I've been searching for forever...

R

ryan.ororke

Joined
Aug 29, 2014
Messages
38
Hello bladeforums, this is my first post here so I hope that I am posting in the right area.

I have been looking for a good all around medium duty EDC folding knife for months on end now. Searching for general terms like 'best flipper knife,' or 'best edc knife' has gotten me no where. It gave me ideas, but never quite lead me in the right direction. I finally pulled the trigger on a Zero Tolerance 0350bw, and it may be the best knife I have ever owned, but I have finally decided I dont like it. It is a good knife, but I just dont like how wide it sits in the pocket.

So what I am asking for is recommendations. I have looked into the Spyderco Manix 2, however by comparison pictures it seems to sit just as wide as the 0350. Not the biggest fan of Spyderco, but some of their knives intrigue me. Price range would be roughly $150, maybe stretched to $200 if its really worth it.

Basically what I would be looking for is:
-Blade length no longer than 3.5"
-Preferably flipper, A/O ok too
-No wider than the 0350, preferably smaller
-Good steel
-One handed open/close (based off of my job)

I have looked into the manix 2, brous bionic, paramilitary 2, zt 801 (which seems really nice, but slightly pricey) & 770 and many others. Have owned many other kershaws, not the biggest fan of the steel they typically use.

I apologize for the long post, and I realize this is very specific, but any suggestions would be appreciated.
 
Best is going to get very subjective, but if I were you I would look hard at the new ZT 0562. They seem to be going for around $170 (don't pay MAP) and offer a ton of value for that price.

If, on the other hand, you're okay with settling for something that's not as flashy and exciting I would suggest a Spyderco Stretch in ZDP-189. It looks a bit odd and the FRN can seem pretty pedestrian compared to other materials, but I honestly think for a true medium duty user it's near the top of the heap. Very comfortable for extended cutting, excellent edge retention and very nice cutting geometry.
 
I would look at some benchmade models. The 940/943 is incredibly slim and compact and has s30v steel, and is around your price range. It is an amazing knife. Also a mini barrage may appeal to you as it is assisted, and built like a tank, but not horrible thick or obtrusive in my opinion. The 154cm on it is more than adequate. Welcome by the way.
 
So why exactly aren't you a fan of spyderco? Is that based on a bad experience, or just assumptions?

Try one and I can almost guarantee you'll love it. You have to use them to understand how awesome they are:thumbup:

The 770 you mentioned is a great option too. I have the carbon fiber version, and it's one of my favorite knives.

Or you could try Benchmade. They have some nice options for slimmer knives, such as the 707, 940, 943, and if you want a little larger, the 710.
The 707 I mentioned is my personal favorite. It's a little on the small size for most people, but it fits my hand perfectly, so who knows? You might like it too.

Good luck with the search:)
 
grownstar said:
ZT 0556
ZT 0770CF

Both are A/O flippers but can be de-assisted.
Click to expand...

I believe John meant the ZT 566. You will have to excuse him, the south Texas heat has been getting to him lately. :tan:

What about the new Kershaw Blur with the Elmax steel? Thin, light, and Elmax is very good stuff.
 
My vote Buck vantage pro.
you will love it and will not regret buying it. In time you might move on but always come back to the vantage.
 
Personnaly I absolutly love my zt 0350. Its currently my main edc knife. Though that may change when I get my next zt, either a 561 or 562.

One knife that does intrigue me though is the TOPS Mil-Spie 3.5. Blade Length: 3 ½", O/A Length: 8", Cutting Edge: 3 ½", Length Closed: 4 ½", Blade Thickness: 1/8", Handle O/A Thickness: ½", Frame: Aircraft Aluminum 6061 T-6, Blade Width: 1 1/8", Blade Color: Black Traction Coating, Blade Steel: N690Co / Cobalt Vanadium Steel, Blade Hardness: RC 58-60, Liner Lock: Tool Steel RC 50-55. I know TOPS don't always get alot of love round here this one has caught my eye. Sells for around $150 and up on that site named after the big river.

Also, another good one (and cheaper moneywise) is the spyderco endura 4, Blade material: VG-10 steel, Handle material: Fiberglass reinforced nylon, Blade length: 3-13/16 inches Hole diameter: 1/2 inchBlade thickness: 1/8 inches, Closed length: 5 inches, Overall length: 8-13/16 inchesWeight: 3.6 ounces. At its price ($50-$65 on the same site as the tops) replacing it if you have to wonthurt as much.
 
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I've never owned a Spyderco, but I'm just not the biggest fan of the thumb holes. That is what I hear though, own one and you won't regret it. I looked long and hard at the manix 2 but after size comparisons just seems too big. And the paramilitary 2 is damn near impossible to find.
 
I never realized how active this forum is, it's hard to reply to everything at once. I will look at the TOPS, and will look further into the ZT models mentioned. I'm at work though so I can't do much for now.
 
I would go with the PM2. Perfect one hand open and close. Only thing is a delicate tip. I would say the 0566 but like many AO knives it is tricky to one hand close. It can be deassisted though.
 
Spyderco Domino (flipper) is certainly in your price range.
If you don't NEED a flipper, look at three-inch blades in Spyderco SAGE 2 (titanium), or SAGE 3 in carbon fiber; Caly 3 (or 3.5") in ZDP-189.
Gosh, for PM2's, I see them in "as-new" condition here several times a day for $110-120. Great knife.
 
Not sure how a Spyderco Southard or Domino hasn't been suggested yet. Both flippers, both blades under 3.5" using CTS-204P and CTS-XHP respectively. The Southard's blade is closer to 3.5 at 3.46". Yes the Spydie holes are there but not really used as they are flippers and are designed to be flipped, not flicked. The hole is a trademark Spyderco will not stray from. Both utilize IKBS caged bearing systems. The blade to handle ratio on the Southard is much more balanced than the Domino. The Domino has a full flat grind making it a better slicer which IMO is the only advantage it has over the Southard. The FFG compared to the hollow ground Southard is subjective of course depending what you're cutting or prying(lol).

The Southard can be found new for roughly $220 and the Domino for roughly $190 new.
I prefer the Southard myself due the the blade to handle ratio and 204P steel. Plus I have always been a fan of Brad Southard's designs so I may be a little biased.
 
Mayenard said:
Not sure how a Spyderco Southard or Domino hasn't been suggested yet. Both flippers, both blades under 3.5" using CTS-204P and CTS-XHP respectively. The Southard's blade is closer to 3.5 at 3.46". Yes the Spydie holes are there but not really used as they are flippers and are designed to be flipped, not flicked. The hole is a trademark Spyderco will not stray from. Both utilize IKBS caged bearing systems. The blade to handle ratio on the Southard is much more balanced than the Domino. The Domino has a full flat grind making it a better slicer which IMO is the only advantage it has over the Southard. The FFG compared to the hollow ground Southard is subjective of course depending what you're cutting or prying(lol).

The Southard can be found new for roughly $220 and the Domino for roughly $190 new.
I prefer the Southard myself due the the blade to handle ratio and 204P steel. Plus I have always been a fan of Brad Southard's designs so I may be a little biased.
Click to expand...

You answered your own question. Budget is $150 but could be pushed up for the right knife.
 
craytab said:
You answered your own question. Budget is $150 but could be pushed up for the right knife.
Click to expand...

...pushed to $200. To me, the Southard and Domino are both still in his price range and either or could very well be the right knife.
 
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