Getting into blades

Ok, I've decided to go ahead and up my budget to 150 bucks max. I can afford it right now, so why not get something decent. I've thought about the criteria I would like to include as follows:

Drop point or leaf blade profile (aka Spyderco)
Prefer a flipper tab, but not counting out the Spyderco action
Not crazy about assisted opening; manual is preferable
G10 or Micarta scales; slight lean towards micarta probably
frame lock (more rigid than a liner lock, no?)
between 3 and 4 inch blade (sweet spot being 3.25 to 3.75 inches)

Thanks for your suggestions.
 
Mecha said:
Anybody who's anybody right now has a titanium double smatchet, that also works as a kayak paddle that can jab at attacking sharks.
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That's last years news, anybody who's up to date on the cutting edge of smatchet technology knows it's all about the extending 2 handed smatchet with unscrewable hollow handle with an actual full size blow up kayak inside.
 
ks_wayward_son said:
Ok, I've decided to go ahead and up my budget to 150 bucks max. I can afford it right now, so why not get something decent. I've thought about the criteria I would like to include as follows:

Drop point or leaf blade profile (aka Spyderco)
Prefer a flipper tab, but not counting out the Spyderco action
Not crazy about assisted opening; manual is preferable
G10 or Micarta scales; slight lean towards micarta probably
frame lock (more rigid than a liner lock, no?)
between 3 and 4 inch blade (sweet spot being 3.25 to 3.75 inches)

Thanks for your suggestions.
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Yep been there, that's how it starts, 150 was my limit, then 200 will seem fine. Next youll be buying a Sebenza and looking at upgrading to a fancy lanyard and leather pouch.
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Yep, I can see an addiction blooming. Watched a few videos on the Spydercos. Think I'm either gonna roll with a Para 2, Manix 2, orrrrrrr.... Ok, I will probably get one of each down the road, dont know if thats redundant. Also, the natives looked cool too. But, pretty sure the black blade really pops out at me. Like the looks of the black para 2 or manix 2 with od or brown g 10 scales. But the Para 3 might be good too. Anybody know a good source for scales, or would any old scale work if g 10 is g 10.

Mannnnnn, Black Friday is only 7 months away? Should I hold out for killer deal or just get one?
 
ks_wayward_son said:
Yep, I can see an addiction blooming. Watched a few videos on the Spydercos. Think I'm either gonna roll with a Para 2, Manix 2, orrrrrrr.... Ok, I will probably get one of each down the road, dont know if thats redundant. Also, the natives looked cool too. But, pretty sure the black blade really pops out at me. Like the looks of the black para 2 or manix 2 with od or brown g 10 scales. But the Para 3 might be good too. Anybody know a good source for scales, or would any old scale work if g 10 is g 10.

Mannnnnn, Black Friday is only 7 months away? Should I hold out for killer deal or just get one?
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The PM2 and Manix 2 are very different knives, they don't look it but they sure do feel it in hand. The Pm2 is usually touted as a hard use knife, I personally think it's quite a delicate light slicer. The tip is very thin, the stock gets very thin, it feels light in hand. The manix on the other hand feels heavier in the handle because of the full steel liners, instead of light recessed liners, has a beefier tip and slightly less slicey blade, and has jimping all over it.
To me the PM2 feels like a large Delica with square G10 handles and a compression lock.
If you want a light slicey knife go for the PM2, if you want a beefy workers knife go with the Manix. I like both.
 
ks_wayward_son said:
Ok, I've decided to go ahead and up my budget to 150 bucks max. I can afford it right now, so why not get something decent. I've thought about the criteria I would like to include as follows:

Drop point or leaf blade profile (aka Spyderco)
Prefer a flipper tab, but not counting out the Spyderco action
Not crazy about assisted opening; manual is preferable
G10 or Micarta scales; slight lean towards micarta probably
frame lock (more rigid than a liner lock, no?)
between 3 and 4 inch blade (sweet spot being 3.25 to 3.75 inches)

