Help me choose a knife

A

araziza

Joined
Aug 7, 2018
Messages
32
I should start this off with a disclaimer: I'm not a knife hobbyist. I'm just a guy who enjoys having/using high quality, well made tools every day. A few years ago, after some housework that involved many, many boxes and lots of packaging, I decided I wanted to buy a pocket knife to carry around. I always research these things, and after a few weeks of reading and forums, I would really like a Benchmade Mini-Grip, but as I wasn't certain how much I'd end up using it, I couldn't just drop that much $ on a knife. I decided to buy something decent, and eventually upgrade if I found I used it a lot. I went with the CRKT Drifter.

Four years later, I'm ready to upgrade. I've come to really depend on my little CRKT, and use it a ton, but ideally I'd like something with a much higher edge retention. I started research again and realized, I'm not 100% sure the mini-grip is the best choice for the $. As I'm not an afficionado, I want to keep under or around $150CAD (around $110usd). I've narrowed my search to the following options:

1) Benchmade mini-grip (approx 140CAD) : still in the running, love the size, shape, decent blade steel (S30V).
2) Benchmade mini-bugout: similar to the above, but lighter, and more likely to fit in my 5th pocket in my jeans, where I usually carry my Drifter.
3) Spyderco Chaparral (131 CAD): CTS-XHP steel (which might be ideal for me with the edge- retention/ maintainability balance), good size, weight, really well reviewed
4) Spyderco Dragonfly ZDP (130 CAD): High end blade steel, nice form factor, well reviewed, worried it would be too small, as it's blade is 2.125, which is a decent step down in size from the Drifter.
5) Spyderco UK PenKnife S110V (133 CAD): Top end blade steel , nice form factor, perfect blade size, worried it won't fit in 5th pocket, no locking mechanism
6) Ferrum Forge Gent (around 160CAD): Decent blade steel, perfect size/form factor, extremely well reviewed, but pricier than I'm really comfortable with and very hard to get ahold of in Canada (especially now)

I looked at some other knives, I liked the para3, but it's a bit pricey in comparison, the CR Mnandi is beautiful, but way too expensive. I'm welcome to some left field/ well informed alternatives, but I'd really appreciate people weighing in on my list above. Let me know where you'd suggest I go. My preferences are as follows (but I can always be swayed by the details).
- around 3" blade, close to what I have with my drifter. I'd prefer not to go over this, but I'd rather avoid 'too small'
- Fits in a jeans 5th pocket. Not the be all end all, but I like how this works now and not eager to change it.
- Not overtly tactical. I'm just not that guy.
- Forgiving. I'm happy to buy a decent sharpener (I'm either going to get the sharpmaker or just buy a Ken Onion Work Sharp that will do a good job on my kitchen knives as well)and I have the diligence to use it often enough if necessary, but I'm probably not going to put the time into becoming a sharpening expert, so I'd rather not require stones (currently only using Lansky BladeMedic). I'm also probably not going to spend hours sharpening. 15/ 20 minutes is probably my max

Let me know what you think!
 
Not particularly interested in the VG-10 Delica, although there is a pakkawood version with HAP40 on the buy and sell forum at the top of my price range that might interest me.
 
Welcome to the forums!

Of the choices you listed, I'd pick the Chaparral. Great knife and blade steel. Might be a little learning curve on sharpening that steel but nothing a little work won't fix.

I'll link a few others choices from BF supporting members (which is allowed btw).

If you really want a budget blade. The Ontario Rat 2 in D2 steel would be a great choice. I own 3 Rat 1s in D2 (I like a big blade) and they are great bang for the buck. Several colors choices and it should fit in the 5th pocket. D2 steel takes a little effort to sharpen compared to lesser steels.
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Ontario-RAT-Model-2-Liner-Lock--79698

Classic pocket knife by a US company (not sure if that interests you in any way). Upgraded with micarta scales and steel. Not one handed opening, is that a deal breaker for you?
https://www.dlttrading.com/buck-501-squire-s35vn
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Buck-112-Slim-Pro-Lockback-Folding--88733

Great steel. Not sure how you feel about metal handles (I'm not a fan myself).
https://www.knifecenter.com/item/KS...tonewashed-plain-blade-black-aluminum-handles
 
araziza said:
Not particularly interested in the VG-10 Delica, although there is a pakkawood version with HAP40 on the buy and sell forum at the top of my price range that might interest me.
Click to expand...
I believe BladeHQ has ZDP-189 in stock and last I knew K390 is coming soon.
 
