First "real knife", searched and read, maybe too much...

[sabre cat]

I work in a medical office and I rotate between 3 knives:

Benchmade 531 with a deep carry clip. 2.1 oz.

US made Kershaw Zing.

Victorinox Mechanic (in the gear bag).

Out of the three, the Benchmade is the best. It is the lightest weight, has the best steel, and the deep carry clip offers the best security and allows the lowest profile in public.

 

[bflying]

Ok, one more tweak to my suggestions. If you like the PM2 for its smoothness and utility, but would like something a bit more "dressy", take a look at the Spyder Gayle Bradley 2. Similar in size, but dressed with a carbon fiber cloth laminate. Also in the Spydie family, already mentioned is a Sage or Chaparral. The Chap is much smaller than pretty much all of the above, but an amazing little cutter for the size. And carries light as a feather. Often in a pocket no matter what else I may also have. As primary or secondary blade.

Spyderco GB2 in M4 & CF Lam
http://www.bladehq.com/item--Spyderco-Gayle-Bradley-Folder-2--28854

Chaparral in XHP & CF Laminate

https://www.knifecenter.com/item/SP...1316-cts-xhp-plain-blade-carbon-fiber-handles

And a very cool looking new Chap in XHP & Raffir Noble (coming soon?)

https://www.knifecenter.com/item/SP...ts-xhp-satin-plain-blade-raffir-noble-handles

If you continue with the ZT 566 line, it is available with carbon fiber scale also. In my opinion, CF makes many models look dressy. Ymmv.

http://www.bladehq.com/item--Zero-Tolerance-Hinderer-0566CF--24214

Also, some Kershaw standbys that are available in many blade/handle configs are the Blur and Link. Both assisted like the 566.

Blur in S30V
http://www.bladehq.com/item--Kershaw-Blur-1670S30V--1536

Link in Damascus
http://www.bladehq.com/item--Kershaw-Link-Drop-Point-Knife-Gray--49209

Link 420HC
http://www.bladehq.com/item--Kershaw-Link-Drop-Point-Knife-Blue--52152

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[MrRockwell]

Wearing a suit everyday has its challenges when EDCing a blade. Ive come to realize the smaller the footprint the better... The PM2 is bulky with a wide footprint in suit pants or slacks The Mini grip or ZT 0566 i have no experience with. I can tell you what works for me, im a bigger fellow 5'11 200+ pounds. I EDC The Spyderco Delica, Kershaw Leek in carbon fiber, BM 530, Kershaw Skyline or a Sak Alox cadet with a P-7 suspension clip. On occasions in the winter ill scout carry a Crkt minimalist at the 5 oclock position. That being said... i alternate between a PM2 GB2 BM Contego or Cold Steel Pendelton mini hunter in my bag. Looking to purchase a BM 940 to throw in the EDC mix... sorry fornthe long winded response.

 

[jaseman]

For a suit, I might also recommend a Kershaw Leek. Very light and slim in the pocket, with a very usable blade. Modern, yet clean looking, and fairly office friendly. And you can get one, used or new, well under budget, in a wide range of colors and styles. Might have to look for a deep carry clip if you're concerned about someone seeing it, though (I never had to worry).

It's what I wear with dress pants, or when my Manix2 is just too large.

 

[Ero2]

Ok, one more tweak to my suggestions. If you like the PM2 for its smoothness and utility, but would like something a bit more "dressy", take a look at the Spyder Gayle Bradley 2. Similar in size, but dressed with a carbon fiber cloth laminate. Also in the Spydie family, already mentioned is a Sage or Chaparral. The Chap is much smaller than pretty much all of the above, but an amazing little cutter for the size. And carries light as a feather. Often in a pocket no matter what else I may also have. As primary or secondary blade.

