Favorite EDC Folder under $127?

comis said:
I too do agree it's worth looking into the Spyderco camp to see what you may like. I own about a dozen in each BM and Spydero knives, and overall Spyderco does have better QC in my own experience, just better F&F.
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I appreciate this information!

So if I'm looking at Spyderco folding knives and want something other than the Lockback style (for a change from what I've got), what 2.8 to 3.5 inch knives should I be looking at in that $100 - $127 price range? After a very quick look it seems the options would be: the Para 3, Sage 5, or the Manix 2

Thank you for the help!

TripleB67
 
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Sounds like you need to figure out if you like the thumb ramp design or not? I like the ramp, makes it easier to open and gives me good feedback when using the knife with gloves on.
 
TripleB67 said:
I appreciate this information!

So if I'm looking at Spyderco folding knives and want something other than the Lockback style (for a change from what I've got), what 2.8 to 3.5 inch knives should I be looking at in that $100 - $127 price range? After a very quick look it seems the options would be: the Para 3, Sage 5, or the Manix 2

Thank you for the help!

TripleB67
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All great options. The Manix 2 is a big knife but it is one of my favorites. If you wear jeans or work pants a lot or have big hands that size is going to be a welcome addition. If you are looking for something a little lighter duty that isnt going to take up as much pocket space, then you have the Para 3 or Sage 5 to look at. Between those two I have the Para 3 but the sage looks like a fine knife. Just a preference on blade style where the Para 3 has more thumb ramp, a bigger opening hole, and a more aggressive tip on the blade.
 
Ima hafta parrot others who've mentioned the Endura, for the $$ it's a lot of knife, and VG-10 is pretty decent working steel. I've dug in rocky soil with mine (pretty abusive), after a little time w/a stone it push cuts paper again. Yes it's a lock-back but other than that it's pretty hard to beat. Using the joint area below your thumb pad rather than the pad makes lock-backs pretty slick. It's not my favorite lock style but it works. All of my CS knives have the same unlocking method though a different lock, you get used to it. I wouldn't let that steer you away from a great knife at a good price, you'll get other knives eventually anyway.
 
TripleB67 said:
I appreciate this information!

So if I'm looking at Spyderco folding knives and want something other than the Lockback style (for a change from what I've got), what 2.8 to 3.5 inch knives should I be looking at in that $100 - $127 price range? After a very quick look it seems the options would be: the Para 3, Sage 5, or the Manix 2

Thank you for the help!

TripleB67
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I've somehow managed to hold off on Spyderco despite being into knives since sometime last century. A big part of that is that the logo reminds me of a tick and I've had Lyme disease. :oops:

Seriously though, I've tried a few Byrd knives. I borrowed a friend's Tenacious and messed around with it. None of that was very appealing. Given all the love online, their history of innovation in the industry, and a few real-life friends that swear by the brand; I've been seriously considering a dive into their better stuff. I also recently sold a few knives and watches to bolster my "fun budget".

Having looked over a bunch of specs, the Chaparral and Sage 5 were among the more appealing choices. Some of that has to do with blade thickness. If they release either of those in S45VN or their new SPY-27, that'll be enough motivation to finally take the plunge.
 
TripleB67 said:
Excellent suggestions. It was my first thought and was in the back of my mind when I created this post. The only reason I’ve strayed from that idea is that having the money, I’d like to get a knife that is different from anything I’ve owned before: never owned a Benchmade (never owned an Axis lock), never owned a Compression lock, never owned a knife over $100, etc. So as the suggestions come in I’m really curious about the suggestions that are different from any of my current knives.

The Appalachian Drifter in damascus is stunning (IMO), but I’ll be using it every day and I just know that when they damascus gets messed up the first time (from cutting or sharpening), I’m going to be a bit sad, knowing that I’ll never be able to get it to look as pristine as it did the day I got it.

So as I read the suggestions, the ones people have mentioned that are piquing my interest are: Spyderco Para 3 LW, Benchmade Bugout/Mini Bugout, Benchmade Griptilian/Mini Griptilian, Benchmade Mini Presidio II, Spyderco Manix 2.

TripleB67
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From personal experience I have both a full size bugout and a g10 Para 3 (that people are probably sick of seeing).

I loved the Bugout when I got it and carried it for most of a year. It's light, slim, good action and ergos. I did lose the confidence in it when the omega springs broke though.

The g10 Para 3 feels like a chunk compared to the Bugout and has less cutting edge and probably not as good of a slicer but to me I enjoy the knife more. This was my first spyderco so it's not like I had a bias for it. It's just a more reliable lock for a knife you carry every single day.

As for getting marks on the drifter, I personally love wear marks on knives. Scratches, dings, snail trails all add character and really just makes your knife yours. There is nothing wrong with people who like to keep things perfect but I get a lot of enjoyment from using my things and would hate if usage marks kept me from enjoying that.
 
I second the recommendation of the BM presidio 2. Or if you prefer more of medium sized knife, I have the mini presidio 2 and absolutely love it. Such an underrated knife. Similar size to the bugout, a hair bigger a bit beefier.
 
Big fan of my manix 2

Sold one, bought one back, sold that had to buy another back lol
 
Agree with others regarding the offerings from Spyderco

if you are looking for something a bit more slim & sleek, I highly recommend the Viper Swayback slipjoint

one piece Ti liners & bolster
M390 blade
Choice of scales

View attachment 1499035
 
TripleB67 said:
...never owned a knife over $100, etc...
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The sad truth is that from a purely utilitarian point of view, you don't even need to spend $100 to get a perfectly functional knife that it is at the same time well made (decent handle material, no blade play, nice steel, etc.).

Now, if you are looking for something "new" and "exciting" or to feel that so called "pride of ownership"... well, then we are talking something else and the sky is the limit.

