Hi guys, new to forum and bought my first knife!

M

MonkeyWithAGun

Joined
Aug 4, 2015
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97
So im new to the forum and I just bought my first knife off of amazon. Tried to go to a local bass pro, but the person was not helpful.

anyways, I kinda wanted a good but affordable ($300 max) knife and it was between the spyderco paramilitary 2 vs the Zero tolerance 0350. I ended up picking the ZT Because the one i wanted was available. I have a ton of questions, but id rather not post them and not have everyone tell me to use the google machine.

If you had to buy 1 knife to carry around, what would it be. price doesnt matter. what would you carry and why.

Im looking for like edc type answers, but you can say whatever.

ALSO, im not the kind to use the knife for a ton of things... i work in a medical office if that says anything. But i would like to have one as part of my edc.
 
Well to me the Spyderco GB would be the answer, it's got that gentleman knife's look, but also is capable of hard use. But the most important part is that the knife represents me, since i was born in Taichung Taiwan, and my parents are Texans just like the GB.

A few other choices that i would consider would be

1:Benchmade 940 (light and tough and sexy looking)
2:Cold Steel Code 4(Love the look and consider how tough it is)

Hope that helps, if there's any other questions feel free to ask, BladeForum is like one huge family!

-Kev
 
Welcome!

Be sure to explore the subforums for specific interests; there's tons of them.

Don't worry about 'Goggle it' responses, lots of experienced, knowledgeable, and gabby folks around here.

Besides, most Google search results just send you right back here. ;)

Enjoy your stay!
 
Welcome to the forum.

Bleeding always stops...........ah you are in the medical field so you knew that.

I am not really a knife guy, and old, however like my Dad had always carried a small, sharp pocket knife for the real everyday cutting chores I might encounter and if had to recommend a knife , that would be it.

Best.
 
Welcome to BF! The 0350 is a great choice. I am carrying mine as I type this. The PM2 would also be a good one to pick up at some point.

I can't limit myself to just one knife. I use, carry, and enjoy all of mine.
 
Daddyo16 said:
Welcome to BF! The 0350 is a great choice. I am carrying mine as I type this. The PM2 would also be a good one to pick up at some point.

I can't limit myself to just one knife. I use, carry, and enjoy all of mine.
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Fair enough! Its like asking a photographer to choose only one lens. It could be possible, if they did only one type of photography, but each lens has its purpose! Im an amateur photographer as well....

thanks for all the welcomes and i may go with benchmade actually. IT was a little more than I wanted, but i keep seeing it as one of the recommended ones as well.
 
It depends on whether you plan to carry, and occasionally use, the knife at work.
If so, I'd suggest steering away from assisted opening knives, and opting for something "nonthreatening". A traditional would be ideal; but something like a (Spyderco) Sage 2 might be a good option.
If it won't be carried - or at least not taken out - at work, all you need to decide is how big a knife you want. And what features you want/need. And the type of handle you like. "Hard use" or thin, slicey knife. Lock type? Opening mechanism? (etc, etc, etc)
 
I think the ZT 0350 is a good choice. My only ZT is a 0770CF in elmax which I really like. Price wise, it runs about the same as the 0350 depending on which model is chosen. I read so many positive comments about ZT folders that last spring I decided to take the plunge. I chose the newly released 0770CF and couldn't be happier. My choice was based on the size of EDC that I like to carry (blade length), weight and so forth and essentially based on the Spyderco Delica as general reference point. With modern knives, I tend to have a couple knives that I use for reference points on size and use them to help me make a decision if a particular knife "works for me".

The assisted opening feature is one that you will have to decide if it works for you at work or the kinds of places you frequent. For my part, I tend to carry a SAK almost all the time and few people ever have an issue with a SAK. I don't base my life or the choices based on other people, but I do feel one needs to be reasonable in their choices to minimize potential reactive issues.
 
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hhmoore said:
a (Spyderco) Sage 2 might be a good option.
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I worked in medical offices, hospitals for about a hunnerd yrs.
Slipjoints fall out of your pocket...so don't.
You don't need heavy-duty...save your ZT for hard-work stuff at home or in the garage or in the woods.
What I found most useful...light, easy to open, non-threatening to bosses and girls...was the Spyderco Caly 3 in ZDP-189. That blade is awfully sharp and holds its edge for a VERY long time.
I do LOVE the SAGE 2, as mentioned above, with its titanium handles, and it will last a lifetime or two. The wire clips on these knives are just fine: inconspicuous, easy to access, and will stay put. The Sage 2 is "bulkier" than the Caly 3, so MY personal choice is the Caly 3. I have gifted Caly 3's in ZDP-189 to each of my three grown nephews...all office-jocks. They seem to love 'em.
Good luck.
Included pics of the Sage 2...one of my faves, and of the Caly 3 and Caly 3.5...both in ZDP, although available more cheaply in VG-10.
The 3" Caly 3 is more than sufficient for your medical office needs, IMO.

 
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hhmoore said:
It depends on whether you plan to carry, and occasionally use, the knife at work.
If so, I'd suggest steering away from assisted opening knives, and opting for something "nonthreatening". A traditional would be ideal; but something like a (Spyderco) Sage 2 might be a good option.
If it won't be carried - or at least not taken out - at work, all you need to decide is how big a knife you want. And what features you want/need. And the type of handle you like. "Hard use" or thin, slicey knife. Lock type? Opening mechanism? (etc, etc, etc)
Click to expand...

crap, i think i may have just found a new hobby. My wife is going to hurt me.... probably with whatever i get.

