EDC Help

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SlicedxBread

Joined
Jan 27, 2019
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Y'all I'm looking to make my first serious EDC knife purchase. I've been doing a ton of research but am stuck between a few options and am looking for help. I'll primarily use it to cute boxes and other stuff like that but I also live in a sketchy area so I like to feel a sense of security with my knife. My last knife was a CRKT homefront tactical which I liked a lot but unfortunately lost. My thoughts so far are the Spyderco PM2 which I like the size and look of but am not the biggest fan of the spyderhole, the para 3 which might be more convenient in pocket but I hate the shallow clip, the benchmade griptillian 551-1 or mini grip which I like the size of but am not a huge fan of the grip color with the blue liner, or the benchmade 940-2 which I hear is a huge fan favorite and I like the axis lock but I don't really love how the blade looks. Any advice would be much appreciated, cheers.
 
Sounds like you have them well scoped out !
If you have any way to go to a brick and mortar and try them in hand (and pocket) that would tell you the most . . .
(be good and buy one there)

Other than do what I've done and buy them all and fart around with them.
Which I highly recommend but it isn't the most expeditious route to your goal.
 
Wowbagger said:
If you have any way to go to a brick and mortar and try them in hand (and pocket) that would tell you the most . . .
(be good and buy one there)
Click to expand...

Yes, a visit to a brick and mortar store gets you there really fast. There's nothing like hands-on viewing.

And please, if you find one you like while at a B&M, buy it while you are there.

If it's a good store, they won't be out of line with pricing. MAP will probably make it worth your while anyways.
 
Thanks for the input y'all. Unfortunately I have been unable to find any stores that carry any of these knives near me so it's looking like I'm stuck with online purchases
 
SlicedxBread said:
Y'all I'm looking to make my first serious EDC knife purchase. I've been doing a ton of research but am stuck between a few options and am looking for help. I'll primarily use it to cute boxes and other stuff like that but I also live in a sketchy area so I like to feel a sense of security with my knife. My last knife was a CRKT homefront tactical which I liked a lot but unfortunately lost. My thoughts so far are the Spyderco PM2 which I like the size and look of but am not the biggest fan of the spyderhole, the para 3 which might be more convenient in pocket but I hate the shallow clip, the benchmade griptillian 551-1 or mini grip which I like the size of but am not a huge fan of the grip color with the blue liner, or the benchmade 940-2 which I hear is a huge fan favorite and I like the axis lock but I don't really love how the blade looks. Any advice would be much appreciated, cheers.
Click to expand...
If you're comfortable with something that size my vote goes to the PM2. I thought Spydies looked odd at first but they grew on me. You come to appreciate their function and how it contributes to their look. Similar to a person with a healthy athletic body, with function follows form.
 
PM2 is an awesome blade! Sticking with the spyderco theme, I would recommend a Spyderco Stretch if funds are a concern, can even get it in a sprint run right now.
 
Get a Tenacious, see if you like the Spydiehole, upgrade to a PM2 a little later. Worst case you have a decent beater knife with an opening mechanism you aren't thrilled about. Or you can go with a Steel Will Cutjack (3.5in D2 Blade) if you don't like the Spydiehole and still are below the PM2 cost.
 
b00n said:
Get a Tenacious, see if you like the Spydiehole, upgrade to a PM2 a little later. Worst case you have a decent beater knife with an opening mechanism you aren't thrilled about. Or you can go with a Steel Will Cutjack (3.5in D2 Blade) if you don't like the Spydiehole and still are below the PM2 cost.
Click to expand...
I did that exact thing except with an Ambitious. Since then I've become a fan of the opening hole. And the compression lock.
 
I'm going to lean in and stir the soup, a little.

If the "sketchy neighbors" aspect is your priority, then I'm going to suggest a Cold Steel Recon 1.

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3.5 to 4 inch blade, depending on how you measure it. The blade is thicker than the PM2's, and the locking mechanism is a little stronger.

If blade length is a negotiable for you, I will also suggest the Kizer Gti.

AbX2j4s.jpg



Price is right around the Paramilitary. Blade length is 3", so it may be a little small. The thumbstud is puny, but the spring-assisted flipper opens fast and hard enough to lock without any help. It won't pop open unless you tell it to, though.
 
Seems that the two major complaints most people have with Spyderco are: 1. their knives require lots of room in your pocket, 2. they look funny. Try a Tenacious before a PM2. If you enjoy the Tenacious then you will love the PM2. If not, you will have saved a bundle.

Personally, I would recommend a full size Griptilian. It does take up a little more room in pocket than a Mini Grip but is much better if you ever plan to wear gloves while you are cutting stuff. I wanted a Mini and bought a used 551 instead and have never looked back except once. That one time told me that I had made the right decision.

Consider buying used here on the forums. It can be a big help.
 
They are all good knives and whatever you end choosing you will be happy with it

IMHO you should pay attention to the handle ergonomics since they are very different on the knives you listed

the Griptilian is broader than the other.
If you like this kind of grip it can be better for you

The PM2/PM3 has a long handle and the possibility to choke up. It offers more versatility in the type of grip you can use .

The 940 is by definition the thinner and the handle doesn’t offer as much room for your hand than the PM2. But for the size you get a lot of grip.

My personal vote is the PM2 but again you can have different needs/likes

If you want a gentleman carry that can go “wild” when needed the 940 with a deep carry clip clearly beats your other options

The Griptilianis also a proven design and it can do whatever a PM2 do, go for it if you like the axis lock
 
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