TripleB67 said:
....So as I read the suggestions, the ones people have mentioned that are piquing my interest are: Spyderco Para 3 LW, Benchmade Bugout/Mini Bugout, Benchmade Griptilian/Mini Griptilian, Benchmade Mini Presidio II, Spyderco Manix 2.
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To narrow your choices maybe you should fix some parameters such as blade length, blade shape, thumb stud / blade hole / flipper, handle material, serrated/plain, etc. Otherwise you are just waiting for something to catch your eye.

While I don't consider myself a fanboy of any brand, I like the Spyderco basic offerings a lot (Endura, Delica, Endela, Stretch) in plain VG10 and FRN handles. Reasonably priced and perform well. If you want to try something 100% stainless, you could choose their size equivalent models from the Salt line.

Mikel
 
I do a lot of food and so will carry a victorianox picnicker more often than not. But it does have a really long thin locking blade. Which i find really useful in an EDC knife.
 
I think you hit the nail on the head with the PM3 lightweight. My only gripe with the model is that a lot of them come with the blade off center. It’s purely cosmetic and does not affect the function of the knife whatsoever. However, if it’s your first time popping that Benjamin cherry, it may leave you disappointed.

For general EDC purposes, I think the Lil’ Native (compression lock) is the best bang for your dollar. It’s a little big knife. You can comfortably fit all 4 fingers on it and it’s got great ergos (for my hands at least... medium sized).

But if you’re committed to 2.8”+, you’ve already been given the best recommendations. I’d go with the PM3 lightweight or a full-sized Bugout. Of the two, I carry the Bugout more. But I’d still buy the Lil’ Native if you’re flexible on blade size.
 
Mikel_24 said:
The sad truth is that from a purely utilitarian point of view, you don't even need to spend $100 to get a perfectly functional knife that it is at the same time well made (decent handle material, no blade play, nice steel, etc.).

Now, if you are looking for something "new" and "exciting" or to feel that so called "pride of ownership"... well, then we are talking something else and the sky is the limit.
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Agreed. There are a lot of quality knives being made right now between 50 and 100 bucks that will be very utilitarian in nature. If its the first time for the OP spending over 100$ on a blade, as much as I like the design of the Para3 Lightweight, its not going to feel or look like a "heirloom" knife. Something with metal, Ti, G-10, or something along those lines will fill that role better. If its a perfectly functional blade that the OP is after, there are a bevy of options to choose from. If he decides to go with the Para3, I'd recommend saving up the extra few bucks and getting the version in G-10. That will just feel and be nicer in the long run and it gives you the option to do things like aftermarket scales. I have a a pair of black linen micarta that is contoured on mine right now and it really fits the character of the blade.
 
I was in a similar position six months ago or so. I got to handle a Para 3 LW in a local Cabela's. I really liked it, and was sure it was the one. But being one to research, I went online and started checking reviews. Of course I found a LOT of favorable reviews in forums and on YouTube. In the comments of these reviews though, I would almost always see a few comments saying "If you're considering the Para 2 LW, you should consider the Sage 5 LW - much better knife", etc.

I saw that enough times to check into the Sage 5 LW, and ended up getting it instead of the Para 3 LW; and it was a risk because I didn't get to handle it first. Well, I'm glad I went with the Sage 5 LW. Objectively it's a better knife overall, for only about $25.00 more than the Para 3 LW - so it should still be in your budget. Watch Nick Shabazz's review and also disassembly video, as well as other reviews on YouTube. It's underrated; eclipsed by the popularity of the Para 3 LW, but it deserves more attention. Better steel than the Para 3 LW, full steel liners, and better ergonomics, for me at least.

So I got the Sage 5 LW and love it. But it turns out I wanted something a little bigger. Enter the Manix 2. You can find my thread here about whether to go with the lightweight or G-10. Spoiler alert - I got both within a month.

Personally I like the G-10 version better. It just feels more solid and has a little more heft to it, and the added weight is really not even noticeable to me, but I wear jeans most days. If you were wearing basketball shorts or sweatpants, I could see it being a little heavy. Also for me, it doesn't seem too big in the pocket; it's barely noticeable. I also carry a small SAK in the same pocket, but that's it. If you were also carrying keys or your phone in the same pocket as the Manix, there would be fight.

Since getting the Manix, I've been carrying it every day. The Sage 5 has been sitting and waiting for its turn.

Another quick note about the Sage 5 LW vs. the Manix 2. The ergonomics of the Sage 5 are great - very good when choked up on the forward finger choil, and still good back in the standard grip. Not bad there, but not stellar. However, the Manix 2 is great in both positions - the Manix is known for great ergos.

So if you want something with a blade around 3", you might consider the Sage 5 LW. If you want something bigger, consider the Manix 2.

Hope that helps!
 
c7m2p3 said:
If you wear jeans or work pants a lot or have big hands that size is going to be a welcome addition.
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I'm usually wearing khakis, warm up pants, or shorts. Occasionally jeans. So probably nothing too heavy or too large.

Thanks.

TripleB67
 
TripleB67 said:
I'm usually wearing khakis, warm up pants, or shorts. Occasionally jeans. So probably nothing too heavy or too large.

Thanks.

TripleB67
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That being the case, I would certainly lean more towards the Para3, Sage5 size. Love the Manix but its a bit of a hoss in the pocket. LW Para3 or sage 5 is going to work fine in shorts.
 
TripleB67 said:
Never held a Bugout but love the looks of it. I've searched several places...does it only come in a blue color?


TripleB67
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Not sure I ever saw this answered.

It was originally offered in blue but is now available in multiple colors. I have the original blue that has been my EDC since they were released. It is awesome as a thin light option in slacks or shorts. I could go heavier in jeans but still usually carry the Bugout.
 
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