Need Opinions on my Final 8 EDC...

[Chronovore]

Totally unqualified opinion here but I like Spyderco better than Benchmade, both in terms of products and as a company. Considering your Spyderco choices, I like the looks of the Sage 5 and it also has the thinnest blade stock. (The Para 3, Manix 2, and Sage 5 are nominally 0.145", 0.13", and 0.12" respectively.)

Recalling your other thread, here are some edited highlights from a post that compared the Para 3, Manix 2, and Sage 5:

... I saw that enough times to check into the Sage 5 LW, and ended up getting it instead of the Para 3 LW... I'm glad I went with the Sage 5 LW. Objectively it's a better knife overall... Better steel than the Para 3 LW... better ergonomics...

... I got the Sage 5 LW and love it. But it turns out I wanted something a little bigger. Enter the Manix 2...

So if you want something with a blade around 3", you might consider the Sage 5 LW. If you want something bigger, consider the Manix 2. ...

Given your size considerations and the bold section above, you might prefer the Sage 5 over the Manix 2. Versus the Manix 2, the Sage 5 also comes with a deep-carry clip and I prefer that for EDC.

 

[UDIVER]

Out of the 8, Manix

Or a Para 3 but not the lightweight version.

good luck.

 

[DavidZ]

Native 5 is my all time favorite! I would consider that one as well.

 

[TripleB67]

Given your size considerations and the bold section above, you might prefer the Sage 5 over the Manix 2. Versus the Manix 2, the Sage 5 also comes with a deep-carry clip and I prefer that for EDC.

I think you may be right - I got my hands on a Bugout today and the size seemed right at the maximum length of what I would want to EDC considering what I typically wear (khakis or warm-up pants or shorts...occasionally blue jeans). As far as the Sage...I love the fact that it's deep pocket carry, comes with a silver clip (don't have to worry about black coming off like I've seen in some clips), has a 3" S30V blade (although the 4.2" closed length seems a little long for the length of the blade...seems like 3"/4" is the norm), and the compression lock is enticing (never used one).

Back to the Bugout, I think the Axis lock would be something I'd have to grow accustom to...felt a bit strange since I'm use to lockback, frame lock, and liner lock. Of course I'd have to become accustom to the compression lock as well. I know I may offend some people here, but IMO (sorry), the Bugout didn't feel like a $130 knife. Of course, I'm not used to handling $130 knives so I'm not sure what I was expecting - maybe it was just the light weight that made it feel that way.

In looking at my original 8, doing some more looking (both at suggestions, written reviews, and video reviews), comparing stats, looking more closely at weight/lengths, and different types of locks, the ones that really intrigue me now are:
- Spyderco Sage 5
- Spyderco Para 3 LW (still unsure about the BD1 blade - especially since the others come with S30V; they do have one that has the SPY27 steel but it's out of my price range)
- Benchmade Mini Griptilian (with hole opening)
- Benchmade Mini Presidio 2.

As far as why I'm shying away from some of the others:
- Would like to try something other than a lockback design (seems like it's all I've used for a long time)...so that takes out the Spyderco Native 5 and the Delica 4 (that some had mentioned)
- Would like to stay under a 3.25" blade...so that takes out the Manix 2 and the Griptilian
- Would like to have something with just a bit of heft...so that takes out the Bugout and the Mini Bugout

Once again, thank to all of your for your help and your advice...at times leading me towards knives I've never considered...which is awesome!!!

TripleB67

 

[Rob47]

With your last post, seems like the mini-Griptilian checks all your boxes.

 

[Henry Beige]

For my money, the Axis lock is the only one worth considering. I have given my boy a Bugout and a mini-Grip, and they are the top two in his rotation. I love the lock on my full-size Grip, don’t love the combo blade. I gave my boy a Spyderco, don’t recall which, maybe an Endura, and he never picks it up.

Mini-Grip would be my first choice, followed by some flavor Bugout.