Spyderco GB2 in M4 & CF Lam
http://www.bladehq.com/item--Spyderco-Gayle-Bradley-Folder-2--28854

Chaparral in XHP & CF Laminate

https://www.knifecenter.com/item/SP...1316-cts-xhp-plain-blade-carbon-fiber-handles

And a very cool looking new Chap in XHP & Raffir Noble (coming soon?)

https://www.knifecenter.com/item/SP...ts-xhp-satin-plain-blade-raffir-noble-handles

If you continue with the ZT 566 line, it is available with carbon fiber scale also. In my opinion, CF makes many models look dressy. Ymmv.

http://www.bladehq.com/item--Zero-Tolerance-Hinderer-0566CF--24214

Also, some Kershaw standbys that are available in many blade/handle configs are the Blur and Link. Both assisted like the 566.

Blur in S30V
http://www.bladehq.com/item--Kershaw-Blur-1670S30V--1536

Link in Damascus
http://www.bladehq.com/item--Kershaw-Link-Drop-Point-Knife-Gray--49209

Link 420HC
http://www.bladehq.com/item--Kershaw-Link-Drop-Point-Knife-Blue--52152

•••••••••••••••

Sent from my mind....using Tap-a-Thought. (tm)

That GB is beautiful to be honest. Should I expect it to hold up as well as I would expect of any other spyderco?

I carried a Native 5 forever, but recently passed it on to my brother as I was looking for something a bit nicer now.

I've carried that clipped in my suit pocket every day for 3 years believe it or not.

 

[luke86]

Of those three I would chose the pm2. The 0566 is pretty darn heavy. Its why I sold mine. Noticeably heavier than the other two. Griptilian and Pm2 are both solid choices. Griptilian comes in frn or g10. The g10 is going to be right at the top of your budget. The pm2 will be lighter than the griptilian in g10 as well. Its about the same as the frn version. Pm2 would be my choice. It will also cut better than both due to the ffg. And you can get one in whatever flavor you like.

 

[bflying]

That GB is beautiful to be honest. Should I expect it to hold up as well as I would expect of any other spyderco?

I carried a Native 5 forever, but recently passed it on to my brother as I was looking for something a bit nicer now.

I've carried that clipped in my suit pocket every day for 3 years believe it or not.

The GB2 is a pretty solid knife. Steel liners, then g10 with CF laminate. It has a different grind (hollow) than the PM2 (full flat). So it may make a difference depending on what type of cutting you usually do. But I think it's a rock. Very thin behind the edge so can be a cutting laser. The biggest difference is the lock. GB is very purpose designed liner lock to lock solid, and not have a chance of accidental unlock with heavy use. Whereas, the PM2, I can sit and flip for an hour watching tv...with very easy unlocking. Not unsafe, just not open and easy. Not the lightest of the bunch, but probably in the same weight range as the PM2.

I'm a big fan of the Compression Lock also. So the mid-sized (if not smallish) Sage 5 with compression lock is also on my short term want list. Not sure if they are similar in size to the Native 5 you had, or a bit smaller.

 

[crocogator106]

I've owned all three knives on your list other than my Griptilian was not a tanto. They all have their pros and cons but here is my .02 in order 1-ZT 566BW (built like a tank) 2-Paramilitary 2 (great ergos but blade was a little thin for me, especially the tip 3-Griptilian (great lightweight EDC knife, just feels kinda cheap). My only knock on the 566 is the torsion bar will inevitably fail at some point although they can be de-assisted and make awesome flippers.

 

[DaNuke95]

For a suit, I might also recommend a Kershaw Leek. Very light and slim in the pocket, with a very usable blade. Modern, yet clean looking, and fairly office friendly. And you can get one, used or new, well under budget, in a wide range of colors and styles. Might have to look for a deep carry clip if you're concerned about someone seeing it, though (I never had to worry).

It's what I wear with dress pants, or when my Manix2 is just too large.

+1 on the leek! I think you might find that a knife as large as the PM2 to be too cumbersome in a suit.

If I may, I would also suggest a Kershaw Skyline (which comes in a few varieties) and a deep carry clip from MXG gear. That would be perfect to carry with a suit.


