Looking for a knife

J

j.man

Joined
May 1, 2012
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67
Hi I'm sure you guys hear this one alot but I am just getting into buying knives. After some research I was amazed at all the companies out there. So I was hoping I could get some feed back on a few knives that fit this criteria. I want a folding blade about 2 2/3-4.0in. does not have to be exact. It also want a pocket clip, I will be carrying this knife in my jeans pocket, a standard blade is also perferd. I am looking at spending about 60-110 dollars. A couple knives I have reasearched are the Benchmade mini presido ultra-folding and the Kershaw RAM folding what is your opinion on these two? I know I'm asking alot but I apreciate the help, thanks.

Jon
 
I am a big fan of Benchmade so I would say go with that. However I have not used the Kershaw, I would probably still go with BM.
 
There are literally too many knives to list even just the makers that fit in your category. Can you give some additional requirements? Blade shape? Lock type? Blade steel, even? Likes/Dislikes?

Also, both knives you listed are tried and true models. I would also check out the forums faves: Benchmade Mini-Grip/Ritter Grip...Spyderco Delica...Spyderco Paramilitary2...Kershaw Blur...Zero Tolerance 0350...others can add to this I'm sure.
 
What Benchmade knives you would recomend? I do not know much about different steel. I like Benchmades locking system and a blade shape that is simmilar to the Benchmade 551 Griptilian.
 
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my favorite edc knife in that price range has always been the benchmade 707 sequel. it practically disappears in your pocket and has a very useful blade length and design.
 
I love the Mini Griptilian, the regular Griptilian, the Barrage, and Mini Barrage are assisted opening and very popular. My personal favorite Benchmade is the 710-2 with M390 blade steel(read some of the best steel in regular production knives, holds an edge for a very long time). The Ritter Grip and Mini Ritter Griptilians are upgraded Griptilians with better blade steel. These are just a few of the good, solid knives Benchmade makes.
 
I mean really, your best best to find the perfect knife is to go out and handle everything you can. Call around to see who carries what in your area if you can. There are plenty of knives that are forum favorites that some people can't stand. So go out and fondle any and everything and report back with what you find. You don't have to buy them, just fondle them and order online from one of Bladeforums.com's many sponsored dealers.
 
Ok thanks I like the look of the Benchmade 556 Mini-Griptillian is 154cm steel good quality?
 
Don't get something expensive before you've come to terms with what YOU'LL want in the end. There are a plethora of inexpensive, yet superb blades around.
 
154CM is a solid, workhorse of a steel. It's fairly tough, holds an edge well, and is plenty corrosion resistant while being very easy to sharpen. The Benchmade 556 is a great choice. It's a true enthusiast knife if you ask me, and it has introduced a ton of people to the hobby. Benchmade does a good job with their 154CM IMHO. It's some of the better steel out there, and blows stuff like Walmart Gerbers and CRKT's steel out of the water.

Just to note, the BM 556 was one of my first "nice knives" several years ago.

You may also look at the Mini Ritter Griptilian. It offers a better blade shape (opinion only of course), and a better steel(not so much just an opinion). The blade shape is what does it for me, though.

Get the 556 if you like it, it's a very, very good knife and has a huge following on the forums. I can't wait for you to feel just how smooth the blade opens and closes. It's kinda of How a Knife Should Be 101 course. Proper blade steel, blade shape, handle ergo's, lock strength and smoothness...etc.
 
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j.man said:
Is this the Mini Ritter Griptilian you are talking about.
http://www.knifeworks.com/dougritterminirskmk1stonewasheds30vblade.aspx
Click to expand...

Yes, it's a superb knife. It's a bit more expensive, but it's also a bit more exclusive. You just don't see very many of them. It's soo good. It slices well, has a great, proven blade steel, and has that cool stonewash finish that doesn't show scratches easily. If the 556 is Quality Knife 101, this is a Master's Degree. It's also designed by a very cool, very smart man by the name of Doug Ritter. He is a standup guy with tons of survival training and hugely involved in Knife Rights, an organization that protects your well, uh, knife rights.

The Ritter Mini Grip is a "little big knife" as Spyderco likes to call them. It can really go way beyond what you would think it would be capable of. I think I would put this knife up against just about anything else in it's size/ price range. But, the only downside is price. That's Spyderco Paramilitary 2 price, pretty much. However, this knife will feel much smaller in your pocket, which is a significant factor for an EDC'er just starting out. If it's too big, and I'm not saying a Para2 is, you won't carry it. The Para2 is also a superb blade for the money, and a top performer.
 
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If you like the RAM, get it. They're discontinued, so they'll be very hard to find soon, and they're a pretty neat design, so I'd jump on it now if it appeals to you. You can't go wrong with Kershaw quality and warranty, too.
 
j.man said:
What Benchmade knives you would recomend? I do not know much about different steel. I like Benchmades locking system and a blade shape that is simmilar to the Benchmade 551 Griptilian.
Click to expand...

where do you live?? does your state allow switchblades?? you need to look at that too.
 
The RAM Is A Cool Knife.
Also A Good One Is The Spyderco Delica - For Around $50.
Or The Spyderco Native For Around $50 - Has Good Blade Steel And Great Ergos.

Also, You May Want To Do Some Reading Into Different Blade Steels And Materials And The Different Companies. Learn Some Good Things Before You Decide On Your First Knife.
This Way You Can Find What Blade Steel Will Work Best For You, What Handle Materials You Like The Best, And Which Company You Might Want To Go With.

Really I Don't Think You Can Go Wrong With:
Spyderco
Zero Tolerance/Kershaw
Benchmade

All Three Are Really Good Companies And Have Great Standing Reputations.

For A First Knife.. Kershaw Is Really Great. But So Is Spyderco.
My First "Real" Knife Was A Kershaw Nerve.

I've Since Last Year Moved On Up In The Knife World Lol.

Spyderco Is One Of My Favorite Brands, Well, They Are My Favorite Brand.
So I Would Go With Them.

But Kershaw Is Also Great. And So Is Benchmade, But I Feel You Can Get More For Your Money With The Other Two Companies.

Like With Benchmade - You Pay Around $80 For A Knife With FRN Type Handles And 154cm Blade Steel. Both Are Good Materials.
But You Can Pay $50 For A Knife With FRN Handles And s30v Steel With Spyderco. So You're Taking A Step Up On Better Blade Steel.
And With Kershaw, You Can Spend Around $30 - $60 For Nice Sandvik Steel, Just About Any Handle Material, And Made In The USA(If This Is An Issue To You).

I Say Paramilitary 2, But You Might Want To Start Cheaper And Move Your Way Up. Buy A Couple Of Knives From Different Companies With What You Have And Then You Can Choose What You Like Best.
 
Thank you for all the help. I was also wondering what people fell cofertable with carrying different knife lengths in thier pocket. Is a five inch knife (closed) feel large and bulky in your pocket? What length of knife (closed) do you feel fits nicely in your pocket?
 
Cant go wrong with a BM Grip

The biggest I carry is a CS Spartan (4.5") in my right rear pocket. I got use to it so don't feel it anymore
 
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