Decided not to rule out Spyderco, but still can't make up mind.

S

Sledgehammer

Joined
Nov 2, 2005
Messages
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I just can't decide what to buy. After about a week of looking I just can't make up my mind. I am guessing that I'm just going to have to pick a knife and buy it.

I've decided not to rule out Spyderco either so if you have any suggestions based on my information please feel free to let me know of a Spyderco too. So far I've only looked at Benchmade.

I have no way to go look at knives as I have no local knife shops around here. I'm going to end up buying something just seeing it online and having read reviews.

Here are the knives I cannot make my mind up about. I have $120 to spend.

Ritter Grip
Gripttilian
940 or 942
732 Ares
707
721

I have held an 880, a 550, a 556, mini-grip from Cabelas, 921, 722, and a mini-ambush. I liked how all of them felt. I liked the 921 the least.

I realize the 707 is the same size as a Mini-Griptilian but it seems kind of "elegant". I am considering the mini-Ritter Grip too. I kinda want to go a bit bigger and I've never had an aluminum knife so I am looking at the 94x. I like the G10 and the size of the 721. It seems to be right in the middle. The 732 Ares looks like the 880 I held but with an Axis lock and a tad smaller. The 880 was a nice knife but it looks like a military stabber.

If I had to purchase something right now I'm thinking I would go with a 707 or a Mini-Ritter-Grip.

Thanks for reading my post.:thumbup:
 
For that money you can get a fine knife here on the forum.

The first two on your list have plastic handles so I'd scratch them from my list.

The 707 and 732 are significantly different in size.

The 940/42 have the sheepsfoot blade.

For me, it would be the 732 or 721 all day long. G10 scales with steel liners and plenty of blade.

The one 707 I held was about the same size as a 705, but with a blade more like the Ritter. It has g10 slabs with glued on inserts, and that turned me off. The overall size of the 707 was also too small for me.

732 or 721 are the ones in that list IMHO.
 
Don't overlook the ol 710, its going for around a $100 online.

Love mine to death, also my 707 an 705.

Just to update last poster, the 707 has Al scales with G-10 inserts.


It frankly, is a decent little knife, i originally bought mine for formal occasions an such when the 710 is too stout at these gatherings, but have come to apreciate it for its work horse capabilities as much as my 705 or 710.



One last thing, Imho, everyone should own atleast one 705, there are still some online to be found i am sure, thier discontinued now, replaced by the 707.

Have fun with your new BM, whatever you choose.

WR
 
Sledge -

Have you seen the Benchmade 806 D2 steel Axis lock? It seems me to be becoming a cult favorite with Benchmade fans now that it is no longer being produced (stopped production this month). They are still available currently but will become harder to find as more collectors jump on them.

This is big LEO type of knife with a 4" blade. Good steel. Good lock. Comparable to Spyderco "Military" model.

Here is a link to it:

http://www.benchmade.com/products/product_detail.aspx?model=806
 
DGG,

Can't have a 4" blade. Leaning towards the 721 as it's a nice 3.25" blade :D

However, if I could get an 806D2 that had a 3.25" blade I'd have one for sure.
 
If you're willing to consider Spyderco take a look at the Persian, Viele II, Ocelot, and Scorpius. They are four very different styles, but all excellent quality and highly practical.

Persian


Viele II


Ocelot


Scorpius


Clicking on a picture will take you to Spyderco's info page for that knife.

I wish I'd been able to find a picture of the Scorpius with a plain edge, but it is available both ways.

--Bob Q
 
My wife has a 940 and a 635 Mini Ambush.

The 940 is definitely lighter, smoother, a bit more elegant, and has ambidestrous operation.

The 635 is incredibly tight, very smooth, versatile, and has an excellent blade design with the best blade geometry I've ever seen on a BM folder. Out of the twenty something knives she owns, if she could only keep one folder, she'd choose this one, and wouldn't even have to think hard about it.

Myself, being more of a fan of the flat grind would suggest a good hard look at the Paramilitary or the Mini Manix from Spyderco.

Although, if you get fed up and just say ta' hell with it and order one blindly, I don't think you can go wrong with that Mini Ritter Grip, or any BM for that matter.
 
