Help to Choose EDC Upgrade

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docdocWW

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Dec 24, 2021
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I have used Cold Steel Voyager and Spyderco Tenacious for several years and want to upgrade the cary and steel. I am considering Hogue Deca or RSK(Ritter), Spyderco Manix2, Benchmade 940-2, 940-1, or Cold Steel Ultimate Hunter. Of course, I would like to get the most for the money, but what else should I consider. Most are not available locally to handle before purchase. Should I consider purchase of a used knife on Knife Exchange or Ebay? I would appreciate input. This is probably the only and last higher quality knife purchase.
 
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If it's intended to be your last purchase, you won't go wrong with a Benchmade, simply because of their lifesharp warranty. It's the best warranty in the business IMO, and the 940 is an absolute classic of a knife that can flex from the "classy" suit pocket carry to the campsite or worksite utility knife. It's enough knife to do everything you need it to, and it's thin and light enough to be unobtrusive in the pocket.

You may get a better deal on a like new knife on the exchange here, which could help with getting the most for your money, but you may want to ask the seller if they would accept a return if you don't like the knife. That would be up to you and the seller how that's handled.
 
Hello, Happy Holidays, and welcome to BFs!

1. I'd avoid Ebay and be careful about Amazon. Too many fakes, clones, etc. Buy from the exchange or a reputable dealer. I've bought about 30 knives on this forum and never had a bad experience or problem. YMMV.

2. All the knives you listed are good quality knives. You really can't go wrong with any of those. A lot will depends on how much you want to spend. You have a range of $110 to $192 roughly.

3. In terms of pure *value*, I like the CS Ultimate Hunter. For $110, you get a good steel (admittedly not 20CV), G10, a great lock, and for me, a perfect size knife. I wear a 2XL glove (sometimes XL) so I like a longer knife with a beefier handle to fill out my hand. The CS UH checks all the boxes for me and I think offers great value.

The Deka might be a little on the small size depending on how the Tenacious and Voyager fit your hand.

The Hogue is probably my 2nd choice. I've read nothing but great reviews on it.

docdocWW said:
This is probably the only and last higher quality knife purchase.
Click to expand...

As Owen K. Owen K. said, that has been said many times on this forum. Good luck on not falling down the rabbit hole of buying more knives.
 
Manix 2 and Ultimate Hunter are both a LOT of knife for the money. Personally, I find the Manix to be a little more versatile, but the UH is all around tougher and has probably the best ergos on a folding knife that I've personally experienced. Those would probably be my two top recommendations.
 
I really like my Manix 2. It's on the larger end of my edc knives. I think my all around favorite is my para 3 lightweight. Not much bigger than the Delica. Has great action with the compression lock. It's fun to fidget with and the ergos really fit me well.
 
Since you can't handle them first to check their ergonomics I would say watch videos on each to get an idea since they have very different handle shapes. Blade shapes too, which could matter depending on your type of use.

Or you could go for a tenacious in s35, since you know that knife, and maybe spruce it up with some custom scales?
 
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Benchmade anything, or the Spyderco Manix 2.
I'm not a fan of the 940; but there are a whole bunch in the 3.5" blade length to choose from.
I've got a pair of Manix 2s; and they both have served me well...
Have fun shopping!
 
Thanks for the suggestions. I will look for a dealer in the Tri-Cities, or Pendleton and try to handle those I have not seen. I have the Tenacious and have handled the 940-2. I think I would like CPM-20V steel or the equivalent. How does 35V compare with that?
 
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I'd go with Hogue over Benchmade any day of the week.

I've got "office hands" but I find features of the grip texture on both the Manix 2 and RSK to be more aggressive than I need for regular EDC. Handling them in advance would be great but sharing in the "last knife" skepticism, the nice thing about all of these is that they have value. I'm sure you'll find a use for any of them.

I'll second the notion to be wary of Ebay for more expensive knives. It all comes down to the individual sellers. Most are good people. Some might be authorized dealers. However, there are a few bad eggs out there and if you can avoid the risk, do so.
 
S35VN holds an edge very well: yet remains easy to sharpen. Not quite in the 20V class: but close enough...
 
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