I’m looking for suggestions for my next EDC folding knife, under $200......

[farmboy]

......if possible.

I considered posing this question on other forums, but the think tank here is really the only place to be for this particular subject.

I think I’m on the mood for another knife that would be suitable for every day carry, and I’d like some sub $200 suggestions.

I currently carry a Spyderco PM2, with a carbon fiber grip and a 52100 blade. It’s proven entirely suitable, and I like it very much. I’ll continue to carry this one as well.

I’m not too particular on blade steel, but I do sharpen old school, freehand on an oilstone. I just grew tired of all the jigs and setup. I don’t care for thumb studs, but I’ll work with it if I have to. I like frame and liner locks the best.

One that caught my eye was the Protech Malibu, but I’m open to suggestions.

What do you think?

 

[fishface5]

Don't have a malibu, but I'd say start by going to a site like knifecenter where you can search by inputting your desired criteria to narrow it down, & then get targeted input from here on the models that interest you.

 

[guy g]

Since you seem to like Spyderco , I vote for the Native 5. Nice size . Mine has S35vn , but I believe they are made in other steels . View attachment 1479276

 

[jlauffer]

I know you said you didn't care for thumbstuds, but I would check out the CS AD10 and AD15.

 

[unwisefool]

Freeman 451 is a fun knife to play with.

 

[JeremiahWeaver09]

the cold steel bush ranger is a great edc

 

[Fonedork]

The last three knives I got are all great

• Pm2 Tanto
• Benchmade Nakamura (uses thumb studs and is tiny)
• Gayle Bradley 2

 

[skipin7ro]

Manix 2 m390 The brown/satin with flytanium aluminum cage has won me over at the moment.

Also the Spartan Astor looks like a nice George design.

 

[McFeeli]

I recently got one I’ve been eyeing for a while, a Protech SNG. If an auto fits the bill, I couldn’t recommend it enough. I can see why Protech gets a lot of love. The fit and finish is immaculate, no issues there whatsoever, and it fires hard. Similar size to a PM2, but because of the whole choil on a choil on a choil, you lose some edge. Protech won itself a return customer, that’s for sure.

 

[JBoone]

Seeing how you are not too crazy about thumb studs and like the PM2 I would suggest trying another Spyderco may not be a bad idea.

$200 opens you up to a ton of options among several brands which is great but makes it harder to narrow down.
Perhaps start by desired attributes such as weight, length, material, etc and go from there?

 

[Bluemantra]

Manix 2 m390 The brown/satin with flytanium aluminum cage has won me over at the moment.

Also the Spartan Astor looks like a nice George design.

I just ordered a Manix 2 in M390 and for $135 I think that is awesome value.

 

[MBG]

If you just want something a little bit different than your PM2 you could get a Military. They are a bit bigger than the PM2 and they have a liner lock. Be advised that they are tip down carry only.

I'm not much of a flipper or traditional guy, so I can't recommend many non-thumb stud knives other than Spyderco. Maybe a sheepsfoot (thumb hole) Benchmade Griptilian or Hogue RSK (RSK if you can compromise on the thumb stud), but they aren't liner/frame locks.

A cheaper option that meets all of your criteria is the Civivi Wyvern. The only complaint I have with mine is the lack of a thumb stud.

 

[Owen K.]

Op can you list what blades you already have. That will give us a direction for suggestions, other than price. Merry Christmas!

 

[DocT]

How about a Titanium Delica? It is $203.

 

[Ted Ruehl]

Benchmade 940 with M4 Blade and Jade G10 scales. Classic folder. Still one of the best ever and on sale at Blade HQ for $195.

 

[skyhorse]

If you like the PM2 , you'll likely enjoy the Military as well.

 

[ktataragasi]

I just ordered a Manix 2 in M390 and for $135 I think that is awesome value.

I have been considering the same. I currently edc a Maxemet Para 3 and don't know how much I'll like the Manix 2. Any input?

Sorry to thread jack.

 

[Velitrius]

The Southern Grind Spider Monkey can be had on the Exchange in your price range.

The carbon fiber is really sweet, and the S35VN is done right. The titanium frame/liner lock is solid.

It carries very easy. I believe it's worth putting up with the thumb stud.

 

[farmboy]

Op can you list what blades you already have. That will give us a direction for suggestions, other than price. Merry Christmas!

Besides the Spyderco PM2 in 52100, I own, or have owned a variety of Zero Tolerance, a very nice Buck Vantage Pro in S30V, as well as a GEC Model 53. Oh, there’s also a Boker Urban Trapper in there somewhere.

I also own several models of the always classy Victorinox Alox knives.

I like some of the suggestions you guys are throwing in from left field. Those Cold SteelAD10’s and AD15’s really piqued my interest, as well as that Protech Strider that was mentioned.

While I doubt I’ll ever part with my Spyderco, to me, variety is the spice of life, so my next likely won’t be a Spyderco, for no other reason than that I want to sample something else from the menu.

 

[steelhead seeker]

The Southern Grind Spider Monkey can be had on the Exchange in your price range.

The carbon fiber is really sweet, and the S35VN is done right. The titanium frame/liner lock is solid.

It carries very easy. I believe it's worth putting up with the thumb stud.

I love my spider monkey and actually today just ordered a bad monkey. Cheapest I've seen them from the dealers, $212 with free shipping. I sprung for the satin blade with jade handles. Even though I haven't gotten my hands on the bad monkey, after owning the spider monkey I already know im going to like the bigger brother to it so that's my recommendation. just a skosh over the $200 limit though...