Looking for my first "nicer" EDC knife

M

Matt76cmich

Joined
Mar 31, 2019
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Well, Like the title says im looking for a new knife. I've always just had a cheap Kershaw folder for a pocket knife (and I am liking the Link I'm carrying now), but I'm thinking of getting something a little nicer. I'm learning I don't really know as much as I thought I did when it comes to knives and without really having anywhere near me to go handle some knives I will likely have to buy to try. I'm looking for something that will fit in my XXL work glove hand at least like the Kershaw Link does (also liked the feel of the older 3.25" Kershaw Brawler), not take up too much of my pocket, USA made, and preferably around $150 and under. Any help is much appreciated. Also any 3"and under blade reccomendations will be greatly appreciated as here in Michigan I need to stay at 3" and under if I ever have to use the knife for defense, but we are legal to carry longer lengths as long as the use is not intended to cause harm......

Thank you,

Matt
 
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Spyderco Manix 2. It’ll blow you away. I’d personally go for something other than S30V, but even that model is a great buy. I have smaller hands so it’s a bit bigger in my grip than necessary, but it’s still the most ergonomic folder I own.

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It is a bit over 3”, though.
 
Spyderco Paramilitary 2 would be a good choice based on your preferences.

As for under 3 inches, I'd say look at the Delica 4 in DZP-189, as it is a very underrated small blade in terms of self-defense, and it has a super steel that fits in your budget. But of course, knives should be a very, very last resort in any defense situation.
 
I'd recommend a Spyderco Para 3. The blade length is 3 inches on those.

If you use XXL work gloves, I'm not sure how it'll fit in your hand.

If you were to end up going with something above 3 inches, I second the Spyderco Manix 2. I'd recommend a Spyderco Paramilitary 2, too. Those both have blades a bit under 3.5 inches.

I don't have one (yet!), but if either of those feel somewhat slim in hand, something like a Spyderco Shaman might be worth checking out, too. Those look like great knives and have slightly larger diameter grips.
 
Spyder co is a good next step like others suggested. I personally think a Ontario rat 2 is just as good and a 1/4 of the cost.

I have expensive knives and cheaper ones and I will always reccomend a rat 2 to some one looking at a 120 knife. Just casue I use my knives and I really cant see the difference between a rat 2 or a spyder co , there are differences for sure. But noticed while using? No so much for me
 
Only one draw back on the Manix 2 IMO. I could never close the bloody thing with one thumb. Other than that, it's a great piece w/ awesome ergos.
 
rogatsby said:
Spyderco Paramilitary 2 would be a good choice based on your preferences.

As for under 3 inches, I'd say look at the Delica 4 in DZP-189, as it is a very underrated small blade in terms of self-defense, and it has a super steel that fits in your budget. But of course, knives should be a very, very last resort in any defense situation.
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Completely agree on that last part. If I'm being honest my carry knives are glorified box cutters lol. For whatever reason I have just got into looking knives lately and i want to buy about 5 or 7 of the ones I've read and watched reviews on , but things start with 1 and go from there.
 
Ontario Rat 2 is a great suggestion. They're inexpensive, but not cheaply made.

Dogdrawz does make a good point about the Manix 2. You can't close it with just a thumb in its stock configuration. You have to use a thumb and index finger to disengage the lock. I have seen some people who change the spring so you can use one finger, but I don't have any experience with that.

The Paramilitary 2, Para 3, and Shaman that I suggested all use compression locks. You can look on Youtube to see how those operate. I personally love that style lock, but some may not.
 
Frozen Bear Trading said:
Spyder co is a good next step like others suggested. I personally think a Ontario rat 2 is just as good and a 1/4 of the cost.

I have expensive knives and cheaper ones and I will always reccomend a rat 2 to some one looking at a 120 knife. Just casue I use my knives and I really cant see the difference between a rat 2 or a spyder co , there are differences for sure. But noticed while using? No so much for me
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So true, and I'm a Spyderco fanboy.
 
NWPM2 said:
Ontario Rat 2 is a great suggestion. They're inexpensive, but not cheaply made.

Dogdrawz does make a good point about the Manix 2. You can't close it with just a thumb in its stock configuration. You have to use a thumb and index finger to disengage the lock. I have seen some people who change the spring so you can use one finger, but I don't have any experience with that.

The Paramilitary 2, Para 3, and Shaman that I suggested all use compression locks. You can look on Youtube to see how those operate. I personally love that style lock, but some may not.
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As far as what I have been looking at online have been the Manix 2, PM 2 & 3, Griptilian, Bugout, North Fork, and even looked at the Mini Crooked River. I've been watching a ton of videos (actually watching the Manix 2 vs Griptilian right now) and I have seen the Rat used more for size comparison so I wasn't sure how it was quality wise.
 
Matt76cmich said:
As far as what I have been looking at online have been the Manix 2, PM 2 & 3, Griptilian, Bugout, North Fork, and even looked at the Mini Crooked River. I've been watching a ton of videos (actually watching the Manix 2 vs Griptilian right now) and I have seen the Rat used more for size comparison so I wasn't sure how it was quality wise.
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It cuts everything the others do at a fraction of the price but likely will cost you more time on a sharpener.
 
In my opinion, there's an awful lot of quality choices around $120. I think the Rat 2 punches way above its weight in terms of quality.

I personally gravitate toward the Spydercos because of how you deploy the blade using the hole in the blade. After that, I prefer knives with flipper tabs.

They're a little pricier at around $150, but for a flipper tab knife I'd recommend a Massdrop Laconico Keen made by WE Knives. I have one and it's phenomenal - a minimalist design with excellent blade steel, great build quality and one of the best actions out there. Massdrop has a strange business model so their items aren't always readily available, but I think the Keen should be available from them in early April. I think the blade on those is about 3.5, though.
 
My suggestion at your price range is a Paramilitary 2. Should fit your mitts better than smaller knives.
 
rogatsby said:
Spyderco Paramilitary 2 would be a good choice based on your preferences.

As for under 3 inches, I'd say look at the Delica 4 in DZP-189, as it is a very underrated small blade in terms of self-defense, and it has a super steel that fits in your budget. But of course, knives should be a very, very last resort in any defense situation.
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Can't argue that. I had a yuna mini zen in zdp189 that is great steel especially in an inexpensive knife like a spidey.
 
I don't know how many votes are in for spyderco at this point, but add one more. I was in the same boat a few months ago and bought my first spyderco on the trade forum here. They're awesome knives. You won't go wrong with any of the US made ones (or the Taiwan or Japan made ones but you said US made).
 
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