Para 3 vs ZT 450 vs Benchmade 495 Vector. Help me choose!

[Ceriano]

I'm looking to pick up my first quality EDC knife to use around the house and garden, cutting boxes, mulch bags etc. I narrowed down the list to these 3. I tried several knives at Cabela's this weekend. Overall I'm leaning towards Para 3. It felt the best in my hand. I really liked the fit and finish on the ZT 450 but it may be too small to use with garden gloves on. Out of the benchmades I liked Vector the most. The only thing I wasn't crazy about was the locking mechanism. It was very stiff but I'm assuming it will lighten up with use. Not an easy choice, I appreciate everyones input.

 

[Therom]

IMO the para 3 g10 is a great edc but you will have to consider to put a deep carry clip on it

The zt0450 will be my second pick

 

[HP2114B]

Among those three choices, the Para 3. Did you try a PM2?

 

[Ceriano]

Among those three choices, the Para 3. Did you try a PM2?

They did not carry the PM2. In the pictures para 3 looks small compared to PM2 but it felt comfortable in my hand.

 

[gentleman_edc]

I would go with a Para3 out of that list for a true EDC if you like the feel and style. I would consider a Native5 to if you don't want the compression lock.

I find Spyderco's knives ugly, but very practical. I would look consider the weight, blade steel and grip too. Look around and see what sprint run's are going on. I find the para3 lightweight a bit too flimsy, and I don't really like the G10 on most of the Spyderco knives (it's a bit to rough). I like to be able to drop my knife into my pocket.

The ZT0450CF is on my list of knifes I would like to try, but it hasn't worked its way to the top.