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New guy to the forums and the knife game looking for EDC recommendations

B

Banger102

Joined
Jan 23, 2014
Messages
88
Hey guys!

I am new around here and after doing a little reading I understand you guys aren't big fans of versus threads so this won't be the standard versus thread. I am looking to get a good edc knife and after initial research I am attracted to the mini barrage and mini grip, feel free to share your thoughts on the two or throw in your own recommendation. However let me say this, I am not a fan of Syderco because I dont like the aesthetics (not a fan of the blade shape with the hole in it.) I am not a fan of odd blade design. The blades on the knifes I mentioned seem more standard to me, I also dont mind the tanto blade design either.

Second question, what are peoples thoughts on non serrated vrs partially serrated?

Finally, I am looking for a good deal on a NIB or LNIB of the knife I decide on so if you know of someone that has one for sale let me know, I see a 585 mini barrage just sold for 70 bucks on the forum yesterday... Just my luck a day late...

I look forward to your feedback.

Paul
 
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You'll probably buy both anyways ;)

Most people here prefer full plain or full serrated. I prefer full plain, serrated offers no benefit if you can sharpen yourself.
 
On the sizes you're talking about, I'd personally prefer full PE or full SE. A 3" blade doesn't seem to give you enough of both edges in the same blade to be useful. Both knives that you've mentioned are very good. There's also the 525 mini-Presidio that's in that size range. Kershaw has some nice offerings in a 3" blade, as does Boker and A G Russell, IIRC. All of those will be more traditional looking that a Spyderco or BM Bone Collector blade, but I will say that if you really like folders, you should at least try a Spyderco and see how it works for you. Lots of folks have started out being put off by the blade shapes (made necessary by the opening hole) only to become real fans after they used one for a while.
 
Don't rush it. Stick around and read threads and perhaps do a Search. You have lots of time>
 
welcome to the forums! I REALLY like my dpx folders. excellent steel and tough. Good advice from Sonnydaze. theres so many good blades out there its mind bending
 
I am NOT recommending partially-serrated or full...my only experience is with partial and it was fine.
One thing I can say...is that folders (other than plain edge) seem to be difficult to sell here without significant loss.
Many recognized "rescue" knives by BenchMade and Spyderco are fully-serrated...so keep that in mind. For seat belts, they might be the best choice. They are more trouble to sharpen, but may last longer before sharpening, as serrated blades have a greater percentage of cutting edge than plain edge...for the same length of blade.
You can read this short link by Spyderco...one of my favorite manufacturers..
http://www.spyderco.com/edge-u-cation/index.php?item=21
 
I have a friend who carries a Barrage and I carry a Mini Grip (when I'm not carrying a Spyderco PM2 *cough cough*) - I have to say the Axis lock really shines on a manual folder. Not to say that the assist can't be removed from the Barrage, it can. The ease of use on a manual axis lock is simply awesome.

Mini-Grip is one of my favorites and I will always have at least one in my drawer. There's a reason why they're so popular. Keep an eye on the exchange - one just sold for $50 bucks today LNIB.

EDIT: Take a peek at the Doug Ritter griptilians if you haven't already.

And I prefer plain edge because of the reasons already stated by members posting before me. Cheers!
 
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Speaking as the guy who sold the 585 yesterday, I prefer the mini grip. Not that the Barrage isn't great, but I think the assist is unnecessary in an axis lock, and the size and shape of the mini grip is a bit more pocket friendly. BUT. My favorite Benchmade is the Mini Presidio Ultra. Very good steel as BM does it, slightly larger and less-pocket-shreddy handle, and sweet manual action. it's also relatively cheap.
 
plain edge mini ritter is one of my favorite knives to edc. they cost a bit more but worth it IMHO. enjoy the search and be forewarned that knives are addicting.
 
Back when I started looking at folders with a novices eyes I also thought 'fugly' when looking at Spydercos, and passed them by.
Oh man was I wrong. Now I have 8 Spydies and wouldn't be without them.