 

[mwhich50]

Spyderco Manix 2 S30V steel
Spyderco Manix 2 BD-1
Benchmade Griptilian S30V steel
Spyderco Sage 5 CPM-S30V steel
Spyderco Para 3 CTS-BD1N steel
Benchmade Bugout S30V steel
Benchmade Mini Griptilian S30V steel

 

[Pilsner]

I can hardly bear the suspense...

 

[Owen K.]

These all are great options. Don't let us decide for you as we each have different preferences. You need to do the leg work and track down the ones on your list to handle. Then you decide which you like best. Either a knife shop with descent selection or Amazon and return would be my suggestion. Good luck with your descision, you can't go wrong here.

 

[TripleB67]

With your last post, seems like the mini-Griptilian checks all your boxes.

I would agree...especially with the hole for deployment (my fav). The only box it doesn't check off is deep pocket carry - not a huge deal but one of those features I was somewhat looking for in my first quality knife.

I'm not sure how the Mini Presidio 2 compares to the Mini Griptilian (other than there is no hole opening option), but it does offer deep pocket carry.

For my money, the Axis lock is the only one worth considering. I have given my boy a Bugout and a mini-Grip, and they are the top two in his rotation. I love the lock on my full-size Grip, don’t love the combo blade.

Mini-Grip would be my first choice, followed by some flavor Bugout.

Thanks for the input. Had a chance to get my hands on the Bugout and it just didn't go a lot for me...not sure if it was the light weight or the thinness of the handle or what, but I'm thinking I can go ahead and rule out any of the Bugout models.

Now as far as the Mini-Griptilian...haven't had a chance to try it but on paper it looks like a great fit for what I'm looking for (except for, as mentioned above, not deep pocket...but again not big deal I don't think). It's the right size blade, right size overall, more weight to it than the Bugouts, can get it with hole opening, could get it in black steel if I wanted, different locking mechanism from the lockback (which I was wanting), well under my budget even with the S30V steel.

Other than the Spyderco Sage 5, which checks many of my boxes, the other one that I like (on paper) is the Benchmade Mini Presidio 2 but I don't hear very much about it...ie: doesn't seem like a lot of hype about this one. Larger than the Mini Grip but offers many of the same features with deep pocket carry (but at an added cost of about $20).

So unless something else stands out, the couple that are really flying high on my radar as far as offering almost everything I'm looking for are: Spyderco Sage 5, Benchmade Mini Griptilian (either with hole opening or black blade), and Benchmade Mini Presidio 2. However, the Spyderco Para 3 Lightwight Cobalt Blue with the SPY27 blade is a beauty (but out of my price range). The Mini Barrage is also great on paper but know nothing about the 154CM steel.

Thanks to all for your help!

TripleB67

 

[Wolverine777]

I would agree...especially with the hole for deployment (my fav). The only box it doesn't check off is deep pocket carry - not a huge deal but one of those features I was somewhat looking for in my first quality knife.

I'm not sure how the Mini Presidio 2 compares to the Mini Griptilian (other than there is no hole opening option), but it does offer deep pocket carry.



Thanks for the input. Had a chance to get my hands on the Bugout and it just didn't go a lot for me...not sure if it was the light weight or the thinness of the handle or what, but I'm thinking I can go ahead and rule out any of the Bugout models.

Now as far as the Mini-Griptilian...haven't had a chance to try it but on paper it looks like a great fit for what I'm looking for (except for, as mentioned above, not deep pocket...but again not big deal I don't think). It's the right size blade, right size overall, more weight to it than the Bugouts, can get it with hole opening, could get it in black steel if I wanted, different locking mechanism from the lockback (which I was wanting), well under my budget even with the S30V steel.

Other than the Spyderco Sage 5, which checks many of my boxes, the other one that I like (on paper) is the Benchmade Mini Presidio 2 but I don't hear very much about it...ie: doesn't seem like a lot of hype about this one. Larger than the Mini Grip but offers many of the same features with deep pocket carry (but at an added cost of about $20).

