Help me find a blade (requirements changed!)

A

Armen

Joined
Apr 20, 2018
Messages
164
I must admit I went a little knife crazy early on only to realize that I really don't use a knife on a daily basis but I'd like to carry one just in case for EDC that doesn't remind me that it's in my pocket. I'm looking for something:
  • Similar in pocket presence as the Mini griptilian and Delica 4 (deep carry would be nice)
  • Has at least 154CM steel or better
  • Prefer G10 scales or Carbon Fiber (No FRN please)
  • Price up to $140.00 maximum
  • Has steel liners (usually smaller knives do)
  • preferred lock types in order: Compression, axis, liner, back (no frame lock please)

What I own now and why it falls a little short:

  • Delica 4: Not a fan of FRN scales, doesn't quite deep carry.
  • Mini Griptilian: scales are a tad bit short for my hand
  • Para 2 : overkill for the cubicle farm.
  • Griptlian: wish it was narrower and had G10 scales.

What I've tried:

Benchmade 940-1, 940-2: Had uneven grind and sticky axis locks on all 3 units I received and ended up returning. It does carry well though. unfortunate.

Para 3: Reminds me it's there when I reach for my cell phone and lack of deep carry draws eyes from the sheeple at same cubicle farm mentioned above.

help would be appreciated and thanks!

- Armen
 
I guess you have to get a Sage 5 huh. Maybe a Valet if you can find one on the secondary market or in a knife store where they're not restricted by MAP.

You could also consider a Bugout with custom CF scales. They guy who makes them offers them with the knife pre installed.
 
The grip has a g10 variant, the 551-1. Can get it in 20CV, or if you're feeling something like M4, you can get it off the customizer on the benchmade website. But the Sage and manix are also excellent choices

Coldsteel lawman is also an interesting option with some favor behind it
 
kylemiller said:
I guess you have to get a Sage 5 huh.
Click to expand...

Ah the Sage 5. I have a love hate relationship with it

Not a fan of the Taichung stamp even though it's one of the better factories
Not a fan of the half-assed carbon fiber scales unless someone can comvinfre why it's better than G10 or Carbon Fiber.
 
My vote is for the Spyderco Chaparral in carbon fiber.

It has a much smaller pocket presence than a Delica (I have an FRN Chaparral and Delica).
Deep carry wire clip
It uses CTS-XHP steel
Carbon Fiber scales
$125ish
Steel liner
Backlock

It also has a very decently large cutting blade for how small the knife is. The only downside I can see is that the scales may be a little smaller than you're looking for, but the finger choil REALLY helps with that.

Armen said:
unless someone can comvinfre why it's better
Click to expand...

It's pronounced "covfefe".
 
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Fixall said:
My vote is for the Spyderco Chaparral in carbon fiber.

It has a much smaller pocket presence than a Delica (I have an FRN Chaparral and Delica).
Deep carry wire clip
It uses CTS-XHP steel
Carbon Fiber scales
$125ish
Steel liner
Backlock

It also has a very decently large cutting blade for how small the knife is. The only downside I can see is that the scales may be a little smaller than you're looking for, but the finger choil REALLY helps with that.



It's pronounced "covfefe".
Click to expand...

Is it carbon fiber laminate also?
 
Compression- sage5, rhino
Axis- Stryker, mini Crooked River (little bit bigger but the classic design makes it look oddly non threatening)
Liner- Spyderco GB2, tomorrow of options.
Backlock- do yourself a favor and get the Spyderco Stretch!!!! It is absolutely awesome G10.
 
Armen said:
Is it carbon fiber laminate also?
Click to expand...

It's a G10/carbon fiber laminate, but at least it's not a carbon fiber/FRN or FRCP laminate. The carbon fiber might look a little bit classy in the office too. The only negative I can say about my Chaparral is that the lockback started out pretty stiff, but it loosened up a bit with use. It will also never be a drop closer like you can get with Spyderco compression locks if that's important to you. Other than that, it's a GREAT knife (at least the FRN version is). It's the ONLY knife that goes with me to work these days.
 
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I'm right there with you on the Taichung and the "worst of both worlds" CF/G10 laminate. It just seemed to fit the bill and most people seem to like it more than I do.
 
Spyderco Kiwi 4 but it is in VG-10. Nice office knife.
Steel Will Mini Cutjack in M390 and G-10 or the larger Cutjack. Great flippers at a medium price point.
 
Have your Delica tricked out to suit your needs by one of the many excellent craftsmen on this forum.
 
Second vote for the Steel Will mini cutjack. M390 and G10 with liners. Fast and responsive bearing flipper. The finger choil gives you a much better hold than a delica or mini grip.
Should be under 140 too.
 
Since you mentioned not wanting a frame lock, the Spyderco Chaparral would get my vote. I have the FRN version and carry that to the office fairly often. Very capable knife for its size and it is barely noticeable (by myself or others) in the pocket. My only regret with the knife is I didn't get the carbon fiber or Raffir Noble version.
 
kylemiller said:
I'm right there with you on the Taichung and the "worst of both worlds" CF/G10 laminate. It just seemed to fit the bill and most people seem to like it more than I do.
Click to expand...

The Para 3 has that shiny "made in USA" stamp on it but man the G10 scales on it are like a cheese grater. It also sits so high in the pocket it almost feels like it's going to fall out at times. At this point I'm kind of wondering if I can live with a Taichung stamp considering the scales are probably smoother on the Sage 5, the clip rides deeper and it most likely is slimmer in the pocket too.

/shrug.
 
Armen said:
Prefer G10 scales or Carbon Fiber
Click to expand...

Benchmade 940-1, 940-2: Had uneven grind and sticky axis locks on all 3 units I received and ended up returning. It does carry well though. unfortunate.
Click to expand...

Unfortunate indeed. SILLY RABBITS !

Price up to $140.00 maximum
Click to expand...
Save up for the Carbon Fiber 940 it's worth it.

Mine is perfect (so I know they can do it if they try).
give it just one more try.
If they screw you a fourth time I will join you and we can hang around their back door and eat their children.

IMG_5194.JPG
 
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