New Knife Guy- Recommended something please??

B

blang525

Joined
Feb 2, 2015
Messages
13
Hey guys i recently got into the whole "good" knives thing. Over the past little while I've aquired a pm2, sage 1, ambitious, ontario rat 1, and a bm 940-1 first production. I'm trying to cover all the bases. I want to get something else. I want to stay in the > 160$ range. It will be used for edc mainly. What other essential folders are there? I basically want to add some diversity. I've got the bug real bad. Please help me...
 
Welcome to BF blang! Lol,you're off to a good start for sure. I'm impressed. Sure you need help?:D The Manix2 L/W is my edc today, nice knife. The Vic Farmer though not expensive is truly a handy knife as well . Good luck on you're quest.:D
 
blang525 said:
Hey guys i recently got into the whole "good" knives thing. Over the past little while I've aquired a pm2, sage 1, ambitious, ontario rat 1, and a bm 940-1 first production. I'm trying to cover all the bases. I want to get something else. I want to stay in the > 160$ range. It will be used for edc mainly. What other essential folders are there? I basically want to add some diversity. I've got the bug real bad. Please help me...
Click to expand...

What do you like for blade length & shape, and handle material? Assisted, or no?
 
I've been eying zt for a while but man I can't get passed the weight. I guess I just need to get one in hand and see... I generally like g10 or cf but I would like to try some titanium out at some point. I'm honestly open to most anything.
 
blang525 said:
I've been eying zt for a while but man I can't get passed the weight. I guess I just need to get one in hand and see... I generally like g10 or cf ...
Click to expand...
Same with me. That's why the smaller ones like the 566 appeal - it's lighter and at the max I care to EDC.

Definitely get hands-on.

The ZT0566BWCF is very nice. Carbon Fiber and Blackwashed - sweet combo.
 
If you can find a Benchmade Ares, get it. It's one of my most beloved (next to the 940). As for the ZT's, they are great knives to use -- the 0562CF is my top pick, for the moment. I think I may have gone over your $160 limit, though.
 
blang525 said:
I've been eying zt for a while but man I can't get passed the weight. I guess I just need to get one in hand and see... I generally like g10 or cf but I would like to try some titanium out at some point. I'm honestly open to most anything.
Click to expand...

If you like the size of the Sage - you might like the ZT0770. I have the aluminum handled version, which is within your budget.
I like the Manix2 better than the PM2 (but I still don't carry it - that's a me thing, I just can't seem to bond with Spydercos). The Gayle Bradley is worth a look, as well.

Personally, the ZT0550 and 0200 are among my favorite knives. They just feel right to me. (I do have some light, thin handled knives that I really like - ie Kershaw Shallot - but I prefer them (handles/grips) on the thick side, as I find them more comfortable for extended use.) Both models are discontinued, but still available.
I also really like the 0801BW (the regular 0801 didn't quite do it for me).

0200, 0550, Gayle Bradley, Manix 2, Shallot, 0770, Sage 2
 
Last edited:
Since you've already got some nice spydies and a benchmade, sounds like you should try out ZT just to round things out. My favorite Titanium is the ZT 801, but it is a little heavy...depending on how you carry edc and attire. Personally, I really like a little weight in my edc knife, because I've always got a 1911 on the other side.

For a light weight, I really like the ZT770CF (3 oz). Carries very easy, and quite robust for being basically CF framed. The 566 is also an excellent mid sized knife, but not too much lighter than the 801, and the CF version is basically the same weight as the G10.

Part of your decision may be whether or not you like assisted opening or manual. The 801 is one of the smoothest manuals I've ever had. The 770CF is so light, I think the assist really works well to round out the knife.
 
I like the suggestion for the ZT0770CF. I really like this knife and it is quite light and sized nicely for EDC.

You have all moderns so far, maybe a traditional might be to your likely or as you say something to round out your accumulation. If that is something you might be interested in, I'd look at a Trapper pattern made by Great Eastern Cutlery or Canal Street Cutlery sort of benchmark manufacturers on the higher end of things before you get into customs.

You don't appear to own a Victorinox swiss army knife. I didn't for years as I viewed them as kid's knives, but once I got my first and used it for a while, I wouldn't be without one in my pocket. Tis a shame really as there are only so many knives you can carry from a practical point of view, but they are just so darn useful.
 
Thanks for the suggestions. I really like the looks of zt but I need to figure out if I want a harder use knife or if I want something that looks fancier than g10 (like cf). This blade may come with me on a few camping trips due to the tough nature of the knife. I don't know if I can bring myself to gut fish with a cf scales knife...
 
blang525 said:
Thanks for the suggestions. I really like the looks of zt but I need to figure out if I want a harder use knife or if I want something that looks fancier than g10 (like cf). This blade may come with me on a few camping trips due to the tough nature of the knife. I don't know if I can bring myself to gut fish with a cf scales knife...
Click to expand...
Consider this: The G10 is textured, the CF is smooth. Little fishy parts will linger within the dimples of the G10 longer. :D
 
I love my ZT 0770CF, wonderful knife.

Also in your range to consider:

Upcoming ZT 0450

Brous Bionic/Bionic 2.0--I have the original, am very pleased with it. I'm carrying it today as a matter of fact.

Spyderco Manix 2 lightweight S110V

Benchmade 485 Valet

LionSteel SR-2A

Upcoming Cold Steel's in CTS-XHP

Kizer--I just got the Ki4423 $139.99 at bladehq. Bearing pivot, S35VN, flipper, full Ti.
 
I agree with the traditional recommendation. If you really want to mix it up then consider a stockman pattern from Great Eastern Cutlery.

I picked up a #81 Stockman in natural stag for around $150 and I love it! The #82 Dixie Stockman is also very highly regarded.

Modern folders are sweet, but there is something about the classic traditional slipjoint that always bring a smile to my face. All of my knives are users and I wouldn't think twice about using any of them to gut fish. YMMV.
 
I think my next purchase will be a zt566 black washed and cf. I guess I just need to man up and not be scared to scratch my pretty knives.:D traditional slip joint is on the list as well as a SAK and maybe a spyderco delica. I love my spydies!
 
Gonna throw Al Mar out there for you to check k out. The sere 2000, shrike, or a payara would add something a little different then the average. They are pretty much custom knives in a production model. There have been quite a few threads recently so have yourself a look and good luck.

Oh one more to have a look at is Fallkniven. Beautiful folders. Some great fixed blades in edc size too. Good luck
 
Sounds like you need a ZT from your current interests.

When I started collecting nicer knives I branched out to try budget knives, knives with unique features, different scales, etc.. I wanted to get a flavor of the knife world. Collect whatever makes you happy.. And USE them!! :D
 
What I noticed from your list of acquisitions is that you don't have a small gentlemen's folder. Something like the Spyderco Bradley Air may be something to look into. Plus its an intro to m4 steel
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top