Need Help Deciding on my next knife

[sharp_edge]

Between Manix 2 and ZT 0562cf, the former is a better slicer no question about it. I assume you missed the DLT run of M390 red g10 Manix 2 yesterday? If you have not owned a high quality framelock flipper, ZT 0562cf would be a great one to try. Kershaw is not on the same level as ZT. When it was on sale, you could have ZT 0562cf for as low as $170. For me, the fidget-bility goes to ZT 0562cf.

Benchmade griptilian is a proven great knife. Don't let the out of box dull blade affect your perception of the knife.

Another knife I'd suggest is the Hogue Ritter full-size MK1.

 

[Blackf77t]

I assume you missed the DLT run of M390 red g10 Manix 2 yesterday?

Is that still available? Do you have a link? Do you know if there are big sales on Father's Day? I was thinking of waiting to see if I could get a deal.

Kershaw is not on the same level as ZT. When it was on sale, you could have ZT 0562cf for as low as $170. For me, the fidget-bility goes to ZT 0562cf.

I have been pretty happy with Kershaw and would buy from them again probably the Bareknuckle or Lucha. This is also what I was hoping to hear the ZT 0562cf is worth the premium. Its a mental adjustment for me to spend $260 on a knife, when there are good ones as cheap as $20.

Benchmade griptilian is a proven great knife. Don't let the out of box dull blade affect your perception of the knife.

I am looking forward to getting it back to see what it can do.

Another knife I'd suggest is the Hogue Ritter full-size MK1.

I definitely want to buy a Ritter someday at a minimum to support our knife rights. If it was still available I would have gotten the Ritter Griptilian.

 

[sharp_edge]

Is that still available? Do you have a link? Do you know if there are big sales on Father's Day? I was thinking of waiting to see if I could get a deal.

It was a DLT Exclusive Manix 2 with 20cv steel and red g10 scales but it was sold out in a few hours yesterday. Pay attention to the Exchange here as some folks may sell it. The retail price was $140 just FYI.

 

[bflying]

I really wanted the Zero Tolerance 0450cf. It is the only gentleman style blade that has any appeal to me. Unfortunately, It looks like the handle is a half inch to short to be comfortable. If I could handle it in person, I could be sure but I don't have that option.

The Zero Tolerance 0452cf has a 4.1 inch blade. I don't have a problem with it, but I don't need that big a knife, I don't want to run into legal issues, and I don't want to scare anyone. I don't think its for me, but I am happy to hear you found a knife you really like.

I don't think I could even count the number of comments there are on bladeforums alone from people wishing there was a "0451". That sweet spot right between the 0450 and 0452. Yes, there are a ton of knives in general there.

But staying in that super hot Sinkevich design of the ZT 0450, a model in the middle with a larger handle, and popular 3.5" blade....would have been a home run for ZT. Still may hit if they ever did it. But personally I think ZT missed the timing for it to be a monster win.

I've got both and agree, the 0450 is a bit small for my primary EDC choices. And while the 0452 isn't really THAT big, it still presents itself like a monster when opened in public.

 

[Blackf77t]

I don't think I could even count the number of comments there are on bladeforums alone from people wishing there was a "0451". That sweet spot right between the 0450 and 0452.

I would buy a 451 and maybe even before the 0562.

I decided to wait and save up for the ZT 0562 at the end of August and target buying the Manix 2 at the end of the year. If some great sprint run or discount on either or both I might pull the trigger early.

I appreciate the insight.

 

[BD_01]

ZT.
The Manix is a great knife and would suit your purposes well.
But, variety is nice and broadening your horizons into other knives is fun.
Then there’s the experience of actually getting something grail-ish that you’ve saved for.

Consider the 562 Ti as well.

Have fun.

 

[DocT]

The thing is, if you are going actually use the knife you will find the Manix 2 a far better slicer. Also, all ZT knives feel clunky to me and some have had lock issues. The Manix 2 is a really well designed knife.

 

[CanadaKnifeGuy]

While it's a slip joint, the Manly Wasp in S90v can NOT be beat.

It's an AMAZING slicer and a fantastic steel for a great price.

And it will not close down on your hand. The stiff spring and 4-stage detent makes it a great knife.

Awesome travel knife that's legal in most places and it's super slim with a great, deep pocket clip.

I just bought one for a friend in the UK.

I was reminded of how kickass it is.

It COULD be an only-knife, it's that good.

 

[Addicted_to_Knives]

Zero Tolerance 0562!

 

[PB3366]

I’m torn between a Manix 2 or the black CF Bugout. I just bought my first Para 3 today “sharpest knife outta the box” I’ve ever got. I already want another Spyderco, but I also wanna try out a Benchmade. Ugh...

Someone help me decide haha.

