Help finding a new knife.

Terry M.

Terry M.

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Joined
Feb 5, 2006
Messages
3,325
My "requirements":

$200 or under.
Like Benchmade or Spyderco but willing to look at other suggestions.
I love the BM axis lock
Medium sized knife - I've got the mini-grip and love it so about that same size or SLIGHTLY bigger.
G-10 handle is preferred, but stainless steel would be ok. I'd rather stay away FRN but if the blade is something I like that could be looked over.
Easily sharpened and good edge retention.
I'm a serviceworker at our local water utility and use my knives frequently. Lots of cutting zip ties, cardboard boxes, and also sticking the tip into sheathing and splitting it expose interior wire.
I don't particularly want serrations on this knife.

*forgot to add it should be a folder*

Please suggest away! Thanks!
 
You didn't mention either way about an aluminum handle. I've had my eyes on a BM 940, but it has been third on my list and I just got the first two as a Christmas gift to me. The action is supurb and I like the blade shape. They call it a modified reverse tanto, but it is very similal to a drop point.

Other than that, Spyderco Endura or Delica are always solid choices. I would recommend the D'allara with ball lock, but I just got one and I don't think it operates quite like an axis lock. You have to put considerably more force down on the ball with the tip of your thumb or finger and nail to operate it like the axis lock.

With some of the tasks you mentioned, I would actually shy away from zdp although you are sure to get some recommendations to get it. I have an Endura in zdp that I bought for edge retention, and I can't argue that it holds an edge, but I quickly found out that the edge and tip chip easily. I really like my Endura, but I'm just saying beware and use accordingly if you get a zdp blade. It is not good for any kind of lateral movement agaist the edge, and certainly not good for stripping wire.

My last recommendation is for a smaller knife, but you will certainly fall in love with it: a BM960 in d2. Much like the 940, just smaller and lighter.
 
I know the Axis Lock is a thing to behold but I just had a BM Nitrous Stryker (liner lock) come in 2 days ago. The steel is amazing in edge retention...it's D2 (personal favorite of mine as a machinist) and assisted opening. Fairly large blade for a folder at 3.7" <<<<I believe, but the G-10 scales are VERY comfortable with grooves and grips machined into them at all the right places, plus the Titanium liners add to durability but not the weight. I am also impressed with the "Nitrous" assisted opening feature. Really a unique design. I literally cut open a can of soup with it and also punctured and pried off a metal seal cap on a 1 gallon can of tapping fluid at work yesterday and that blade still shaves. It is a helluva knife IMO and very comfortable to carry in your pocket. It is a plain edge as well...only way to go IMO.
 
Go to www.japaneseknifedirect.com and get one of the Seki Cut Bob Lum Encounter versions. Comes in two sizes with a variety of handle materials. Very well made and affordable. D2 steel blade. I carry the G-10 handles small Encounter for my EDC. Japanese Knife Direct will ship for $7 via global express mail and their service is great.
 
Spyderco Manix,built like a tank,good steel and the cutting power of this knife I will heartily recommend.
Or a Spyderco Military.
 
Sounds like the Benchmade Ritter Grip or the Spyderco military is the deal. Kind of a trade off, I like the g-10 of the Spyderco, but the Ritter Grip to me is the best EDC knife out there. Strong, sharp, hefty blade, easy to open and close one handed.
Mine gets touched up once a week on my Spyderco Tri-Angle, about 10 swipes each side in the finest position and it shaves easily.
 
You didn't mention whether it was EDC or not. If not, how about something totally different and buy an actual utility/box-cutter with thicker blades like the pocket clipping liner locking Superknife which you can wear while on the job (The thicker hook blades for these are also pretty neat too ). Also the smaller blades give better control when splicing wire. And you can abuse the blades without worrying of reshaping/sharpening the dings out, simply replace the blade and move on. And, with the change left ,+-$188 ;), you can still get a really decent folder for EDC.

Anyay, just an idea.
 
If you get anxious awaiting your new knife, march right down to Wally World and get a Buck 110 for $26 - or, if they have a Christmas tin left, get a 'collector's tin' version - $30. If you need more than that knife, you must really be working with some big wire - bigger than down leads, even!

Now, while there, look at the Spydie S30V Native they carry for <$40 - such a deal! It and the Bucks are made in the USA, although their sheaths are likely Mexican or PRC made, as is the actual tin that 'collector' knife is in - it's shiney bright polished, too.

Save your new BM for 'fancy' EDC...

Stainz
 
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