Help me find my first EDC folding knife!

One thing to keep in mind about Spyderco knives is that some of them are very "tall" when closed due to the thumb hole sticking out beyond the edge of the scales. This can make them feel like they occupy a lot of pocket space even though they are thin. I EDC'd a Spyderco Delica 2 for probably 7 or 8 years starting in the late 1990's, so the tall in-pocket profile obviously didn't bother me very much, but it is a downside that I see with some of the Spyderco designs.
 
Oh, and if you pick up a RealSteel Sea Eagle, I would suggest the G10 scales instead of the carbon fiber as the carbon fiber laminate is flat with no texture, i.e., relatively slippery.
 
Connor_MacLeod said:
One thing to keep in mind about Spyderco knives is that some of them are very "tall" when closed due to the thumb hole sticking out beyond the edge of the scales. This can make them feel like they occupy a lot of pocket space even though they are thin. I EDC'd a Spyderco Delica 2 for probably 7 or 8 years starting in the late 1990's, so the tall in-pocket profile obviously didn't bother me very much, but it is a downside that I see with some of the Spyderco designs.
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This is very true. The Manix isn't as bad in that regard though.

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I don't think you would be disappointed with any of the suggestions above. You might also consider the Kershaw Skyline. They have several different variants, but it is right at the 3" length. It is extremely light weight, and has a g10 handle.

Also don't forget, you can usually find a better deal here in the exchange on a used version of all the above mentioned knives. (Just make sure the seller knows they are shipping to Canada.)
 
Bedwards said:
Hey everyone! New member here.

I am recently in the market for a pocket knife. I have never owned one before, and I have been doing a ton of reading these past few days to try and narrow down what I want. I am an aircraft maintenance engineer, and often find myself reaching for box cutters or scissors, which tends to be a bit inconvenient at times. I am only planning on owning 1, maybe 2 folding knives, so I am looking for a high quality product that will last me a long time and that will give me good versatility. I don't want something too large (3 to 3.5" inches at most) or too bulky/heavy.

As I started digging into the different knives available, one in particular has caught my attention. The Benchmade Mini Griptilian - The G10 version with the 20CV steel. It looks like a perfect knife for me, however it is pretty expensive (especially since I live in Canada). Is it worth the cost? Is the 20CV steel that much better than the 154CM? Are there alternatives to this knife that don't cost quite as much? I looked at the Spyderco Delica, but I like the look, the lock and the the thumb-stud option of the Griptillian much better. I also like the idea of having a G10 handle, as that will probably give me the best grip.

If anyone has ANY advice or suggestions on knives I should look into, I would appreciate it greatly!

Thank you.
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Cold Steel American Lawman


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Spyderco Native5 Lightweight? Great utility and ergos for what you described. I have both Griptillians and Natives, and the Natives get a lot more use.
 
Bedwards said:
The Manix 2 looks like a solid knife. Do people generally prefer it over the Griptilian?
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I LOVE the Manix and have many, but I think the Native5 could be a better size for your job/use (could be wrong). No grip in this recent comparo shot unfortunately, but you can see the size of the Manix vs Native pretty clear:

Manix2, Sage1, Native5, Chaparral, Dragonfly2, Delica4, Skyline

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abbazaba said:
I LOVE the Manix and have many, but I think the Native5 could be a better size for your job/use (could be wrong). No grip in this recent comparo shot unfortunately, but you can see the size of the Manix vs Native pretty clear:

Manix2, Sage5, Native5, Chaparral, Dragonfly2, Delica4, Skyline

32255926625_75ed6cba31_h.jpg
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Oh wow. Great picture. The Manix does look a little big. The Native 5 would be a better size. I've heard the Delica 4 is also suitable to what I was looking for. So many decisions haha.
 
Bedwards said:
The Manix 2 looks like a solid knife. Do people generally prefer it over the Griptilian?
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I'm not sure about that. The Griptilian has been around for a long time and a lot of people love it. I've never had one myself as I feel they are slightly over priced.

https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/C41DBL5/959

https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/C101BL2/Manix-trade-2-Blue-Lightweight/662

Check the specs and see what you think. I don't usually use blades smaller than 3 inches. The Native might be better if you don't mind having a shorter blade. I can't think of the weight of the mini Griptilian but I'm sure both the Native and Manix weigh less.

Look at the locking system as well. The Native is a back lock. I like back locks quite a bit, but it's harder to close one handed until you practice a bit.

The steel is probably better on the Native. I've never used that steel through so I'm not sure.

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I went to Cabella's and checked out the Mini Griptilian and I think it's too small for me (I have pretty big hands). I think I'm going to have to go for something a little bigger. The regular sized Griptilian seemed better in my hand, but I think I'm leaning more towards the Manix 2 (light weight or regular... not sure, but I do like the G-10 feel), or the Paramilitary 2.
 
