First time poster needs recommendations for new folder

S

SaintWacko

Joined
Nov 16, 2014
Messages
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I've browsed this forum a few times before for information, but this is my first time posting. For six years I carried a Buck Mayo Hilo, and I loved everything about it. Then, at the airport a couple weeks ago, I forgot to put it in my checked bag, and, as we were already running too late for the flight to do anything else, I had to hand it over to TSA. It took a little while, but I'm finally ready to start looking for another knife. I liked everything about the Hilo, but the big things I'm looking for in a knife are:
  • lightweight
  • folding
  • pocket clip
  • 3"-4" blade, although this is more flexible
  • easy one-handed opening and closing
  • durable handle (I liked the stainless steel handle on the Hilo)
  • max $150 (a little bit of wiggle room there, though)
  • any brand


I've been looking at the Buck Rush, and maybe the Buck Paradigm, although I don't like some of the things I'm hearing about it. I wanted to get opinions on these knives, and recommendations on others that would fit my list, from those who have a little more experience. Thank you.
 
Metric ton of choices in your price range.

Primary suggestions will include:

Benchmade Griptilian (Love this knife)
Spyderco Endura, Native, Manix, ParaMilitary2
Zero Tolerance 566, 770
Kershaw Skyline, etc

Pretty much every manufacturer makes a bunch of knives in your price range and features. You're either going to have to narrow yoru choices, or get somewhere to fondle a bunch (such as a Bass Pro Shops, Cabelas, or good local knife shop).
 
Spyderco Manix 2 Lightweight with S110V blade.

There are other Manix 2 Lightweight models with different blade steel. S110V would be my choice.
 
Looks like you're already into Buck, maybe check out the Marksman or Vantage Line.

Also, the Spyderco Manix 2 or the Lightweight version are great.

At the max of your spending limit check out the Benchmade 15020 Bone Collector. It's D2 steel, and was discontinued, but you can still find them very easy. Benchmade uses the Axis lock, if you haven't tried it you should.
 
I'd go with an Emerson Horeseman. Great ergos and a practical blade shape. Also, look up the Emerson Wave Feature! I really don't carry my non-waveable folders anymore.
 
I'm partial to Benchmade (especially for easy 1 handed operation). If you're looking for a metal handle then the 940 would fit into pretty much every category (probably have to spend just a few more dollars). Not sure if you're looking for something with stainless liners and say G10 handles, but I'd certainly consider that durable, and that'd really open up your options. If you're strictly wanting something with metal handles that's also understandable.
 
I hadn't thought about going in and handling the knives myself. I may have to head to Bass Pro this week. These are great suggestions. I've thing I'm noticing is that there don't seem to be many with a metal handle. Is that something that's on it's way out? I didn't know anything about G10, but I liked the metal handle because of how durable it was.
 
I really liked the look, on the hilo, of the handle being the same material as the blade. If G10 is just as durable, then it's mainly a cosmetic preference, which places it lower on the priority list. That 940 is gorgeous, and exactly what I've been looking for, but the nice ones are a bit more than I have to spend right now.
 
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Also, I'm discovering that I prefer thumb studs to the holes. I just don't like the look of those for some reason.
 
I'm seeing a Benchmade 710 in your future. Keep a watch on the forum, they come up in waves from time to time.

G10 is very durable, and can be replaced if it gets worn (which I seriously doubt.) It is also lighter than steel!!! I had a 710 and filed and sanded down the edges of the knife to keep my pants from being torn apart by the G10. The edges of the handle were a little too abrasive on pant pockets.

I agree with you on the thumbhole look thing, but those holes are AWESOME for easy opening in a few ways. I have a Manix 2 XL that I like to flick open with my trigger finger from the back side of the blade. The lock has held up to my abuse and testing. And it is super light weight for all the blade you get.

Good luck with your decision. And remember, just come back and sell what you don't like and try, try again!
 
Prefer thumb studs? Okay, then ...

Benchmade Griptilian or ZT0566

Hmmm ... Kershawguy has a sale on ZT0566 including a dealer exclusive with Carbon Fiber scales.
 
Oh, shoot. I totally forgot about the ZT566! I have one and it is a fabulous knife!!!
 
I've been touting my new Spyderco Delica 4 all over this forum the last week. If you want something a little bigger maybe the Endura 4. I just got mine off Amazon for $85-$90 with ZDP-189 blade. Super sturdy, extremely sharp and great blade endurance. Check it out!
 
You might want to try the Buck Marksman 830. IT seems to meet most of your criteria.
Opens faster than the Paradigm because theres no need to unlock it before engageing the flipper.
although it takes a while to get used to the lock .
certainly a contender in the category.
 
I just left Bass Pro where I handled some of their knives. The only ones they had from this thread were the Buck Rush, the Griptilian, and the 940 Osborne. I didn't like the Rush at all. It looks really nice, and I like the design, but an assisted opening knife is very difficult to close one handed. I didn't really like the style or feel of the Griptilian, but the Osborne... Wow. Just wow. It feels great my hand, and, Yo Mama, you were so right about that Axis Lock. It makes one handed opening and closing so easy. I think the 940 may be the knife for me. Rch02474, you mentioned a metal handle for it, but all they had was a g10 handle. Where might I find the metal handle?

Edit: Oh, I see. That's aluminum, not G10. I like that a lot. The only problem now is that while I really like the blade style on the 940, the only color it seems to be available in is an awful green and purple. I like the black and blue of the 943, but it has a very different blade shape.
 
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The Osbourne is a good one. Look in the For Sale by Dealer section and go to some of their websites. You'll find plenty exs.
 
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