First "high end" knife

B

BeardTamer

Joined
Apr 26, 2012
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So, first of, lets all agree that the term "high end" is relative to each person and their individual economic situation, and their obsession with knives themselves. So, with that brief foreboding of my intended conversation, I want to hear suggestions, like every other thread in the general knife section. I'm looking for my first knife around or just over $100 dollars. I am currently obsessed with spyderco, being as my favorite knife I've owned thus far is a tenacious. So I really have been looking at the Perrin PPT, the Para 2, and the Sage 2. I also really like the look of the BM mini onslaught. But I don't want to overlook any possibilities!

So, anyone have good suggestions for an edc knife for a poor college student looking to splurge? Preferably at least a 3 inch blade, folding knife, but other than those specifications, I'm open to anything.
 
I think your first instincts were correct. You should go for the Pm2 or the sage 2. They are both very good knives. The only problem that will arise out of getting the sage 2, is that you will be hooked upon titanium and just want more and more.
 
If you like the Tenacious, I'll recommend either the Manix 2 or the Manix 2 XL...the XL is larger/upgraded version...it's ball bearing lock so you pinch like BM AXIS lock.

PARA 2 will definitely be over $130 mark...

MXL will be $90-$105 mark
Manix2 is $65-$85

If you like Spyderco, Manix 2 XL is it.....I can't put it down...one thing I like to mention is that you may need a few days getting used to the ball lock...cause it's stiffer than the AXIS...
 
All of the above a super rite.

But you could get a zt0200 blem from kershawguy for $95........
 
Hello everyone, this is my first post in this forum.

Thought I'd answer because I have used both, a PM2 and a Mini-Onslaught.

I love the Mini-Onslaught because of the blade grind, rounded G10 scales and
the axis-lock.
The blade is thick enough for me at the spine and the high and thin flat grind
makes it a great slicer. Only caveat is that the handle is not comfortable for
big hands.

The textured G10, the handle contours and the big opening hole make
the PM2 more comfortable when used with gloves. My only critique of
this excellent knife is the blade grind/steel/hardness combination.
The blade is fairly thick behind the edge, giving it a disadvantage
in slicing. On the other hand, the hard S35VN blade of mine micro chips
easily when whittling hard wood, while the softer blade of the mini-onslaught
does not.

Personally I carry the PM2 when I need to work with gloves,
otherwise I prefer the mini-onslaught for EDC.
 
9blades said:
All of the above a super rite.

But you could get a zt0200 blem from kershawguy for $95........
Click to expand...

I have definilty been considering some zt's and it should be noted that my actual price point is just anywhere within $100-150 I also looked at the 0350
 
You already have a tenacious so I'd say go for a framelock. Get the sage 2. It's a fantastic knife. Or maybe try to find a bradley alias 2 on the exchange.
 
Get the manix 2XL just for the s30v steel. I highly doubt that you can find a PM2 less then 150$ unless you want to saddle for used one.
 
Bradley alias 2 is definately a good idea my first higher end knife was a zt0561 and it's killer I can't image you being disappointed from anything in the zt line

And watch out for when you start eying customs
 
I think I was about dead set on Sage 2 until Bradley Alias was mentioned... Now I dont know what to buy!
 
Also Emerson? I hear so many mixed things about Emerson though, I'm practically scared away just on the off chance I hate it.
 
I managed to find two PM2's for under $100 each, so if you want one and you're patient, you'll find one.

While I don't deny that either the PM2 or the Sage 2 are fantastic knives, the BM 940 can also be found used for close to your price range, and is a fantastic knife. My 940, Para 2 and ZTs are what I carry the most, and I love both the Para2 and the 940.

Also, I much prefer my Para2 and my Sage to my Manix. I even prefer the Tenacious to my Manix, which is sad because I was really stoked to get it.
 
Here's a comparison pic with a Tenacious and some of the others mentioned here. Added a couple of suggestions as well.

Left to right:
Tenacious, Para2, Sage 2, JYDII, 0350, CF Blur, Griptilian
1038465_Comparison_front_800x474.jpg

1038465_Comparison_back_800x495.jpg


You'd really have to look at the secondary market to find the Para2 or Sage2 for around $100. They can get there, but it doesn't happen especially often (unless you are considering users as well). Likewise with the ZT 0350. The Sage 1 (not pictured) is right around your price range. Same size/shape as the Sage 2, but different handle material and lock type. The Carbon Fiber Blur is right around the same as well. The JYDII and Griptilian are both a bit under $100.
 
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I've found the Manix 2 to be the best bang for the buck. Also check out the stretch, and underrated knife forsure.
 
Agreed, you probably will hate it.

Sage II, Alias II, BM 707
20130214_001012_zpsb290f6da.jpg


Those are probably my most commonly used "high end" EDC knives. The Sage II has the best feel in my opinion. The Bradley is the smoothest and has the best FnF. And the Benchmade is the best looking and fastest/easiest to deploy and close. For your money, between those 3, the Sage II is probably your best bet. All are excellent. If the 707 had s30v it would be killer value. Benchmade's axis lock is perfection.
 
I honestly think I'm still leaning sage 2 All these pictures of blades, I want all of them. I'm too much of a poor college student though. You guys are too much help! :)
 
I think it's the perfect size! If anything its slightly too big. But thats me. For most common tasks, cutting tape, opening packages, opening letters, cutting rope/cord... ect, you really only need an inch or two of an edge. A sharp needle thin point is also more important than people realize. But the full sized handle lets you get a great grip on the knife for making cuts that require alot of force.

I'm in college too. SDSU Engineering. Once the student loan kicked in I had a few extra Gs in my bank account and I've been really irresponsible with it lately. hahaha!
 
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