So unless something else stands out, the couple that are really flying high on my radar as far as offering almost everything I'm looking for are: Spyderco Sage 5, Benchmade Mini Griptilian (either with hole opening or black blade), and Benchmade Mini Presidio 2. However, the Spyderco Para 3 Lightwight Cobalt Blue with the SPY27 blade is a beauty (but out of my price range).

Thanks to all for your help!

TripleB67

When will you decide and place the order?

 

[TripleB67]

When will you decide and place the order?

Hopefully very soon...getting my hands on the Bugout yesterday really helped me narrow it down - letting me know the size I gotta have for my needs, how I feel about the axis lock, and the weight I definitely don't want. Hoping to get my hands on a Para 3 and a Sage 5 within the week. Now searching for a Mini Grip, Mini Presidio 2, and Mini Barrage to try.

TripleB67

 

[Velitrius]

Mini Grip is awesome. I have the 555, the one with the sheepsfoot blade with the hole opener. I love it.

Mine has aftermarket AWT aluminum scales, so it has a bit more heft than the original. Nothing wrong with the original scales, I just wanted aluminum ones.

Benchmade will sell you an aftermarket deep carry clip for $10. Deep carry clip is the only one I'll use nowadays.

I thought the same as you when the Axis lock came out... "Great, I'll probably never get used to this crazy thing"...

But it took me about 3 minutes to get hooked. Now it's my favorite lock.

All this said, I still carry the Bugout more than any of my other knives. But I still dig the Mini Grip, it just plain works.

 

[TripleB67]

Mini Grip is awesome. I have the 555, the one with the sheepsfoot blade with the hole opener. I love it.

Benchmade will sell you an aftermarket deep carry clip for $10. Deep carry clip is the only one I'll use nowadays.

I thought the same as you when the Axis lock came out... "Great, I'll probably never get used to this crazy thing"...

But it took me about 3 minutes to get hooked. Now it's my favorite lock.

How does the hole opener on the Mini Grip feel compared to Spyderco holes?

Thanks for the information on the DCC from Benchmade - that makes me feel like the Mini Grip just moved up on the probable knives list (just checked and they don't even charge shipping).

Yea, the axis lock is quite different from what I'm used to...to start with I couldn't figure out if I had to pull both sides down or just one side down; then I didn't know if the blade slowly came down depending on your pressure on the buttons or if it automatically released all at once. Would definitely have to get used to it.

What makes you prefer the Bugout over the Mini Grip? As I mentioned earlier, tried the Bugout yesterday and we just didn't click.

Thank you for the information and help!

TripleB67

 

[Velitrius]

How does the hole opener on the Mini Grip feel compared to Spyderco holes?

Thanks for the information on the DCC from Benchmade - that makes me feel like the Mini Grip just moved up on the probable knives list (just checked and they don't even charge shipping).

Yea, the axis lock is quite different from what I'm used to...to start with I couldn't figure out if I had to pull both sides down or just one side down; then I didn't know if the blade slowly came down depending on your pressure on the buttons or if it automatically released all at once. Would definitely have to get used to it.

What makes you prefer the Bugout over the Mini Grip? As I mentioned earlier, tried the Bugout yesterday and we just didn't click.

I don't notice a difference in the hole opener between the two. My dad always preached to me "A hole is a hole, son!" Maybe he was referring to the opener.

I wear shorts and t-shirt pretty much 24/7/365 so I prefer the lighter thinner knife. I'll carry a heavier piece when I'm wearing heavier clothes though.

And the Axis lock will be a thing of muscle memory in a matter of hours. It's an autopilot move for me nowadays, simply a joy to use.

I love the blade shape on the 555. I didn't know how I'd like it, but it might just be my favorite blade shape now.

