First major edc knife purchase help me choose

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Jan 9, 2013
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I'm currently working in maintenance at a machine stop where knife use is an everyday thing usually opening packaging or cutting wires zip ties sometimes hard use fixing a machine etc. I've done a bit of research and the 3 knives that have drawn my attention are the kershaw blur (budget price), zero tolerance 0350 (mid price), and the spyderco para military2 (higher end price). Generally I don't like the linear locks because your finger has to cross in front of the blade which is why I really like the para military lock on the top of the knife like that. The g10 grip also seems like the best to get would want a combo blade both fine and serrated and between 3-4" in length. Your thoughts on any of these knives or any other suggestions is greatly appreciated thanks
 
Go to kershawguy and get a zero tolerance 0560 or 0561 blem, you will get one for like 175 and have the most amazing knife anywhere near that price, it will just have one minor cosmetic blem someplace that you will be lucky to even find. If that is too expensive he has 0550 blems for a bit less. Amazing deals you owe to yourself to contact him before paying retail for something else. His name is kershawguy on here and in his sig there is a link to his blem offerings along with prices.
 
The blur is an outstanding knife thru kershawguy.
I am a machinist as well and my hands can get pretty slick with coolant.
The trac sticky is good stuff and I dont feel bad about thrashing a cheaper blade.
Whatever you buy I am sure you will enjoy it. Best of luck finding a para2 those are hard to come by these days.
 
CRKT Edgie or Edgie 2. Self sharpening and monetarily frugal, so you can buy about 10 for the price of any of your options.
 
Go to kershawguy and get a zero tolerance 0560 or 0561 blem, you will get one for like 175 and have the most amazing knife anywhere near that price, it will just have one minor cosmetic blem someplace that you will be lucky to even find. If that is too expensive he has 0550 blems for a bit less. Amazing deals you owe to yourself to contact him before paying retail for something else. His name is kershawguy on here and in his sig there is a link to his blem offerings along with prices.

^^^ x2
 
I'll offer some other suggestions-
Benchmade Griptilian, Barrage or Contego
Spyderco Manix 2, Manix 2 XL, or Superleaf
 
You may want to look at the Spyderco Superleaf. It's a little more overbuilt than the PM2 and has recenlt been discontinued so it's on sale at a few different places. The steel isn't quite as high end, but pit's a great all around performer and it also features the compression lock.
 
Wow you guys are awesome lot of really fast replies and if I can get a zt560 from kershawguy at a price like that would be pretty epic deal
 
Yup just send him a pm or email explaining what you are looking for, he never minds answering questions. It is always a pleasure working with KG
 
You've narrowed it down to three great knives. I like the compression lock on the PM2 more than the liner locks. If you keep the Blur and 0350 assisted-open, though, the risk of accidentally swinging the blade down on your thumb is pretty minimal, as the torsion bar will stop the blade at about 90 degrees. The compression lock doesn't lend itself well to a controlled one-handed closing though, if that matters to you. Basically, you disengage the lock, swing the knife handle, and let the momentum swing the blade shut (not unlike waving an Axis Lock knife closed). All 3 are pretty grippy - G10 on the PM2 and 0350, and TracTec on the Blur.

I just got the PM2 pretty recently myself, whereas I've had the Blur and 0350 a bit longer. I'm very impressed with the PM2. It's blade is actually the same thickness as the ZT 0300 and 0550 (not sure about the 0560... don't have one... yet), and the FFG profile makes it a fantastic slicer. It's about the same weight as the Blur. The liners on the PM2 are pretty thin though, so you don't quite have that tank-like feel you get with the ZT.

The Blur is a great EDC blade. It's relatively compact, and gives you a lot of knife to work with. The 0350 feels kind of like a beefed up Blur (wider and thicker handles and blade, heavier, bulkier). While it does feel more tank-like (if you want a real tank, look at the ZT 0300 series), it is also a bit more cumbersome for EDC due to it being bigger and heavier. The PM2 is about the same weight as the Blur, but it does take up a lot of pocket space on account of its longer handles and wider overall body when closed (due to the thumb hole vs. stud).

Couple of side-by-sides of those three:
Blur_ZT0350_PM2_Open_800x468.jpg


Blur_ZT0350_PM2_Closed_800x439.jpg
 
Honestly the 0560 seems bout perfect keep comparing to other zt knives...better handle, better blade steel, better lock just a great looking knife wish coulld get tiger stripes on it but thats no biggy
Ill probly end up trying to get it and a spyderco knife just to compare the company and their knives thanks for all the advice and suggestions I'm very impressed with these forums would recommend it to anyone
If you still wanna post pics or your opinion on some of the spyderco knives feel free I greatly appreciate the help
 
I'm currently working in maintenance at a machine stop where knife use is an everyday thing usually opening packaging or cutting wires zip ties sometimes hard use fixing a machine etc.

Me personally would get an inexpensive knife for that kind of work , like a Spyderco Bird or a Mora.

Sure a more expensive knife can do it , but sharpening out chips , repairing broken tips etc, is something I rather
do on cheaper models , but YMMV .

1234,,,,:)
 
My vote also goes to a 0560/0561, I don't think you will regret it. Here's a photo for you.

ZT0561.jpg
 
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