KnifeNews Readers’ Choice Awards!

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Tommy-Chi

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May 25, 2017
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Tell us what you think!

This is the largest knife forum globally, so what are your picks for the following categories in the Knife News Reader's Choice Awards.

Monday, November 26: Best New Tactical Fixed Blade 2018

Tuesday, November 27: Best New Fixed Blade for EDC 2018

Wednesday, November 28: Best New Outdoors Fixed Blade 2018

Thursday, November 29: Best Knife Upgrade 2018

Friday, November 30: Best New Slipjoint/Non-Locking Knife 2018

Monday, December 3: Best New High-End Knife 2018 (MSRP of $300 or more)

Tuesday, December 4: Best New Value Folder 2018 (MSRP of $100 or less)

Wednesday, December 5: Best New Manual Folder 2018

Thursday, December 6: Most Innovative New Knife 2018

Friday, December 7: Best Overall New for 2018 Lineup


After the winners are announced, tell us where they were right or wrong.
 
... I want to add to / start the discussion here, but I have yet to handle a single knife that began production in 2018.

If I were to vote entirely by concept, I would submit the Manix2 in 4V ( just purchased, haven't handled) as the best new manual folder of 2018. We're talking about a knife with incredible ergonomics combined with excellent quality control and materials with such an ideal heat treatment that it might as well be unobtanium.

I have one incoming and, while I have handled other Manix2s, that's almost irrelevant; Spyderco is so good about keeping their heat treatments and QC on point that I can practically argue for the virtues of this knife on spec. It's an entirely pragmatic design with excellent materials, perfect for nearly every role a cutting tool could be faced with, and the only potential criticism is that a full-flat-ground model is not available at present. A FFG CPM 4V Manix 2 might be the most perfect cutting tool ever designed, but I am still happy with the saber-ground version as the aesthetic value personally supercedes the slight mechanical advantage a FFG version would have in cutting performance.

It's what I want. I want a Manix made of a metal designed to cut other metals, and also looks surprisingly fancy while doing so. Thus, it is my nomination.
 
Best New Tactical Fixed Blade 2018
Best New Fixed Blade for EDC 2018

- Did the Bradford Guardian Series come out in 2018?

Best Knife Upgrade 2018

- Has to be the Hinderer Tri-Way Pivot System.

Best New Slipjoint/Non-Locking Knife 2018

- Chris Reeve Impinda?

Best New Manual Folder 2018
Most Innovative New Knife 2018

- Has to be the Hinderer Tri-Way Pivot System, Full-Track
 
The Polls at KnifeNews are UP and you can vote.


1. Best New Tactical Fixed Blade 2018
Spartan Blades Tactical Trout
TOPS Operator 7
Benchmade Infidel Fixed Blade
CRKT SiWi
Write-in

2. Best New Fixed Blade for EDC 2018
TOPS Little Bugger
Benchmade Follow-Up
Smith & Sons Spur
Write-in

3. Best New Outdoors Fixed Blade 2018
Benchmade 200 Puukko
Spyderco Zoomer
Arno Bernard Badger
KA-BAR Kephart
Write-in

4. Best Knife Upgrade 2018
Buck 110 & 122 Slim Models
Ontario RAT Model 2 in D2
Victorinox Hunter Pro M
DPx Gear HEST/F Urban Flipper
Write-in

5. Best New Slipjoint/Non-Locking Knife
Isham Bladeworks Blackstar
Three Rivers Manufacturing Viator
Manly WASP
Kizer ZipSlip
Great Eastern Cutlery #44
Write-in

6. Best New High-End Knife 2018 (MSRP of $300 or more)
Zero Tolerance 470
Spyderco Hannan
Grayman Knives Tiga
Benchmade mPR
GiantMouse GMP5
Write-in

7. Best New Value Folder 2018 (MSRP of $100 or less)
Steel Will Modus
Civivi Baklash
KA-BAR Jarosz Flipper
Kizer Domin
Buck 110/112 LT
Write-in

8. Best New Manual Folder 2018
Spyderco Chaparral FRN
Benchmade Mini Crooked River
Zero Tolerance 0640
Three Rivers Manufacturing Neutron
Write-in

