Recommendation? Can't seem to stick with a knife...

Mcshank

Mcshank

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Apr 9, 2017
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I just cant seem to find alot of knives that I truly like and want to stick with. Is it just me?
I really like titanium flipper frame locks, one knife that has stuck around is my ZT 0560, I cannot get enough of it. All of the other knives I have tried seem to fall flat, be it poor flipping action or bad ergonomics or what have you.
With that being said, can you guys give any recommendation as to what I should try?
 
I might be an outlier, but at this point about 90% of my "collection" has passed through my hands -- bought, tried, sold/given away. That doesn't sound too dissimilar to your experience. All that churn has helped me figure out what I really like in a knife, depending on its intended role, so that I can just look for that.

What are some of the knives you were most disappointed with, and why?

What do you like so much about the 0560 that keeps you coming back to it?
 
I've had that experience...
I'm sure you'll get a bunch of recommendations - I won't claim to have tried them all; but many of the usual ones just didn't do it for me (at least in stock form).
A few that I do really like, in no particular order:
Giant Mouse GM3 (what was I thinking...this one's a liner lock - still awesome, though)
Southern Grind Spider Monkey (I have the copper version; but would expect the CF version to be a winner, as well) *not a flipper; just a great knife*
Hinderer MP1 (love the XM18; but the 0560 is close enough that I chose not to include it)
Spyderco Advocate - there have been reported issues, so do your homework. I've had mine since near the beginning, and had no issues.
Mantra2 - I have my reasons... it's small; but I still like it.

*I should point out that I prefer a lighter/ softer detent than many. I've had two Mantra2s pass through my hands (one was purchased as a gift) - and I chose that knife specifically due to the detent. Both flip reliably; but some consider the detent a fault.

Of the ones I listed, if I could have only one knife, it would be the GM3. That's surprising to me, in a way...but it is, hands down, my favorite of the bunch.
 
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What really keeps me with the 0560 is the superb action. Absolute finger guillotine, falls free and rockets out with just a slight push on the flipper.
I had a sebenza 25 for a bit and it was a big disappointment, partially due to fault of my own falling onto the hype train about sebenzas being so smooth. My Slysz Bowie beats it hands down. ( another knife that has stuck around, great feel and expertly made.)
The Spyderco stretch 2 was also a let down. It felt very cheap and was poorly finished.
 
I have a XM 18 wharncliffe coming in soon, I had one previously and was unimpressed with the action but I loved the blade. This one is on bronze washers so hopefully it will be as good as I hope it is.
 
Nope, not alone. I have bought/traded for 15-20 knives since I got serious, I currently have two. For me it was a process of finding what I like, what I don't, what works and what doesn't. A knife can look good in pictures or have great specs, but you won't know until you handle it.

If you like Ti flipper frame locks, I recommend the Spyderco Mantra1.
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A knife can look good in pictures or have great specs, but you won't know until you handle it.


Amen to that
 
I've been through so many knives it's not funny. Look at my iTrader ratting. I love the 0560. One I will never part with. Other zts on that level for me is the 0452cf and the 0562cf. But like has been said, you won't know until you try.
 
craytab said:
I've been through so many knives it's not funny. Look at my iTrader ratting. I love the 0560. One I will never part with. Other zts on that level for me is the 0452cf and the 0562cf. But like has been said, you won't know until you try.
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I have a 0452bluti at the moment, so far i like it alot but we will see if it stays. ZT has fantastic actions.
 
I have given up on the idea that I will find the one knife that will make me want to stop buying knives. I have embraced the buying, selling, trading lifestyle instead, its fun to try out different styles and steels, not a cheap hobby though.

On that note, I say try a Hinderer mp1 for a frame lock flipper or a Reeve Inkosi, which isnt a flipper but thumbstud flicks great.

Good luck with your knife journey!
 
If you want my advice I would say to stick with the classics and pass on the latest instagram fad.

XM18 might be a good fit for you?
 
Mcshank said:
I just cant seem to find alot of knives that I truly like and want to stick with. Is it just me?
I really like titanium flipper frame locks, one knife that has stuck around is my ZT 0560, I cannot get enough of it. All of the other knives I have tried seem to fall flat, be it poor flipping action or bad ergonomics or what have you.
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You seem a bit hard to please. I suggest you stick with what you like and not worry about other stuff. But there are lots of great knives out there. The funny thing about your preference for "titanium frame lock flippers".... don't own one and unlikely to ever own one. The main thing is that I don't like metal handles/slabs for using.
 
Same here. I'm all about upgrading. I don't collect. It's taken many years to find what works.
 
Kizer has some really nice ti flippers in my experience. I had a 560, was certainly a nice knife! Handle texture was a bit aggressive for me, I ended up selling her off. I found I like thinner blade stock on a utility knife.

I hear WE makes great ti flippers too, but prices seem inflated on them in my opinion
 
stonproject said:
Kizer has some really nice ti flippers in my experience. I had a 560, was certainly a nice knife! Handle texture was a bit aggressive for me, I ended up selling her off. I found I like thinner blade stock on a utility knife.

I hear WE makes great ti flippers too, but prices seem inflated on them in my opinion
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I was looking at one of their wharncliffes, they look very nice, ive never owned one might have to give it a try
 
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