Hello first time poster. Apologies for the long post, I don't like to ask for recommendations without giving plenty of information. I've carried a knife basically as long as I can remember, picking from whatever looked cool in the walmart case when I wore one out. After getting a real job, I decided to go with something a little bit nicer and got myself a Benchmade Griptillian.
I had great luck with it and carried it daily for many years, cutting tasks anywhere from package opening, branch cutting and a feeling of self defense, up to poor treatment like kindling splitting and small screw turning. My only complaint was the "plastic" handle, it just never felt solid or rugged although it always performed.
A couple years ago auto knives became unrestricted where I lived, so I saved up and got myself an AFOII, hoping for many of the attributes of the Griptillian but more metal, longer blade and automatic, just because I can now.
Honestly, it was only just ok. I had high expectations from all the reviews I read and after spending that much $$$. It was sharp enough, I liked the size and weight. The aluminum handle dented within the first week just from dropping it onto tile, and the paint came off quickly, making it look like a cheap worn out knife after a couple months of just carrying it in my pocket.
All that long winded crap aside, I put the AFO in with some of my tools to bring home from camping, and never unpacked it. Just don't really care enough for it one way or another to be bothered. So now I'm trying to fill the void in my pocket and not just jump on another Benchmade.
My initial thought was going to an Adamas or something similar, but the cost and previous disappointment have me looking here, reading reviews and looking for the opinions of the experts that have actually used and carried some of the many options out there. I lean towards satin finished drop points, no serrations in the 3.5-4" ballpark. Assisted, auto, no big preference as long as the knife is tough. And yes, I know tough is subjective and doesn't typically apply to folders, but I can't really EDC a fixed blade.
Is the Adamas actually worth the money? Any recommendations on something else that checks the boxes? No real knife stores here so I'm half flying blind, and half trying to hunt down good suggestions to put my hands on where available.
Thanks!
I had great luck with it and carried it daily for many years, cutting tasks anywhere from package opening, branch cutting and a feeling of self defense, up to poor treatment like kindling splitting and small screw turning. My only complaint was the "plastic" handle, it just never felt solid or rugged although it always performed.
A couple years ago auto knives became unrestricted where I lived, so I saved up and got myself an AFOII, hoping for many of the attributes of the Griptillian but more metal, longer blade and automatic, just because I can now.
Honestly, it was only just ok. I had high expectations from all the reviews I read and after spending that much $$$. It was sharp enough, I liked the size and weight. The aluminum handle dented within the first week just from dropping it onto tile, and the paint came off quickly, making it look like a cheap worn out knife after a couple months of just carrying it in my pocket.
All that long winded crap aside, I put the AFO in with some of my tools to bring home from camping, and never unpacked it. Just don't really care enough for it one way or another to be bothered. So now I'm trying to fill the void in my pocket and not just jump on another Benchmade.
My initial thought was going to an Adamas or something similar, but the cost and previous disappointment have me looking here, reading reviews and looking for the opinions of the experts that have actually used and carried some of the many options out there. I lean towards satin finished drop points, no serrations in the 3.5-4" ballpark. Assisted, auto, no big preference as long as the knife is tough. And yes, I know tough is subjective and doesn't typically apply to folders, but I can't really EDC a fixed blade.
Is the Adamas actually worth the money? Any recommendations on something else that checks the boxes? No real knife stores here so I'm half flying blind, and half trying to hunt down good suggestions to put my hands on where available.
Thanks!