9. Most Innovative New Knife 2018
Benchmade 737 Aileron
We Knife Co. Double Helix
Spyderco Clipitool Standard
Write-in

10. Best Overall New for 2018 Lineup
Benchmade
CRKT
Spyderco
We Knife Co.
Write-in
 
This is how I voted:

1. Best New Tactical Fixed Blade 2018
Spartan Blades Tactical Trout

2. Best New Fixed Blade for EDC 2018
Benchmade Follow-Up

3. Best New Outdoors Fixed Blade 2018
Benchmade 200 Puukko

4. Best Knife Upgrade 2018
Ontario RAT Model 2 in D2

5. Best New Slipjoint/Non-Locking Knife
Manly WASP

6. Best New High-End Knife 2018 (MSRP of $300 or more)
GiantMouse GMP5

7. Best New Value Folder 2018 (MSRP of $100 or less)
Civivi Baklash

8. Best New Manual Folder 2018
Zero Tolerance 0640

9. Most Innovative New Knife 2018
We Knife Co. Double Helix

10. Best Overall New for 2018 Lineup
Benchmade
 
Last edited:
Seems like it was quite the crap year in knives. Every single knife listed does nothing for me, save one. The RAT II in D2 is the only knife I even contemplated purchasing.
 
Mo2 said:
I hate these things. They always pick dumb knives in some cases... Like the Benchmade MPR... Lol that was a total failure, why's it even on the list. Same with 737 Aileron for its category lol, and GM5. Lol it's all a joke imho.
Click to expand...

Start your campaign right here on Blade Forums in this thread. When people vote, ask them to WRITE-IN the name of the model you think is the best!
 
NorthernSouthpaw said:
Seems like it was quite the crap year in knives. Every single knife listed does nothing for me, save one. The RAT II in D2 is the only knife I even contemplated purchasing.
Click to expand...

I'm thinking of going back and changing one vote maybe more.

How the Hinderer Tri-Way Pivot System was not the best improvement... I'm at a loss.
 
Mo2 said:
I hate these things. They always pick dumb knives in some cases... Like the Benchmade MPR... Lol that was a total failure, why's it even on the list. Same with 737 Aileron for its category lol, and GM5. Lol it's all a joke imho.
Click to expand...

The list does have a very bad joke sort of feel to it. The brain-damaged 737 appearing on it proves that to be the case on its own. What was the innovation with that one? Was it the cringe-worthy two handed tactical opening method that caught the list maker's eye?
 
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I'm guessing the hinderer tri-way pivot lost out because the general perception of hinderer these days is overhyped. (which is too bad, since they do push innovation)

*edit* for what it's worth, I think the crkt field strip tech is a better overall development - and should win for best innovation
 
Last edited:
Tommy-Chi said:
This is how I voted:

1. Best New Tactical Fixed Blade 2018
Spartan Blades Tactical Trout

2. Best New Fixed Blade for EDC 2018
Benchmade Follow-Up

3. Best New Outdoors Fixed Blade 2018
Benchmade 200 Puukko

4. Best Knife Upgrade 2018
Ontario RAT Model 2 in D2

5. Best New Slipjoint/Non-Locking Knife
Manly WASP

6. Best New High-End Knife 2018 (MSRP of $300 or more)
GiantMouse GMP5

7. Best New Value Folder 2018 (MSRP of $100 or less)
Civivi Baklash

8. Best New Manual Folder 2018
Zero Tolerance 0640

9. Most Innovative New Knife 2018
We Knife Co. Double Helix

10. Best Overall New for 2018 Lineup
Benchmade
Click to expand...
Please tell us the experience you have with the knives you chose!
 
craytab said:
Please tell us the experience you have with the knives you chose!
Click to expand...

My responses for #1, 3, 4, 8 are on my short list for purchasing. I'll own them within 6 months or less.