Consider this: Are you going to just look at your knife, or carry and use it? Cos if you get a Para 2, carry and use it for a while, you will change your mind. Form follows function.

You might also change your mind about tanto blades when you try sharpening one.

I have BMs too, so by all means go that way if you like. As for the Barrage, spend more for the 586 rather than the 585. Worth it if you can afford it. And you can't go wrong with a Griptilian of some sort.
Shame the BM's are just so bleeding expensive now.
 
Don't know how much you're willing to spend, looks like you're looking to be in the 3" range or so, but can't go wrong with a Delica for the price compared to a Mini Grip.
 
Kershaw is always a great place to start. So many designs and opening styles you can really get a feel for the style and size of the knife you like for edc for not much $.

Personally I carry a spyderco native or tenacious most days. If you want to give spydie a chance pick up a tenacious. Around $40 most places.
 
That pm2 does look pretty sweet.

Like I said I am new, what's the difference between the 586 vrs the 585?
 
586:

M390 blade steel
G10 handle with bolsters

585:

154CM Blade steel
Valox handles

I'm pretty sure those are the only differences. I'm sure someone will speak up if there's something else.

And yes, I think it would be worth the extra cash. Not that 154CM is bad, because it's not at all. I'm never unhappy with 154CM, but I'd be happier with M390. Joo know?
 
You are not the first and won't be the last to hate the Spyderco's on impulse. It sounds strange but you can't really judge one until you hold it in your hand. They are brilliant and look way better in person than they look online at first glance. You could always try something cheap like a Byrd or Spyderco Tenacious and see if the style grows on you.

That being said, if you absolutely can't deal with the Spyderco looks, the benchmades you mentioned are good choices, as well as their full size counterparts. I'd also look at:

Ontario RAT1(super cheap but awesome all-round EDC for that price)
Cold Steel Recon or Mini Recon
Spyderco Native(more normal blade shape)
CRKT Ripple

Just a few off the top of my head but there's a lot to choose from in that price range.
 
I'm personally a big fan of Kershaws, but I find myself most commonly EDCing SOG's. The Flash I gets knocked, and I think it is a bit overpriced, but it is amazing light and I don't think there is anything comparable at the small size (absolutely true story: I lost my Flash I for a couple days, so I was EDCing my Benchmade Skyline... then I found the Flash I was still clipped in my pocket where it normally was and I was clipping the Skyline to my pocket without realizing the Flash I was there!). Another good SOG choice is the Mini Aegis. I have a SOG Slim Jim that I intend to EDC, but haven't yet. I also EDC the SOG Flashback sometimes. It's strange that I don't consider myself a HUGE SOG fan, but they tend to be my EDC knives (I do like deep carry pocket clips).

Regarding Spydercos, my problem with them is that due to the blade shape, they tend to by very wide knives, and I like to be able to put my hand in my pocket without the knive getting in the way (a problem I noticed with the Tenacious for example).

My PERSONAL opinion is that Benchmades are overpriced (especially now with the enforced pricing) and the Griptilian plastic handles are terrible. I have three Grips and two Mini Grips, but can't foresee myself buying any more. The axis lock IS nice, though I find it sometimes opens slightly crooked, making difficult to release. I prefer the compression lock on the Spyderco Para2 (once adjusted properly) and will probably try EDCing that. I also have a Houge with a really nice button lock that I got for a good price, but for me that is a little too high end to EDC.

So that is my relatively inexperienced opinion...
 
Hey welcome to the forum. I'm pretty new here myself, and I also used to not like Spydercos too much. I think my first impression toward them was bad because I had seen a fake Delica, and I assumed they were bad quality, so I always was a Benchmade guy. Then I started reading reviews and I bought my first Tenacious. I was hooked. Now I own seven Spydercos, and I love them! I suggest you at least look into the Delica based on the options you were discussing above.
 
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