Recommendation EDC under $200

WilliamWoods

WilliamWoods

Joined
Apr 22, 2011
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460
First time poster!

I'm looking to replace my old EDC knife (a Kershaw Blur) with something large and better quality steel. Don't want to dip under a 3.25" blade as I have huge hands. I have about $200 to spend.

I've been leering at the beautiful Extrema Ratio BF2...any opinions?

Thanks in advance!
-Will
 
How about a ZT 200 or 300 series or a Spyderco Manix or Military? If you are using it very hard I think the ZT would fit your needs. GOOD LUCK! Kevin :D
 
+1 to the Military. I'd also add the Para 2 to that list as well. If you like the Blur and just want to try some better steels, try to get yourself a blem Blur from KershawGuy. I got a CPM 154 Blur for a decent price. I believe he has S30V and S60V Blurs as well.

Scratch the premium steel Blurs from KershawGuy, it appears that he doesn't have any blems left that are of premium steel.
 
Take a look at the Spyderco Gayle Bradley. The steel is much better for edge retention and toughness than that of any of the other models, and the high hollow grind makes it an excellent slicer. It's also very sturdy and high quality, and the carbon fiber scales feel great. If you can wait a bit, the Zero Tolerance 0550 will be within your price range as well.
 
WilliamWoods said:
First time poster!

I'm looking to replace my old EDC knife (a Kershaw Blur) with something large and better quality steel. Don't want to dip under a 3.25" blade as I have huge hands. I have about $200 to spend.

I've been leering at the beautiful Extrema Ratio BF2...any opinions?

Thanks in advance!
-Will
Click to expand...

the blur is about 4.2oz, do you want to stay around that weight?

the spyderco military is always a great choice.
 
jimnolimit said:
the blur is about 4.2oz, do you want to stay around that weight?

the spyderco military is always a great choice.
Click to expand...

I am fine increasing weight. Right now I'm torn between the the Zero Tolerance 0200 and the Extrema Ratio BF2. The BF2 is lighter, they both have fine steels, the ZT is more "heavy" duty, I like the BF2's modified drop point....its a toss up.
For some reason I'm not a fan of Spyderco and the deployment system, not my cup of tea.
 
Dude, get the Extrema Ratio. If it's what you like, you're gonna want it anyway, might as well do it right the first time :)

While I don't own one (yet), it certainly seems like a heavy duty enough folder and it definitely has a distinctive style. I've thought about buying one off and on for a few months...

Good luck :)

JW
 
WilliamWoods said:
I am fine increasing weight. Right now I'm torn between the the Zero Tolerance 0200 and the Extrema Ratio BF2. The BF2 is lighter, they both have fine steels, the ZT is more "heavy" duty, I like the BF2's modified drop point....its a toss up.
For some reason I'm not a fan of Spyderco and the deployment system, not my cup of tea.
Click to expand...
Out of those two, I'd go with the 0200. The G-10 handle scales will offer a better grip than the aluminum of the BF2, and don't get cold in the cooler months like metal handles do. Kershaw/ZT also have a well-deserved reputation for one of the best warranties and customer service departments in the business.
 
WilliamWoods said:
I am fine increasing weight. Right now I'm torn between the the Zero Tolerance 0200 and the Extrema Ratio BF2. The BF2 is lighter, they both have fine steels, the ZT is more "heavy" duty, I like the BF2's modified drop point....its a toss up.
For some reason I'm not a fan of Spyderco and the deployment system, not my cup of tea.
Click to expand...

many people don't like the look of spyderco knives, until they hold and use them. spyderco's are function first, form second. if you have a shop that carries spyderco near you, i recommend handling a military.

i have no experience with extrema ratio so i can't really comment.

ZT makes very good knives and the 200 is an excellent choice.

i will add another knife into the mix, the lion steel SR-1 AL (aluminum).
 
There are also quite a few Benchmades with larger blades and/or handles that might appeal to you: 710, 860 Bedlam, 741 Onslaught, and 520 Presidio, just to name a few.
 
I have to recommend a Spyderco Para military2. Since i got my Para2, I haven't replaced it in my pocket for more than a day, two at most. I've got a ZT0551 sitting on my desk right now that I absolutely love, but I can already tell it's days are numbered. The para2 is quite possibly for my taste the best feeling knife I've ever handled.


If you like blurs, you can still find s30v blurs if you look around. Your probably looking at $100+ for a new one though.
 
I also recommend the Spyderco Gayle Bradley or Military.

If you want something more beefy the ZT line is always good.

Take a look at Hogue knives in either the 3.5 or 4.0" blades...

If you want a big blade that is portable, you may want to look at Combative Edge M1. They are out of stock now, but I'm waiting for one. They look to be a great knives.

Good Luck,
 
Gunsnknives said:
I also recommend the Spyderco Gayle Bradley or Military.

If you want something more beefy the ZT line is always good.

Take a look at Hogue knives in either the 3.5 or 4.0" blades...

If you want a big blade that is portable, you may want to look at Combative Edge M1. They are out of stock now, but I'm waiting for one. They look to be a great knives.

Good Luck,
Click to expand...

The Combative Edge M1 looks stats wise to be very similar to the BF2, same steel, about same size and weight, same heat treat HRC. Any idea when the M1 will be out of back order? Can't find one anywhere.

But I did find a BF2 for $143 free shipping....
 
Zt 0200. The knife is heavy, the handle is amazing, the steel is acceptable, and it is just a really solid knife. it looks manly, too.
 
Combative Edge M1 is suppose to become available soon...whatever that means. I think mid-next month would not be an unreasonable assumption.

BF2 and Combative edge are both made by Fox in Italy I think...someone slap me if I'm wrong. That would explain the similarities.
 
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