2018 PURCHASES

1 - BOKER SPECIAL RUN APPLEGATE EBONY TANTO FIXED BLADE KNIFE
1 - Bradford Guardian 4 M390 - Black G-10 - False Edge - Stonewashed
1 - Spartan Enyo Inside Waist Band/Neck Knife
1 - Spyderco Yojimbo 2, CF, 20CV Blade
2 - Zero Tolerance 0095 Sprint Run with Titanium Handles and Tan Coated CMP S90V Steel Blade Model 0095TANBLK
1 - Cold Steel, Code 4, Clip Point in CTS XHP
1 - Cold Steel, American Lawman with Black G-10 Handles and Black Coated CTS-XHP Alloy 3.50" Drop Point Plain Edge Blade
1 - Cold Steel Drop Forged Boot Knife with 52100 High Carbon Steel Bronze Finish
1 - Cold Steel Recon 1 Spear Point Folding Knife (4 Inch CTS-XHP Plain Black DLC Blade) G10 Handles 27TLCS
1 - Kershaw RJ Martin STPTOOL See-Through Pivot Tool for 0609
1 - Winkler Knives WK II, Winkler Belt Knife - Exclusive Special Edition CPM 3V - Sculpted Multi Cam G10
1 - KA-BAR BK21 Becker/Reinhardt Kukri Fixed 13.25" Black 1095 Blade, Nylon Handles
1 - Spyderco Jumpmaster 2 Fixed 4.5" in H1 Serrated Leaf-Shaped Blade, Black FRN Handles
1 - Winkler Knives WK II Recon, with "Black Micarta" handles, handle treatment "Sculpted"
1 - Bradford Guardian 3, M390 - Black G-10 - False Edge - Stonewashed
1 - ESEE Knives Junglas Machete 10.38" Dark Earth Blade, Micarta Handles, Kydex Sheath
1 - Spartan Blades Horkos - Flat Black & Black Micarta Tactical Fixed Blade
1 - Winkler Knives WK II Tactical Dagger - Caswell and WASP
1 - Zero Tolerance Factory Custom 0450FCZDP Flipper Knife Ti PVD (3.25" Black)
1 - Spyderco Native 5 Lightweight Folding Knife 2.95" Maxamet Satin Plain Blade, Gray FRN Handles
1 - Spyderco Stuart Ackerman Sustain, 20CV Blade
1 - Winkler Knives/Jason Knight WKII Pathfinder Fixed Blade Knife Black Micarta (4.75" Black)
1 - Spyderco Yojimbo 2, CF, 20CV Blade
1 - Winkler Knives/Jason Knight WK II Jaeger Fixed Blade Knife Black Micarta
1 - Winkler Knives WK II Tactical Pick Leather Wrap w/ Kydex Sheath
1 - Cold Steel, Code 4, Spearpoint in CTS XHP
1 - Benchmade Barrage Custom Knife Order Model: 583
1 - Bastinelli Creations, PiKa
1 - Yojimbo 2 Scales, Black, by Allen Putman (Bladescales.com)
1 - Spyderco C85GP2 Yojimbo 2 Folding Knife, G10, S30V
1 - Boker Kwaiken Wooden Mirror - Massdrop Exclusive
1 - Medford Knife and Tool USMC Fighter
1 - Neill Schutte CUSTOM 8 inch dagger
1 - Zero Tolerance 0609BLK
2 - RMJ Tactical Raider Dagger
2 - KA-BAR / EK - Jarosz boot knife
2 - Les George Galvos Daggers CTS-XHP. (TWO) leather sheaths, (TWO) kydex sheaths.
2 - BRT BLADEWORKS (Ben Tendick) (TWO) Universal Blade Rigs
1 - Emerson Tactical Kwaiken
1 - Emerson Karambit fixed blade
1 - Emerson Barracuda - Signature series
2 - Aku Strike, Mimic T-16 trainer with 2 replacement blades
1 - CRKT FE7
1 - Gerber Strongarm BDZ-1
1 - Hinderer 3.5 inch Fatty Harpoon Tanto
1 - Hinderer Maximus double edge dagger
1 - Boker Kwaiken marbeled carbon fiber
1 - Tops Knives - BladeOps Blackout - Special Ed Wild Pig Hunter
 
Tommy-Chi said:
My responses for #1, 3, 4, 8 are on my short list for purchasing. I'll own them within 6 months or less.

