reccomendations for a 100 dollar knife

what do you guys think about the spyderco zulu or the bm 530

I really like the BM 530. It's super light-weight and has a really slim profile, perfect for when you don't want to be bogged down by your knife. Flicks open and closed with ease, too. Axis lock is solid, but the thin blade and plastic handle make it less than ideal for "hard" use. Still, a great slicer that will serve you well for years.
 
I really looked into it, and though I'm fine with thin blades, I think the 530 is just a little over the threshold for me. my dad contracts and I occasionally go and help him, so my blades are required to flex into that role occasionally. I don't push them beyond reason, and I'm sure the 530 could handle it, but it wouldn't give me much peace of mind
 
then again, I guess I just won't carry it then, but I'm just not surer hen again, I guess I just won't carry it then, but still...
 
Para2. For something smaller/nicer, I do love my Sage1, but for a $100 EDC that's going to be put to work, I can't think of anything better.
I was all set to get Camo and satin, when this came along:

Para2.jpg


I don't have experience with Spyderco's black coating, but if it's anything like the others I've used, I'd go satin all the way.
If you can, try a bunch out - I kissed a lot of frogs before I found this guy.
 
This is probably not the place to say this, but it kind of drives me nuts when I see someone say they barely have X dollars saved and want to spend it on an expensive knife. Please don't misunderstand, there are many reasons to buy fine items of all sorts. I just know that as a teenager with very limited funds, a smarter option might be a solid fixed blade. An ESEE Izula II or the smallish Becker (14?) are great knives for a bit less than you have, but still not cheap. Even as an adult making decent money, I carried an old Cold Steel Voyager with utter confidence. It sounds like you have the folding knife arena covered and you mention wanting a knife able to take abuse. To me, a small fixed blade is perfect. You could even get with 42 blades here and get a great combo of a small and very reasonably priced knife and a cheap machete. If outdoor needs are your concern, that would cover everything you need and leave you $50-$70 to start a savings account with:) I've recently read several reviews of Cold Steel's really cheap knives, like the puuko copy, and some very experienced people like them a lot. Yea, I'm a Dave Ramsey fan. It makes me crazy to read "I'm a young father of three and just scrounged some cash, which brand X $300 knife should I buy?":mad:. If it's collecting you're into, I can't comment. Just be wise with those dollars. They have a way of disappearing right before you really need them. Take care.
 
I see your point, and I was and still am in agreement with your ideas. I have like $1200 in my account. I'm very frugal with my spending. but I have a little savings that I contribute to bit by bit from what I accumulate from the odd jobs and gifts and other things. this has added up, after quite a while, to around 100 bucks. this money is my allowance to sate my knife bug. hey, its pretty logical for a 14 year old. don't worry sir, I'm not a stupid teenager, just addicted to cool things.
 
You didn't strike me as "stupid" and even we adults can easily get into a buying frenzy:) It sounds like you have things figured out much better than I did when I was 14. Just keep making careful, smart decisions and don't get caught up in marketing hype. Take care.
 
Oh... well just for the sake of posting pics of the Chokwe:
Orange.jpg

Green.jpg

ZTChokwe.jpg


Or you could pick up a Spyderco Stretch in ZDP-189 steel.
 
Zt 200. Easily in your p.r. and great knife

Or save up and get a zt 0560 I am currently doing that and I'm only 15
 
Am I just not looking hard enough, because the minimum I can find the zt 200 for is 126 without shipping
 
I'm almost set on the para 2, but I'm wondering if it's worth it to shell out some extra money to get the camp handle and black blade. I've never held one of those specifically, so I don't know if the aesthetics are worth it. or should I go camo and no blade coating. any advice

The black blade coating is pretty durable but can show some signs of use - the satin blade will stay "cleaner" looking, if that is important to you. Camo handles over black are a matter of preference. I have Camo w/Black Blade and a Black w/Satin. The only wear the black blade really shows is where my pewter lanyard bead rubbed against it repeatedly until I figured out what was causing the marks (duh).

I think you would be happy with a Para 2 … I didn't really appreciate it until I carried it for a while …

~ Edge
 
hey, I just had a thought. should I spend half my money on a sharpmaker or another system. I have like a 30 year old whet stone, but it's shot from sitting in gunk and grease in the garage for so many years. I use a fine metal file now, but do you think it's worth getting a real system.
 
hey, I just had a thought. should I spend half my money on a sharpmaker or another system. I have like a 30 year old whet stone, but it's shot from sitting in gunk and grease in the garage for so many years. I use a fine metal file now, but do you think it's worth getting a real system.

Absolutely. A file is almost useless for getting a good edge. I personally use a variety of diamond and arkansas stones and a homemade strop. If you prefer not to use stones, I've heard many good things about the Sharpmaker. If you have no way to maximize the use you get from a knife, why spend so much on the knife then?
 

Kershawguy had ZT 0350 blems for $95 until very recently. His page is a good place to watch for deals on user knives.

Another vote for the Para 2. You get a fantastic knife for the money. It's pretty much my default answer when someone asks for a $100 knife.

All of these are great suggestions and I would also say get the para 2. It really is a great knife and I think it will reach Skyline fame after its been out for a couple years. Speaking of Skyline, you should seriously consider the BF Skyline. You're already familiar with the ergos and you get a great steel, limited edition collectibility and you're supporting the forum. I'll be pulling the trigger on one soon.

Your idea of getting a sharpmaker is also a great one. I have one and love it.
 
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