Buying Quandry.....Help?

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Youtawn

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May 17, 2011
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Ok, so, I am fairly new to the "spending too much money for more knives than I need" crowd. I do have a half dozen Benchmades, quite a few Kershaws, SOG's, and Gerbers. Nope, not a Spyderco in the bunch... Now, I have a little extra money to spend, so I could use some advice. I am looking at the following scenarios:

Benchmade Bedlam and a Para 2 or...
Benchmade LFti and a Manix 2 or...
Benchmade 943 and a Manix 2 or....
is there something that I am missing that I would love to own?

Any ideas or opinions would be appreciated. I know, great problem to have.
 
If you don't have a Benchmade 950 Rift you're missing out on what I feel is THE BEST knife not only by Benchmade but any manufacturer around. I'll not go into the paragraph after paragraph I could write about this knife; just to say GET ONE and you will never be more excited about a knife purchase the rest of you're life! Like you , I have many knives by a bunch of different makers and the 950 is the best knife I've ever owned. ALL other knives are left in the drawer, this one is in the pocket 24/7, I don't even look at purchasing anything else for some time just because I doubt anyone can come up with a better design. Let us know what you end up getting!
 
The manix is a beast of a blade. The paramilitary while substantial feels a bit more refined in the hand. The manix is wider and takes up more space in the pocket. Here are some comparison shots if it helps you out.

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Personally, I have a fondness for the Paramilitary.

IMAG0093.jpg
 
Wow, great knives! I've never owned a Spyderco, and I do like the look of the Para better in your comparison pics. I think that I will have to try one. Thanks
 
Drover said:
If you don't have a Benchmade 950 Rift you're missing out on what I feel is THE BEST knife not only by Benchmade but any manufacturer around.
Click to expand...

I do have the Rift and I do love it also. It is my favorite knife right now. I am looking for another Benchmade to maybe put away for later.
 
Youtawn said:
Wow, great knives! I've never owned a Spyderco, and I do like the look of the Para better in your comparison pics. I think that I will have to try one. Thanks
Click to expand...

The top 3 Para's are the new one and the bottom 3 are the older models. I would recommend getting the Para II. They did some updates to it that IMO make it a superior blade.
 
Liveitloud said:
The top 3 Para's are the new one and the bottom 3 are the older models. I would recommend getting the Para II. They did some updates to it that IMO make it a superior blade.
Click to expand...

What is the difference between the Para 1 and 2? Thanks
 
Manix 2 is my favorite Spyderco knife. I own a regular one in 154CM, and one of the sprint runs in FFG S30V. I love the ball bearing lock; if you're used to the AXIS lock, you'll probably feel better about the Manix than any other Spyderco knife.

For another Benchmade, if you don't have a Ritter Griptilian, I'd definitely look into getting one. The previously mentioned 2 knives make up 2/3'rds of my folder EDC triumvirate (with the ZT 0350 being the other member of the council, as it were).

However, not having any Spydies yet, in your situation I would get both the Manix 2 AND the Para 2. Both are great knives.
 
Youtawn said:
What is the difference between the Para 1 and 2? Thanks
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They changed the handle up a bit, you get a little more blade, different size pivot I believe, larger lanyard hole and ambidextrous pocket clip. Thanks that's about it. Someone else can chime in if I missed anything.
 
Liveitloud said:
They changed the handle up a bit, you get a little more blade, different size pivot I believe, larger lanyard hole and ambidextrous pocket clip. Thanks that's about it. Someone else can chime in if I missed anything.
Click to expand...

And a bit better price point on the para 2 for the same materials and a more refined design.
 
If the OP is in the market for a solid and heavy duty knife, I highly recommend a Manix 2; If the OP is in the market for a lighter weight EDC, then a Paramilitary 2 would do well; and if the OP is after a refined, good looking knife, a BM 950 Rift is worth considering.
 
Bedlam and BM 480-1 Shoki with carbon fiber and M390 blade... That is my short list.
Then goes BM 746 Mini-Onslaught, Spyderco Caly 3.5 Super Blue, Endura 4 FFG ZDP-`189 (second, I have got one already). Then we will see. Could be Para2 - why not.
 
Manix 2 and Para 2 are fantastic knives. I'm sure you'd be happy as a clam with either. I can't speak to the rest of those.
 
Poez said:
Bedlam and BM 480-1 Shoki with carbon fiber and M390 blade... That is my short list.
Then goes BM 746 Mini-Onslaught, Spyderco Caly 3.5 Super Blue, Endura 4 FFG ZDP-`189 (second, I have got one already). Then we will see. Could be Para2 - why not.
Click to expand...
Didn't like that one too much. I can push the blade closed like a slipjoint. Plus I'm not sure small knives are for everyone.

A good one would be the 890-111 Gold Class Torrent. Probably the cheapest gold class ever made, but certainly no slouch. The $340 price might be a bit too much, but if you can find one at $300 or less I'd say it's worth it. Light enough to EDC despite the size, the linerlock is well done, and M390 is my favorite steel thus far. The 581 Barrage in M390 is also good.

Para2 is a sure winner. And I've already put in my deposit for a Para2 in M390 of course;).
 
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