 

[Blackf77t]

I’m torn between a Manix 2 or the black CF Bugout. I just bought my first Para 3 today “sharpest knife outta the box” I’ve ever got. I already want another Spyderco, but I also wanna try out a Benchmade. Ugh...

Someone help me decide haha.

I think there are two general kinds of knife people - hard use or lightweight. A great illustration of the difference in taste is this Blade HQ video

. Ben is definitely a lightweight knife guy and Zac is more of a hard use knife guy. I prefer more hard use and manual action.

If you like lighter weight, you could consider the Bugout. Personally, I would rather have a CRKT squid, Spyderco Dragonfly salt/ZDP, or even a Benchmade 940-3. I personally think the Benchmade 940 is an ugly knife, but I like the bailout and bugout even less. I bought a Benchmade Griptilian, but it didn't come sharp or well oiled. I decided to send it in for service and give it another chance. I might still end up liking it.

If you want something heavier, the feedback here is the Manix 2 is a good option. I personally think its under priced. If you like the compression lock, the PM2 or Shaman are good options too. Benchmade Contego might be interesting.

 

[Blackf77t]

While it's a slip joint, the Manly Wasp in S90v can NOT be beat.

It's an AMAZING slicer and a fantastic steel for a great price.

And it will not close down on your hand. The stiff spring and 4-stage detent makes it a great knife.

Awesome travel knife that's legal in most places and it's super slim with a great, deep pocket clip.

I just bought one for a friend in the UK.

I was reminded of how kickass it is.

It COULD be an only-knife, it's that good.

Thanks for the recommendation, but it has no liners.

 

[PB3366]

I think there are two general kinds of knife people - hard use or lightweight. A great illustration of the difference in taste is this Blade HQ video

. Ben is definitely a lightweight knife guy and Zac is more of a hard use knife guy. I prefer more hard use and manual action.

If you like lighter weight, you could consider the Bugout. Personally, I would rather have a CRKT squid, Spyderco Dragonfly salt/ZDP, or even a Benchmade 940-3. I personally think the Benchmade 940 is an ugly knife, but I like the bailout and bugout even less. I bought a Benchmade Griptilian, but it didn't come sharp or well oiled. I decided to send it in for service and give it another chance. I might still end up liking it.

If you want something heavier, the feedback here is the Manix 2 is a good option. I personally think its under priced. If you like the compression lock, the PM2 or Shaman are good options too. Benchmade Contego might be interesting.

I’m between both. I got into high end bushcraft knives, before expensive folders. So I own a few hard use fixed blades as well as good but less expensive folders I’ll use for hard use. If I’m spending $200+ on a knife I’m not gonna wreck it’s with hard use. Rather just EDC it for random everyday tasks. Weight really isn’t a issue, but I don’t really know since I’ve never tried a true LW knife. I ordered a Manix. I love the look of it (which I absolutely hated the look of Spydercos, but one day it all of a sudden changed). I’m also not really a fan of many BMs.. but I do like the look of the new Bailout and The Mediator. Hoping they’ll release black Alum scales for the new Bugout.. and that’ll be my first BM. Thanks for chiming in and recommending a BHQ vid. I watch a lot of their stuff.

 

[PB3366]

Meant to say new Bailout. Won’t let me edit for some reason haha

 

[Blackf77t]

I appreciate all the advice. I did end up getting the Manix 2 G10 on Saturday and the Zero Tolerance 0562cf yesterday. I figure I owe an update for all the advice I received.

Manix 2
Action - The faint click when it locks is very satisfying.
Blade - s30v is good.
Carry - The size and weight are no problem, even in shorts. This knife is really not that big.
Durability - It feels really solid.
Ergonomics - it was made for my specific hand. Some people complain about all the jimping and g10 grip, but it feels just right to me.
Fit and Finish - It is a beautiful knife and I can't find a single flaw in the craftsmanship.
Maintenance - I haven't tried to take it apart, because the action is perfect and the knife looks great. I have read that it can be challenging.

Zero Tolerance 0562cf
Action - It felt so stiff out of the box, I almost broke my finger opening it a few times. I took it apart and back together and its still very stiff. I am hoping this is just break in and I will be able to use it one handed soon.
Blade - CPM-20CV is great and the slicer blade shape and grind look great.
Carry - The size and weight are no problem, even in shorts. This knife is really not that big.
Durability - It feels very solid.
Ergonomics - It feels good.
Fit and Finish - This is my new favorite knife in aesthetics.
Maintenance - It was very easy to take apart and put back together. The craftsmanship and design are good. I wouldn't hesitate to maintain this knife.


It would be tough to improve the Manix 2 and the Dragonfly has pushed the CRKT squid out of my pocket. My next knife will be either a Manix, Native 5 blurple, Tenacious, or Dragonfly 2 G10. I am pretty surprised at how much I like Spydercos over other brands.