Need some help with buying a folder

TravisL

TravisL

Joined
May 15, 2016
Messages
105
Hey everyone, I am a first time poster on here. I learn a lot from you guys, thanks. My knife knowledge is more in fixed blades, but am shopping for a new folder. I have a short list but I don't have a brick and mortar store to check most of these out. I prefer US made and up to about $130. I don't own any Benchmade or Spyderco so they interest me. Couple different price ranges here. Any help on these would be great. Thank you.

* Benchmade - Barrage 580
* Spyderco ParaMilitary 2 G-10
* Benchmade - Freek 560
* Spyderco Manix 2
* Benchmade - Griptilian 551
 
I'm not really familiar with those brands, but if you're looking for a good American knife, and you don't already have one. I think you should take a look at the Buck 110 folding knife. Buck is in Idaho, and if you go to thier website you can customize you own with different steel types, edges, handle materials, and engravings. I spent $180 on my custom knife $200 including shipping. That's just what I choose though. You can make a nice knife for $130. I got the S30V satin blade with a serated edge, brass handle with elk bone, and rivet's. I had my name engraved on the brass of the handle, and I also engraved the blade. That's what drove the cost up the most I believe. I haven't gotten it yet, but my brother gave me a standard one for Christmas so I would have 2 of them. The standard one I have now is really sturdy. Cuts straight, and easy the blade is very sharp. They hand sharpen each one.

I'm really happy with it, and I also just purchased the 301 Stockman. At the same time I have purchased the Stockman but it's from Case i haven't owned one before but my grandfather owns one so I got 2 from different brands I knew I would like. It's a 3-bladed folding Knife like a multi tool kinda. I don't remember the names, but It has the main everything use blade, a blade that is commonly used for whittling wood, and the third blade that was used for trimming sheep I think, and you can use it to shave.
 
If you are into fixed blades a Buck 110 isn’t a bad option, but it is huge in the pocket.
Another option is a GEC folder, something single bladed with a lockback would be my suggestion.

Of what you mentioned, a PM2 is the most obvious choice. It’s fun and solid and right in your price range. Also check out a Spyderco Stretch with an aftermarket deep carry clip from MxGear, which would cost about the same. As good a knife but the stretch is a better slicer.
 
Coyja said:
If you are into fixed blades a Buck 110 isn’t a bad option, but it is huge in the pocket.
Another option is a GEC folder, something single bladed with a lockback would be my suggestion.

Of what you mentioned, a PM2 is the most obvious choice. It’s fun and solid and right in your price range. Also check out a Spyderco Stretch with an aftermarket deep carry clip from MxGear, which would cost about the same. As good a knife but the stretch is a better slicer.
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Every buck knife comes with a sheath for your belt. It is big in the pocket if you don't use it. If you don't want a knife as big as the 110. They have the same style knife in different sizes for your preference 112, 501, 505, and the 503 they also have a super small version the 55, but I don't think they are selling it right now.

GEC looks like it also has some great knifes.
 
If those are the options you're going with, and I like 'em, I'd say PM2 all the way. I've heard some folks complain about the compression lock pinching, but I've never once had a problem of the sort. I assume you're looking for EDC, but not in, say, an office setting ... All of those are a bit hefty for that, IMO. PM2 has so many options, and is so tried and true, you'll have a lot of folks swear by them all day long. Of course I see we have a Buck fan here too. Their love for those blades is legendary, and for good reason. Your granddaddy probably toted one around because they work. Whatever you end up with, let's see a picture.
 
I'm a big fan of the PM2, Manix 2, and Griptilian. Can't go wrong with any of those. The others, I have not tried, so I can't give any input.
 
Norwegians love Buck said:
Every buck knife comes with a sheath for your belt. It is big in the pocket if you don't use it. If you don't want a knife as big as the 110. They have the same style knife in different sizes for your preference 112, 501, 505, and the 503 they also have a super small version the 55, but I don't think they are selling it right now.

GEC looks like it also has some great knifes.
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I'm a GEC owner (they do make fantastic knives!!!!) And a Buck owner (the 110 is a classic).

Seems the original poster is looking more for one handed opening knives.

I do like Spyderco with full flat ground blades. I had a Delica, and lost it, and just bought a Resilience.

The Paramilitary 2, from your list, with G10 would be high on my list. But I might go with the Manix 2, in g10 for the ball lock, and it is less expensive.
 
Bigfattyt said:
I'm a GEC owner (they do make fantastic knives!!!!) And a Buck owner (the 110 is a classic).

Seems the original poster is looking more for one handed opening knives.

I do like Spyderco with full flat ground blades. I had a Delica, and lost it, and just bought a Resilience.

The Paramilitary 2, from your list, with G10 would be high on my list. But I might go with the Manix 2, in g10 for the ball lock, and it is less expensive.
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Yea your right Buck does offer a switch option so you can use the blade instantly, but you have to be Active in the Military or a Police man, and its $200.

I don't know why it's probably a law to keep Americans from having nice things.
 
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Norwegians love Buck said:
Yea your right Buck does offer a switch option so you can use the blade instantly, but you have to be Active in the Military or a Police man, and its $200.

I don't know why it's probably a law to keep Americans from having nice.
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Some states allow Autos.

Mine does not....... or if have a lovely GEC made auto!!!

But, I can own and carry my guns.... concealed pistols, etc...
 
