Recommendation? Need help..... Again....

[ktataragasi]

Hello everyone. So here I am asking for knife advice one again.

So I ordered a custom a while back and it was sort of my ideal knife, thin non stainless blade, micarta scales and multiple opening methods. But because of a couple of issues I had to return it. I have been carrying my Spyderco Para 3 Maxemet for almost 3 months straight now at this point and it is difficult to rotate to any other knife I own. I can flick it open with every finger and it drops shut. I also love seeing the patina shift over time.

Recycled photo

This might sound like an ideal situation where we just find the one knife by accident but I need a new mental distraction as my mom has been battling cancer for several years and is nearing the end of her fight...

So I have been wanting a nice titanium knife and haven't found one that clicks. I tried out a Kizer Genie and while it was beautifully made and quite stunning it was difficult to deploy in various ways as your fingers always hit the lock bar.

Do any of you have a suggestion for a titanium or micarta handle knife with multiple opening options and good cutting geometry? I would also like to keep it under $300.

Sorry for the long post.

 

[Eversion]

Perhaps a ZT, like an 0452? Very quality knife and quite fidgety.

Spyderco also has a lot of good titanium offerings from their Taichung factory.

 

[Sonnydaze]

Perhaps a ZT, like an 0452? Very quality knife and quite fidgety.

Spyderco also has a lot of good titanium offerings from their Taichung factory.

Both suggestions are ideal...
...the finest blades I have seen come from Taichung...and Spyderco...

 

[stonproject]

Perhaps a ZT, like an 0452? Very quality knife and quite fidgety.

Spyderco also has a lot of good titanium offerings from their Taichung factory.

ZT 452 is an amazing knife. Very smooth action.

 

[SpyderPhreak]

If you're having trouble with your fingers pressing on the lock bar while deploying the blade, try going with a slightly larger knife. Also, learn to use the pocket clip to index your fingers on, and you won't have nearly the issues with Ti frame locks.

A slightly different option: Keep an eye out on the Exchange here for a Benchmade 781 Anthem (recently discontinued). Usually slightly more than $300, but you might be able to find a good deal. Integral Ti handle, Axis lock, bearings, 20CV blade with decent geometry.

 

[comis]

Sorry to hear about your mom's illness, and hope you are able to spend some quality time with her whenever you can.

In terms of multiple opening methods and good cutting geometry, I could only think of Spyderco for the moment since combination of compression lock/spydie hole/thin stock are what makes it possible. Maybe a Sage5 or Para3 LW?

ZT452 is a great knife, love it, but it is mostly a flipper.

 

[unwisefool]

If you're having trouble with your fingers pressing on the lock bar while deploying the blade, try going with a slightly larger knife. Also, learn to use the pocket clip to index your fingers on, and you won't have nearly the issues with Ti frame locks.

A slightly different option: Keep an eye out on the Exchange here for a Benchmade 781 Anthem (recently discontinued). Usually slightly more than $300, but you might be able to find a good deal. Integral Ti handle, Axis lock, bearings, 20CV blade with decent geometry.

The Anthem was discontinued?? Well there goes me ever finding one for cheap

 

[ktataragasi]

Perhaps a ZT, like an 0452? Very quality knife and quite fidgety.

Spyderco also has a lot of good titanium offerings from their Taichung factory.

Any experience with the spidiechef?

Both suggestions are ideal...
...the finest blades I have seen come from Taichung...and Spyderco...

Any particular models come to mind?

If you're having trouble with your fingers pressing on the lock bar while deploying the blade, try going with a slightly larger knife. Also, learn to use the pocket clip to index your fingers on, and you won't have nearly the issues with Ti frame locks.

A slightly different option: Keep an eye out on the Exchange here for a Benchmade 781 Anthem (recently discontinued). Usually slightly more than $300, but you might be able to find a good deal. Integral Ti handle, Axis lock, bearings, 20CV blade with decent geometry.

Yeah I think the knifes profile is just too slim for my hands. I have used other framelocks without too much issue.

Yeah the Anthem was a bit of a dream for me but now that they are discontinued I think it will be pretty difficult to make that happen.

Sorry to hear about your mom's illness, and hope you are able to spend some quality time with her whenever you can.

In terms of multiple opening methods and good cutting geometry, I could only think of Spyderco for the moment since combination of compression lock/spydie hole/thin stock are what makes it possible. Maybe a Sage5 or Para3 LW?

ZT452 is a great knife, love it, but it is mostly a flipper.

Thank you.

I already have the Para 3 so I'm looking for a dissent flavor I suppose.

 

[c7m2p3]

If you wanted to go the micarta route and could get your hands on one, the Giant Mouse Ace grand is fairly fidgit friendly. Quality micarta, decent detent with an opening hole that can be flicked. Elmax probably isnt going to patina nearly as easily as maxamet but you do get to see the effects of time on the Micarta.

 

[ktataragasi]

If you wanted to go the micarta route and could get your hands on one, the Giant Mouse Ace grand is fairly fidgit friendly. Quality micarta, decent detent with an opening hole that can be flicked. Elmax probably isnt going to patina nearly as easily as maxamet but you do get to see the effects of time on the Micarta.

That's a fantastic choice. I think the issue now is trying to find one!

