Help to Choose EDC Upgrade

Insipid Moniker said:
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.
Click to expand...
Having used both of these knives, I have to agree.

The Hogue Ritter has gotten some mighty good reviews. For the money, the Manix 2 and Ultimate Hunter might be better values, if not better knives, period.
 
I like s45 better than m390/20cv
It holds a edge and sharpens up nice.
M390/20cv are too brittle imo.
 
docdocWW said:
I have used Cold Steel Tenacious and Voyager 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.
Click to expand...

When did Cold Steel introduce their Tenacious model? Does it compete directly with Spyderco Tenacious?

Of the ones you mentioned, I personally would go with the Ultimate Hunter. The one I own gets carried and used occasionally and is only just outside my EDC rotation. If I were able to spend as much time outdoors as I wish I could, it would be in the rotation.

I own a Hogue Deka and I'm not particularly impressed. I would take a Griptilian over a Deka any day of the week. The Deka is one of the relatively few knives I wish I would have passed on, and it will end up on the Exchange soon. But that is probably because I have so many similar knives that I prefer instead - not because it's not a decent knife.

I know I am in the minority here, but I personally am not a big fan of the 940s or the Manix lines. I own quite a few Spydercos and Benchmades that I love - it's just those particular lines that don't appeal to me.
 
Oh, one thing the OP might consider is a Benchmade Presidio 2 rather than a 940 or variant. It's a little more in line in terms of cost and size and it's a very good value.
 
I have the 940-2. It’s a great EDC, but I’ve never fallen in love with it. IMO the G10 is just bland and boring. I really wish I’d gotten the OG 940 with green aluminum. The pocket patina would be much more interesting.

The Manix is a great knife and has a bombproof feel and superlative ergonomics. If you’re going to be using your knife a lot for real knife stuff, it’s hard to beat. I prefer the LW model, but I’m not a heavy user.

The Hogue Ritter seems like an amazing knife for the money and people seem to love it.
 
Manix 2 or Ultimate Hunter. If you like Cold Steel, the American Lawman or Recon 1 are also excellent values on two different size ranges.
 
Bob Denman said:
S35VN holds an edge very well: yet remains easy to sharpen. Not quite in the 20V class: but close enough...
Click to expand...
S35Vn is also a bit tougher and less prone to chipping in my experience. Depending on your use it may be preferable in that aspect.
 
D docdocWW

Because you asked, here is my reply:

My favorite Benchmade is the Griptilian with G10 scales and sheepsfoot blade (550, not the 551). The regular scales are okay, too, but not my favorite. I have a couple of older Griptilians with 154CM, too, which works fine for me, the current line comes with S30V, which is an upgrade. I like the Crooked River series Benchmades, too, but in my opinion they are overpriced unless you can find a deal on one.

Spydercos my favorites are the Gayle Bradley (original, not the GB2), Salt series (I use them for kayaking and fishing, because these are anti-rust steels and well made), the Endura and the Yojimbo 2. I love the styling on the Spyderco Vallottons, but I've learned they aren't the most pocket friendly.

I'm sure there are a lot of other good-to-great Spydercos and Benchmades that I just haven't gotten around to checking out in person, yet.
 
Right now, the front runner is the Benchmade Griptilian. I like the G10 frame with the open back and spacers. I am not sure if the 20V is worth the additional cost.
 
The Griptilion really is the best of both world, when you have a solid Benchmade knife and Spyderco hole opener. I'd definitely go with an upgraded handle material, from the regular plastic, and the sheepsfoot, is likely the best option.
 
docdocWW said:
Right now, the front runner is the Benchmade Griptilian. I like the G10 frame with the open back and spacers. I am not sure if the 20V is worth the additional cost.
Click to expand...

If the choice is between S30V and 20CV, both are good and neither is bad. When people recommend away from either of these steels, I tend to see the same cons brought up. Effectively, the negatives cancel. You're left with a little better edge retention and a lot better corrosion resistance from the 20CV. So if this is going to be your primary EDC, just ask yourself if you'll remember the cost difference in a year.

Just a thought, but have you looked at other Spyderco models such as the Sage 5 or Kapara? Also, have you looked over recent or upcoming models from WE or Civivi?
 
Chronovore said:
If the choice is between S30V and 20CV, both are good and neither is bad. When people recommend away from either of these steels, I tend to see the same cons brought up. Effectively, the negatives cancel. You're left with a little better edge retention and a lot better corrosion resistance from the 20CV. So if this is going to be your primary EDC, just ask yourself if you'll remember the cost difference in a year.
Click to expand...

I haven't had enough experience yet with 20CV to know how hard (or not) it is to sharpen, but between S30V and 20CV, they're both good enough that I want the one that's significantly easier to sharpen. I'm assuming, but not at all sure, that would be S30V.
 
rje58 said:
I haven't had enough experience yet with 20CV to know how hard (or not) it is to sharpen, but between S30V and 20CV, they're both good enough that I want the one that's significantly easier to sharpen. I'm assuming, but not at all sure, that would be S30V.
Click to expand...

This is one of those supposed negatives that kind of cancels out. I've seen a lot of people complain about S30V being hard to sharpen over the years. Sure, it takes longer than something like VG-10 but is it actually harder to sharpen? I feel the same way about 20CV or M390. I don't think there is a big difference between them.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top