Input Needed <$200 Folder

[NJBillK]

Hey folks, I know this topic has been hit quite a few times. I know I don't want 154cm, 440, possibly some others, but off the top of my head those are all I can think of. Size isn't much of an issue though I prefer a larger blade than a shorter one, but it isn't a "make or break" issue.

I am curious on your take between the:
DPx hest 2.0 (Sleipner steel)
Benchmade 810-1401 Contego (M390)
Spyderco Sage 2 (S30V)
" Paramilitary 2 (S30V)
Possibly a ZT?

It will be my EDC, used for everything from cardboard to possible light camp duties, light yard work to who knows what else. I would prefer it to be an Above average slicer.
Let's just leave it at, I am not that easy on knives and I don't want to have to worry about it.

Oh, no fixed blades. I have those figured out.

 

[oXObsidianXo]

If you're looking at the Paramilitary 2, but prefer larger blades, I might recommend the Spyderco Military. As for ZT's while I can't vouch for the 0350, I do have a 0300 and that thing is a beast. I have no concerns about breaking it, and it cut's quite well. Though compared to the Para/Military it won't slice as well. Also, perhaps the Benchmade 710?

P.S. One thing about the ZT's, is that they have one of the best warranties in the industry.

 

[sweet_hitch-hiker]

Of what you posted the spydercos or contego will serve best. Theyre thinner than the HEST 2.0 and most if not all offerings from zero tolerance and will therefor be inherently better slicers. As already mentioned the benchmade 710 and spyderco military fit what you want too. Ill also throw out the spyderco manix 2 and gayle bradley.

 

[reapinItUP]

Try a knife out in S30V. A lot of variety can be had at that price range. You can find Sage 2 here on the exchange all the time for around $120. k
Paramilitary is a must if you haven't tried one out. And at about $110 its the perfect bargain and bang for your buck. If you want to go something
besides Spyderco than Lionsteel as you suggested in the DPX is good but I believe the aluminum SR-1s are around $200. Go to BladeHQ or other
vendor and do a search based on price. Theres so many quality knives you can get for that price.

 

[NJBillK]

Thanks folks, I know it is a rather expansive price field, but since it is going to be my initial foray into the range, I want to make it a stable purchase.
The only think I am not too keen on is the thin tip on the spyderco's, I just don't know if it will stand up. I don't want to have to reprofile a relatively new knife...

 

[flatblackcapo]

I have a HEST2 and would recommend against it unless you like the sharpened prybar thing.Don't get me wrong it is made well and is a tough knife but it lacks the cutting performance of all the other knives that you listed. Out of the others that you listed I would go with Para2 or the BM 810.

 

[Kershaws]

If you are hard on knives, I would be weary of any of the Spyderco Military Models as they have a delicate tip. You can't really go wrong with a ZT, 0350 is the cheapest you can get, but still a great blade, I suggest you surf through their site to see if you find a model that catches your eye http://zt.kaiusaltd.com/ Good luck

 

[No Agenda]

I have both the PM2 and the DPX Milspec. Between the two I would choose the DPX, it has a few extras and I feel it carries better in my pocket than my PM2 which the spydie whole keeps bumping into my hand every time I reach into my pocket. The PM2 is a much better slicer though, in fact it may be one of the best of my many knives.

 

[Jastab]

Get a S110v manix, and you'll never look back. I know it's not one you listed, but it's the best bang for the buck.

 

[flarp]

I haven't handled the DPx, but I do have a Contego, Sage2, and PM2. Those three are very different knives. The Contego dwarfs the PM2 in sheer size, and PM2 is significantly larger than the Sage2. The Sage2 makes for a nice, compact-carrying knife, but if you're after a larger blade, that's probably not going to be it. Between the Contego and PM2, I prefer the PM2.

If you're also looking at ZT's, the 0566 and 0770CF are definitely worth looking into. Both use Elmax steel, have a high flat grind, and slice well. The 0350 actually slices pretty well too, and there is available in both S30V and M390.

Some comparison shots of some of the knives mentioned: