Decisions... Decisions ... need recommendation

E

EvilGemini

Joined
Apr 25, 2007
Messages
22
Firstly I'm new to the forums so "Hi" and I hope I'm posing this question in the right place. Also, I realize you folks must be inundated with these sort of questions so I hope you will bare with me.
I'm in the market for a new every day knife, at the office I usually carry a Swiss Army but once I'm at home I usually need something with a little more "oomph" to survive any abuse I may dish out. Also, I am an avid camper, hunter, fisherman so I'd like my knife to be utilitarian in these roles also.
Currently I have a Benchmade 975 and while I love it, it's a tactical knife rather than a utility & I don't like using a $250 knife for everyday chores or camping where it may be lost. I used a Buck 100 Hunter for years but it's disappeared.

At any rate I'm looking at a 3" - 4" clip or drop style blade (something with some belly), a folder, high edge retention & ease of sharpening, and thinking a 50/50 serratted blade (although I'm more a plain blade fan). Also I'd prefer to keep the cost under $100

I'm not a big fan of Spyderco just based on looks. So far I have been considering the following in addition to another Buck 110

Benchmade Griptilian 551 - I'm leaning toward this knife but am a little concerned as folks have stated handle construction may be a little sub-par. Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated

Kershaw Leek - is a little smaller than what I want but looks to be a nice knife

Kershaw Junkyard Dog II - seems solid but may be a little too flashy

Gerber Presto 3.5 - I have very mixed feelings about

Zero Tolerance 0200 - I absolutly love but again approaches the "using an expensive knife to do my chores"

I've also considered the Griptilian 552 but don't know too much about it.

Any & all input is appreciated. I'm looking forward to the advice and experience of others.
 
Nothing sub-par about the Grips that I have. I've got both sizes in S30V, 154CM, and D2. The handles have all held up well on them. FRN is pretty hard to damage... it's tough stuff. It sounds like you'd like the blade shape on the Ritter Grip. It's a flat grind for good slicing and it has a very deep belly and a drop point.

You might also want to consider a Spyderco Calypso 3. It has a 3" flat ground blade with full liners and G-10 scales; a very nice looking "gentleman's" knife, as someone has called it, although I use mine for some decidedly "non-gentlemanly" activities.
 
honestly, I know you said you don't like spyderco based on looks but I strongly suggest you give one a try or at least play with one a bit before deciding against one. For your intended uses there are VERY few knives that will beat many spydercos. They just cut extremely well for a long time and are very ergonomically designed. Most are pretty slim too and nearly disappear in pockets. The delica and endura are basically the spyderco standard in that price range, the native would serve you well too as would the d'allara drop point. Other than that, the griptillian sounds perfect but some don't like the hollow plastic feel of the handle.
 
I have to chime in on Spyderco, give 'em a try, test one a little before totally dismissing them. I shied away from Spyderco for a long time because I thought they were ugly, then curiosity got the better of me, and I picked up a small, cheap one to test their design. I was won over in just a few hours, and the Caly3 I picked up recently is probably one of my nicest knives.
 
sorry to not have more to add, but the three Spydies mentioned and either size Grip seem to be exactly what you're looking for- I have at least one of all of the above and am happy with them all. The Mini-grip gets the most pocket time, even in the office, but any of them will do the job you're describing and are good value for the money.
 
Of your choices go with the Benchmade Griptilian. Best price to value of the knives you mentioned. You'll not have any problems with the handle construction it's solid. BM has a great warrenty. Lots of blade configurations and steels. Keep your eye's out on the secondary market for one...

IMO Don't discount spyderco based on looks, the ergo's are usually really good.
 
Another vote for the Spyderco Salt, I would prefer that over the Grip, even though I see nothing wrong with the Grip either. Of course the Manix would be a really good choice, too, but more like $120.
 
