Difficult choice for edc knife

A

AlohaPapa

Joined
Oct 20, 2019
Messages
13
Hi guys! Its my first post here.

I’m looking to buy a new pocket knife. I was thinking about a small knife with a blade length under 3 inches. My first choice are:

1- We Banter

2- Spyderco Para3

3- Spyderco Chaparal Raffir Noble

4- Benchmade Mini Bugout

5- Civivi Pintail

It‘s all good knives with nice blade steel. My first criteria is an under 3 inches blade. My second is a good Steel blade and my third is a fun knives. Despite reading reviews and looking Youtube videos I’m really torn between those knives. I REALLY don‘t care where they are built. They are all good knives and well built. The knife will be use in a urban area and i don’t want a knife that will look like a killer knife.

I’m so torn about the Benchmade bugout with G10 handles and 20CV blade but its over 3 inches blades.

Can you help me? I’m actually have only one knife that is a WESN Allman titanium.

Other suggestion are welcome.

Thanks in advance for your time.
 
Also I like it a lot more than my mini bugout. The blade is a lot thicker and sturdier, the scales are thicker and better, and all while being a similar weight (I think, at least they feel similar). Also I think mine was like $30 cheaper than the bugout.
 
The banter looks only slightly more ergo than a brick shape. I can’t see the fascination other than if you are a Ben fan. I think that’s his name. A hui hou!
 
Benchmade 565-1 mini freek is great one as well.
I purchased one along with Para 2, really loved 565-1, but just returned because of the quality of scales.

If there is opportunity to check in field physically in store, will definitely get one again.
 
It depends on what you do with your knife. For instance, the thicker blade on the Para 3 was already mentioned. The other knives here all have much thinner blade stock with the Chaparral being the thinnest. I tend to prefer thinner stock because I almost never do anything that benefits from a wider cutting wedge. I haven't handled the WESN but I think it has blade thickness closer to the Pintail or Banter.

An important question is whether you prefer thumb studs or a Spydie hole. The action and opening geometry are different. The Pintail also adds a flipper tab if you want multiple opening methods.

My experience with WE/Civivi is overwhelmingly positive and they tend to grind their blades well. Spyderco does a good job. I'm not a big fan of Benchmade. The closest thing to a Benchmade I'd recommend is the Doug Ritter Mini-RSK made by Hogue.
 
I EDC a Chaparral because it virtually disappears however I carry it (clipped, pocket, pouch, pack, sock!), very compact profile. Slicey capable blade of XHP with a utilitarian shape that excels at my ED needs. Also I'm a full flat fan, not as happy with saber, and don't own linerlocks, so the Chap meets those preferences. Also, it's not a big knife, so not really a SD option.
 
The Chap is my top EDC by far. I have it in Raffir, Maple and FRN. I removed the pocket clips and have them in leather pocket sheaths or just naked in the bottom of the pocket. I think they have the thinnest stock and sliciest blade geometry from your list. XHP is also the best steel on the list.

I have a Para 3, I like its action, but the compression lock cutout is a hot spot in a hammer grip (eg when push cutting cardboard) and the hump can be in the way too.. I am biased, because I own five, still, I suggest the Native 5 instead. Some advantages: better lock, ambidextrous, no hump, carries better, can be used in thick gloves, slicier blade geometry, looks better (IMHO).
 
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