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It's almost new knife decision time. Which one do I get?

loonybin

loonybin

Joined
May 18, 1999
Messages
1,709
After selling my Contego to get my wife a new winter coat she sorely needed, I am in need of a knife to replace it. I should be getting paid in the next couple weeks for a consulting job I did, so I have a short amount of time to decide. I can only afford one knife, and I've been having a heck of a time deciding which one to get. I've narrowed it down to 5 knives:
810-1401 Contego with M390 blade and black/blue G10 (I prefer satin finish blades over coated)
Manix2 XL with S90V blade and CF
ZT0801 -- simply because I want a Todd Rexford designed knife and this one looks awesome
51 Morpho
32 Morpho

I love the Contego design, and if the quality fit & finish of the Knifeworks exclusive is as good as the standard Contego I just sold, it will be a great knife to use outdoors. I don't care for coated blades if I can avoid it, so the -1401 gives me M4 performance without the black coating.

I have never had the opportunity to try Spyderco's ball bearing lock, or S90V. Being a lefty, having an ambidextrous lock is very important to me, and I want to try a different kind of lock other than the Axis lock. If I like it enough, I could see myself getting more Spydercos with the BBL (assuming S'co makes more than just the Manix2 & XL) thanks to Benchmade's ridiculous change in their pricing policy (they just need to come up with something the same size and toughness as the Rift and put the ball bearing lock on it).

I want the ZT0801 for one simple reason: It's a Todd Rexford design. I have a left-handed mini-AFCK, but other than that, all of my other knives are Axis lock knives (Presidio, Barrage, mini-Barrage, 940, the Rift I used to have...) I have never been able to get the hang of right-handed frame/liner locks, but if it's a Rexford design, I think I'd be willing to do whatever it takes to get used to it.

Getting a balisong will still be primarily for EDC, with flipping a secondary thing (I'm way to busy to try and learn flipping techniques). The 32 Morpho seems like it would be less obtrusive when pulling it out and flipping it open to use compared to the 51 Morpho with a blade over 4", so I'm leaning toward the 32 if I go the balisong route.

Too many great knives and not enough money to get them all! Yes, the knife would get used outside when hunting/camping/fishing/hiking, as well as working around the house/yard. What should I look at when comparing these knives?
 
The Contego KW version is on my short list, and I already have the ZT801 which is an awesome knife. Getting it down to two is about as far as I can go!! Either one will be a winner I think.
 
I would go with the XL Manix, i have the regular version and its a helluva knife. The ball lock is really strong and you cant go wrong with S90V.
 
The 32 is too little in my opinion. 51 makes a great edc. It is kind of awkward opening it in public if you insist on flashy opening. You don't have to be in to flipping to enjoy and appreciate a balisong.
 
I edc a manix 2 every day at work.

I responded to a non-injury collision, and both vehicles were driveable...except the bumper of this honda civic was hanging off but still attached. The driver told me he couldn't afford a tow, and was trying his hardest to get the bumper off. I pulled out the manix 2, and half expected it to fail magnificently...I cut through the front bumper, and wheel well like nothing. The guy was able to put his front bumper in his back seat and drive off.

Manix 2...
 
I will also recomend the Manix 2 XL. I have a standard one and am very pleased with it.
The CBL is similar to an Axis lock, though it is definitely stiffer to pull back, not a one finger disengage, forefinger and thumb are required. Certainly ambidextrous, and very smooth, with a little practice it's easy to flick open/shut.
With S90V and CF I would expect that choice to be very satisfying.
 
I am a lefty as well and the Axis lock is good to me! Ive had nothing but good experiences with Benchmade and the contego is a beast! Id go with the BM.
 
I love my 0801 and highly recommend it,but if you loved the 810, why not just replace it with the m390 version? (personally I find the 810 too big and un-wieldly I fact I must constantly remind myself of so I don't buy one myself LOL) 940-1 would be a good choice but it's not out yet and wont be till some time Q2, so you would have to wait a while.
 
I would recommend the ZT 801 first and then the BM 810 m390 next. The ZT 801 is in my top 3. It is such a smooth flipper and I really like how they added the replaceable steel insert on the lock bar. To me it just seems like a very well thought out and superbly executed design and on top of that it comes with the KAI warranty. I picked mine up on the forums and it needed a few body screws replaced from the previous owner and I called KAI and they sent me a full screw kit with the bearings, as well as a new clip and clip screws and I had it in less than 2 weeks.
 
Manix 2 XL, get one before they're gone, if you don like it you can always sell it. I really enjoy the manix 2 xl so far, great steel, good ergos, it's quickly becoming my go to larger folder.
 
I'd go Contego if you loved your last, just stepping it up.
But for an awesome EDC that will do everything short of batoning work, I agree with the 940 (standard or new carbon)
 
I EDC a Bradley Mayhem and that thing is not designed to be a flipper. Just because you don't flip, doesn't mean that you can't use it as an edc... I'm sure balisongs weren't originally designed to be trick flippers. It was made so that people can open their knives with just one hand.

I've EDCed a 51 for a while, my only issue with it is that when I get really sweaty, the D2 will rust. I had to clean surface rust off my 51.

I like the 0801 because it's honestly the best production flipper on the market. It's on the heavy side, but it's still a lot of material and craftsmanship for the money.

I would say no to the contego just because you've experienced it already, you should branch out some to experience new things. If new things don't suit you, then go back to get what you're familiar with.

51 and 801 gets my vote.
 
If you like the 810 already, go for the M390. I picked up one of these a few weeks back and was shocked at its beastliness. A large, useful knife with great steel and an ambidextrous lock that you know and appreciate. Nothing wrong with a sure thing. :thumbup:

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XL manix is a sweet blade. One of my favorites, I often carry a zip tie modded one when I go out drinking and can't carry my gun. Very solid.
 
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