I dunno. I have a Manix 2 and like it, but why not a Military? It doesn't really carry any bigger than the PM2 and it's got a bit more blade. Fun knife!
On the other hand, maybe if we had some idea what you do at work with your knife it might help just a little (probably not, but you never know). If you're cutting carpet, for example, we might suggest something different than if you are slicing open plastic bags of parts, or popping zip ties (oh! the conversations that will flow out of that!), or cutting banding on pallets.
I'm a fan of the Yojimbo. I have one. I tend to carry most everything in the right rear pocket, so "pocket space" really isn't an issue for me and the way I do things. YMMV. I'm familiar with only a few of the Benchmade products, but I wonder why the Griptilian wouldn't be considered? It's a fine knife, though possibly not sexy anymore, and can be had for around a hundo.
On the other, other hand, why bother with an expensive work knife when there are so many really excellent knives at a lower price? Case in point, I have an Ontario Rat 1 in my back pocket as I type this. Nice big blade, beautiful flow through design with pillar construction, G10 scales, decent AUS-8 steel blade. Can be had for maybe $30. Buy three if you like, but you aren't going to break it at work.
Another possibility from what I can see is the Endura. Slightly smaller than the Military, slimmer than the PM2 but with a bigger blade. Can be had in great steels like ZDP-189 or Super Blue. Comes in various colors. You can even get it with an Emerson Wave, if you are inclined in that direction.
Don't get me wrong, I'm a ZT fanboy myself, so I tend to carry mostly Zero Tolerance knives, which would be great to have at work, though they'll generally cost a bit over your budget. However, I'd like to recommend another Spyderco to your attention. The humble Native5. It simply rocks. Great ergonomics, great blade shape, great steels (S30V or S35V or S110V) and all for roughly your budget. It's one of my favorites.
On the other hand, maybe if we had some idea what you do at work with your knife it might help just a little (probably not, but you never know). If you're cutting carpet, for example, we might suggest something different than if you are slicing open plastic bags of parts, or popping zip ties (oh! the conversations that will flow out of that!), or cutting banding on pallets.
I'm a fan of the Yojimbo. I have one. I tend to carry most everything in the right rear pocket, so "pocket space" really isn't an issue for me and the way I do things. YMMV. I'm familiar with only a few of the Benchmade products, but I wonder why the Griptilian wouldn't be considered? It's a fine knife, though possibly not sexy anymore, and can be had for around a hundo.
On the other, other hand, why bother with an expensive work knife when there are so many really excellent knives at a lower price? Case in point, I have an Ontario Rat 1 in my back pocket as I type this. Nice big blade, beautiful flow through design with pillar construction, G10 scales, decent AUS-8 steel blade. Can be had for maybe $30. Buy three if you like, but you aren't going to break it at work.
Another possibility from what I can see is the Endura. Slightly smaller than the Military, slimmer than the PM2 but with a bigger blade. Can be had in great steels like ZDP-189 or Super Blue. Comes in various colors. You can even get it with an Emerson Wave, if you are inclined in that direction.
Don't get me wrong, I'm a ZT fanboy myself, so I tend to carry mostly Zero Tolerance knives, which would be great to have at work, though they'll generally cost a bit over your budget. However, I'd like to recommend another Spyderco to your attention. The humble Native5. It simply rocks. Great ergonomics, great blade shape, great steels (S30V or S35V or S110V) and all for roughly your budget. It's one of my favorites.
