Need some help choosing a knife

[aperdue]

Alright guys, I have had knives all my life but am a total newbie compared to 95% of the people here. I want to get a new knife. I plan on spending up to, but no more than $200. I really want something that not everyone else I run into will have, and be a quality knife...and yes, it will get used. Right now I am looking at three:

Spyderco Para Military 2 S90V CF
Spyderco Manix 2 XHP Blade Fol. Green G10 handles
Zero Tolerance 0551

ETA: I am also open to other suggestions as long as it stays under 200
ETA2: To answer foxx, I am not typically hard on my knives, just use them for day to day tasks, opening boxes, every once in a while cutting rope (very seldom), light whittling on wood. I usually use one of the 2 stone kits you can get from sporting goods stores and can usually get them sharp enough to shave the hairs off my arm.

 

[foxx]

I think most of us would need more info on how you will use the knife. What will you cut, and how hard on your knives are you. Can you sharpen the knife if/when needed, etc..

 

[aperdue]

updated original post to answer foxx's questions

 

[rpttrsn]

There are soooo many out there to choose from. I have the Para Military w/ D2 steel and it's a great knife. Doesn't fit into the dress up EDC class IMO. Check out the Spyderco Caly3CFP. Laminated ZDP-189 Blade. It's different and a great EDC for me. Less then your max. price range. Benchmade 960 Osborn in D2 steel. Red anodized Alum. with Black inlays should come in your price range. One of the smoothest operating knives I have used. You need to let the others here know how you intend to use it.
Oh Yea! Welcome to the forum.

 

[turbo-henrik]

For your needs id go with that S90V Para military

 

[RevDevil]

The 3 you have selected as options will serve you well. Both companies (Spyderco & ZT make some of the finest cutting tools on the planet), and yes I am a huge fan of both. What you need to figure out is:
1- What do you find most aesthetically pleasing about the 3?
2- What lock preference do you have? Caged Ball Bearing? Compression Lock? Frame Lock?
3- How often would you like to sharpen your knife? From hardly ever to frequent is: S90V, ELMAX, CTS-XHP
4- Do you mind weight? 0551 will be heaviest, then Manix2, then Para2.
5- How much do you really want to spend? ZT0551 and Spyderco Para2 being the more expensive then the Manix2.

 

[aperdue]

The 3 you have selected as options will serve you well. Both companies (Spyderco & ZT make some of the finest cutting tools on the planet), and yes I am a huge fan of both. What you need to figure out is:
1- What do you find most aesthetically pleasing about the 3?
2- What lock preference do you have? Caged Ball Bearing? Compression Lock? Frame Lock?
3- How often would you like to sharpen your knife? From hardly ever to frequent is: S90V, ELMAX, CTS-XHP
4- Do you mind weight? 0551 will be heaviest, then Manix2, then Para2.
5- How much do you really want to spend? ZT0551 and Spyderco Para2 being the more expensive then the Manix2.

1 - I honestly like the overall look of all 3
2 - I have never had a blade with any of these types of locking systems
before so I really don't know which I prefer
3 - I would like the knife to hold the edge as long as possible, I have just
read tidbits here and there about having issues sharpening the S90V
4 - I don't think the weight is going to be a huge deal, I know it won't with
the spydercos, but it may be with the ZT, but from what I have read
about the 0550/0551, it is smaller than the normal ZTs
5 - This knife is actually a gift to me (well $150 of it is) and I am adding to
it so, I am willing to spend around $200 if that is what I end up having to
do.

 

[banana-clip]

All 3 are great knives.

Out of the 3 I'd choose the ZT 0551.

 

[RevDevil]

If I were you, I would get the S90V Para. Here is why, they will go up in value, the steel while hard for some to sharpen will hold an edge beyond what the ELMAX and XHP will combined. Once these are gone, they will be gone.
You can always pick up a 0550 next year if you are interested in one. They will become regular production for a while anyway. As far as locks go, the Compression lock is extremely strong, frame locks are good, but the comp lock appeals more to me. I love the new ZT design. I think it is fantastic. Tough choice indeed.

 

[link2derek]

If I were you, I would get the S90V Para. . . .

Ditto -- of the three you listed, I'd go for the Para.

BTW, WELCOME to BF!

 

[StypeCL]

Hands down, CF S90 Para 2!!

 

[aperdue]

Well, just put in a pre-order with Knife Center. Can't wait till I get it in.

ETA: Oh yeah, it was for the Para 2 S90V