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[DeAdEyE956]

Can't go wrong with any of them really. You said suit- I was thinking about getting a zt450 and having it anodized and maybe see if someone can do like a hammer pattern on the scales. Make it a nice classy edc knife. Don't listen to me though. Its like listening to a crack addict talk about crack when your looking for rehab.

 

[GatorFlash1]

A small Swiss Army is tough to beat when wearing a suit. Save the heavy stuff for the shop and yard.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_y2pM-ly48

 

[crocogator106]

ZT0450 would be an awesome choice. Its small, light and is an awesome knife. Plus I love some S35 steel. I wish I hadn't sold mine.

 

[bflying]

Can't go wrong with any of them really. You said suit- I was thinking about getting a zt450 and having it anodized and maybe see if someone can do like a hammer pattern on the scales. Make it a nice classy edc knife. Don't listen to me though. Its like listening to a crack addict talk about crack when your looking for rehab.

Crack you say? [emoji12][emoji16]

Some of my "suit worthy" knives. ZT 0808, Kizer Ki3452, ZT 0450.

Fun ZT's 452, 456, 450. For 450 comparison.

Multiplying like bunnies.

Suit Spyder's. GB2, Domino, Positron, Chaparral.

Bunnies

Gratuitous ride....[emoji56]

Stag...

Peanut snack.

Gratuitous 1911 shot.

The fun "mostly $5-$50" cabinet.

{Wandering off bumbling.......}. [emoji41]🤡🤠[emoji851][emoji23]



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Sent from my mind....using Tap-a-Thought. (tm)

 

[JupiterPaladin]

Spyderco Delica is a good compromise. Small, light, less threatening than some others.

Hey bflying I'll trade you collections!

 

[marcus52AR]

I really enjoyed your post bflying! Nice blade stash you've got going.

 

[Stays Sharp]

Spyderco Chaparral and Caly are great suit and dress pant days.

Three knives you mentioned, not so much in my experience.

 

[Kaizen1]

The PM2 is the knife I've kept the longest, other than a Leatherman Wave. Griptilians are nice, although I prefer a drop point over the tanto. ZTs have great quality. Probably my favorite folder at the moment is a ZT, although it's not the 0566. Of the choices, I'd personally go with the PM2 or possibly PM3.

 

[Bill1170]

I love my PM2 and carry it in jeans constantly. However, it is to big and chunky for carry in my suit. A suit knife should be thin and lightweight. I carry a Delica or other light <3" bladed knife in my suit, usually unclipped. If you want a longer blade in a suit, I recommend clipping it to an inside breast pocket of the jacket. That way it doesn't print and that pocket doesn't need to bend like trouser pockets do.

 

[Ero2]

I cannot thank you all enough for the recommendations, pictures, and welcome into the "club"! I think I'm going the route of one of every brand as my single EDC knife now lol.

Got to hold a BM 940 and am thinking about slightly upping my budget...it also seems widely revered, even from advocates of other brands, as one of the best EDC knives bar none. It also seems to carry amazingly well for the size blade, and as someone said above, my jacket pocket is also a viable thought/option, and truthfully, probably better than having ANYTHING clipped to my pocket suit wise.

I think the ZTs (566 and 350) and BM 940 are where I'm deciding between now, after even more reading, and researching.

 

[GermanyChris]

I cannot thank you all enough for the recommendations, pictures, and welcome into the "club"! I think I'm going the route of one of every brand as my single EDC knife now lol.

Got to hold a BM 940 and am thinking about slightly upping my budget...it also seems widely revered, even from advocates of other brands, as one of the best EDC knives bar none. It also seems to carry amazingly well for the size blade, and as someone said above, my jacket pocket is also a viable thought/option, and truthfully, probably better than having ANYTHING clipped to my pocket suit wise.

I think the ZTs (566 and 350) and BM 940 are where I'm deciding between now, after even more reading, and researching.

I was wondering why you didn't clip it to the breast pocket of your jacket. On the very rare occasions I wear a suit that's where the knife and wallet go.