Here are a few Buck knives that meet your criteria:

https://www.dlttrading.com/buck-vantage-pro-342.html
https://www.dlttrading.com/buck-112-slim-pro-brown-micarta

There are numerous versions of both knives available. You could even go for a version in 420 HC for a big cost reduction, steel is good, and it has Paul Bos heat treat. Another big plus is the Buck "Forever Warranty", and their SPA service. They will also replace blades $10 for 420HC, and $15 for S30V and others.

Good luck on the hunt!
 
Yeah, I'd love to do that, but I'm stuck mainly with Canadian websites. Importing knives is, at best, not foolproof. But I'll monitor the sites we have here for the different steel delicas.
Edit:found the zdp and K390 delica on a canadian site. officially on the list (but expensive)
 
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araziza said:
Yeah, I'd love to do that, but I'm stuck mainly with Canadian websites. Importing knives is, at best, not foolproof. But I'll monitor the sites we have here for the different steel delicas.
Click to expand...
My bad man, I didn’t realize where you were located. Fwiw, if the ones you listed, I’d pick the Chaparral.
Good luck on your hunt :thumbsup:
 
i carry two knives on a daily basis.
Spyderco Dominon in CTS-XHP steel - front right pocket
Kizer Mini Begleiter in 154 CM steel - 5th pocket

that Mini is a great 5th pocket knife IMO
 
What website(s) are you looking at? You can list them here but not link them (linking is for BF supporting dealers only). It would help narrow down what is available to you if you want more help.
 
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araziza said:
I should start this off with a disclaimer: I'm not a knife hobbyist. I'm just a guy who enjoys having/using high quality, well made tools every day. A few years ago, after some housework that involved many, many boxes and lots of packaging, I decided I wanted to buy a pocket knife to carry around. I always research these things, and after a few weeks of reading and forums, I would really like a Benchmade Mini-Grip, but as I wasn't certain how much I'd end up using it, I couldn't just drop that much $ on a knife. I decided to buy something decent, and eventually upgrade if I found I used it a lot. I went with the CRKT Drifter.

Four years later, I'm ready to upgrade. I've come to really depend on my little CRKT, and use it a ton, but ideally I'd like something with a much higher edge retention. I started research again and realized, I'm not 100% sure the mini-grip is the best choice for the $. As I'm not an afficionado, I want to keep under or around $150CAD (around $110usd). I've narrowed my search to the following options:

1) Benchmade mini-grip (approx 140CAD) : still in the running, love the size, shape, decent blade steel (S30V).
2) Benchmade mini-bugout: similar to the above, but lighter, and more likely to fit in my 5th pocket in my jeans, where I usually carry my Drifter.
3) Spyderco Chaparral (131 CAD): CTS-XHP steel (which might be ideal for me with the edge- retention/ maintainability balance), good size, weight, really well reviewed
4) Spyderco Dragonfly ZDP (130 CAD): High end blade steel, nice form factor, well reviewed, worried it would be too small, as it's blade is 2.125, which is a decent step down in size from the Drifter.
5) Spyderco UK PenKnife S110V (133 CAD): Top end blade steel , nice form factor, perfect blade size, worried it won't fit in 5th pocket, no locking mechanism
6) Ferrum Forge Gent (around 160CAD): Decent blade steel, perfect size/form factor, extremely well reviewed, but pricier than I'm really comfortable with and very hard to get ahold of in Canada (especially now)

I looked at some other knives, I liked the para3, but it's a bit pricey in comparison, the CR Mnandi is beautiful, but way too expensive. I'm welcome to some left field/ well informed alternatives, but I'd really appreciate people weighing in on my list above. Let me know where you'd suggest I go. My preferences are as follows (but I can always be swayed by the details).
- around 3" blade, close to what I have with my drifter. I'd prefer not to go over this, but I'd rather avoid 'too small'
- Fits in a jeans 5th pocket. Not the be all end all, but I like how this works now and not eager to change it.
- Not overtly tactical. I'm just not that guy.
- Forgiving. I'm happy to buy a decent sharpener (I'm either going to get the sharpmaker or just buy a Ken Onion Work Sharp that will do a good job on my kitchen knives as well)and I have the diligence to use it often enough if necessary, but I'm probably not going to put the time into becoming a sharpening expert, so I'd rather not require stones (currently only using Lansky BladeMedic). I'm also probably not going to spend hours sharpening. 15/ 20 minutes is probably my max

Let me know what you think!
Click to expand...
I am pretty new to knives, too. Here are my impressions.

