Deciding between 4 EDC folders

michaelm466

michaelm466

Joined
Mar 5, 2009
Messages
2,206
I'm currently considering 4 EDC's
-Benchmade Stryker in D2
-Spyderco Native S30V
-Spyderco Endura ZDP-189
-Spyderco Paramilitary S30V
The Native is by far the cheapest, and the paramilitary is rather high in the range I'm looking at, But I've heard lots of good things about it as well as the zdp-189, any advice on these four or comparisons would be appreciated, as well as any others to consider, I'm looking for a 3-4 inch folder, between $50-$100
 
Personally, I'd choose either the Native, or the Para, depending on how you use a knife. The FRN Native is nice and light, and the Para is tough as nails with an outstanding lock Couldn't go wrong with any of your choices though.
 
I have a Native and had an Endura, so I'll start there. The Endura is significantly bigger than the Native and probably too big unless you work in a job where you common carry tools.

I have a Military and have been considering a Paramilitary. It's advantage over the Native and Endura is that it has a more ergonomic handle and G10 scales, which are grippier and more expensive-looking than the FRN in the above models. Of the three, the Para would be my choice unless you valued the relatively small size of the Native.

Sorry, I don't know anything about the Benchmade Stryker.
 
My vote is the D2 Para Military.
Flat Grind
Blade Material
Handle Material
Lock System
The handle is a little large for the blade size, but works for me with large hands.
 
I'd go for the Para. It has a nice pointy tip and cuts like there's no tomorrow. Awesome grip and the Compression lock is a ton of fun to play with.
 
Have you looked at Kershaws? The OD-1 is a framelock flipper that is faster than most AOs. It has textured G-10 on the off-lock side and Sandvik 14C28N. Available at Wal-Mart for about $40. Wal-Mart's got several other new models like the Zing and Skyline for a little less, too. Another good choice with a solid AO is the Blur in S30V (not available at Wally World, though).

Another good knife is the Benchmade Griptilian either in modified drop point of sheepsfoot. 154CM blade steel and the Axis lock, which is excellent.

The Spyderco Native FRN is still available at some Wal-Marts in S30V for a good price (discontinued). Another one to look at might be the Tenacious.

Good luck. Let us know what you decide. And post pics, please. :D
 
I had the BM Stryker for a while. Liked the blade grind alot and the grip was good also. Just never did warm up to the assisted opening function. Hopefully you have a place you can handle all of the four before you put your money down. All of the four you mentioned are good knives. You may want to check out the Benchmade Griptilians, great knives.
 
I'm sharpening my ZDP Endura as I write this. Great work knife: the steel stays sharp for a good long while, significantly longer than VG-10. It won't hold a hair-splitting edge for a long time, of course, but it will certainly keep a good working edge.

If you need something smaller, I'd say go with the Native for EDC. If you want a heavier-duty knife, then the Para.
 
I'd go with the native. It's light, use same steel as the para for a third of it's price, made in the usa. Para can be bulky, and unless you do hard work, I wouldn't recommend it.
 
Although I dont have one, it seems like the Para is in another league compared to these knives.
 
I have all of the above. The one that consistantly gets my pocket is the ZDP Endura, PE. The size, lock, steel, grind, etc. just work for me. Sometime in the next year the FRN version of the stretch 2 will be out. There will be a ZDP version of that model that will probably take the enduras place. it will be 3.50 inches instead of 3.75, as well as FFG instead of modified sabre. I love the Carbon fibre version of the Stretch 2, and I believe the FRN version will be perfect for day to day carry for me. Untill then, ZDP endura. Joe
 
I'm also gonna throw a Kershaw Shallot Assisted Opening Knife CPM-S110V in there, So far it sounds like the para then the zdp are the favorites
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top