Ready To Go Higher in Price...Need Advice.

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Frankie-5-Knives

Joined
Nov 13, 2012
Messages
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I've been reading through a lot of threads, and more recently the "Is it worth $100....?" thread. Both sides make a good argument and I think I'd like to try a slightly more expensive EDC knife to see if it's worth it to me. I've searched the forum and found some decent threads but I figured I'd start a new one based on my own personal criteria. Plus, some of your opinions may have changed after owning/using the knives for some time now.

Anyway, my criteria is pretty basic but will still limit my choices I'm sure.

- Price: $100 - $130
- Assisted Opening preferred but not mandatory. However, I do want smooth 1 handed opening.
- Tip up/down carry doesn't really matter but having the choice would be a nice feature.
- Straight edge blade. I don't want a serrated blade.
- Size I'd like to keep EDC reasonable. Nothing more than 8" overall.
- All BLACK. Blade, handle, and pocket clip. This will probably be the most limiting factor but it's not negotiable.

I admittedly have very little experience with knives in this price range. The majority of my knives are in the $30-$60 range with the exception of my Ka-Bar Tac Tool but that's work related so it's not really relevant here. So far I'm really drawn towards the ZT350 but like I said, I don't have experience with any others. I'm hoping you fine folks can point me in the right direction.

Thanks
 
Agree. DLC Para 2. Or even a Sage model. You will have the wow factor. The manual open knives by Spyderco will amaze you with deployment speed. Smooth and fast. Higher end knives will get you away from open assist. Look into Benchmade models too. Good manual and assisted opening knives. Look at a DLC M4 griptilian.
 
look at the SOG vulcan tanto or mini tanto, all black handle, not serrated, 3.5 or 4in blade, super smooth opening and closing. I have had one for a while and love it.
 
TotalDbag said:
How big of a blade do you want?
Click to expand...

In the 3.5-4" range probably. Like I said nothing over 8" open.

Wow you guys really like Spyderco. I kind of like the Griptilian. What are your thoughts on the ZT350? How would you stack it against the ones you've suggested?

Thanks guys. Keep the suggestions coming.
 
Benchmade Barrage, in your price range, 154cm steel and also assisted. Also comes in ALL BLACK.
 
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TBH I really don't like spyderco. I'm thinking of getting a Spyderco Embassy(maybe it will change my view) Kershaw Blur in S30V. Everything you want except the blades not black. But you really don't see that much of the blade when it's closed. And it's $80-90

s30vblur_1670s30v_3__510x200.jpg
 
I have the Benchmade mini-barrage in black with serration and LUV it. Tough little thing. I bought it on Amazon but forgot how much it was.
 
I have owned several knives in the range you are looking at. I have owned most of the blades suggested and the 0350. You wont find a better assisted opening knife for the price in the 0350. Rock solid, fast and great to use. I did not like the recurve blade but thats a personal preference. The Para2 would be my choice for non-assisted. If you want to experience Spyderco without the cost of the para2 then find a Native 4 in all black, you wont be disappointed.
 
I have a ZT0350, and I think it's a great knife. It's a fairly hefty knife, but not overly so for an EDC knife of that size. The M4 Griptilian (model number BM-551BK-1303) would be a very good candidate. I have a 551, and it was a great knife as well. The M4 one is essentially the same design, but with M4 steel and black coated blade. Some don't like the hollow, plastic-feeling handles, but they are lightweight and very strong. The Para2 and Manix2 both look interesting, but I haven't handled either.

Of the ones listed, I'd probably lean towards the M4 Griptilian. I'm a big fan of the Axis lock, and I've read a lot of good things about the M4 steel.
 
For your purposes the PM2 and Benchmade 710 are both good choices. Neither are assisted, but they open just as well IMO. Both have 4 way clip positions, come in all black, and are reliable and well made. YMMV
 
I have a 0350 and 551 griptilian and one spydie. To be honest the 0350 is great except its harder to strop and sharpen due to recurve. 551 grip is light fast and everybit as strong so long as your not a lumberjack chopping down trees. Plus it has my favorite lock system. I would go with 551 especially the m4 or s30v version both limited runs so buy quick!
 
The One that immediately shoots to the top of my head is the Spydie Para2. But as others have said, a higher end Kershaw Blur is also a steal for the price.
 
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