Recommendation? I want to purchase a “fancier” knife, but don’t really know what is good out there.

[Ripcord 82]

I love Spyderco, they make really good EDC knives. I own the Drangon Fly, Delica, and PM2. Native 5 is being on my radar for a long time, but I also really like the Chaparral. Can't decide which one to buy, why do you love the Native 5 so much? Thank you for the suggestion, really appreciate it.

I am sure the Chaparral is a nice knife also but I never had one. I do have quite a few Spydies but I have two Native 5's , one a light weight, I carry often and one with G-10 scales. I carry these two spydies more the any spydie. I like the size and I like the grip,the choil and I love the lock on them. It also has a nice blade, not to long and has a bit of a drop point so if I wish, I can field dress a dear with it. I carry the light weight while hunting to be used if needed.

 

[Ripcord 82]

These are my two Natives.

 

[bflying]

For "fancier" on a budget, I just picked up a Civivi Elementum with CF and Damascus. I love my small collection of WE Knives, but kept hearing how fantastic their budget Civivi line is. And so far, I'm impressed.

You can pick up some WE's under your budget at Massdrop.

Also love ZT's, Kizer's, and Spyders.

 

[K.O.D.]

Awesome, thank you for the amazing suggestions. Some people in the thread also suggest Spyderco, such as, the Chef and the Magnitude. Do you have any experience with these two knives? If so, which one would you chose out of these three? Thank you.

I own the Spider Monkey and the Deacon. Both great knives.

As far as production knives go, Spyderco is my favorite. I don't think you can go wrong with anything from them.

 

[bladeknot]

Call me old school, but I still like my Hinderer XM 18. What a workhorse!

 

[YummyPotato]

They do make an auto 110 that Ive been eyeing for awhile.

Sadly, an auto that size is illegal where I live.

 

[YummyPotato]

Some 110’s have no nail nick.

Sadly, an auto that size would be illegal where I live.

 

[YummyPotato]

I'm a fan of the Native as well. But mine's a LW; so I wouldn't call it nice. Light, practical, maybe even all the knife you need. But it's plastic. Now, my Sage 2, in titanium, is similar to the Native and one of the "nicest" feeling knives I own. And it wasn't the most expensive.

Two knives that get a lot of pocket time are my trusty ZT 0808 and my new North Arm Skaha 2. The ZT is titanium, stout built and elegant looking IMO. Flips well, even though the effort (detent) is a little high. Not the best slicer, but definitely cuts. I like the blade shape more than I expected to, too. The Skaha is arguably priced a little high for a G10 knife. But the milling on the blade is unusual and interesting. And, the flipping action is fantastic. The scales are shaped to fit a hand. Nice knife. Sign up on the waiting list and buy something else hold you over.

At less than half the price of the above, I really enjoy my Bestech Pebble. Neat looking, very usable blade shape, great flip and close action. Thoughtful contouring of the lock bar where your thumb presses. My only complaint is that there's room in the handle for another 1/8" of blade. So I feel a little cheated. Discontinued, but still available from BHQ and others.

Thank you for sharing. That is a lot of nice information that I can take into consideration. I heard a lot of good things about ZT knives, and Bestech Pebble is also a nice looking knife.

 

[eveled]

I didn’t say auto 110. Some non auto 110’s have no nick. If you hunt for one.

here is another one.
https://www.buckknives.com/product/110-folding-hunter-knife-drop-point/0110BRS6-B/

 

[YummyPotato]

I had a Boker mini kwaiken titanium I thought was fancy. Maybe it was more of a “gentleman’s knife”. I sold it but realized I liked so much I have another on the way.
Maybe look at their urban trapper or the full size kwaiken. I think they both offer g10, ti, carbon fiber, all in your budget.

Thank you for sharing, man, that Boker Mini Kwaiken is much a clean looking knife. Is the action as good as it's looks?

 

[YummyPotato]

Check out the 0562 in particular, that one seems right up your alley (albeit somewhat over your budget). Under budget, though, consider the 0450.

Beyond ZT, search through Kizer's line-up and you might find something to your liking. They make a lot of knives in the ~$150 price range with premium materials and excellent fit and finish. (My favorite, the Feist, is on the smaller end of your preferences.)

Also peek at the Benchmade Griptilian 551-1, which is under your budget.

And honestly I'd also consider going used. If you keep tabs on the Exchange here, it's not uncommon to find a knife outside your budget -- like the Benchmade 940-1, which ticks all your boxes, or a WE or Reate knife -- for 30-40% off street price in barely-used condition (or even new). As a hobby we collectively buy "too many" knives and often unload them for excellent prices.

In my experience the difference in fanciness between a PM2 and a $200 knife might not feel huge; the PM2 is already a fantastic knife with impeccable engineering and action. But the difference in how fancy a $250-$300 knife (which tends to be my upper limit) feels is likely to be more noticeable.

