Help me spend $500 on folders

Get what you like the best first. I personally would not buy a Sebenza; I'd buy a custom. Sebenzas are good knives. It just depends on how you value your dollars.
 
Strider SNG, ZT 0301 (any 0300 series), ZT 0560, Umnunzaan, just a few I would grab up first with $500.
 
Good condition large Sebenza for $325 and a PM2 (S30v generic) for $140; both here often on the Exchange. Just about every day...
That's all you need, although the fever might get ya...
 
Well I had an itch that I just had to scratch. I picked up a PM 2 from National Knives for $107 shipped. (Had a tracking number within 5 minutes too) This leaves me with ~$400. I am strongly considering the a Large Sebenza right now after getting so many suggestions. I still have a while before I can get it, due to the fact that I have to raise the funds first, so there is still plenty of time to mull things over.
 
Bionic589 said:
Only problem is I don't know exactly what I want. I am still a new to the wonderful world of quality knives. Maybe down the road a bit I will get something custom.
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That's a problem. Hold onto your money until you know what you want.

The CRK might be nice but is it what you want? Is it something you will get use out of? Figure out the kind of cutting you are doing and what your functional requirements are then come back. If you have been happy edc'ing a delica the caly 3 would be a classy step up from there.
 
sideways said:
That's a problem. Hold onto your money until you know what you want.

The CRK might be nice but is it what you want? Is it something you will get use out of? Figure out the kind of cutting you are doing and what your functional requirements are then come back. If you have been happy edc'ing a delica the caly 3 would be a classy step up from there.
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I know what the functional requirements are for my knives. What I do not know is, what features and styles I like, due to the fact the Delica is my only knife. I'm want to get a feel for what I like: small vs large, manual vs assisted vs flipper, type of grind, handle material and things like this. Once I have a better idea of these things, I will be more comfortable stepping up to a high dollar custom.

I will however check out the Caly 3. Thanks!
 
Well I've owned many knives over the years sebenzas benchmades emersons customs etc. Many fine knives to choose from but currently I'd take a look at a ZT0560 flipper.framelock. carries great nice deep carry clip super smooth bearings.
 
Bionic589 said:
I know what the functional requirements are for my knives. What I do not know is, what features and styles I like, due to the fact the Delica is my only knife. I'm want to get a feel for what I like: small vs large, manual vs assisted vs flipper, type of grind, handle material and things like this. Once I have a better idea of these things, I will be more comfortable stepping up to a high dollar custom.

I will however check out the Caly 3. Thanks!
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That's the thing though, deciding on the features and style you want is part of the process. Along with knowing how big of a knife you want. Do you want a 3 inch blade or a 4 inch blade? Modern or classic stylings? Pocket clip or no pocket clip? Grippy handle or low drag? Very good slicing capability vs ability to take abuse?

I'll not drone on about the different features you could get. Look at the picture threads instead. :D

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1071938-EDC-III-Which-knife-or-knives-are-you-carrying-today
 
The list you mention are all very nice production models, and other member here mentioned other great ones as well. But if I were you, I think you should hold onto that money and blow it off on a nice custom. 500 bones can get you a Grimsmo Norseman or a Will Moon M6.

Think about it!
 
Bionic589 said:
Well I'm selling off a bunch of stuff from hobbies that I don't do as much anymore, or no longer take part in. I should be able to come up with about $500 over the next month or so. I'm going to take that money and get some nice folders. Right now my only decent folder is a Delica 4, that I EDC. I have been trying to do as much research as possible to figure out what I want to get. I would like to get two or more nice folders.

Some knives that I am interested in are:

Spyderco PM2
Spyderco Manix 2
Spyderco Endura
Microtech Socom
CRK Sebenza Large or maybe Small
ZT 350
ZT 0651
Lionsteel SR1


I guess my question is if you were in my position, what would you spend your first $500 on?
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I have a manix 2 XL in good shape, I'll only take $450 off you, paypal info at your request.


;)
 
People will tell you what they like but knives are personal. You really have to try a few out and use them for a while to learn your preferences.

I suggest a PM2, Sage 1 or 2, Opinel #8, and maybe a rough rider slipjoint to get a feel for a traditional. Then buy a second round of knives after you have a better grasp of your preferences.
 
I love my dustin turpin logic. They're a bit harder to get a hold of than a Chris reeve or striders though. I prefer it over my umnumzaan but I think it's mostly because I prefer flippers.
 
Out of your list, I would go CRK. Those retain value very well, and as has been mentioned, it's one of those knives that all other knives get measured against, so at least you'll understand your standards. I definitely think it's worth figuring out what you like, however. I suggest getting cheap Kershaw, BM, and Spyderco blades so you can try out various features.

Lock type
Handle style
Blade style
etc, etc.

My EDC is an HTM Darrel Ralph Gun Hammer. I like my blade to handle ratio to be as close as possible, I like wider blades in a bowie or modified drop point, smooth opening, and 3D contouring. I want sturdy, but not hefty (which rules out ZT). I don't want a lot of aggressive jimping (which also rules out ZT). I prefer AXIS/BBL/Bolt action locks, but that's not a requirement, although if Darrel decided to make a bolt-action lock gunny, I'd be all over that in a heartbeat. And, of course, I want great performance and fit and finish. I also like flippers, but I have a pretty particular aesthetic sense.

What do you like about your Delica 4 the most? How do you like the lock? What about the handle? Aesthetics? Is there anything you don't like? Owning more knives won't help until you can decide what you DO and don't like about what you already have.
 
Bionic589 said:
Well I had an itch that I just had to scratch. I picked up a PM 2 from National Knives for $107 shipped. (Had a tracking number within 5 minutes too) This leaves me with ~$400. I am strongly considering the a Large Sebenza right now after getting so many suggestions. I still have a while before I can get it, due to the fact that I have to raise the funds first, so there is still plenty of time to mull things over.
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Great deal on the PM2! I have/had numerous Hinderers, Striders, Emerson, CRK, Benchmade, ZT, etc., but my PM2 gets the most carry time. The comp lock is by far my favorite. IMO it is the best bang for your buck and far outperforms many more expensive blades.
 
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