Looking to upgrade knife

A

ArmedAndHammered

Joined
Aug 6, 2007
Messages
4
Hi all,

Let me start by telling you that I am new to the knife scene. Also, there aren't any stores that I'm aware of in my area that sell anything other than Gerber, SOG, Buck, and maybe a few Kershaw knives.

A few months ago I bought my first decent knife, a Buck Vantage Large Avid, which I really like. The blade shape is easy for me to sharpen, and the deep carry clip couldn't be better, but I've been thinking about upgrading to something with grippier scales, jimping, and maybe a bit larger handle in general.

I've been considering a Zero Tolerance 0560. Good grip, clip, ergonomics, blade shape, etc. But I can't bring myself to spend that much on a tool that will undoubtably get beaten up. I don't need titanium, fancy ball bearing systems, or the latest and greatest blade steel.

Are there any knives similar to the 0560, without some of the bells & whistles and about $100 less expensive?
 
Look at Spyderco and see if there are any you like, they make great user knives.
 
For about $100 less than the 0560, you can get the ZT 0550, which in a sense is a 560 without some bells and whistles (flipper, bearings), for around $150 if you don't mind the older style clip.

You might consider the Manix2 XL, which comes in at about $100 and is very close to the same size as the 0560.

edit: pic comparison

utGma.jpg
 
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There is a dealer on here named kershawguy send him an email about a 560 and you might be surprised at his price. I have both the 0550 and 0560 and you can't go wrong with either. If I had to choose one I would have to go with the 0560 just because I prefer flippers and the kvt is amazing.
 
Thanks for the replies everyone.

Ankerson said:
Look at Spyderco and see if there are any you like, they make great user knives.
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mantzao said:
Don't think much more about that...buy a Spyderco Paramilitary 2:)
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I'm not sure if it's because I'm used to a more traditional blade shape, but Spyderco knives always look a little odd to me. I have checked out the Paramilitary 2 and I'll give it some more thought. I assumed they were discontinued because nobody had them in stock, but I guess they just sell really fast.

kreole said:
For about $100 less than the 0560, you can get the ZT 0550, which in a sense is a 560 without some bells and whistles (flipper, bearings), for around $150 if you don't mind the older style clip.

You might consider the Manix2 XL, which comes in at about $100 and is very close to the same size as the 0560.

edit: pic comparison

utGma.jpg
Click to expand...

I'd give the 0550 more consideration if it had similar grip and flipper like the 0560. I do like the fact that it has a bit smaller blade, and a bit thicker handle. I haven't seen the Manix yet, I'll check it out thanks.

BrentD86 said:
There is a dealer on here named kershawguy send him an email about a 560 and you might be surprised at his price. I have both the 0550 and 0560 and you can't go wrong with either. If I had to choose one I would have to go with the 0560 just because I prefer flippers and the kvt is amazing.
Click to expand...

I thought I'd seen his website before when I was looking at Leeks/Cryos. I'll look him up, thanks.
 
If you want to get into Spyderco, the Tenacious is dirt cheap, and a great little knife. You'll quickly understand why people like Spyderco. I was never a huge fan of the aesthetics either, until I tried one of their knives. They'll sell you on the performance alone. I would probably NOT get the Para 2, based on what you said. If you're worried about using it hard, the Para 2 is a pretty slender, slicy blade. Not a hard use blade like a ZT at all. Manix 2 XL is probably a better bet.

That being said, if you want the 560, I'd buy it. Don't worry about it getting beaten up. Knives are made to be used, and really nice knives will hold up better. Zero Tolerance is known for making tough blades too. I rarely EDC a blade that's less expensive than the 560, and you'd be surprised how well they hold up. At the end of the day, if you start with cheaper blades, you're likely to end up buying the one you really wanted and using it anyways. I'm personally not a huge fan of the 560, just because of the jimping placement and the pocket clip placement, but it's still a good knife, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to someone who was looking into it.
 
I'll restate what has already been said about Spyderco, because its true. They are some of the best designs to be use in hand. Once you start using them you'll start to think they look pretty cool too, I did.

Something that hasn't been mentioned is that if you get a higher end knive and end up not liking it you can sell it here on BF and move on to your next. Good hunting.
 
crimsonfalcon07 said:
If you want to get into Spyderco, the Tenacious is dirt cheap, and a great little knife. You'll quickly understand why people like Spyderco. I was never a huge fan of the aesthetics either, until I tried one of their knives. They'll sell you on the performance alone. I would probably NOT get the Para 2, based on what you said. If you're worried about using it hard, the Para 2 is a pretty slender, slicy blade. Not a hard use blade like a ZT at all. Manix 2 XL is probably a better bet.

That being said, if you want the 560, I'd buy it. Don't worry about it getting beaten up. Knives are made to be used, and really nice knives will hold up better. Zero Tolerance is known for making tough blades too. I rarely EDC a blade that's less expensive than the 560, and you'd be surprised how well they hold up. At the end of the day, if you start with cheaper blades, you're likely to end up buying the one you really wanted and using it anyways. I'm personally not a huge fan of the 560, just because of the jimping placement and the pocket clip placement, but it's still a good knife, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to someone who was looking into it.
Click to expand...

rnbtexas said:
I'll restate what has already been said about Spyderco, because its true. They are some of the best designs to be use in hand. Once you start using them you'll start to think they look pretty cool too, I did.

Something that hasn't been mentioned is that if you get a higher end knive and end up not liking it you can sell it here on BF and move on to your next. Good hunting.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the replies. I've checked out some more knives, but waiting to hear back from KershawGuy about an 0560 before I go any further. Thanks again.
 
Armed,

I did forget to mention that if you do end up trying to sell here on BF you will need a paid subscription. But, it is a good way to try out some really good knives and not end up with a drawer or safe full of knives you'll never use.

Also, I've hear good things about KershawGuy.

Best,
 
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