Need a few new EDC options

H

Hollerstiltner

Joined
Apr 12, 2016
Messages
9
Please bear with me as I'm new to the forum and have been a little overwhelmed in all the options of what I have available. My previous knife was a SOG flash II that I carried for about 10 years before it became permanently misplaced. I'm looking for something of roughly the same size and style, however I'd like a bit more quality than it provided. The blade play drove me crazy to be honest. The steel (AUS8) seemed adequate, however a little more edge retention would be nice.

My use for the knife is general EDC tasks. Cut rope, boxes, paper, whittle and everything in between. The hardest task I put my SOG through was probably dressing a deer and some other game. I don't have any hard and fast requirements other than a good pocket clip, strong lockup, and one hand operation.

Price range is up to $200.

My plan is to drive to smokey mtn knife works before long and I wanted to have some knives I definitely wanted to look at to give me some good references and starting points. Currently my interests are:

ZT0652
Paramilitary 2
Benchmade 940

Any knives I should definitely add to the list or any of the above I should remove? I've held the 940 before and although I liked it, it felt a little slick to me.

Thank you,
Chris
 
I have all three of those and you can't go wrong with any of them. Spyderco Gayle Bradley 1 or 2 possibly? I have recently acquired a GB2 and actually do like it better that the GB1 I used to have. As you said, there are many, many options out there that would fit your needs.
 
As I owned a Flash II for a while, I can say the closest you'll probably get is the Benchmade Griptilian. It is a similar size, a similar feel, better steel, rock-solid lock, and one-handed opening, all while being quite light and having better ergonomics. It'll also be pretty affordable compared to most of the other knives you might like. It also comes in half-serrated, tanto, or any other edge style you'd have had with your flash II.

Of course, that whole recommendation is based on the fact you said you wanted something similar in size and style, if you're looking for something that's heavier and/or more metal, the Spyderco PM2, Manix 2, and Native 5 are all top quality knives with great steels and great everything else too. They are all quite affordable too.
 
How about a Spyderco Manix 2 Lightweight in S110V? Well below your budget and lightyears ahead of the SOG in terms of steel quality.
 
Colorodo said:
I would add,the new ZT0909 to the list since it is under $200. I carry a ZT0300 but have been impressed with this new model. Good steel S35vn and size.
https://zt.kaiusaltd.com/knives/knife/zt0909
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Thank you. I'll try to look into that model when I have a chance.

Spydesense said:
I have all three of those and you can't go wrong with any of them. Spyderco Gayle Bradley 1 or 2 possibly? I have recently acquired a GB2 and actually do like it better that the GB1 I used to have. As you said, there are many, many options out there that would fit your needs.
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Of those knives, which do you find yourself reaching for most often and why?

Spyderco is definitely high on the list and now I have a new one to look up. The GB2. Do you recommend it over the PM2?

KingMC said:
As I owned a Flash II for a while, I can say the closest you'll probably get is the Benchmade Griptilian. It is a similar size, a similar feel, better steel, rock-solid lock, and one-handed opening, all while being quite light and having better ergonomics. It'll also be pretty affordable compared to most of the other knives you might like. It also comes in half-serrated, tanto, or any other edge style you'd have had with your flash II.

Of course, that whole recommendation is based on the fact you said you wanted something similar in size and style, if you're looking for something that's heavier and/or more metal, the Spyderco PM2, Manix 2, and Native 5 are all top quality knives with great steels and great everything else too. They are all quite affordable too.
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I looked at the griptilian about a year ago. I can't recall what it was, but something about it didn't speak to me. It can't hurt to revisit it though. I may like it the second time around.

I'm okay with a little more weight. It may sound odd, but I find a little heft in a knife comforting.
 
I think when you handle the PM2 you will know. I did. It's "correct" in every way. And it's made on Earth! (says so right on the blade)
 
Hollerstiltner said:
Thank you. I'll try to look into that model when I have a chance.



Of those knives, which do you find yourself reaching for most often and why?

Spyderco is definitely high on the list and now I have a new one to look up. The GB2. Do you recommend it over the PM2?



I looked at the griptilian about a year ago. I can't recall what it was, but something about it didn't speak to me. It can't hurt to revisit it though. I may like it the second time around.

I'm okay with a little more weight. It may sound odd, but I find a little heft in a knife comforting.
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So do I, my delica is very light making it feel cheap to me. I made up for it tho by making a fixed blade with a four inch blade heavier than a Bowie with a 6 inch. I'd recommend a metal handled frame lock if you like a little weight
 
Looks like I really need to revisit the griptilian and add HK to the list. The PM2 is high on the list, as is the Manix 2. I'm still wanting to look at the ZT line in person. I'm just afraid they may be a bit too big for my needs. We'll see though.

Thank for all the helps guys. Lots of good suggestions. I appreciate all the help!
 
You can't go wrong with the Para2, but the ZT0562 is a sure-fire winner. For a long time when people have posted threads here asking for a fairly generic recommendation, it has been the Para 2 and Griptillian and then daylight. The ZT0562 now makes it a three horse race.
 
No clip, but it does come with a nice leather or nylon sheath/holster (the nylon can be worn vertical or horizontal) and it is far under your $200 budget, but it does meet all your other requirements.
Buck 110, or if you want sonething a little smaller, the Buck 112.
Very solid lockup, holds an edge very well, Buck's heat treat of the 420HC can't be beat. S30V is available as an option from the Buck custom shop.
They are not light weight, but they fit the hand well, are well balanced, and have a distinct lack of "hot spots". Personally, I like a little heft to my knives.
Another "plus" for the 110/112, they are "people friendly". They are not confused with a "weapon" by most folk, or the average LEO. They see them as something thet remember their parents or (I hate to admit I'm that okd) grand parents carried. (The 110 came out in 1964, so those who hit adulthood after then could be a gramps or granny by now - or even a great gramps or granny.)
 
palonej said:
Hey Chris!! I have all 3 you're looking at, also have a couple of Grips.
It's almost impossible to choose the 'best' one......BUT the 940 or 941 is the best EDC out of the bunch. It carries better, it's the lightest and it is flat out fun to fondle!!
The PM2 and 562 CF are amazing knives, have 5 PM2s, and I am NOT selling either, but that 940 or 941 is my favorite EDC!
When checking out the Grips, make sure to check out the newer ones with G10 handles.....gorgeous!!!
Good luck and let us know what you decide on bro!!
Joe
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Wow, thanks for the help guys. Seems like I can't really go wrong with any of them. Just whichever fits my hand best.

Palonej, I can only hope to one day to have a collection like yours. Variety is a wonderful thing.

I really like the handles on the 943 (I think it is) Ever find yourself wishing for more grip on any of your 940s?
 
Not at all bro! Very comfy in hand and you'll never feel it in your pocket......sure can cut though!!
Joe


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I'm fairly new here too, and recently bought a ZT0566. Fits my hand so well. Love it so far.

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Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
ozgooner said:
You can't go wrong with the Para2, but the ZT0562 is a sure-fire winner. For a long time when people have posted threads here asking for a fairly generic recommendation, it has been the Para 2 and Griptillian and then daylight. The ZT0562 now makes it a three horse race.
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Not sure I agree. The 0562 is $70-100 more than the other two and, I'll tell you from personal experience, the handle on the 0562 works very badly for some hands. Hot spot on the pinky and ring finger the second I squeezed the knife a bit. I honestly think the Buck 830 Marksman is much more of a competitor.
 
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