Looking for another EDC, wanted an opinion...?

myowngod

myowngod

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Dec 3, 2009
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Hey... I've been lurking around here for a while.. Finally joined up in hopes of getting some input before I drop ~100+ on a knife. There are no decent places here to try out anything beyond a gerber or buck, so I want as much input as possible prior to purchasing... I've read reviews on my main candidates.. all positive.. which makes it harder to decide.

I currently EDC a benchmade 940.. I like the knife alot for its weight and blade shape, but would like a second option to use daily. I have been looking at the Delica4 G-10 and Paramilitary. They seem very similar minus the extra size on the Delica, but both would work for my uses, I have a 710 for my larger folder.. looking for another middle sized folder.. I am open to other options, just seem like the 2 most recommended knives (aside from the 710 and 940).. Input appreciated!
 
Like the martian said, "Opinions are like cornholes - everyone has 13 of them".

The Delica and Paramilitary are both good choices. In the Delica I prefer the standard FRN scales for thinness. Thats an awesome knife, and maybe my favorite EDC. I go with an SE edge, but thats just me. I have become a big fan of the serrated edge in the past few months after years of running from it.

The Para is also highly thought of, and I have that in my rotation too. I could not get used to the lock at first, but I got the hang of it. I pinch it between my thumb and index finger.

I also really, really dig the Military. Thats whats in my pocket now. Its very flat so it disappears in your pocket, but honks out a big blade when open. I seem to be collecting the Military, and have 7 or 8 of them now.

Those are just some of my personal favorites.
 
I don't have much to add other than both of those knives are very well liked by most. But from your post it almost sounds like you said the Delica was bigger than the para. The blades are probably pretty close but the handle on the para is longer and thicker than the Delica (at least the thickness of the FRN version).

Spyderco are great knives as well as Benchmade. I would also suggest checking out Kershaw as these are probably the top 3 companies as far as popularity around here. From Kershaw I really suggest the RAM. Nice knife with a great flipper and a good and different locking system. The OD-1 is also nice and can be found at Walmart so you can actually hold it first. There are a few other Kershaws at Walmart but that is my favorite that they carry.
 
The Para blade is a little bigger than the Delica's, the handle is a lot bigger. You really can't go wrong with either of them. I would say that if you can, fondle them in person before you buy, get a feel for the knife. I have found then even an excellent knife can feel weird in the hands, and may not be for you. Or you can do what will most likely happen anyways, buy both!
 
I am sorry as I have mistyped, the other spyderco was the Endura not the Delica...

Which is why I mentioned the blade size..

I like the military, but for my daily uses it would draw too many eyebrows.. (the 710 was bad enough).. I really wish I could hold them in person.. but I guess if I don't like it after a while I can just sell it on here..

I find my 710 is a little too large for what I use a knife for day to day, no point in spending money on something you don't need (I'm not collecting yet, finances permitting I will own all of these lol). I get the feeling the paramilitary is well liked... just wonder if the 3" blade may be a little too small for my liking.

FlaMtnBkr said:
I don't have much to add other than both of those knives are very well liked by most. But from your post it almost sounds like you said the Delica was bigger than the para. The blades are probably pretty close but the handle on the para is longer and thicker than the Delica (at least the thickness of the FRN version).

Spyderco are great knives as well as Benchmade. I would also suggest checking out Kershaw as these are probably the top 3 companies as far as popularity around here. From Kershaw I really suggest the RAM. Nice knife with a great flipper and a good and different locking system. The OD-1 is also nice and can be found at Walmart so you can actually hold it first. There are a few other Kershaws at Walmart but that is my favorite that they carry.
Click to expand...

Had not seen the RAM, but I like it, now you have just gone and confused me more... in a good way though..
 
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Let me ask something else... Has anyone ever compared a Emerson Mini CQC15 to a Para? Specs look similar (weight/size) - price is similar... and I can't ever hold either lol.. any input? (i do not know the forum rules in regards to bumping, if I am in violation, I appologize and will not ever repeat this. This forum seems to move quickly and I need this figured out ASAP as it will be a holiday gift, even if it is for myself)

If both really are under 4oz... and both are considered good EDC knives.. I will let the "santa" (aka. the GF) choose... I use my knives pretty thoroughly, for everything imaginable, so whatever is the best all around... my primary concern is how effective the less traditional blade on the cqc15 is with anything but tactical purposes?
 
