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

[loonybin]

If you are not into flipping balisongs are not for you.

Get the ZT

I've used a balisong before (a cheapo my wife had at one point), and find them quite functional even if I don't get into the art of flipping. The knife came about before the art, so I have a feeling there were lots of people who used them and didn't flip them for fun.

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.

Too little for what? Flipping or for edc? I carry a 586 with an even shorter blade than the 32 for edc and it works fine. I have no idea if the 32 is too small for flipping.

940-1? carbon fiber and s90v...

The thought had occurred to me, but that's over my budget, as it costs even more than a 51 Morpho. I am not opposed to buying on the secondary market if I find one, as I don't keep safe queens.

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 originally planned on getting the 810-1401 until I saw the Manix2 XL. The only thing that the Contego needed to make it better is the M390 (I don't care for coated blades), as I can have M4 performance in a satin finish stainless blade.

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.

I've heard good things about KAI's warranty and CS being on par with Benchmade, so that is very encouraging. My issue is this: I am very left handed. I have tried ZT/Kershaw liner and frame locks (0350, 0551, 0561, 0301, Cryo II) and they have been very stiff and tough for me to disengage with my left hand without drawing blood. The only reason the 0801 is even being considered is because it's a Todd Rexford design. If they made the 0801 in a left-handed frame lock, I would already own one. As it is, getting used to the 0801 would be a bit of an undertaking, but since it's almost impossible to get a left-handed Rexford...

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.

You make a very good point. Hopefully the money comes together before the last batch is all gone, or it will become a moot point.

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 have a 940 already that I had custom anodized, and I keep telling myself that I'm going to sell it to get the immediate funds for my Contego replacement. Every time I get ready to post it for sale, though, I just can't bring myself to do it.

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.

If I could find a Mayhem, I would probably put it in front of a 51 since it has the perfect blade size for me. Just can't find one for a reasonable price. Balisongs/autos were illegal here in KS until last July, so most of the balis I was interested in were already out of stock. I have no problem with D2, as I have a TuffCloth and also have some FrogLube paste.

I doubt the 0801 is heavier than my wife's Adamas, and I've been able to carry it (when I can sneak it away from her) with no issues.

That's because you like knives.

It's according to what the poster said and also my experience.

I, too like knives -- otherwise I wouldn't be on here. I never said I wasn't going to flip a balisong. I said the primary purpose would be edc with flipping second. I don't have the time to become some dedicated flipping master (as cool as it is). I need to win the lottery so I can buy all 5 knives!

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:

As beastly as it is, it disappears very well into the pocket! I may end up with one in the long run, but we'll see. Benchmade's pricing policy has soured me on them a bit (and that's all I own), so I am happy to branch out to other ambidextrous knives like the Manix2 and any other ambidextrous locks with good steel. If I keep getting Benchmades, they will be either exclusives, or I'll buy used.