You know I was thinking and thats a dangerous thing when I buy a knife I look for one that fits me.. my hands, my purpose , my style etc
Everybody has a EDC and a opinion. I have a "passion for slipjoints" but i prefer to carry a locking knife. I like my fingers too much.
And my EDC changes every few days or weeks ?
Today I carry the Spyderco calypso with the ZDP steel. and a Camilllus trapper.
I do have to admit I am a Spyderco fan.. but being here in Colorado well its kinda a natural.
My boy loves Benchmades. Good knives
I Dont like the Griptillians to much handle for my taste. I dont like aluminum handles. Dont like the way they feel.
You doing the best thing you can... go to the differant stores try them out play with them and see what fits you the best.
Good knife hunting
Jack
 
BuckyKatt said:
Do yourself a favor: Hold the Ares before you make your decision. :cool:
Click to expand...

I can't hold any of them as I don't have a shop around here. Are you saying that I would LOVE the Ares or maybe not?

I like how it looks and I kind of want it :)
 
Sledgehammer said:
I can't hold any of them as I don't have a shop around here. Are you saying that I would LOVE the Ares or maybe not?

I like how it looks and I kind of want it :)
Click to expand...

While of course I can't guarantee you'll like it as much as I, I spent about a year looking for the perfect sub-4" blade folder which could handle just about anything I could throw at it... and the Ares was it for me. The handle is comfortable in any grip I use, the lock is top-notch, and you really can't do much better in terms of quality for the price: merticulously shaped G-10 scales, smooth action, perfectly centered 154CM blade... For me, it's the complete package.

Plus, it's a pretty desirable model, so if you get it and DON'T like it, you can trade it here for any number of other models on your list.
 
I would strongly "second" the suggestion that you consider a Paramilitary. Great handle, good sized (but not too big) blade, and lightweight for its size.

And, the hole for one hand opening is so far superior to anything else, that would seal it for me. Used to have a couple one-handers with studs to open, and they would often open in my pocket just as I was taking them out, because the stud would hang up on the pocket :(
 
I like Benchmades quite a lot....but my Spyderco knives just perform better.

In my knife-box sleeps my beloved Benchmade 880 Darkstar, with its sexy body of G-10 scales and gold anodized titanium liners, its elegant and very sharp blade made of ATS-34, designed by custom knife maker legend Mr. Allen Elishewitz.

And in my pocket rides my Spyderco Atlantic Salt (the yellow one no less)!
It looks like some kind of lego nightmare, with its ugly "volcano" pattern texture, its cheap unlined FRN scales, its riveted non-adjustable construction, and its "one eye" thumbhole always staring at me.
And I sometimes ask myself "how can you carry such an ugly knife? And with unlined FRN at that?".
But then I actually use it to cut something, and it all becomes clear.


BTW, If it was'nt for the Axis-Lock I wonder how many folks here would choose Benchmade over Spyderco?

Good luck,
Allen.
 
I have several BM Axis folders I bought several years ago. I liked them at first but after a while I started to dislike them, because they are dull as hell and no matter how I tried I can't seem to sharpen them to the way I liked. I bought a Caly Jr in VG-10 and never looked back. It's scary sharp out of the box and easy to touch up on the sharp maker, and is light weight to boot. I plan on getting a ZDP Delica when they come out next year.
 
Just got a Spydie Ocelot today, as well as my customized Benchmade 520 wih blue tweed G10 and carbon fiber bolsters.

The Benchmade is really nice, but I already put it away and I can't put down the Spydie.

If you're wise enough to appreciate the merits of a perfectly made lockback, get yourself an Ocelot or a Manix (light and neat, heavy and brutish). If you're stuck on slick locks, check out that Paramillie or Viele (tough-as-nails pocket scalpel, smooth sophisticated razor).

The Axis lock is the best lock there is. But the Spydie hole is the best opener there is. Call it a push and choose based on everything else.
 
Sledgehammer said:
DGG,

Can't have a 4" blade. Leaning towards the 721 as it's a nice 3.25" blade :D

However, if I could get an 806D2 that had a 3.25" blade I'd have one for sure.
Click to expand...
I carry a 721s as my "utility folder" and I am VERY pleased with it.
 
I find it very nearly as good, but not quite there....I wouldn't be surprised if it were actually stronger though. But at some point, I just don't care. But it is very user friendly and probably cheaper (to make, clearly not to buy...). Also, this one is easier to take care of if you do a lot of marine/sandy work.

But the axis is still number one for me.
 
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