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I just got a Spyderco Sage II. Titanium in a framelock design. S30V with FFG.
I got mine for $125 to my frontdoor. I strongly urge you to consider this knife. I also have a Para and it would be a close call on which I like the best.

Do some research. Tomorrow when I get some good light, I'm going to do a couple of pictures of my Para, Sage II, Native IV, and CF Stretch to show the differences. To be frank, any of those four are first class knives.
 
myowngod said:
Let me ask something else... Has anyone ever compared a Emerson Mini CQC15 to a Para? Specs look similar (weight/size) - price is similar... and I can't ever hold either lol.. any input? (i do not know the forum rules in regards to bumping, if I am in violation, I appologize and will not ever repeat this. This forum seems to move quickly and I need this figured out ASAP as it will be a holiday gift, even if it is for myself)

If both really are under 4oz... and both are considered good EDC knives.. I will let the "santa" (aka. the GF) choose... I use my knives pretty thoroughly, for everything imaginable, so whatever is the best all around... my primary concern is how effective the less traditional blade on the cqc15 is with anything but tactical purposes?
Click to expand...

If your compatriots are shy of a 710, they will run in terror from a CQC-15! The blade is almost 4" long and of a 'tanto' style. I think that Powernoodle has covered a lot of bases with his post and personally, I think that a Para would suit your purpose just fine. However, one thing puzzles me. You clearly like Benchmade, so why don't I see mention of a Griptillian or Mini-Grip? Just curious.
 
A.P.F. said:
If your compatriots are shy of a 710, they will run in terror from a CQC-15! The blade is almost 4" long and of a 'tanto' style. I think that Powernoodle has covered a lot of bases with his post and personally, I think that a Para would suit your purpose just fine. However, one thing puzzles me. You clearly like Benchmade, so why don't I see mention of a Griptillian or Mini-Grip? Just curious.
Click to expand...

I do like benchmade, but I like to try new things more... I plan to pick up both sizes of grips eventually (just bought one for my father) - but.. would like to try a few other brands too.. also the stats on the cqc15 mini say 3.5in blade.. which is about what i want..

@ Flatlander: might I ask where you found it for such a price, it is a good looking blade.. but will run me ~160 as far as i know.. let me know if you prefer it to the para.. they seem very similar.. also found a sage II w/ carbon fiber handles.. but i will guess the lock isn't as good as the reeve style.. I'm thinking I'll just send her links to the Para, Mini cqc15, and sage II and let her pick...
 
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IMO a Delica is definitely a "must have". Besides being a classic and a good design, as far as I know it pretty much started the one-hand opening pocket clipped knife craze (at least I'd never seen anything like it when I bought my first one from Sal at a fair)- seems to have caught on!

With that said, my all-time favorite EDC so far is the Mini-Grip, and I think the RAM is the most fun to play with knife knife I own and has great ergos. You have some great knives to look forward to!
 
I primarily like Benchmades and Spydercos so thought I'd suggest the Ritter Mini Griptilian and the Caly3. I just got the G10 Caly3 two days ago and am still perplexed as to why it took me so long to get one. It's an awesome folder. I got a Delica4 earlier this year and was about to buy the G10 version but decided to take a look at the Caly again and I'm glad I did, especially since it's supposed to be discontinued soon. I may actually get another as a back up so I can keep this one as a user.
 
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+1 on the paramilitary
+1 on the calypso 3

Also, you might consider the benchmade 707 sequel if you like your 710 and size is the issue.

But seriously, the paramilitary. Its just that good.
 
I like the Endura4 with the Sage (or Foliage Green) G-10 scales with VG-10 blade. It's Spyderco sharp as always - unbelievable.

I have the Police3 G-10, the Military, the BM 940 and the 710, But, this latest purchase has just blown me away. They're really nice!

Here's a good price on one and the handle is much lighter than in the picture. (not so Green)
 
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