 

[SpyderPhreak]

The Anthem was discontinued?? Well there goes me ever finding one for cheap

Yeah, unfortunately. Back in September or October ish. I've seen a good number on the exchange for reasonable prices, keep your eyes peeled.

Any experience with the spidiechef?

I have the Knifejoy exclusive one that's anodized blue at the factory. It's a nice knife, but I think they're a little expensive for what they are. Granted, where else are you going to find a rust proof, folding, "chef knife"?

Cons - Mine has a little bit of lock stick (I think most Taichung Ti-handled knives do to some extent), and I don't like how small the cut-out is in the show side scale for unlocking the lock bar (because I have XXL hands, it's a bit on the small side for me).

Pros - It carries pretty small because it's thin, and due to the fact that it's not a flipper, generally you don't have any trouble opening it with the Spyderhole. The thin stock and high flat grind make for a great slicer (but Spyderco generally does the cutting geometry thing pretty well).

(Gratuitous photos)

Yeah I think the knifes profile is just too slim for my hands. I have used other framelocks without too much issue.

I have a Shirogorov Neon NL that's pretty slim, and I can have trouble flipping it unless I am sure not to hold my fingertips on the lock bar. I like a wider handle (in the edge-to-spine direction) on a frame lock flipper for that reason. But again, I have big hands.

Yeah the Anthem was a bit of a dream for me but now that they are discontinued I think it will be pretty difficult to make that happen.

I've seen them on the exchange at reasonable prices, but you have to be fast. As much as people complained about them, they were sure popular. It's a bucket list knife IMO.

ETA - oops, forgot to mention... If you're not set on Ti, another knife to consider is the Spyderco Amalgam. It wasn't one that initially hit my radar, but after handling one at the factory store here in Golden, I will definitely be purchasing one at some point. It really surprised me. Some people won't like the flipper tab combined with the compression lock, but I really liked it!!! The 3 3/4" full flat, drop point blade, riding on bearings, is really nice.

 

[kobold]

I actually like to fidget with my back-lock knives. I love the Native 5 Ti Fluted and the Chaparral with a shifted spring can be thumb and back flipped with a bit of wrist action.

 

[jfk1110]

While not a top name in knives I'd give Krudo knives a look. Most of his knives now can be opened 4 ways. Flipper, front flipper, thumbdisc and waved on the draw.out.of the pocket.. Here's my dao! Also for 9cr steel color me impressed on its edge and how it holds it!!!!!

 

[c7m2p3]

That's a fantastic choice. I think the issue now is trying to find one!

I just picked one up about a month ago. They seem to come in waves every 3 months or so. The first drop was mid summer, then last month in November. So I would figure they will be back again late winter to early spring.

 

[Jcsixx01]

I love fidgety knives and my favorite fits all of your criteria...

The Sharp By Design’s Void is a titanium flipper with “spydiehole.” You can get micarta inlays. It is even a similar shape to the para3 closed to get an idea of how it carries.

It is at the top of your price range, $275-325 depending on condition/materials. Keep an eye out on the forum sales.

I found a photo from a old listing that has a para3 & Void pictured together for scale.

 

[ktataragasi]

I love fidgety knives and my favorite fits all of your criteria...

The Sharp By Design’s Void is a titanium flipper with “spydiehole.” You can get micarta inlays. It is even a similar shape to the para3 closed to get an idea of how it carries.

It is at the top of your price range, $275-325 depending on condition/materials. Keep an eye out on the forum sales.

I found a photo from a old listing that has a para3 & Void pictured together for scale.

View attachment 1477975

That's a beautiful knife and a nice recommendation.

 

[ktataragasi]

Yeah, unfortunately. Back in September or October ish. I've seen a good number on the exchange for reasonable prices, keep your eyes peeled.



I have the Knifejoy exclusive one that's anodized blue at the factory. It's a nice knife, but I think they're a little expensive for what they are. Granted, where else are you going to find a rust proof, folding, "chef knife"?

Cons - Mine has a little bit of lock stick (I think most Taichung Ti-handled knives do to some extent), and I don't like how small the cut-out is in the show side scale for unlocking the lock bar (because I have XXL hands, it's a bit on the small side for me).

Pros - It carries pretty small because it's thin, and due to the fact that it's not a flipper, generally you don't have any trouble opening it with the Spyderhole. The thin stock and high flat grind make for a great slicer (but Spyderco generally does the cutting geometry thing pretty well).

(Gratuitous photos)
View attachment 1477795

View attachment 1477796



I have a Shirogorov Neon NL that's pretty slim, and I can have trouble flipping it unless I am sure not to hold my fingertips on the lock bar. I like a wider handle (in the edge-to-spine direction) on a frame lock flipper for that reason. But again, I have big hands.



I've seen them on the exchange at reasonable prices, but you have to be fast. As much as people complained about them, they were sure popular. It's a bucket list knife IMO.

ETA - oops, forgot to mention... If you're not set on Ti, another knife to consider is the Spyderco Amalgam. It wasn't one that initially hit my radar, but after handling one at the factory store here in Golden, I will definitely be purchasing one at some point. It really surprised me. Some people won't like the flipper tab combined with the compression lock, but I really liked it!!! The 3 3/4" full flat, drop point blade, riding on bearings, is really nice.

Thank you for the very detailed response. You have given me several things to consider.