Need a good new knife

:thumbup:
Benchmade Osborne 941 - Its a little over 3" but light, slim, and incredibly strong. 154cm steel/axis lock/aluminum handles with titanium spacer

Its discontinued but many places have overstock left. I bought mine a year ago for $188 - found one yesterday for $112

Any of the BMs with axis locks are a safe bet tho.
 
The Para-Military is decieving. The knife is much bigger than the blade length will lead you to believe.

Knowing what I know now I'd take the Yojimbo over the Para-Military. Same lock on both but I like the size of the blade and the grip of the Yoji over the PM personally. Both ride high in the pocket but the Yoji is better because what sticks out is thinner at least. The tip down carry of the Para-Military is usually the first thing I'd fix on one I bought.
 
The Yojimbo is sorta cool, but I really can't decide if I like it or not. The blade is very weird when compared to knives you typically see. It reminds me more of an oversized razor.

I'm going to continue my search. I think I am still leaning heavily on the para-military though.
 
Pretty nice looking, but shouldn't I be looking for S30V steel instead? Is it the best? Or is there better?
 
Man for someone who sounds like there just getting into knifes your looking at some very nice quality knifes to start out with. Since your looking for a somewhat smaller knife you may want to take a look at kershaws leek...its a good knife a really decent price, Cool looking and has assisted opening. You may want to check it out.


http://newgraham.com/images/New_Folder6/KS_1660ALCKT.jpg
 
TB383 said:
Man for someone who sounds like there just getting into knifes your looking at some very nice quality knifes to start out with. Since your looking for a somewhat smaller knife you may want to take a look at kershaws leek...its a good knife a really decent price, Cool looking and has assisted opening. You may want to check it out.


http://newgraham.com/images/New_Folder6/KS_1660ALCKT.jpg
Click to expand...
I'm just getting into them in that they are not a hobby. I have had many knives over the past 10 years or so, and for at least the past 6 or so I have carried one with me 350 days a year. I just feel like I want to have a more quality blade with me, and I don't mind paying extra for quality.

I can't stop looking at the para military, I'm 99% sure I'll end up buying it, I just wish it was 3/32" shorter!!! Oh well, I can't see any situations where I would get in trouble for less than a quarter inch over the limit.
 
pj_rage said:
... shouldn't I be looking for S30V steel instead? Is it the best? Or is there better?
Click to expand...
Once you pass a certain level, all steels are good. For some purposes, even the old high carbon steels are the best choice.

VG-10 is a very good steel for pocket knives. Here's A.G.Russell's Steel Guide, for a list of most of what's available these days.

Here are his Knife Encyclopedia Articles, including a comprehensive article about the properties of different steels.
 
You have excellent taste, but I think you're right to bypass your initial choices for something that you're sure will be legal.

The Spyderco Kopa would probably be my first choice, but take another look at their Scorpius too. Both are within your size range and both are cool-looking knives with great ergonomics.

--Bob Q
 
The Kopa looks more komfortable. :) I have a Scorpius, and it is a cool little working knife, but the edges of that stainless steel handle jab my palm in funny ways sometimes. Also, from bladetip to bottom of the front of the handle, it's 3+1/16".
 
I'm now torn between the yojimbo and para-military. Basically, legal to carry or not exactly. I like the para-military allllot more, but the yojimbo is growing on me. It is also the only knife that I have found (so far) that is g10 handle, s30v steel, and a blade under 3". Why are so many blades from all different manufacturers JUST over 3" (1/4" or less over)? Why not make them 3" exactly to be legal to carry in many more states?

Also, what is with the tip-up carry? My gerber is tip down, and I love it like that. It is so easy to remove and flip open in one swift motion with one hand. The tip up seems like it would be awkward to flick out after removing it from your pocket (clipped)?
 
Also, what is with the tip-up carry?
Click to expand...

Tip up carry is better for keeping the spine of the knife from tearing up your knuckles as you dig into your pocket for something other than your knife. Many knives have non sharpened serrations on the blades for grip and these are just knuckle scrapers in the tip down configuration. The back of the blade where it meets the lock bar can also be known to grab you and draw blood.

Many people including myself like to carry a lanyard on their knives. They are about impossible to use and appreciate with tip down carry because you have to now shove something else down in there too along with the knife when you put it back on your pocket.

Tip up carry tucks the blade neatly into the corner of your pocket and allows you to reach down and draw the knife out just the way you hold it in your hand when you use it. On my Yojimbo my thumb is on the hole already to open the blade as soon as it is out.

For the Para Military in the factory tip down configuration you can do what is referred to as "the Spyder Drop" which is grabbing the knife with the thumb and index finger in the hole and making a drop movement so the blade pulls out and the body goes down opening the blade. It works pretty good also but trust me, carry bandaids in your wallet for that knife in tip down carry. My Para-Military bit my fingers and knuckles a few times when reaching for keys or pocket change, and bad enough to need a bandaid on one occassion thanks to that protruding back of the blade sticking up like it does. It wasn't long after that that I converted it to tip up carry. (see pic)

I've got knives with both methods of carry. Some of the longer ones are better off being tip down but ones like the Yoji and the other ones with blade lengths like you are looking for are great for tip up carry.

STR
 
By the way if you are really leaning toward the Yojimbo there is a good review over on the Spyderco forum you should check out.

http://spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18589

I was much like you in my regards for the Yojimbo. It is another fine example of how Spyderco makes their knives in the dark. Meaning you cannot appreciate them by looking at them. The real beauty is not in the eye appeal it is in the holding and using of it. I've come to really like this knife and moved it up into one of my EDC (everyday carry) knives. It is going to see lots of pocket time because it is hard not give a knife this nice and this capable serious use and attention. The tackiness and grip combined with the finger choils provided by the G10 scales is second to none on these knives.

STR
 
I have an AL Mar SERE 2K and it is just one awesome knife. It is big but built like a tank.
 
Personally, If I had a budget of $200, I would get a Spyderco Delica: FRN handles, VG10 steel. Add a Spyderco Sharpmaker and save some cash.

Luis
 
Just to update. I cleared up my local laws and I think the 3in was only for school grounds, there is no written blade length limitation for personal protection/utility carry, so I went ahead and ordered the para-military. The Yojimbo grew on me so much though, it was a tough decision.

If I wanted to, how do I convert the para-military to tip-up carry?

Oh yeah, I also ordered a sharpmaker set. Does it need any oil (and come with it if necessary?) I didn't notice if it said so.

Thanks for your help guys, I'm sure I'll love the knife.
 
Good move getting the Sharpmaker. It comes with everything you need, which does not include oil. The stones work dry. Periodically you do have to clean them, though.

The instructions will lead you through using the system. Practice on old paring knives as you watch the video (or DVD). If it cuts, the Sharpmaker will restore its edge: scissors, potato peelers, and nailclippers, too.

Once you get started, come on back online and ask more questions about it. :D
 
As to changing the clip i'm sure it will be easy. I don't own that knife but I have many other spyderco's. There will be one to three screws to unscrew, simply remove and place the clip where you want it and screw the clip in.
 
Looking at the pictures of it, it appears that there are 3 screws holding it on. The three holes also appear to be only in one location. I guess I would have to modify it by drilling new holes or something :confused:
 
Walking Man said:
There's definately better knives for the money, and better locks too. Any Benchmade with an axis lock will be highly recommended around here. I personally really like Spyderco lockbacks, but they have the disadvantage of not being able to close it with just one hand.
Click to expand...

I can close mine with one hand...

I'd check out DC knife law, that length restriction may be 2.5", I don't know...
 
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