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Bedwards said:
I went to Cabella's and checked out the Mini Griptilian and I think it's too small for me (I have pretty big hands). I think I'm going to have to go for something a little bigger. The regular sized Griptilian seemed better in my hand, but I think I'm leaning more towards the Manix 2 (light weight or regular... not sure), or the Paramilitary 2.
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Paramilitary 2 is about an ounce heavier and has the compression lock. I haven't used the compression lock but it's supposed to be great. Did you like the axis lock on the Griptilian?

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David_Clemons said:
Paramilitary 2 is about an ounce heavier and has the compression lock. I haven't used the compression lock but it's supposed to be great. Did you like the axis lock on the Griptilian?

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The regular Manix 2 is heavier than the Paramilitary 2 (but has the G-10 scales), while the Manix 2 Lightweight is lighter than the PM2. I don't have any experience with the FRCP scales though. I did really like the axis lock on the Griptilian. The ball bearing lock on the Manix looks like it would be really nice as well.

This looks so sexy: http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/C101BBK2/Manix-trade-2-Lightweight-Black-Blade/935
 
Too bad the mini grip isn't going to work for you because it truly is a great edc blade. I currently don't have one but have owned many and loved them all. I got bit by the high end knife bug so I got rid of my lower end production knives but if I was in your shoes the mini grip would definetely be a contender. I wouldn't mess with the full size Griptilian unless you go with the G10 version. The regular full sized grip just has a horribly plastic feel and sound when handling and manipulating whereas the mini has full sized liners that give it a much more solid feel in the regular configuration. So if the mini grip is out then I would check into the Spyderco Sage series knives or give the Para 2 another look. I've never been a fan of the manix but that doesn't mean you won't love it. Lots of great options out there so just keep doing your homework and you'll figure it out. The only thing you may have an issue with is stopping at 1 or 2 knives. This is a very addictive hobby and gets out of control fast.
 
Bedwards said:
The regular Manix 2 is heavier than the Paramilitary 2 (but has the G-10 scales), while the Manix 2 Lightweight is lighter than the PM2. I don't have any experience with the FRCP scales though. I did really like the axis lock on the Griptilian. The ball bearing lock on the Manix looks like it would be really nice as well.

This looks so sexy: http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/C101BBK2/Manix-trade-2-Lightweight-Black-Blade/935
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That black does look good. I think the only thing you're sacrificing is the liners, which I don't think is a huge deal for a EDC. I currently carry a Cold Steel Finn Wolf, which is more of a outdoors folder. It doesn't have any liners and I honestly haven't noticed other than it being much lighter than my other folders.

I have wanted a Paramilitary for years, but I haven't gotten it because of the price. I just paid 68 USD for the Manix, which I think is very reasonable considering the steel and other materials used. That being said, I've never heard anything negative about the Paramilitary 2. Either one would be a great purchase.

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The Griptilian are awesome value for the money and with sales events in some brick and mortar outlets you can bag them for less than CAN $100 (at least in Alberta).
 
go with a Spyderco, like a paramilitary 2 or para3. the manix2 is my heavier use knife but its also wider in the pocket. they make a manix2 XL for large hands.

don't recommend bench made because of fit and finish issues for the cost... but you would still enjoy one regardless. they tend to have blade play, so that's a major concern with me over all issues.

any zero tolerance knife if you like any of the designs, there great flippers.

I would just recommend staying away from affordable Chinese knives. once in a while you can find some good ones, say like the Ontario Rat, which if someone hasn't recommended it yet, would be a great low cost option in D2 or aus-8 (just buy one from a legit seller because the fakes are not good, or any fakes for that matter).

also some good advice is to look in the seller section here as their are some good finds to be had at good prices.
 
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Mo2 said:
go with a Spyderco, like a paramilitary 2 or para3. the manix2 is my heavier use knife but its also wider in the pocket.

don't recommend bench made because of fit and finish issues for the cost... but you would still enjoy one regardless. they tend to have blade play, so that's a major concern with me over all issues. also any zero tolerance knife if you like any of the designs, there great flippers.

I would just recommend staying away from affordable Chinese knives. once in a while you can find some good ones, say like the Ontario Rat, which if someone hasn't recommended it yet, would be a great low cost option in D2 or aus-8 (just buy one from a legit seller because the fakes are not good, or any fakes for that matter).

also some good advice is to look in the seller section here as their are some good finds to be had at good prices.
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Agreed. I have a Rat Model 1 and love it. It's super heavy though. What about the Chinese Byrd selection? I've heard some of those are good. I don't like 8cr13mov though, which I think most of those are.

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