2018 PURCHASES

1 - BOKER SPECIAL RUN APPLEGATE EBONY TANTO FIXED BLADE KNIFE
1 - Bradford Guardian 4 M390 - Black G-10 - False Edge - Stonewashed
1 - Spartan Enyo Inside Waist Band/Neck Knife
1 - Spyderco Yojimbo 2, CF, 20CV Blade
2 - Zero Tolerance 0095 Sprint Run with Titanium Handles and Tan Coated CMP S90V Steel Blade Model 0095TANBLK
1 - Cold Steel, Code 4, Clip Point in CTS XHP
1 - Cold Steel, American Lawman with Black G-10 Handles and Black Coated CTS-XHP Alloy 3.50" Drop Point Plain Edge Blade
1 - Cold Steel Drop Forged Boot Knife with 52100 High Carbon Steel Bronze Finish
1 - Cold Steel Recon 1 Spear Point Folding Knife (4 Inch CTS-XHP Plain Black DLC Blade) G10 Handles 27TLCS
1 - Kershaw RJ Martin STPTOOL See-Through Pivot Tool for 0609
1 - Winkler Knives WK II, Winkler Belt Knife - Exclusive Special Edition CPM 3V - Sculpted Multi Cam G10
1 - KA-BAR BK21 Becker/Reinhardt Kukri Fixed 13.25" Black 1095 Blade, Nylon Handles
1 - Spyderco Jumpmaster 2 Fixed 4.5" in H1 Serrated Leaf-Shaped Blade, Black FRN Handles
1 - Winkler Knives WK II Recon, with "Black Micarta" handles, handle treatment "Sculpted"
1 - Bradford Guardian 3, M390 - Black G-10 - False Edge - Stonewashed
1 - ESEE Knives Junglas Machete 10.38" Dark Earth Blade, Micarta Handles, Kydex Sheath
1 - Spartan Blades Horkos - Flat Black & Black Micarta Tactical Fixed Blade
1 - Winkler Knives WK II Tactical Dagger - Caswell and WASP
1 - Zero Tolerance Factory Custom 0450FCZDP Flipper Knife Ti PVD (3.25" Black)
1 - Spyderco Native 5 Lightweight Folding Knife 2.95" Maxamet Satin Plain Blade, Gray FRN Handles
1 - Spyderco Stuart Ackerman Sustain, 20CV Blade
1 - Winkler Knives/Jason Knight WKII Pathfinder Fixed Blade Knife Black Micarta (4.75" Black)
1 - Spyderco Yojimbo 2, CF, 20CV Blade
1 - Winkler Knives/Jason Knight WK II Jaeger Fixed Blade Knife Black Micarta
1 - Winkler Knives WK II Tactical Pick Leather Wrap w/ Kydex Sheath
1 - Cold Steel, Code 4, Spearpoint in CTS XHP
1 - Benchmade Barrage Custom Knife Order Model: 583
1 - Bastinelli Creations, PiKa
1 - Yojimbo 2 Scales, Black, by Allen Putman (Bladescales.com)
1 - Spyderco C85GP2 Yojimbo 2 Folding Knife, G10, S30V
1 - Boker Kwaiken Wooden Mirror - Massdrop Exclusive
1 - Medford Knife and Tool USMC Fighter
1 - Neill Schutte CUSTOM 8 inch dagger
1 - Zero Tolerance 0609BLK
2 - RMJ Tactical Raider Dagger
2 - KA-BAR / EK - Jarosz boot knife
2 - Les George Galvos Daggers CTS-XHP. (TWO) leather sheaths, (TWO) kydex sheaths.
2 - BRT BLADEWORKS (Ben Tendick) (TWO) Universal Blade Rigs
1 - Emerson Tactical Kwaiken
1 - Emerson Karambit fixed blade
1 - Emerson Barracuda - Signature series
2 - Aku Strike, Mimic T-16 trainer with 2 replacement blades
1 - CRKT FE7
1 - Gerber Strongarm BDZ-1
1 - Hinderer 3.5 inch Fatty Harpoon Tanto
1 - Hinderer Maximus double edge dagger
1 - Boker Kwaiken marbeled carbon fiber
1 - Tops Knives - BladeOps Blackout - Special Ed Wild Pig Hunter
Click to expand...
Can you narrow this down to what is relevant to the original post?
 
craytab said:
I can't say I've used any of these new knives. Have you?

It is difficult to vote on what knife is best without using any of them.
Click to expand...

I researched every knife, just as if I was going to purchase them. I looked at reviews and at retail listings and then made a decision. I have faith in my choices, but as I said earlier, I think the Hinderer Tri-Way Pivot Systems should be the knife for "4. Best Knife Upgrade 2018"
 
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