So for me, i want an edc knife. I have both the benchmade 940 and ZT 0350 coming to me tomorrow. One of them will be sent back. I have been able to try out the spyderco and some other random knives, but to me quality is a huge bonus. And tomorrow should tell me what kind of style knife I am looking into.... whether its simple like the benchmade or assisted/ tactical looking. I wish i could afford a sebenza, but that will be down the road if I really start collecting knives.
 
So for me, i want an edc knife. I have both the benchmade 940 and ZT 0350 coming to me tomorrow. One of them will be sent back. I have been able to try out the spyderco and some other random knives, but to me quality is a huge bonus. And tomorrow should tell me what kind of style knife I am looking into.... whether its simple like the benchmade or assisted/ tactical looking. I wish i could afford a sebenza, but that will be down the road if I really start collecting knives.

I've had several of both of those above. Both are good knives. 940 has longer blade: ZT is more heavy-duty and heavier in your pocket. For QUALITY...I am certainly a Spyderco nut. Just my opinion. Stay away from assisted or tactical for the office.
The small Sebenza (if your hand is small enough)...or the large Sebbie...is a prime EDC when you get a couple of raises.
The Sebenza, for many of us here, is the grail, and wil last you FOREVER...with pride.
 
At $300 you are nearly in range for a small Sebenza, new or used. A Sebenza IS the benchmark of pocket knives whether one likes them or not.

I always recommend newcomers with your question to go for the Sebenza as soon as they can. After that everything else is down hill price-wise. If you go with something cheaper you'll still want a Sebenza. It's a better knife than any already mentioned. Get it now while you can.

I'd hang in for the Sebbie even if you have to somehow add a bit to your budget. If you indeed become a knife knut you will be very glad you did.

EDIT: I just noticed I didn't answer your question. For me that one knife would be a Grayman folder.
 
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EChoil said:
At $300 you are nearly in range for a small Sebenza, new or used. A Sebenza IS the benchmark of pocket knives whether one likes them or not.

I always recommend newcomers with your question to go for the Sebenza as soon as they can. After that everything else is down hill price-wise. If you go with something cheaper you'll still want a Sebenza. It's a better knife than any already mentioned. Get it now while you can.

I'd hang in for the Sebbie even if you have to somehow add a bit to your budget. If you indeed become a knife knut you will be very glad you did.
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Funny, I never wanted one. ;)

If I had to EDC one it would be the Manix 2 XL. Plenty tough enough for what would do with it, good lock, good ergos, excellent cutting geometry though, if it was my one and only, I would probably pay to get it reground to a real razor, very respectable steel, price is right and I trust the company behind it.
 
I recently purchased the Spyderco Kiwi 4 which is in VG-10 steel. It runs around $110 and is a thin and light knife with a wharncliffe blade. It's the traditional Spydie frame lock which I think is very good for regular kinds of knife uses (non-combat). Nobody really notices it. I like this knife a lot, but wharncliffe blades aren't for everyone, but I think they should be. :D

Slip joints are always good and there are many patterns from small to large. I tend to like one in the 4-4.25" closed length range. The Traditional Forums 2015 knife that you can order now and will be delivered upon manufacture is supposed to be 2 blade, 4" (+/-) and made by Canal Street Cutlery in 440C steel. It's a good steel for slip joints although I generally prefer 1095 carbon steel. But variety is fun. I expect delivery will be this fall.
 
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Welcome to the forums!

To answer your question of picking 1 do it all knife: My small sebenza. But if budgets were an issue the Para 2 is about the best you can do for less cash, in my experience. Both knives are excellent cutters, which while I love the looks and feel of the BM 940 I was disappointed with its cutting ability a bit. The current Benchmade pricing is just insane too, but thats another topic.

At the budget you're talking about I'd save up the $50 extra for a new small Sebenza, or snagged a lightly used one. They hold their value like crazy, so if you didn't like it you could always sell it off for even or nearly even money. The Spyderco Sage 2 is fantastic as well, you could also look at the dragonfly. I find I'm able to get by with about a 2.5-3.5" blade length, once you figure out what size you like it'll help guide future purchases.

If you're wearing scrubs I'd be sure to compare weights too, sagging pants are no fun.

Obligatory Sebenza picture:



I should add that when people recommended the Seb when I first joined I laughed it off and picked up an Emerson, a Spyderco, and two Benchmades instead. Its been a great journey, and I'm glad I didn't listen as I got to handle tons of cool knives. Its a fun hobby, I highly recommend buying and selling on lightly used examples as you can do that for years and barely loose any money on the hobby.
 
Be sure you understand the 0770 is an assisted opener (just in case you aren't aware of that).

If you like the knife hobby, there is an evolution involved. You try things out, buy another, try, buy another and keep going. The Sebenza is for many an end point. I still can't justify the price personally. But I certainly like them, especially the smaller ones.
 
Insipid Moniker said:
Funny, I never wanted one. ;)

If I had to EDC one it would be the Manix 2 XL. Plenty tough enough for what would do with it, good lock, good ergos, excellent cutting geometry though, if it was my one and only, I would probably pay to get it reground to a real razor, very respectable steel, price is right and I trust the company behind it.
Click to expand...

I'm the same way. I am down to my last Sebenza and it's lain in a drawer for a few years now. Mainly because I have a Grayman. For me a Sebenza is about the most soul-less, "squared off chunk of metal" feeling knife I've ever held. The flip side is they are probably the best folder out there within reasonable price. Is that what a dichotomy is?? :)

I have my favorite folders too. In a way, it all boils down to the ones we most like to hold.
 
dichotomy.... maybe... its like two separate things that are equal but different... - Yes/no | "male/female" | birth/death -
 
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