 

[TripleB67]

I wear shorts and t-shirt pretty much 24/7/365 so I prefer the lighter thinner knife. I'll carry a heavier piece when I'm wearing heavier clothes though.

I'm either in khakis, shorts, or warm-up pants - I just like a little heft on the knife (my DragonFly 2 is too light), mainly so I can feel it hanging on my pants/shorts and don't forget to remove it before I throw them in the wash.

Can anyone comment on the Spyderco SPY27 blade?

The only concern I have with the Para 3 as a choice is my feeling that if I'm spending $100+ I'd prefer to get something with at least the S30V steel (compared to the BD1N on the Para 3). They do offer the Para 3 Lightweight in the SPY27 steel but it's a bit more than I can spend.

To be honest the Sage 5 and Mini Griptilian are leading the pack right now with the Mini Presidio 2 and Para 3 LW close behind.

Again, I appreciate all of the helpful input and advice.

TripleB67

 

[Velitrius]

Can anyone comment on the Spyderco SPY27 blade?

I bet Sal Glesser would comment favorably on it.

Spyderco worked with Crucible to create the steel for their knives. From what I remember, folks have commented that it's like S30V or such.

But I recall Sal saying that it had it's own characteristics that makes it unlike any other stuff.

I wouldn't hesitate to get one of Spyderco's pieces in this steel.

 

[Jason Paul]

From what you've said you're looking for - I agree that the Sage 5 LW and Mini-Grip belong at the top of the list (as much as I might want to push the Manix ).

As I mentioned earlier, I have a Sage 5 LW and like it a lot. It was my first "good" knife, and I'm glad I went with it over the Para 3 LW.

By coincidence, my daughter has a Mini-Grip (thumb stud, drop point blade though), so I've spent a little time with one of those too.

Personally I like the Sage a bit better. I like the ergonomics better overall, especially when choked up on the forward finger choil.

The Mini-Grip still has good ergonomics, but for me the handle is too small by just a little. I have medium/large hands. It's not too bad, just slightly smaller than I'd like. The handle on the Mini-Grip is thicker as well, which makes a little more hand-filling. You may like this as it affects the "heft" in a way; of course I'm sure that means it's also a little thicker in the pocket. I couldn't say for sure, I don't think I've actually put it in my pocket. That said, I don't think it's as "tall" as the sage, so it should be smaller in that dimension.

Both locks can be fun/fidgety, and both drop-shut if that matters to you. I've heard about problems with the omega springs in the Axis lock breaking.

Personally from what I've handled in person, I tend to like Spydercos over Benchmade in general. I'm sure many feel the exact opposite though.

Hope that helps!
Jason

 

[TripleB67]

Hope that helps!
Jason

That helped a great deal...love hearing comparisons of knives from people who have actually used them. Sometimes with video reviews you never know if they've put the knife through all scenarios or if they might have a biased towards one brand or another. I feel more comfortable with the information I gain from the board members here.

Should be able to handle a Para 3 and a Sage 5 by the end of the weekend. Think I'm going to have to wait until some time next week to handle the Mini-Griptilian (and unfortunately, as of right now, they only have the thumb studded version of it for me to try - really wanted to try the thumb hole version).

It's eerie how similar the specs are for these two knives, Sage 5/MG: 3"/2.91" blade, 4.2"/3.87" closed, thumb hole/thumb hole, S30V/S30V, 2.7oz/2.7oz, $122.50/$116.25 (after $10 for deep pocket clip).

Hopefully holding and playing with each will lead me one direction or the other by the end of next week.

Again, I appreciate the input...reviews and comparisons of the Sage 5 don't seem to be as easy to find as with the Mini-Grip so it's nice to hear some input!

TripleB67

 

[Chronovore]

How about you just get the Sage 5 and write a review of it here for us. You know, for science or something. (Insert other enabling here.)

If you don't absolutely love it, you could always bump up your membership and sell it on the exchange.