Recommendation based on criteria

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fp627

Joined
Jul 21, 2015
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60
Short Version
Recommend a knife for me. See criteria below.

Normal Version
Hi - I've been lurking and searching for the last 2 weeks and based on some of the things I've read here, I've been able to pick out a knife already (Benchmade Mini Grip with D2 blade). However, I would like a recommendation for another larger folder, criteria below as I haven't been able to find one with the desired features (although it probably exists).

The purpose of this knife is to be a larger EDC type knife for when the situation allows or warrants it. It will also be carried with me in my pockets on jogs/walks while wearing gym/basketball shorts. Leading candidate right now is the Kershaw Junkyard Dog 2.2 but there are two major dislikes and 1 minor one with it: 1. No assisted opening (in form of Kershaw's SpeedSafe) 2. No reversible clip for tip up carry 3. The huge clip but it looks like there are aftermarket options.

Criteria for new knife in rough order or importance:
- About 3-3.75" blade (4" absolute maximum)
- No serrations on blade
- Larger grips with G10, Micarta, or similar material for grips. Grippy w/o being sticky if that makes sense. I have large hands that sweat often so any other features that would help would be great.
- Clip can be reversed or placed in different positions.
- No higher maint like carbon steel and nothing that rusts easily. No other strong preferences on steel.
- Under $100 ballpark, but ideally under $50 would be ideal. Wouldn't mind having 2 knives if total budget was OK.
- Blade shape, see pictures below. No tantos.
- Assisted opening preferred, but I can live w/o it. Flipper (metal sticking out the back when closed) in some non-snag profile on back preferred but thumb studs or a washer on the back of the blade are OK too. I'm not so great with a spyderco or other hole type opener (unfortunate b/c I really like some of their blade shapes).

I don't know all the terms yet for different blade shapes yet, so I'll use some pictures to describe desired blade shape:
01kal09.jpg

zero_tolerance_0300_strider_s30v_1.jpg

ks1850.jpg

I like the shape of the blade tip and the big belly + recurve? of this Boker, Kershaw (Tyrade) and ZT (0300/0350). Do not like the serrations on the Boker.

ZTO.117-2T.jpg

Also like the ZT0360 blade shape. Seems like they trade some off the top and a smaller tip for a lighter and faster opening blade compared to the ZT0350.

KS1670S30Vn.jpg

kershaw-1678-large.jpg

Spyderco-Paramilitary-2.jpg

Also like the shape of the Kershaw Blur, Camber, and Spyderco Para2. Blades aren't as wide and don't have much/any recurve, but still like the point, belly, etc.

Lastly, if it matters, I am not a total beginner with knives but most experience is with chef's knives, very little with folders. Also have my own Japanese whetstone available for sharpening although if I get another G2 tool steel or similar metal, I will utilize manufacturer or professional sharpening services.
 
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Upper end of your budget;
http://www.bladehq.com/item--Kershaw-Rake-Composite--7157

Kershaw rake
-speed safe with a flipper
-composite steel blade
(D2 while not a true stainless is all but, won't rust easy if you just wipe down the edge after use)
-reversible clip. Tip up/tip down, or left handed tip up.
-lots of belly on a plain edge blade between 3.25" & 3.5"
-falls above $50, but well under $100, right in the middle
-g10 handles

While there are subtle differences, it is basically an assisted junkyard dog 2.2

Or

Kershaw Turbulence - same price range, different styling and profiling, all sandvik (stainless) blade w/o the d2 edge. All the other features included.
http://www.bladehq.com/item--Kershaw-Turbulence-Assisted-Opening--8199

Or the cheap route
Kershaw link drop point blade w/ gfn handle
W/ 420hc blade,
Well under $50
http://www.bladehq.com/item--Kershaw-Link-Liner-Lock-Knife-Gray--27383

All 3 check every box you mentioned
 
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Good luck.
I also highly recommend a Salt folder with serrations. You will come to love it.
rolf
 
I don't much care for flippers or assisted knives, so the PM2 is the one I'd suggest. In fact, I was going to recommend it anyways, lol.
 
Para 2 is a good choice.

I'd also suggest taking a look at the Ontario Rat 1. I like the standard version though they do have an assisted model with real g10.
 
The Cold Steel American Lawman with the new CTS-XHP steel would be a good choice. Nice, wide blade. You can get the AUS8 steel versions cheaper, now (but the knife is thicker and the G10 rougher, but you can fix the roughness).
The Spyderco Manix is also a great choice with a nice, wide blade and a lock similar to your Benchmade.
 
Thanks guys.

Strategy - I tried a friend's Kershaw Rake for a while but somehow the handle didn't work well in my hands and I don't like the shape of the blade as much - too much curvature upwards with the tip almost pointing up. Granted, I'm relatively inexperienced so maybe there is a lot of merit to the design I don't know about, but if there is, I didn't come across it.
Don't know how I missed the turbulence though - looks it'd be great.

On a different note, I forgot to mention this above originally, but do all spydercos come with the thumb hole to open the blade? I'm not so good with that type of opening device even if I do like their knives.

Also just saw that the original Galyean JYDs had reversible and smaller clips. No idea as to why Kershaw or whoever decided to go to a huge clip (that probably saves no $) and only allow for 1 position of carry (I doubt the cost of drilling 2 extra holes on any knife over $50 is no big deal considering they have lots of well under $50 knives with many extra holes for all types of carry).
 
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On a different note
1. How do you bump posts on this forum? (I want to bump this once every other or few days)
2. Are there any specific online stores specific to knives/blades most people here recommend (ex a good service, rewards program, prices, etc.)
 
I would go with the kershaw blur. Mine has s30v. It is very lightweight and I carry it in my basketball shorts. My other knives are much heavier and are too much wearing those type of shorts but the blur is perfect
 
Another vote for the Kershaw Rake. Like you, I didn't like the blade shape, so I took it to the grinder and had it reground. It's one of only a few assisted knives I have left.

20140728_182435.jpg
 
Grab for a Spyderco Paramilitary 2. I bought two of them yesterday...to join the ones I have at home. I guess it's my favorite folder of all time.
I collected them in various supersteels for some time, but sold all of those. Now I just like the basic S30V models in their various offerings.
Right at 100 bucks and worth every penny.
 
Gooey - how did you grind down d2 or did you only reshape the spine (or top part)?

Either way, I don't have the tools and equipment necessary to shape knives. Although know that I think about it, there is a store not too far from me that would probably be able to reshape to some degree or another.
 
On a different note, after joining this forum, I now realize preference in knives seems to dictate things more than any one technical detail or another. Appreciate everyone's recommendations. My wallet is very nervous though - somehow I may end up buying a few more knives and many more after that over a period of time than the 1 knife originally intended when I finally made an account :)
 
Yeah, it's a rabbit-hole, no doubt. :D
You gotta' just resist the impulses, lol. Start small, yet quality. Buy an Ontario Rat to start. It's a good size, great value for money, and will satisfy until you figure out exactly what to spend the bigger money on. 'Big money' is > $100 to me. :D You don't need to spend a small fortune to be satisfied. I figured that out in a hurry. :thumbup:
 
fp627 said:
Gooey - how did you grind down d2 or did you only reshape the spine (or top part)?

Either way, I don't have the tools and equipment necessary to shape knives. Although know that I think about it, there is a store not too far from me that would probably be able to reshape to some degree or another.
Click to expand...

I originally ground down the hump on the blade to give it more of a trailing point, and re-shaped the end of the handle. Phillip Dobson did the amazing work on the blade, giving it a swedge as well has the high hollow grind.
 
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