

Which Knife?

  • Manix 2

    Votes: 6 10.9%

  • Griptilian

    Votes: 20 36.4%

  • PM2

    Votes: 19 34.5%

  • Other

    Votes: 10 18.2%
  • Total voters
    55
  • Poll closed .
The users you described call for a tough knife, but not a long one. He's already got a couple over 3".

I propose a Spyderco Native. They fit the hand fully and beautifully, (like your Manix2) but only have a 3" blade. Then, only 2.5" of that is usable.

Made in the USA, and available in super steels like S110v and Maxamet. (If you can stretch the budget $25 or so...)
 
On your Original choices, the Grip is a pocket shredder.

Manix2, I don't like the lock that much; kind of a poor copy of the Axis lock.

That leaves Para2. (Or 3)
 
Bugout is awesome. Carries like it's made of smoke, yet tough as hell.

Grip is incredibly easy to get very sharp. Benchmade does their 154CM right.

Both of these sports the Axis lock... undoubtedly my favorite locking mechanism.

So either of them will serve very well.
 
Both the griptilian & PM2 gets my vote for the first high quality folder. If I had to choose, the PM2 would be my choice, digicamo with black S30V blade.
 
What about getting one of the Pakka Wood Delica 4s? Great steel, nice look, popular design.

I would also suggest putting the Para 3 in the lineup. I prefer it and will probably never get a PM2 because of it. Maybe if you want to keep it simple the Benchmade Propper.

Just broadening the choices a little but within the same scope.

I can't recommend the full size Griptillian without G10 scales since the FRN is not supported by the liner under the entire scales. The Mini Griptillian is and the G10 makes up for not in the full size.
 
Tough choice as all three options are amazing knives. I'll also throw the Bugout in the mix if he wants something small, lightweight and the best lock in the game IMO.

But, if you had to choose out of the three listed I'd go with the Manix 2.
 
I own all 3 and my least favourite is the Manix 2. I just don’t find it nearly as ergonomic as the PM2 or Griptilian. I also don’t like the Manix lock. IMO it is a low rent version of the Axis. Griptilian or even a Bugout would be my choice as a gift.
 
I've bought knives for my friends who are less knife-y and I always consider what their tastes and style are first, rather than just what knives I think are good. I have a doctor and a lawyer among my close friends, neither of whom would carry what I carry, so I had to find a knife that was right for them.

You could also consider that if he has some cheaper knives to beat on at work you could maybe get him something less work-y for the rest of his time.
 
I will deviate from the options above and vote for a Para3.

I have large and small Griptilians and a Manix 2 that I have enjoyed carrying and using immensely. However they have both been supplanted by the Para3 which has become my favorite non-traditional folder. The grip feels great in various positions, the blade has just the right length and geometry to slice as a knife should, and the lock is smooth, stout and fun to fidget with. I do not doubt that the PM2 has similar qualities and superb fit and finish but I found it too bulky in my pocket and could not convince myself to buy one (by comparison, I find the Para3 less bulky in-pocket than the Griptilian and Manix 2).

I am not certain what the OP meant by "breaking a corner" of wooden and plastic planks. If that means that he will periodically cut/whittle wood and plastic then any of the 3 options mentioned should work just fine (provided the recipient does not intend to pry). A Para3 would certainly be stout enough as well.
 
Here's an outlier. Design from the Father of Tactical Knives. Produced in Italy by Fox Maniago. Within your budget.

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Fox 525 Terzuola
 
The griptilian and manix are both good knives.Don't forget there are some awesome cold steel knives like the recon 1 in cts-xhp and cpm-s35vn, in the same price range of less and more than capable with the tried and test triad lock
 
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