Newbie interested in a Hogue and a Spyderco, opinions?

Retlawman590

Retlawman590

Joined
Jul 31, 2022
Messages
109
Hi everyone,

This is my first post. I just recently got the bug for EDC knives. I'm retied LEO, so I carry my firearm everywhere I go, but wouldn't mind a blade for a backup and tool for around the house. I did purchase a Boker Kalashnikov Dagger Auto last month. Pretty nice knife for $60, but the edge is not sharp and the release button could be smoother.

I am looking to add two more, slightly larger and higher quality knives. I have done some research, but would appreciate your take on these two. First, another auto, the Hogue Ballista Drop Point in blue ($119.99 Sale). Second, the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 manual ($171.50). I would be ordering from Blade HQ. Can I get your opinions on these two? Thanks!
 
I see these two as very different knives. Auto vs manual. Aluminum scales vs G10. 154CM vs S30V (base model PM2, they come in a variety of steels). The Hogue is less expensive but the Spyderco has a rich history and following. Gonna have to weigh the pros and cons, OP. But I gotta go with right answer in these situations: GET BOTH!!!
 
WadeWilson said:
I see these two as very different knives. Auto vs manual. Aluminum scales vs G10. 154CM vs S30V (base model PM2, they come in a variety of steels). The Hogue is less expensive but the Spyderco has a rich history and following. Gonna have to weigh the pros and cons, OP. But I gotta go with right answer in these situations: GET BOTH!!!
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Thanks, yes, I am looking into getting both!! ;)
 
If you check, PM2 come up in the exchange pretty frequently at very good prices.

I bought mine years ago for....140? Something like that. With tax etc the PM2 is getting priced pretty high. I'd definitely get it here on BF.

It's alot of fun putting aftermarket stuff on the PM2 as well.

The hogue looks cool. Personally, I try not to get anodized aluminum on things I will use alot, because those things scratch/wear/ding quickly. Or just get a used one and not care lol.

My thoughts. Good luck!
 
I was going to suggest Hogue's new sprint run (a lower number production run) of their Ritter RSK MK1-G2. It's a well loved design around these parts and this is a special edition one in carbon fiber and the latest knife steel Magnacut. The website says it's sold out right now but I heard on a podcast today, that ust aired the other day, that they are still making a second batch. I'd put your name on the "wishlist" button and they'll notify you when their ready to take money for it. If you're interested that is. It's an incredible knife though and perfect since you want a Hogue.

​

 
HexY3co said:
The spydie is a better knife. If you want a better auto go with the hogue ex-a05
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I think that's highly debatable. Not trying to argue or anything, I just don't want the OP to think that that is the overal consensus of knife enthusiast. I've never used that model but Hogue makes a fine knife on par with Spyderco in my opinion.

Edit: Spelling
 
Both companies make great knives. You should also check out the Hogue Deka, the new ones have 62-63 hrc Magnacut steel which is pretty awesome. If you go the Spyderco Pm2 route, I'd buy one secondhand here on the forums. You'll save a good chunk of cash, theyre a dime a dozen here.
 
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Thanks for all your replies. I ordered last night the Batista and the PM2. I went with the Batista because of the sale price and the blue anodized grip. I ordered from BHQ. I will post my impressions after Ive played with them a bit. I am planning on adding another to my little collection in November for my b day!
 
LimpCroissant said:
I think that's highly debatable. Not trying to argue or anything, I just don't want the OP to think that that is the overal consensus of knife enthusiast. I've never used that model but Hogue makes a fine knife on par with Spyderco in my opinion.

Edit: Spelling
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I agree. Spyderco PM2 is a great folder and is also very popular. But if I had to make a choice between it and Hogue Ritter, I'd go with the latter (of course I have both).
 
Retlawman590 said:
Hi everyone,

This is my first post. I just recently got the bug for EDC knives. I'm retied LEO, so I carry my firearm everywhere I go, but wouldn't mind a blade for a backup and tool for around the house. I did purchase a Boker Kalashnikov Dagger Auto last month. Pretty nice knife for $60, but the edge is not sharp and the release button could be smoother.

I am looking to add two more, slightly larger and higher quality knives. I have done some research, but would appreciate your take on these two. First, another auto, the Hogue Ballista Drop Point in blue ($119.99 Sale). Second, the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 manual ($171.50). I would be ordering from Blade HQ. Can I get your opinions on these two? Thanks!
Click to expand...

Welcome to Blade Forums. EDC knives are so handy, you'll quickly forget what you ever did without one. My only concern here is on the "backup" aspect for your firearm. Folders and even automatics aren't particularly good for defensive purposes.

As I'm sure you know from your time and training in law enforcement, defensive encounters are often quick and bad guys prefer them to be a surprise. The steps with a firearm go from realizing the threat to drawing the firearm and putting it in the right place. There might be a thumb-break on your holster and there might be a manual safety to engage but it's still pretty straightforward. The same is largely true of fixed blades, so long as your sheath allows a full grip on the draw. Once you get into folders (etc.), you start introducing other steps that can include needing to reposition your grip, actuating whatever mechanism, and successfully deploying to proper lock-up (and assuming that the lock holds if things get hairy). That not only introduces additional failure points between you and effective defense, some of those failure points also add chances for self-injury. If having a backup for your firearm is crucial, definitely think about the world of EDC fixed blades.

In the meantime, both Hogue and Spyderco make a quality product. Either will be a substantial step up from that Boker. Either should be good for a regular EDC knife. As a regular and non-defensive EDC knife, I'd go with the Spyderco. K.O.D. K.O.D. is right about personalization and customization with Spyderco. There are a ton of options for modification and that can be fun on its own.
 
Retlawman590 said:
Hi everyone,

This is my first post. I just recently got the bug for EDC knives. I'm retied LEO, so I carry my firearm everywhere I go, but wouldn't mind a blade for a backup and tool for around the house. I did purchase a Boker Kalashnikov Dagger Auto last month. Pretty nice knife for $60, but the edge is not sharp and the release button could be smoother.

I am looking to add two more, slightly larger and higher quality knives. I have done some research, but would appreciate your take on these two. First, another auto, the Hogue Ballista Drop Point in blue ($119.99 Sale). Second, the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 manual ($171.50). I would be ordering from Blade HQ. Can I get your opinions on these two? Thanks!
Click to expand...
I started the same way...
"I'll just get one nice folder."
"I should really have a slightly smaller, nice folder."
"That's a really good deal on that one..."
"Maybe just one folder in that steel to have something different."
"Oh Shiny!"
"My preciousesss."
 
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