Replacement for Gerber Paraframe

C

crispy010

Joined
May 31, 2010
Messages
2
Hi everybody. New member here with a question I'd love some input on.

I recently lost my Gerber Paraframe knife to the TSA, so I'm shopping for a replacement. The paraframe was an okay knife - it was pretty tough. However, I wasn't really impressed with the edge holding abilities of this knife.

What I'm looking for is a "working" folding knife for everyday carry, preferably costing less than $70. Most important to me is its ability to hold an edge - I'm totally okay with a non-stainless steel blade; I've read they hold edges better. Blade length should be between 3" and 3.5". The more durable the frame, the better - I've been known to use the Gerber as a makeshift hammer in an emergency :eek:

I've poked around the websites for Spyderco, and a couple of wholesale distributors. Spyderco has a couple of options I've flagged, including Persistence and Tenacious.

So if you guys have any favorites in these categories, please throw 'em my way.

Thanks!

ETA: Also, no serrated blades. Bloody things are impossible to sharpen with traditional tools!
 
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hi crispy,
you might try the Buck Vantage pro #347. I got one, it has S30V steel that is amazing for edge holding and sharpness, a decent clip and G10 panels that look like what I used to think was called micarta - kind of a resin layered with cloth that is nearly indestructible. I don't know that you can use it for a hammer, but it is pretty rigid and would probably bounce off someone's head full force and keep ticking. Can be found online for $40-50 bucks. I bought mine @ full msrp of $70 or $79 @ a gun show only to find them online much cheaper. Most reviews I've seen have been very favorable. So there's an option with almost everything you noted.
 
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Start looking at knives that tickle your fancy, you want to make sure you'll always carry them.

And please, do not use any of them for hammering. I will mail you 2 hammers for every knife you send me if you have that urge!
 
Byrd Catbyrd- discontinued but available on ebay
Spyderco Endura, Stretch or Delica
Buck Vantage Pro or Vantage Select
Kershaw Vapor, Scallion, a bunch of others whose model names I can never remember
Benchmade Griptilian or Pika
 
Have you tried looking at multi-tools? Many can be found in your price range that will work for your needs.
 
If you really like the gerber then you would LOVE a:


Buck mayo Cutback:

They are discontinued but you can find them around on the net for around $20-25

You get a good edge holding 440c blade and a full stainless titanium coated frame-lock. Very sturdy.

I will post up pics later today.

The Buck Mayo Cutback, A Tom Mayo designed, compact, contoured, high-tech folder with unique frame-lock design. With a satin finish frame lock with a contoured stainless steel frame, drilled with a single line of Mayo's signature lightening holes down the center. A little bit of flare at the forward end may keep your fingers off the sharp edge of the blade. The one hand opening drop point blade is of 440C stainless, The removable clip is also stainless.


* Blade Length: 3 1/4" (8.3 cm)
* Length Closed: 4 1/8" (10.4 cm.)
* Blade Steel: 440C
* Blade Shape: Drop point with thumb stud
* Handle Material: Stainless steel with lightening holes
* Stainless steel clip
* Weight: 3.3 oz. (92 g.)
 
Some great suggestions so far, thanks guys!

As for multitools... I have used one in the past but I feel they are too bulky and heavy for every day carrying. Plus, 99% of the time all I need is a knife anyway.

elkin... That catbyrd is desperately pretty. Maybe too pretty.
 
+1 on the buck vantage pro. it's in my pocket as i type this. sturdy, deep-carry, great steel and great blade shape, smooth in action, and it looks good too.

spyderco enduras and benchmade griptilians are awesome too. light and sturdy and fast and they grip your hand back better than the vantage pro will.
 
Here are a few quick phone shots of the Buck Mayo Cutback:

0531001410.jpg


0531001410a.jpg


0531001411.jpg


0531001428.jpg
 
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The Tenacious is a great affordable knife, but the vantage pro is a little nicer (for a little more dough). Depends on what you want, really.
 
RevDevil said:
How about a small Sebenza? :p
Click to expand...

Nah, he'll definitely need a smatchet...

No kidding, look at the Buck Vantage Pro, I love mine, and the Tenacious is also not a bad knife at all, I gave a couple away to people I try to convert to "somewhat better knives and still regularly carry one. I have been carrying a Gerber E-Z Out for years, liked it a lot, but those mentioned before are better options.
 
crispy010 said:
elkin... That catbyrd is desperately pretty. Maybe too pretty.
Click to expand...

I own 4 of them, if that tells you anything. I suggested it because you said you wanted to be able to hammer with your knife. The stainless frame on the Catbyrd would be just what you need if you want a knife you can beat up on.
 
You'll have trouble beating a FRN Stretch from Spyderco, that's for sure! Had one for two days and it was and is my fave knife.
 
runninmike said:
hi crispy,
you might try the Buck Vantage pro #347. I got one, it has S30V steel that is amazing for edge holding and sharpness, a decent clip and G10 panels that look like what I used to think was called micarta - kind of a resin layered with cloth that is nearly indestructible. I don't know that you can use it for a hammer, but it is pretty rigid and would probably bounce off someone's head full force and keep ticking. Can be found online for $40-50 bucks. I bought mine @ full msrp of $70 or $79 @ a gun show only to find them online much cheaper. Most reviews I've seen have been very favorable. So there's an option with almost everything you noted.
Click to expand...

elkins45 said:
Buck Vantage Pro or Vantage Select

Benchmade Griptilian or Pika
Click to expand...

hawaiianhawk said:
+1 on the buck vantage pro. it's in my pocket as i type this. sturdy, deep-carry, great steel and great blade shape, smooth in action, and it looks good too.

spyderco enduras and benchmade griptilians are awesome too. light and sturdy and fast and they grip your hand back better than the vantage pro will.
Click to expand...

Frostyfingers said:
The Tenacious is a great affordable knife, but the vantage pro is a little nicer (for a little more dough). Depends on what you want, really.
Click to expand...

Habbekuk said:
Nah, he'll definitely need a smatchet...

No kidding, look at the Buck Vantage Pro, I love mine, and the Tenacious is also not a bad knife at all, I gave a couple away to people I try to convert to "somewhat better knives and still regularly carry one. I have been carrying a Gerber E-Z Out for years, liked it a lot, but those mentioned before are better options.
Click to expand...

:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
 
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