Recommendation? Folding EDC 100-200$?

For your uses, you would want a capable slicer - something with a blade that not is not too thick and is ground for slicing. So a full flat ground blade would be good. And based on the blade length you mentioned, I think the aforementioned PM2 or Chaparral would be great choices. The PM2 blade is right around 3.4 inches, and the Chaparral is around 2.8-2.9. And both are full flat ground.

Oh and I like what I'm hearing about the compression lock but the pm2 might be a bit too scary for where I'm working. How do you feel about the pm3? I haven't heard great things about It.
 
Oh and I like what I'm hearing about the compression lock but the pm2 might be a bit too scary for where I'm working. How do you feel about the pm3? I haven't heard great things about It.

I haven't used the PM3, but it's gotten pretty good reviews. The only thing that seems to be the general consensus is that while the PM3 is good, it's not as good as the PM2. But I totally understand your feeling about the PM2 being maybe too "scary" for some people, especially non-knife people. If I were you, I would get a really premium version of the Chaparral. But as people have said, there are many, many great knives at this price point.
 
Based on the new info.

Spyderco Manix 2 or Para 3. They are about $115 and $133.

If you are worried about work, add a Swiss Army Knife (SAK). Most people aren't scared of a SAK. Add another $30-60 for a SAK and you're still within your budget.

Depending on your job, pick a SAK with some tools that might benefit you. I highly suggest getting scissors on the SAK. I find them useful. Maybe a Huntsman or Explorer.
 
I really think that you can go for a good Spyderco in this price range
A Sage 5 can be great for a light carry
My personal choice would be a PM2 if a knife this size can be acceptable for you

Even if not a compression lock the chaparral would be a nice choice

If you want something classy I can only say good things about the massdrop gent
It is a flipper which carry light and it is a very capable slicer. IMO it is a better choice for an urban/office knife compared to the PM3

I recently got a Benchmade Bugout, and even if it feel like cheap in hand , it is a good knife.
 
Based on the new info.

Spyderco Manix 2 or Para 3. They are about $115 and $133.

If you are worried about work, add a Swiss Army Knife (SAK). Most people aren't scared of a SAK. Add another $30-60 for a SAK and you're still within your budget.

Depending on your job, pick a SAK with some tools that might benefit you. I highly suggest getting scissors on the SAK. I find them useful. Maybe a Huntsman or Explorer.

I really dislike swiss army knives. Hate the finger nail open. No offense. And agree with the para 3 and manix. I really am looking to go compression axis or liner.
 
I really think that you can go for a good Spyderco in this price range
A Sage 5 can be great for a light carry
My personal choice would be a PM2 if a knife this size can be acceptable for you

Even if not a compression lock the chaparral would be a nice choice

If you want something classy I can only say good things about the massdrop gent
It is a flipper which carry light and it is a very capable slicer. IMO it is a better choice for an urban/office knife compared to the PM3

I recently got a Benchmade Bugout, and even if it feel like cheap in hand , it is a good knife.
 
Yeh pm2 is a heavy favorite in here. Alot of recommendations. Chaparrals nice but the lock back isnt something I'm not looking for. And don't know much about the sage 5.
 
Too many choices at this range... it's tough to pick. I'm coming from a Kershaw Leek so want to up my game. Haven't had a knife over 100$ lol
 
It the smaller range the Gent would be my pick

Other honorable mentions from me are ZT0450/0460, BM 940/bugout, Kizer Gemini/Feist, WE Rectifier, QuietCarry IQ

A little bit over your budget the Techno 2...
 
Last edited:
Massdrop Terzuola in CF. $175, $150 for the G-10.

D3z7Xev.png



Any Spyderco.

WE Practic.
 
The ZT 0450, Spyderco Manix, Ferrum Forge Falcon ($125 on Massdrop right now), or maybe a Spyderco Paramilitary 2/3. I think those are all good options!
 
So many choices in this range it's hard to recommend anything specific. I'll second the suggestion look at Spyderco closely. People love the PM2. I find it a little too large to EDC (I work in an office).

Another option would be to be patient and buy a couple of different things used, preferable very used. You can likely get your money back on the knives you don't like and it allows you to get experience with a few different styles before spending on a new one. A used one may also be your keeper knife.
 
I have a ZT 0450,a PM2, a PM3 and a Delica. TBH, I don’t think there’s a world of difference between the PM2 and the PM3 when it comes to how they’ll be perceived by others. The PM2 is obviously bigger but IMO if it’s too scary for people who might see it, they’ll probably find the PM3 just as scary. The Delica on the other hand probably wouldn’t scare even the most easily-scared of them, but it’s a back lock and I don’t count that as a plus.

On the other hand--IMO--there’s a LOT to be said for the ZT 0450. I think it’s too small to be scary to any but the most radical of all knife-haters, IMO it’s feather-weight and it gets lost in your pocket. The action is beyond “buttery"--it’s more like melted butter. I like my 0450 beyond description for ultra-discreet concealed carry and I doubt it could be less scary, as long as you don’t go and flip it right in front of the face of the most easily scared person in your world. My 0450 led to my buying other ZT flippers, which is probably the highest compliment that I think a knife could earn.

Best of luck with your comparison-shopping and ultimate choice.
 
For between $100-&200 I’d go with a Spyderco Military or a Yojimbo2.

I would also recommend Spyderco Military but then saw the sub 3.5" requirement. For cutting cardboard, food prep and such, a thin FFG blade should be preferred. If PM2 is too scary, how about SpydieChef or Delica 4 ZDP-189?
 
I would also recommend Spyderco Military but then saw the sub 3.5" requirement. For cutting cardboard, food prep and such, a thin FFG blade should be preferred. If PM2 is too scary, how about SpydieChef or Delica 4 ZDP-189?

The Delica is an excellent suggestion. Such an amazing and reliable knife. And with up to $200 available, you could upgrade the steel and even the handles.
 
Get the bugout. Three inch blade, good steel, super lightweight, deep carry clip, and fidget-worthy action (if you like to play with your knife). I resisted it for a long time because I thought it was way over priced for what you get and ultimately it is, but Benchmade hit the sweet spot with this one and until someone makes something similar for less, I’m okay with what I had to pay.

I carried an endura and a leek for years and really liked both for different reasons. Went to a delica after that and loved it. I’ve cycled through a few dozen knives since joining the forum about a year and a half ago but the bugout is in my pocket every day now and I don’t see any reason to change it.
 
Yeh pm2 is a heavy favorite in here. Alot of recommendations. Chaparrals nice but the lock back isnt something I'm not looking for. And don't know much about the sage 5.
The Sage 5 is like a larger Chaparral CF/G-10 with a compression lock. I love the Chaparral, but if it's not for you, the Sage 5 is outstanding in its price range and has a very comfortable handle. For a little more money, the TRM Neutron is a great choice for light EDC if you can get one.
 
Back
Top