knife for tired old man (pictures appreciated)

FireCloud9 · Jan 30, 2015

Hi there... newbie first post here. I've been lurking for a while and finally decided to join the forum to see if I could get some recommendations from the knife lovers on the forum. I've gone to a few shops that sell knives and thus far I've liked the Benchmade, Syperco and Kershaw knives but I'm open to others.

Objective: Purchase an EDC folder overall length 7.5" to ~8.5" Large hand size | 3.25"+ blade | 4.25"+ handle | < ~5oz | Good full hand grip | Good pocket clip | Good long lasting steel & Good value | $30 to ~ $100 | (no tanto blades please) | US / Japan made is preferable but not a deal breaker.

Background: Early 50s, Infantry Veteran, NYC raised, living in CA. My knife history is a Ka-bar, small Buck, small swiss army all in my mid-late teens, in my 20s my interest was in firearms, but d/t my kids, I find myself looking at knives once again. Currently, I have (3) Swiss Army and (1) 7" Gerber.

Considerations: In my younger years, my hands were thicker, but as I've aged my hands have gotten thinner, less flexible, a bit of arthritis in the right index finger, and less flexible wrist. Right handed, though ambidextrous knives appeal to me as one never knows when a wrist strain will occur. Has to be legal to carry in California. Maintain a good edge since I have limited experience sharpening knives.

Use: It would be a general purpose knife for indoor and outdoor use in a suburban to slightly rural environment. Light usage (indoors & outdoors).

Your thoughts would be sincerely appreciated. Thanks in advance.

-CB

Insipid Moniker · Jan 30, 2015

Maybe a Hogue EX-03 3.5 drop point? It's a little over your budget, but can be found for around $110 if you look hard enough. I think the button lock would probably be the easiest to use with arthritis.

FireCloud9 · Jan 30, 2015

Thank you. I checked out a YouTube video on your recommendation. Made in California - I didn't expect that. Looks interesting. Something to explore further.

Would you happen to know what other knives meet the requirements? In your opinion, what knife length do you think would be too large / heavy for a folder?

Insipid Moniker · Jan 30, 2015

FireCloud9 said:
Thank you.

Would you happen to know what other knives meet the requirements? In your opinion, what knife length do you think would be too large / heavy for a folder?

I like big, heavy knives, so I may not be the best to ask. My current daily carry is an Adamas that weighs half-a-pound.

Most seem to like a knife somewhere within the parameters you mentioned, so it's not a bad way to go.

Personally, I find the Axis lock very easy operate, but you have to pull back to actuate it and I don't know if that motion would work well for you. If you can, try to handle a Benchmade with it. If it works for you, look at the Benchmade Griptilian and H&K 14715. Both should fall into your measurements.

FireCloud9 · Jan 30, 2015

Insipid Moniker said:
I like big, heavy knives, so I may not be the best to ask. My current daily carry is an Adamas that weighs half-a-pound. Most seem to like a knife somewhere within the parameters you mentioned, so it's not a bad way to go.

Personally, I find the Axis lock very easy operate, but you have to pull back to actuate it and I don't know if that motion would work well for you. If you can, try to handle a Benchmade with it. If it works for you, look at the Benchmade Griptilian and H&K 14715. Both should fall into your measurements.

That's quite a knife there.... I tend to prefer lighter knives though they tend to be smaller (sub 7") so the handle only covers 1/2 my hand and I'd like to be able to hold on to the knife hence a larger handle.

It's interesting you mentioned the Benchmade Griptilian and H&K 14715. I handled those at a store and I liked both. Since I've been away from knives for a long time other than multi-tools, I figured I'd get up to date and explore what other options are out there before making a decision.

Thanks for the advice.

inkynate · Jan 30, 2015

I don't have one, but the Spyderco Manix 2 xl might be an option. Even the regular Manix 2 is pretty beefy. I also like the Spyderco Military a lot for a large folder, really generous handle. I think they have gone up in price a bit though. I got mine a couple of years ago for $99.

Insipid Moniker · Jan 30, 2015

FireCloud9 said:
That's quite a knife there.... I tend to prefer lighter knives though they tend to be smaller (sub 7") so the handle only covers 1/2 my hand and I'd like to be able to hold on to the knife hence a larger handle.

It's interesting you mentioned the Benchmade Griptilian and H&K 14715. I handled those at a store and I liked both. Since I've been away from knives for a long time other than multi-tools, I figured I'd get up to date and explore what other options are out there before making a decision.

Thanks for the advice.

My pleasure! I wear XXL gloves and I care a lot about ergonomics, so bigger knives work well for me.

Between the two, I would go for the H&K if the weight doesn't bother you as it just represents a better value.

Almost forgot, let us know what you pick and if you're happy with it!

FireCloud9 · Jan 30, 2015

If it's this one, that's a good looking knife. So far I've liked the Spyderco and Benchmade knives quite a bit - Kershaw has been a mixed bag - I like the look but the assisted opening devices would take some getting used to as it irritates my fingers.

FireCloud9 · Jan 30, 2015

Insipid Moniker said:
My pleasure! I wear XXL gloves and I care a lot about ergonomics, so bigger knives work well for me.

Between the two, I would go for the H&K if the weight doesn't bother you as it just represents a better value.

Almost forgot, let us know what you pick and if you're happy with it!

Well, with XXL gloves I'd imagine that all knives in that size would have a heftier weight.

When I was younger I didn't care much about ergonomics. I learned to appreciate it more as I've gotten older.

Once I make my final purchase I'll definitely share here. Who knows? It might turn into a hobby...

TravisH · Jan 30, 2015

Kershaw Skyline - 3.125", flipper, ambidextrous, lots of choices in finishes, $40 ~ $105.

