Newbie trying to choose

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Chubbs103

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Sep 21, 2008
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1st post, but don't feel you have to be gentle. I am trying to decide between 3 knives and I am looking for input (pos and neg) on my choices. I am also open to other options.

For background, I've been alternating between a Spyderco slightly larger than a Delica purchased around 1990 and a much more recent CRKT M16 military for EDC. I've not been 100% satisfied with the edge retention on the CRKT (AUS-8 I believe). I also have had corrosion issues with the CRKT and it seem to fill with crud faster than any other I have carried. I've been pretty happy with the Spyderco except for some minor corrosion issues. My biggest concern with my current Spyderco is the blade is on the delicate side and so I avoid heavy tasks.

To help centralize my needs, I will explain some of my carry conditions. I'm military and work in harsh environments that often involve salt water. The knife must fit in the shroud cutter pocket of a flight suit, so girth, thickness, etc have to be kept in check. This disqualifies a lot of tacticool knifes. I prefer a combo patterned blade. I'm trying to keep the price below $150. If a company you suggest has a military discount program even better.

My current choices are:

1) The spyderco military. I would prefer aluminum or stainless scales (just because), but I do like the knife.

2) The BM Dejavoo. I like this knife a lot. The handle is probably beyond the max thickness I am looking for.

3) The BM (HK) Nitrous Blitz. I'm concerned about the strength of the lock-up, but the knife is pretty cool.

I have a tendency to think the opening "hole" on spydercos would be a little easier to manipulate with wet hands, gloves, or wet gloves. I am willing to go automatic if you show me one that I can keep in my pocket without it opening, yet operate faster and with as little "manipulation" as an assisted.

Thank you in advance for your help.
 
I found another that I like, but I have not held it so this is off of the website only.

Benchmade Osborne BM940SBK
 
to be honest, you may want to look at the spyderco salt series. these are specifically made to be used around water, as the blades are rust proof. you can get a spyderco salt for around 50 or 60 dollars. i think spyderco has some other rust proof blades for use around water.

i say get that as your work knife, and then maybe something else for casual carry like mini dejavoo or something.

the military and dejavoo are awesome knives, but inmop they are too nice to use around water.
 
I really like my carbon fiber Military. It is VERY light, and the profile of the blade make it a demon slicer. It is not a "tank" of a knife, though. It is a "specialized" tool, is you know what I mean. Did you think about a fixed blade?
 
I'd echo the spyderco salt series.

You might also consider an alternative form of carry and go with a fixed blade. Benchmade (forget the model name but it is made of H1) and spyderco (caspian) makes some really innovative fixed-blade dive knives (H1 metal which does not rust and holds a better edge than titanium) with kydex sheaths that can be affixed to molle webing or worn in a variety different ways. Nothing deploys, especially while wearing gloves, like a fixed blade.
 
When I'm in a flight suit, the lack of a belt pretty much excludes the fixed blade (and I already have one for my molle gear). I have looked at the salt series, but unless something has changed, they only offer the stainless handle in a sheepsfoot blade. The plastic handles on the other just feel cheap to me. Yes, I know I'm picky. If I wasn't, I would have already bought a replacement.
 
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Kershaw's Composite Blade Leek or Shallot (the latter to be released within a week or so). Cutting edges are CPM-D2 for the Leek and ZDP-189 for the Shallot. Both can be found for right at $ 100, and fits your footprint and weight issues perfectly. Both are SpeedSafe assisted openers.
 
I've been looking at the Kershaw Shallot, and I have to admit that I am impressed for the price. Anybody have any comments on it's durability?
 
I've owned and carried one since they came out last fall, I believe. I also gave one to my son, who is a chef, and he uses his in the kitchen daily.

Getting a composite blade with a ZDP edge, SpeedSafe and a frame lock for right at a C-note is a bargain.

Tough knives, with Kershaw's CS and lifetime warranty. I don't think you'd be disappointed. Drop by over here and ask your questions!
 
The FRN on Spyderco's knives is extremely tough and durable. The idea that it "looks" or "feels" cheap is perception without proof. I've used FRN for years and it's lived through being dropped onto concrete, covered in gun oil, soaked in garage solvents & cleaners, covered in blood (mine), used around and almost in a fire, all with no damage and no change in the grippiness of the knife handle. One of my G10 scaled knives got permanent dent in it when I dropped in on my patio but other than that, G10 is pretty tough, too.

I certainly don't live and work in the kind of conditions that you do, but FRN is my fav scale when it comes to a knife that I would use under conditions that I would consider to be harsh or abnormal. I'd give the H1 series a close look id rust proof is a really high consideration for you.

Another choice with a more robust blade might be Spyderco's Caly 3 in VG10 and G10. It'll be about the same size as a Delica or Salt, but the blade is 3mm thick and leaf shaped. I have never had any corrosion issues with VG10 and I've had one of my old Delica 3s underwater in the Atlantic. All I did was coat the knife wiht Militec before going to the beach and then rinse the knife thoroughly each night and it was fine.

Good luck with your choice. Let us know what you decide to get.
 
I'm actually very familiar with the FRN handles. My wife carries a spyderco with one. It has been more than serviceable. I can't change the fact that I don't care for the feel. For me, the stainless handles on the spyderco's carry easier in a boot because they feel thinner and better in the waistband just because it feels better to me.
 
You might want to take a look at the Kershaw ZT's, both the ZT0200 and ZT0500 can be had for under the set price.
 
Chubbs103 said:
I found another that I like, but I have not held it so this is off of the website only.

Benchmade Osborne BM940SBK
Click to expand...

I believe the 940 was designed for use with gloved hands. The AXIS lock is a very strong and solid lock. It also allows you to open the knife very quickly once you get used to it (which doesn't take long at all).
 
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