Thanks for your suggestions.
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I really the Manix 2 XL. The regular manix 2 is good to. The para 3 is also well loved. Get which ever you like the looks of better in my opinion.:) Good luck!
 
ks_wayward_son said:
Mannnnnn, Black Friday is only 7 months away? Should I hold out for killer deal or just get one?
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Yeah but usually there aren’t any good Black Friday deals on knives. Places like @KnifeCenter will advertise “30% OFF!!!” but that’s always off of MSRP so you’re actually just paying regular price. Don’t fall for their lies.
 
ks_wayward_son said:
Yep, I can see an addiction blooming. Watched a few videos on the Spydercos. Think I'm either gonna roll with a Para 2, Manix 2, orrrrrrr.... Ok, I will probably get one of each down the road, dont know if thats redundant. Also, the natives looked cool too. But, pretty sure the black blade really pops out at me. Like the looks of the black para 2 or manix 2 with od or brown g 10 scales. But the Para 3 might be good too. Anybody know a good source for scales, or would any old scale work if g 10 is g 10.

Mannnnnn, Black Friday is only 7 months away? Should I hold out for killer deal or just get one?
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There are alot of steel options to weigh in.
Also exclusives and sprint runs to consider as well.
Good luck
 
Im thinking I will get a Manix for work/heavy duty and a Para 3 sometime for edc. I'd like to hold out for black blades and stocks that I want instead of a plain Jane model and adding more for stocks later on. Would be cool to get a black bladed Manix with either ODG or FDE stocks and vice-versa with a para 3. Maybe a camo version too.

Looks like Knifecenter is taking pre-orders for digi camo Para 3s.
 
try a cold steel voyager or a spyderco endura, both are well made reliable knives at good prices and good knives to start out with in my opinion and also come in a few different variations
 
Welcome to the party Wayward -

There are tons of knives of all shapes and sizes, and even colors available that would work. I have a Gayle Bradley that I bought years ago because I liked the guy and what his ideas were about making knives. It is still my edc. Here is some info about him. I'll never claim it to be the best, end all, be all, just a good all around folder for work around my shop and home.

(45) Spyderco Designer's Insight Series: The Bradley Folder - YouTube

(45) The Spyderco Gayle Bradley 2 Pocketknife: The Full Nick Shabazz Review - YouTube

For something a little lighter and still a good knife is the Spyderco Para 2 Burple S110V knife in the $100-$200 range. I'm a fan of the engineering that went into this knife.

(45) Spyderco Para Military 2 in S110V - Quick Look - YouTube
 
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Going to recommend Buck. If you want a flipper, the Vantage is available in S30V steel for less than $100, and half that in 420HC. If the flipper isn't a must have, look at the Slim Pro models. 110 has a 3.75" blade, and the 112 has a 3" one. Both in S30V, all are made in the USA, and have Buck's outstanding "Forever Warranty".
 
Been about a month and decided to check back again. Ha. Anyways, I did look at the Bucks like steve recommended. Nothing wrong with Bucks at all. I have a little Bantam that I carry with me every so often, and a classic 119 with phenolic handle. I was actually looking at the Sprint/Sprint Pros. Very solid looking pieces. I dig the plain jane Sprints but they have a 420 hc blade. I also saw the Sprint Pro that has the burlap micarta with the S30V. Looks very cool too.

In other news, did you guys see the Bugout sprint runs that SMKW has? Damn, look tempting there too. 200 bones though. All 3 look bad ass. Ughh. Payday coming up soon, might just grab one I guess.

Staff has removed links to non-supporting vendor removed per terms of service.

ETA: Found a very comparable knife to the Buck Sprint Pro as I was watching YouTube. Tops mini Scandi folder looks good too.
 
ks_wayward_son said:
frame lock (more rigid than a liner lock, no?)
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I'd recommend to consider any of the better quality Cold Steel Tri-ad lock models .

The best lock for strength and reliability on the market , IMO .

For anyone with a SD gun interest , Cold Steel is a natural complement . :cool::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:



 
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