Deciding Between Knives?

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Billy12241

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Apr 8, 2011
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Hi all, I'm looking to buy myself a Christmas Present and having trouble deciding between these 6 knives. The knife I get would be used for EDC purposes, so I don't really want them scaring people if I have to cut something. Price is not a factor for this decision. Any help would be appreciated.

The 6 knives I'm considering:
1.)Kershaw Speedform-Looks awesome, and heard it opens smoothly.
2.)Spyderco Bob Lum Chinese(Carbon Fiber)-This just looks like a piece of art from pictures/videos but a little on the bulky side.
3.)Benchmade Griptilian-This looks like a good edc knife, and been wanting to try axis lock. Only issue is not sure if the plastic handles would make it feel cheaper than it is.
4.)Spyderco Paramilitary 2-This is another gorgeous knife, but not sure how the compression lock compares to other locks.
5.)Mcusta Black Stingray-This looks amazing, and good steel. Only set back is tip down carry only
6.)Spyderco Sage 2- Been looking at this one for a while, and been wanting a Ti framelock. Only thing is, to me, it looks a lot like the Manix 2, which I already have.
 
For an EDC, the Para 2 would get my vote. The compression lock is excellent, so don't let that deter you.
 
If price isn't a worry, why not pick out an Benchmade with nicer handles than the Grip?
 
I didn't mean to say price wasn't an issue, I was saying the price difference between these 6 isn't a factor in choosing.
 
Just a thought...if you are really concerned about the reactions from some folks, maybe look into a custom mini-Griptilian. On the BM website, you can choose blade steel, blade shape, handle color, and metal parts color. Just another alternative. I have a number of Spydies, CRK's, ZT, Strider, Hinderer, etc. and I also have a mini grip in S30V, drop point, tan handle scales, and silver hardware. Perfect for the situation you describe.
 
Def. a para 2 the handles on the benchmade feel really plasticy and cheap but the axis lock is great!
 
I do like the axis lock on the grip. but the handles just don't attract me so yea i would still agree with both the people above.... The Para 2
 
The Para 2 is just an awesome all-around knife, compression lock is one of my favorites. However, if you're worried about not freaking people out the Speedform 2 is a great choice. This is obviously only a personal opinion, but the smaller blade and lines just seem a bit more people friendly to me.
 
Check out the small BM Bone Collector folder. A lot like a grip in looks, but has G-10 handles, and D2 blade steel. VERY nice line of Axis Lock folders!
 
If you're a Manix lover, you may not like the Para 2. As you've noticed, lots of people love them. I've been in and out of the factory outlet in Golden trying to figure out why. Handled them, cut with them, but it just doesn't call to me. I suspect one of the draws is that people like long/thin, while I don't mind a wide blade, and I DO dislike a handle that's much longer than my hand. Compression lock gets a lot of love, so don't let that deter you.

The Lum Chinese is actually a lot lighter than you'd think. From my handling it didn't really feel bulky or anything. That's probably the other Spyderco model besides the Manix 2 that really calls to me.

The Griptilian, particularly in the Ritter form, is a great knife. The handles DO feel somewhat cheaper than if it had been G10 or something, but that doesn't detract from how great of a knife it is overall. They're at least durable and won't break. That being said, if price isn't as much of a concern, I'd grab a Ritter Griptilian and order some custom scales for it, or make your own. I managed to make custom handles for mine, although it's not easy. You can see how from a thread I put up earlier.

I would avoid the BM custom shop suggestions. I don't know why people recommend that, because you can't change the relevant issue with the Griptilian: the handle material. Seriously. If the MAIN complaint is the material of the handle, and all you can change is the color, why on earth would that matter? IF you could get their carbon fiber for a reasonable price, then maybe. But as is, you'll have to go custom.
 
crimsonfalcon07 said:
I would avoid the BM custom shop suggestions. I don't know why people recommend that, because you can't change the relevant issue with the Griptilian: the handle material. Seriously. If the MAIN complaint is the material of the handle, and all you can change is the color, why on earth would that matter? IF you could get their carbon fiber for a reasonable price, then maybe. But as is, you'll have to go custom.
Click to expand...

Actually, for me the main component is the blade, and the ability to choose which blade shape, and which blade material, makes it a winner. To each their own...
 
From your list, the Speedform is my favorite but not as an EDC. I carried mine a few times and it was pretty bulky with the clip being a bit awkward. I finally just removed the clip and attached a lanyard. In the end, I switched it out of my rotation in favor of the smaller and lighter Speedform2. The 3500 Speedform is also pretty hard to find these days.

The Lum Chinese with glass-fiber scales is actually a very slim knife, but wide. I found it to be too thin for my tastes actually, and have switched that out to a Ti Lum for the extra heft in-hand.

Can't say much about the BM grip, it was a catch & release thing for me as I didn't like the handles at all, same goes for FRN spydercos. Great as an EDC though, because they are tough and you won't be too concerned about them getting beat up.

Paramilitary 2. What more can be said? You will love the knife if you start carrying it.

Can't say much about the Mcusta other than that they are well-made and should perform well. I just find that you always have to mind the finish on them, since they are more of a dressy occasion type of knife.

The Sage 2 will fit you well if you are a fan of the Manix2, but if its something different you want, you won't miss it.
 
I just ordered my 2nd Grip. I have a regular and an H2O for wet/humid scenarios. I also have an Endura and a Pacific salt for the same reason. I just can't bring myself to pay $100 for a Para when the Endura is so extremely adequate.
 
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