Spyderco Delica - 2.875", ambidextrous, lots of choices in colors and a few steels, $50 ~ $100.

Spyderco Salt 1 - essentially a Delica but with H1 steel, serrated or plain, yellow or black, $70. H1 with Serrated Edge will out-cut any other Spyderco Steel/Edge combo.

... a bit of arthritis in the right index finger ...

Hmmm ... this says "needs assisted opening" to me. And for that, I'd recommend ...

Kershaw Cryo - 2.75", $30 ~ $50 - http://kershawguy.com/products-page...order=ASC&items_per_page=&product_search=cryo

Kershaw Blur - 3.4", lots of choices in color and steels (Elmax is great), $30 ~ $100 - http://kershawguy.com/products-page...order=ASC&items_per_page=&product_search=blur

timberweasel · Jan 30, 2015

Welcome to the forums! :thumbup:

I think Spyderco makes a fantastic EDC type knife. I'd recommend looking at a Delica, Endura or Para-Military 2...

Top to bottom: Endura 4, Para-Military 2, Delica 4

The Delica might be a little smaller than what you're looking for, but it's big on handle/comfort and remains one of my all-time favourite Spydercos. Comes in many delicious flavours as well...

Good luck, OP! Please let us know what you finally choose!

-Brett

Accelerator · Jan 30, 2015

I think that you would be well served with a full-sized Benchmade Griptilian. You can choose your scale color and either the drop point or the hollow ground with thumb hole. The Griptilian is a solid performer and an all time classic. Good steel, good ergos, and a company that backs it with a good warranty. On top of that, if you watch the exchange, you can pick up a like new, usually unused, only carried knife for well within your price range. I really think that this knife would suite you well.

FireCloud9 · Jan 30, 2015

Thanks TravisH,

I saw a video of the Skyline today. I believe it was in "Top 10 knives under $100" on youtube. The Delica is a beauty though the blade is a bit smaller than I'd like - same with the Cryo. The Blur is one of the knives on my list along with the aforementioned Griptilian and HK. The HK will go nicely with my HK P2000.

Yes, you're on the money "assisted opening" and one handed (ambidextrous use) would both be important to me as at one time or another my right or left wrist has gotten strained.

TravisH said:
Kershaw Skyline - 3.125", flipper, ambidextrous, lots of choices in finishes, $40 ~ $105.

Spyderco Delica - 2.875", ambidextrous, lots of choices in colors and a few steels, $50 ~ $100.

Spyderco Salt 1 - essentially a Delica but with H1 steel, serrated or plain, yellow or black, $70. H1 with Serrated Edge will out-cut any other Spyderco Steel/Edge combo.

Hmmm ... this says "needs assisted opening" to me. And for that, I'd recommend ...

Kershaw Cryo - 2.75", $30 ~ $50 - http://kershawguy.com/products-page...order=ASC&items_per_page=&product_search=cryo

Kershaw Blur - 3.4", lots of choices in color and steels (Elmax is great), $30 ~ $100 - http://kershawguy.com/products-page...order=ASC&items_per_page=&product_search=blur

FireCloud9 · Jan 30, 2015

Accelerator said:
I think that you would be well served with a full-sized Benchmade Griptilian. You can choose your scale color and either the drop point or the hollow ground with thumb hole. The Griptilian is a solid performer and an all time classic. Good steel, good ergos, and a company that backs it with a good warranty. On top of that, if you watch the exchange, you can pick up a like new, usually unused, only carried knife for well within your price range. I really think that this knife would suite you well.

Thank you Accelerator. That is currently one of the top knives on my list.

FireCloud9 · Jan 30, 2015

timberweasel said:
Welcome to the forums! :thumbup:

I think Spyderco makes a fantastic EDC type knife. I'd recommend looking at a Delica, Endura or Para-Military 2...

Top to bottom: Endura 4, Para-Military 2, Delica 4

The Delica might be a little smaller than what you're looking for, but it's big on handle/comfort and remains one of my all-time favourite Spydercos. Comes in many delicious flavours as well...

Good luck, OP! Please let us know what you finally choose!

-Brett

Thanks Brett,

The PM2 is another knife that I've been giving a lot of consideration to. I like the Delica, though I'm looking for a longer blade.

blades&wrenches · Jan 30, 2015

Another vote for the HK 14715! It's an incredible value. D2 steel is great, smooth operation, and it's made in USA by Benchmade so it carries BM's warranty. Second favorite BM behind the 908.

Colorodo · Jan 30, 2015

I would recommend the ZT0770 aluminum handle , light weight and easy to use.

FireCloud9 · Jan 30, 2015

Colorodo said:
I would recommend the ZT0770 aluminum handle , light weight and easy to use.

Thanks Colorodo,

The motion on the assisted opening of this knife works for me on a good day. On days when my right index finger is arthritic, it's a painful motion. Thumb use is better for me (trying to save my trigger finger for emergencies

)

Thanks blades&wrenches, there doesn't seem to be an easy way to conduct a poll on the forum, but it'd be interesting to see the results of the various options.

blades&wrenches said:
Another vote for the HK 14715! It's an incredible value. D2 steel is great, smooth operation, and it's made in USA by Benchmade so it carries BM's warranty. Second favorite BM behind the 908.

RevDevil · Jan 30, 2015

I think the Endura would make a great choice, maybe look into the Spyderco Stretch. That is one of the most comfortable knives Spyderco has designed.

Redbarchettayyz · Jan 30, 2015

You've mentioned you like the Griptilian already, i had an orange full-size drop point as my one knife for the past few years before getting into knives as a hobby, and I can definitely say it's a great knife that probably fits your needs. The axis system especially works great in either hand, and the blade motion has always been very light and easy, which I imagine is good for arthritis, along with the thicker handle.