Hey all, thanks so much for all the suggestions.
'Lotta Spydie fans here I see ;)

I decided on the BM Grip in D2 and hope it will arrive this week.
I have not discounted the Spyderco, the Native is most attractive to me but, may go Delica. Hey if I hate it I can throw it in my tackle box right?

Thanks again & look forward to further interaction.
 
trust me, you wont hate it, there aren't many people out there that have used a delica or an endura and hated it. The native however is awesome if it fits your hand and a little awkward if it doesn't, I suggest handling one first if thats the way you want to go.
 
Hi Evilgemini,

I would suggest that you try to get past the "looks" thing. "looks" changes with knowledge. Besides, most of the Spyderco's were designed by a gemini.

sal
 
I think you'd really like the Spyderco Native in S30V. It is available pretty cheap from Wal Mart and elsewhere I'm sure. One thing to note about it though. Before carrying it much take the time to get some tighten up the clip mechanism really well and maybe use a little locktight. Mine started twisting in my pocket before I noticed this, and kinda tweaked the plastic scales, so that now, no matter how tight I get it, it still slips a bit.

Another choice in the cheapness catagory is another of my favorite EDC knives: the BM Monochrome. This is a very affordable knife and it works very well for an EDC. The Steel is N690.

sb
 
got a grip 550 154cm its good stuff mine has a 17 degree edge on it . i do drywall and between getting bashed against unforgiving objects,mud,water,sweat,dust,sand,and extreme cutting it has held up awesome with no damage everyday for the last 7 months. always when you get a knife with a clip make sure to take the clip off and either seal it w/locktight or use latex thread sealant or you will definately lose the clip.
 
EvilGemini said:
Currently I have a Benchmade 975 and while I love it, it's a tactical knife rather than a utility & I don't like using a $250 knife for everyday chores or camping where it may be lost. I used a Buck 100 Hunter for years but it's disappeared.

At any rate I'm looking at a 3" - 4" clip or drop style blade (something with some belly), a folder, high edge retention & ease of sharpening, and thinking a 50/50 serratted blade (although I'm more a plain blade fan). Also I'd prefer to keep the cost under $100

I'm not a big fan of Spyderco just based on looks. So far I have been considering the following in addition to another Buck 110

Benchmade Griptilian 551 - I'm leaning toward this knife but am a little concerned as folks have stated handle construction may be a little sub-par. Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated

Kershaw Leek - is a little smaller than what I want but looks to be a nice knife

Kershaw Junkyard Dog II - seems solid but may be a little too flashy

Gerber Presto 3.5 - I have very mixed feelings about

Zero Tolerance 0200 - I absolutly love but again approaches the "using an expensive knife to do my chores"
Click to expand...

Howdy and Welcome to Bladeforums.
I'm willing to put in my 2 cents.

The comments you read about the Grip feeling cheap is some folks not liking a plastic type handle. Personal preference. Not lack of quality or lack of solidity.

Lotta folks like the Junkyard II.

I'm a little iffy about Gerber blades. Many have fit and finish problems. And the steel is described as "high carbon stainless". I read that as 400A. Not the best steel for a knife of that style. Gerber does not have the best reputation among blade fans these days.

The ZT blade has a fair recurve to it. Just MO but I don't care for recurved blades. But lots of folks do. And it's pricey.

Of the blades you have listed, I would go for the Grip.

=========================
All goods worth price charged
 
Hey all thanks again for your comments & suggestions.
I did indeed decided on the Grip 551 & love the knife. I got the model in D2 & don't think I could be happier although I do see what people mean by the hollow sound & feel of the handle.

Recently out of curiousity I purchased a Byrd Meadowlark and was relativly pleased with it after taking it on a week long fishing trip
see my comments here: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=476222

I have taken to carrying the Meadowlark in the office as it is less conspicuous, but readily slip the grip back in my pocket when I'm in my play clothes.

Thanks again for all your input, these forums are fantastic & seem to house a large group of good folks. I'm just sorry it took me so long to find them.
 
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