Over a month of indecision on which knife :(

H

hettingerjm

Joined
Jul 4, 2012
Messages
35
Like I've said in previous posts, I'm having a baby soon and so I'm trying to buy my last knife before I have to cut way back on spending and can only get one more for a while. (Yesterday was my birthday so I have a little cash) I want a knife I can abuse and don't have to worry about it breaking because I do use it for things I shouldn't. It's a tool.

I want to buy a DPX hest 2.0, but I think the blade will be way too short for me. So I decided to get a benchmade adamas 275, but I feel like it is probably going to be too heavy for EDC at almost 8 ounces.

Is there anything that is right in the middle of these 2?

Atleast 3.5 in blade, s30v or better steel. Under $200. Under 6 oz.


Is the Zero tolerance 0550 the only knife that fit this? I was looking at emerson mini-commander but I've heard many people talk about the chisel grind not being great for EDC cutting. My last choice is possibly getting a paramilitary 2 for cutting, and an esee izula for abuse I would keep in my EDC bag. Spyderco's are great but honestly I don't like the aesthetics of them so this wasn't the decision I was most excited about.
 
Have you handled a Para2? It's ergonomics are outstanding. That and an Izula (or Becker BK-14 Eskabar) would be a great combo. Can't speak to the other options you suggest. All the best with the impending arrival.
 
Benchmade Barrage 581 in m390 is a sweet blade and looks real nice. A Para 2 is about the best EDC in that price bracket feels great in the hand great flat ground blade and wicked sharp out of the box. As for the ZT 550 they are solid and well made wiht a great warranty. I EDC the living crap out of my 550 and you can add a custom scale from Rick Hinderer it in tons of colors to make it a bit different. Those are just a few in a wide selection in that price range. As for steel choice s30v is awesome it really takes a sharp edge and to maintain it just strop it once a week to keep it hair popin sharp.
 
Spyderco Gayle Bradley--better ergos and blade shape (for my taste) than other Spydies. But why not just get the ZT0550 or ZT0551?

DJK
 
Spyderco Military has a 4'' blade and is light. The ZT 0350 has a 3.25'' blade and is solid. They're both around $120 if you look hard enough. The Gayle Bradley has been in my pocket for weeks now. I like it a lot. If you look you might find one of those for $120 as well.
 
The DPX HEST is only a hair shorter than the 0550, but the blade has more belly. The 2 are similar in size to the Para 2, but the Para carries much better because its so light. Any one of those 3 will be a good choice.

The Endura with ZDP steel also fits your requirements. It cuts exceptionally well in the FFG format, although the sabre grind is far from being a slouch. But thats no good if you dont like the looks of Spyderco.

The Contego is a beefy folder, but its in the same size range as the Military, ie. its a big folder.

The Para-Military 2, ZT 0550 and DPX HEST for comparison.

7557077790_e926c9ac62_z.jpg
 
If you're interested, I have a zt 0350 with serrated edge(partial) that has been very lightly used that'd work perfect for your needs. Let me know if you're interested.
 
I just purchased a Gayle Bradley last week to celebrate the birth of my daughter! It arrived yesterday and I liked it so much I sold one of my Paramilitary 2's...I really like the Paramilitary 2, but love the Gayle Bradley!
 
That does look sweet... But I still like the beefier look of the 550. I just found one for $190 with free 2 day shipping so that's what I'm going to do :)
 
No matter what you pick make sure you see one in person to help decide before buying from online.
 
Where's the best place to get one of those ZT 550 with custom scale colors ? I cant find those same deals you guys talk about.... I'd like to splurge if their as good as you all say !
 
I got the knife in! Love the feel of it. I went with the ZT 0550. Only issue is it's a little hard to open, and once it's open there's a little bit of vertical blade play. Going to give it a day or two to work out and then send it in if needed.
 
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