TravisL said:
Hey everyone, I am a first time poster on here. I learn a lot from you guys, thanks. My knife knowledge is more in fixed blades, but am shopping for a new folder. I have a short list but I don't have a brick and mortar store to check most of these out. I prefer US made and up to about $130. I don't own any Benchmade or Spyderco so they interest me. Couple different price ranges here. Any help on these would be great. Thank you.

* Benchmade - Barrage 580
* Spyderco ParaMilitary 2 G-10
* Benchmade - Freek 560
* Spyderco Manix 2
* Benchmade - Griptilian 551
Click to expand...

Ok, I’m pretty sure you don’t want a buck 110:rolleyes:

Both brands are excellent with great reputations and warranties. Of the two Benchmade has the better warranty but worse qc out the door, Spyderco has worse warranty but better qc out the door.

I have no experience with the Barrage or Freek, I am sure they are wonderful knives.

I don’t know if you were planning to do the customized versions but the base models of those Benchmades come with FRN handles which many people do not like because they mistake its lightweight nature for feeling cheap. (Personally I love frn)

The Spydercos are both awesome knives too. I prefer the manix because I prefer the ambidextrous lock and thicker tip. The Para 2 is a great knife though and you would be very happy with either one. Both are very ergonomic and just feel great in the hand.

If I was going to pick I would go with the Manix 2. I like the Para alot but if it was my first expensive folder especially if I usually dealt with fixed blades I would go with the Manix2 just because I feel it is more rugged. Also there is a backlock version of the manix that takes the knife to a whole other level.

Plus you could probably find the spydies in sprint run rare steels on the used section of this forum.
 
+1 on the Spyderco options. I like my Manix 2 and also have a Persistence. My wife carries a Delica or a Dragonfly 2. The PM2 is on my list, but keeps getting pushed down my list by other things.
I'm sure you'll like whatever you end up getting --- until you see something else that catches your eye.

Good luck.
 
Benchmade is awesome. Best warranty in my experience out of the two brands. The BM griptillian is a classic, and a great knife. The freek looks cool too.
 
Bigfattyt said:
Some states allow Autos.

Mine does not....... or if have a lovely GEC made auto!!!

But, I can own and carry my guns.... concealed pistols, etc...
Click to expand...

You can carry a .45... but if you get caught with a knife that has a button-doo-hickey you're in big trouble! :)
 
I'd vote for the Manix 2 or Manix 2 XL if you have a big hand. I'd highly suggest G10 handles instead of the FRCP ones.

PM2 is my 2nd choice of those listed.

For another $15, the entry level ZTs come into play. 200, 350, 909 now, 566, 770, etc
 
* Benchmade - Barrage 580. Great knife I just don't care for assisted.

* Spyderco ParaMilitary 2 G-10 Own one just too large for my purposes. (My sons favorite)

* Benchmade - Freek 560 Handled one. Not really impressed.

* Spyderco Manix 2. Borrowed one really nice but eats up a lot of your pocket. (Sons 2nd favorite)

* Benchmade - Griptilian 551. Have minigrip with 20cv. My #1 choice.
2nd choice is Steel Will Cutjack with D2 blade

But only you knows what will satisfy your needs. That probably will only make itself apparent once you spend some quality time with your choice/choices.

Good luck.
 
I have a Griptillian and a Para 2 in my regular rotation. Both are great knives. The 3rd folder in my rotation is the above mentioned Buck 110, great knife that carries different from the more modern folders.
Sticking with the knives i use that are on your list you really can't go wrong with either one. Some people complain about the Griptillians handle feeling cheap but I personally like it. Its also somewhat rounded which i like better than the flat g-10 scales of the para2.
The Para 2's handle is a little longer, i like that over the Griptilian. Both knives have solid easy to use locks and they both slice well. They are both great knives, imho the Para 2 is probably overall the better built knive. Full liners, better blade steel maybe, G-10.
However if i had to choose I would pick the Griptilian simply because i like it better overall. This post probably isn't very helpful but i tried. Lol
 
Stick with a Golden Made Spyderco that most intrigues you. You’ll be happy with the knife for sure. I personally perfer the Native 5 as my fav Spyderco.
 
I just bought my first "real" knife & joined the forum to learn more about the hobby. I bought a Benchmade because I always heard they were top quality. I wanted an assist knife figuring it would help when I am at work & want to open something one handed, I tried every assist Benchmade in the store & settled on the Mini Barrage. I like it, it's a great knife, mine is centered pretty good, no obvious defects that my newbie eyes have picked up on or poor QC that I've read about here. It's a great knife BUT I am finding that the assisted opening is great BUT closing is a little more difficult with one hand, I can do it but it's not as easy as something without assist. I have since played with a few other knives & ordered the Bugout when I saw it in stock at BHQ since I decided I want to get away from an assisted opening. I have since started to look at Spyderco's, they seem to have a pretty rabid following so I went to the store yesterday to see what the fuss was about. They didn't have any US made ones & pretty limited selection at my local Cabela's but I liked what I saw & felt after playing with them. What I did find is that I really liked the G10 vs the plastic (frn?) on my Benchmade, I also think they are an incredible value vs the Benchmade so I have been shopping them thinking my next purchase will be a Spyderco. I've also realized moving forward if I am going to buy another Benchmade I will probably go for something with carbon fiber or G10 scales, the slick finish on my Mini Barrage doesn't feel as nice in my hand after immediately handling something else. I don't think you can wrong with either choice but at least go to a store & play with them in person, look at multiple knives, pick them up & flick them, you may find exactly what you are looking for even if you didn't walk in expecting to find what you did, seems like the best part about the hobby to me so far.
 
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