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Recommendation? New Suggestions on EDC Folder

A

auto180sx

Joined
Nov 27, 2012
Messages
2
Looking to spend +/- $150

I usually carry Spyderco, but after a recent purchase of a Para2 that left a bad taste in my mouth, I'm wanting to switch to a different brand while the Para2 goes through warranty stuff.

No serrated edges. This is a must.

Somewhere between 3-4 inch blade length. 3.5 seems to be my sweet spot.
I want the best steel that I can get for the price. Something that will stay razor sharp for a long time in-between sharpening.
I would like something fast and smooth. That was the big draw for me on the Para2, but mine is just to tight even after owning it for 3 weeks of heavy use. Assisted opening would be a plus.
I need something that's tough, it will get knocked around.
Overall size isn't a big deal, but something that disappears in the pocket would be great.
Something low on the list- I'd like it to be somewhat of a gentlemen's knife if that makes sense. Once the Para comes back I'd like the option of wearing this with nice clothes as none of my other knives do that very well.
 
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ZT770. Relatively small but with plenty of blade for its size. Smooth and fast. It comes assisted but makes a great manual folder. ZT strength yet still a mean slicer.
 
auto180sx said:
Looking to spend +/- $150

I usually carry Spyderco, but after a recent purchase of a Para2 that left a bad taste in my mouth,
Click to expand...

Always clean with mild detergent before putting knives in your mouth.

Seriously though, it sounds like your PM2 just needed adjusted. The should all open and close smoothly. If it doesn't suit you when you get it back, get a set or torx drivers and loosen each side of the pivot screw a fraction of a turn. Sometimes I get good results by loosening the top scale screws just a tad - just make sure you use some fresh loc-tite if you do or you'll lose the screws. It seems like there's a strong correlation between centered blades and smooth operation, at least in my experience. It isn't a design that can be trouble shot with a high level of consistency though; hopefully Spyderco can get it lined out good so you don't have to mess around with it - but if they don't, try adjusting it yourself next time. I don't think using it does much.
 
ZT 0770 or 0566 would both be great choices around that price. Both are assisted opening and have an Elmax blade. Both also have a high flat grind and are excellent slicers. They both have a deep carry clip as well. Both knives are quite a bit shorter overall than the PM2, but they both actually have a longer blade (by about 1/2").

ZT0566_0770_PM2_open_800x434.jpg


ZT0566_0770_PM2_closed_800x532.jpg


ZT0566_0770_PM2_length_800x440.jpg
 
auto180sx said:
...
I usually carry Spyderco, but after a recent purchase of a Para2 that left a bad taste in my mouth, I'm wanting to switch to a different brand while the Para2 goes through warranty stuff...
Click to expand...

Quillan said:
Spyderco Caly 3.5...just what you are looking for.
Click to expand...

Why would you suggest another Spyderco when the OP wants to change brands? :confused: :confused:

I think the Benchmade 940 fits the bill.

3.4" blade
S30V steel
Not assisted, but it's not needed. It whips open smooth as silk.
Slim in hand, and in pocket.
2.9 ounces

There are several right now on a well known auction site for less than $150, but it might be hard buying new for that price. I bought my 940 here in the exchange for $105 about 2 months ago.

siBX7mj.jpg
 
I'm considering something from the Hogue EX line for my next EDC purchase, and you might want to check them out too. "Tough" seems to be their specialty.
 
I second the 940, but if you want something a little more substantial and still disappears in your pocket, look into the ZT 0350.
 
A Justice said:
Always clean with mild detergent before putting knives in your mouth.

Seriously though, it sounds like your PM2 just needed adjusted. The should all open and close smoothly. If it doesn't suit you when you get it back, get a set or torx drivers and loosen each side of the pivot screw a fraction of a turn. Sometimes I get good results by loosening the top scale screws just a tad - just make sure you use some fresh loc-tite if you do or you'll lose the screws. It seems like there's a strong correlation between centered blades and smooth operation, at least in my experience. It isn't a design that can be trouble shot with a high level of consistency though; hopefully Spyderco can get it lined out good so you don't have to mess around with it - but if they don't, try adjusting it yourself next time. I don't think using it does much.
Click to expand...


I've tried every which way possible to get the blade to open and close smooth. If it opens and closes smooth, there is side to side play, once tightened up it the play goes away and its hard to open and close again.




Thanks for all the replies guys, they are helping a ton! Keep them coming!
 
You can customize a Griptilian on the benchmade site. Even have a few decent upgrades on the steel. Good luck on your search!
 
ZT 770 or 566 are great choices to meet your requirements. While a little bit bigger I would also highly recommend the ZT 801!
 
whitty said:
ZT 770 or 566 are great choices to meet your requirements. While a little bit bigger I would also highly recommend the ZT 801!
Click to expand...

I'd second the 801. The full titanium body would be a great choice for that in betweeny gentleman's carry. No assisted open, but still a great option.
 
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