Help choosing edc blade

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Kershaw1567

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Jan 9, 2014
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I was looking at the strider pt , spyderco paramilitary 2 or any other good suggestions would help I've been wanting a higher end blade opposed to a cryo
 
What are your edc tasks? I currently work in a thrift shop, unloading trucks of furniture and sorting through mountains of donations, I'm using my blades quite often and sometimes quite hard. I find that I usually go with one of my spyderco delica 4s. Light weight, amazing ergos, perfect size, great steal, durable, fantastic blade shape. I honestly thought they were over rated until I used one and was able to see the light for myself
 
Striders are more expensive than the Paramilitary 2s, but they are built well, and can definitely take some abuse.
What do you believe your EDC tasks would be, as jacob asked? Also, these knives are both much different in price, so what is your budget?

The Strider PT and the Spyderco PM2 are extremely different in size. The PT, I believe, is Strider's smallest knife, with a blade length of 2.75", and their SnG's have a blade with a length of 3.5", but are much more expensive. The PM2 is often out of stock at many popular dealers, and it has a 3.44" blade.
Do you have any preference on handle size or blade size?
 
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Spyderco Gayle Bradley, or Spyderco Stretch (preferably ZDP or Superblue), or Spyderco Manix 2 (any FFG variety)
 
Favorites of most EDC folders from us are the ZT 0350, ZT 0550, ZT 566, Para 2, Manix 2 and DPX Hest Folder.
 
Well, I'm gonna back Whitty and say get a ZT. Proudly overbuilt in the USA, great customer service/warranty and they won't break the bank. I currently EDC an 0566 and it feels just about perfect.

Of the ones you mentioned, I would go with the PM 2. The ergos are good, blade shape makes a great slicer and the compression lock is a favorite here. Best of luck, man!
 
I don't so much have a specific knife suggestion but some overall edc advice.
1. Have a size in mind. The difference between a 3" and 4" blade in an edc is huge. I have a zt 0200 that I don't edc because it's to big for that purpose for what I do.
2. I would look for something that you can close one handed. The knives you name fit that function. With an edc I feel that one handed closing is just as important as one handed opening.
3. Make sure itll fit in all of your pants. Some pockets are totally spacious while others are tiny and won't accommodate larger knives.

With your budget the knife world is your oyster. You can get many exceptional knives around $130
 
Between the PM2 or the PT, most definitely the PM2. But perhaps the ZT0350 is the best of both (i.e. your) world.
 
I'll say ZT as well, specifically the 550. A tank of a knife that I'd take over a Strider any day of the week (just me, I don't like Striders, move along ;) )
 
I carry a large Sebenza. The small is also a great edc.

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I think you'll have to be more specific...

What's your budget? If there's no limit, then go custom. High end production, Striders are always good, but I think you'll be quite happy with Rockstead. I carry mine a lot and it's a joy to use. Sprint run Para 2s and Manix 2s are always interesting with different steel options.

If you don't want to sharpen a lot and not spend a lot of money then definitely look at something in Stretch in ZDP-189 and Gayle Bradley in M4.
 
Griptilian or Military.

Frankly, the Spyderco Military is a better knife but it is big, though very light, and costs at least 50 bucks more. In my very inexperienced opinion, Spyderco's S30V is the perfect premium steel for the mass market. It has astounding edge retention. Yesterday I sharpened my Manix xl on a mere Crystolon stone, sliced telephone paper, went out and chopped down a small tree, came back in and sliced note book paper with it. I was blown away.

Everyone loves the PM2 but a 3-inch blade is on the small side.

Strider is kinda semi-custom and you're going to pay at least 400+ for one.
 
I just picked up a CTS-204P Para 2 for a really decent price (considering the secondary market). Just keep your eyes peeled and you'll land on one someday.

If you're making a leap from the Cryo, I think the Para 2 would be a good start, or even the Manix 2.

If you want to "keep it in the family" for Kershaw / ZT, maybe a 0566 or 0801? The 0566 gets you G10 on one side and assisted opening (like Cryo), whereas the 0801 is Titanium all over, but no assist (which is awesome.).
 
Don't know why an edc always has to be a folder. My edc is a BK 14 or scrapyard scrapivore. Both worn as a necker. The BK 14 meets your 3 inch blade requirement.

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Snakebreaker said:
Don't know why an edc always has to be a folder. My edc is a BK 14 or scrapyard scrapivore. Both worn as a necker. The BK 14 meets your 3 inch blade requirement.

BECKERHEAD 353
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The OP named folders for what he was looking at so I think we all just kind of jumped on the folder band wagon. BK series are awesome, bk11 is also a great looking knife with a pretty exceptional sheath (bk11 and bk14 have same sheath and blade lengths, different handle shapes) and hey, you can open beer with it.
 
I love the Sage 3 and the Manix for one handed opening and closing. Great knives. The Sage ( I think all of them) is a 3", Manix is 3.38" and Manix XL is 3.88". The lock is awesome
 
I have a PM2, zt560, and zt350. They are all three great knives but I carry my Spyderco Resilience the most. It's a cheap knife that I got hair whittling sharp and I don't care about beating the shit out of it. Threw a zip tie in the thumb hole an it waves nicely.

The PM2 and the zt560 are GREAT knives and probably tie for my favorite EDC folding knives. I think the zt560 edges it out though because they have great customer service and you can get the blade replaced for $30 if needed.
 
creature7 said:
I have a PM2, zt560, and zt350. They are all three great knives but I carry my Spyderco Resilience the most. It's a cheap knife that I got hair whittling sharp and I don't care about beating the shit out of it. Threw a zip tie in the thumb hole an it waves nicely.

The PM2 and the zt560 are GREAT knives and probably tie for my favorite EDC folding knives. I think the zt560 edges it out though because they have great customer service and you can get the blade replaced for $30 if needed.
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Can you post a picture of what the thumb tie mod looks like? I'm having a hard time visualizing it.
 
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