Here are photos of some of my recommendations.

ZT 0450 and Kizer Feist (both under your budget)

Reate-made Pena Rhino ($300, but I paid $210 on the Exchange for mine)

Benchmade 940-1 ($270, ~$200 used)

Benchmade Griptilian 551-1 (under your budget)

Thank you for sharing, and that's some nice pictures. I like your suggestions. In this thread, couple people already suggesting the ZT450, so I will definitely put that knife on my list. I also heard positive things of the Kizer brand. Someone early had mentioned Kizer T1, and I wonder if you have any experience with it? Lovely pictures!

 

[Dadpool]

Thank you for sharing, and that's some nice pictures. I like your suggestions. In this thread, couple people already suggesting the ZT450, so I will definitely put that knife on my list. I also heard positive things of the Kizer brand. Someone early had mentioned Kizer T1, and I wonder if you have any experience with it? Lovely pictures!

Nope, never handled a T1. Its aesthetics aren't for me. Good luck with your hunt!

 

[YummyPotato]

It's important to remember that what others like may not be what you like once you hold it. Quality is quality but good ergonomics are very subjective to each individual. For instance the ZT 0450 is a quality knife but simply hurts my hands to hold.

However if you like thumbstuds and smooth action and not too bulky, and you don't have an axis lock knife, they are very fun and the bm 940 or 943 are definitely knives you should look at. The griptilian is also great but a little bulkier. Another potential option that might appeal to you would be the spydie kapara.

Also if you get a knife with soft screws it isn't hard or expensive to replace them.

Oh hey here's a post with some helpful comparison pics
https://www.bladeforums.com/threads...0-and-custom-shop-mini-crooked-river.1692860/

Yes, you are absolutely correct. Ergonomics are very subject to personal taste. I am taking notes of all the suggestions, so I can go to knife stores to try them out.

I own the BugOut, so I understand why axis lock is so fun to play with. After all the good things I heard about BM940, that knife is on the top of my list.

Thank you for the link, really help me to understand the size differences.

 

[YummyPotato]

I really like my Southard, and the SpydieChef came to mind when you mentioned food prep. It’s well liked by most and I’m pretty font of titanium frame locks.

I will put SpydieChef on the my list. Sorry, for some reason the Southard doesn't really appeal to me. Thanks for sharing.

 

[YummyPotato]

I personally really like GM and their ACE line, so definetly check them out.

Just wanted to make a new suggestion, since a lot of people are recommending the BM 940.. Check out the Benchmade Crooked River. Comes in a "mini" version, which is one of my favs, but just over your budget.

I will look more into their lineup, but their ACE can be pricey. Thanks for mentioning the Crooked River, I totally forgot about that knife.

 

[YummyPotato]

These are my two Natives.

Beautiful knife and beautiful environment. Thanks for sharing your experiences. I need to go check them out.

Hats off to you!

 

[YummyPotato]

For "fancier" on a budget, I just picked up a Civivi Elementum with CF and Damascus. I love my small collection of WE Knives, but kept hearing how fantastic their budget Civivi line is. And so far, I'm impressed.

You can pick up some WE's under your budget at Massdrop.

Also love ZT's, Kizer's, and Spyders.

WOW, I can only wish to have a collection like this. Those are some beautiful beautiful knives, and I so jealous of you. HOLLy carp. Thank you so much for sharing and help me to find a good knife. I mean this might sounds cliche, but I got to ask some questions. What are your favorite knives? How long have you being collecting them?

Beside the Civivi knife line, what are some knives that you enjoyed carry around the 200 dollar mark?

 

[YummyPotato]

I didn’t say auto 110. Some non auto 110’s have no nick. If you hunt for one. View attachment 1223386

here is another one.
https://www.buckknives.com/product/110-folding-hunter-knife-drop-point/0110BRS6-B/

Sorry for my ignorance, learning something new everyday!

 

[cnm123]

Thank you for sharing, man, that Boker Mini Kwaiken is much a clean looking knife. Is the action as good as it's looks?

The action on mine was so nice it felt like it was assisted.

 

[Addicted_to_Knives]

Hello, first-timer here. Sorry for my poor English.


I want to purchase a “fancier” knife, but don’t really know what is good out there. I am seeking for some suggestions, and thank you very much. Collecting knives for three years now, knives ranging from 10 - 120 dollar. Some of the knives that I really like and carry from day to day are the Rat 2, Benchmade Bugout, and the Protech Half Breed.


Perhaps looking for something nicer, but not breaking the bank at the same time. Something with really good action, nice to carry in the pocket, and around 200 dollar. Looking forward to learn a lot of new things from passionate knife lovers. Once again, thank you very much with all the suggestions.

Try:

Hinderer Full Track
Hinderer XM-24
Strider SMF
Medford Knife - Infraction
Chris Reeve - Large Sebenza

That's my fancy collection...