Benchmade versus Spyderco
I own a Spyderco Manix 2 and a Benchmade Griptilian, so take this with a grain of salt. These knives are about the same price, but the Spyderco Manix 2 is far superior in every way. As soon as I got the Manix, I put the Griptilian in a drawer and haven't looked at it since. I can't see myself buying another Benchmade, but I will definitely get another Spyderco.

Knife Size
You will read many reviewers who bemoan knives that exceeding 3 inches. I would only rule them out if you live in a place with restrictive knife laws. The Spyderco Manix 2 is a excellent knife and about $12 over your price range. In addition to more knife over 3 inches, you get more handle. The Spyderco Manix 2 fits very comfortably in my hand. Your drifter has a handle length of 3.625 inches. I am guess you are either just barely getting a four finger grip or less. That won't be a problem with most knives that are a little bigger.

Chaparral and Pen Knife
They don't have steel liners, which I think add to the look and provide more support to the blade. The trade off is an unnoticeable amount of extra weight and a little more cost. You use one knife for three or four years, so durability should be a factor.

Spyderco Dragonfly
I have the Spyderco Dragonfly 2 Salt. Like the Spyderco Manix, it is an excellent slicer and ergonomically it is great for its size. I don't regret the purchase, but I was steered away from the G10 version. I wish I got that. You also have the Spyderco Cat and Chicago in that blade size range.

If you want to go really small - Spyderco Dragonfly 2 ZDP/Salt/G10, Spyderco Cat, or Chicago. If you are willing to go a little bigger the Spyderco Manix 2, Spyderco Tenacious, or Polestar.
 
My vote would be the para 3 lw. Just got 2 of the black blade ones for $112 each and the satin blade one is like $99. I have a mini grip and it's one of my least favorite knives. Its just to small and awkward in the hand while the para 3 lw gives you a good grip on the knife.
 
Out of the list you provided id go with the Chap. Its crazy lightweight and XHP is probably my favorite all round steel choice. As for a left field suggestion I'd highly recommend looking at the Hogue Deka. I have the clip point version. Seems like it would nail what you are trying to get out of your knife. Super light weight, G-mascus (cool g10 effect) Able lock (Axis Bar Lock Enhanced), and 20cv. The knife is absolutely great. I like it over the Manix and Chap. I also like it better than my Delia's and other similar small and light weight knives.
 
I really, really like CTS-XHP. The Chaparral would get my vote. I like my Drop Gent Select a lot too. I have a Spyderco Domino and Sprint Manix 2 with XHP, both heavy users.
 
Another Canadian here, I’ve yet to have an issue worse than a bit of a wait ordering from a number of retailers from the U.S. I looked for the list of dealers that support BF but it just says “coming soon” so I’ll list a few and if any are not ok to post BF can let me know and I’ll edit. DLT trading and Knives ship free both have a huge variety and inexpensive shipping to Canada. A couple others off the top of my head are Tsa Knives, and Old Townes cutlery.
 
araziza said:
Not particularly interested in the VG-10 Delica, although there is a pakkawood version with HAP40 on the buy and sell forum at the top of my price range that might interest me.
Click to expand...

Get the ZDP-189 Delica. It's the right size and I can generally get away with sharpening mine just once a year.
 
Of your options, I'd go for the mini bugout.

But for an amazing S90V blade, look at the Manly Wasp. Best blade (both steel & grind) you'll find for less than $300. It's a very firm, 4-stop slipjoint with a deep pocket clip (like the bugout).

You can also wear both of these in the waist band very discretely.
 
if you're up to 150 cdn already, might as well add a hundred and get a skaha 2... they just are amazing edc
yes, the wait is long but it's from bc, so never a border shipping worry ; P
skahaII_carbon_fiber_open-scaled.jpg
 
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