S.O.G, BM, Kershaw, or else?!

M

mgboy

Joined
Sep 10, 2009
Messages
39
So, as you can tell, I'm new to the forums and have only been lurking (before registering) a little while.

My brother is going to get me a new knife for my graduation/birthday present (Yes, he's months and months past may but he was out-of-state.) and I can't seem to decide what to ask for.

I was looking at the Sog Visionary 1, Sog Mini-Vulcan, Sog Aegis, BM mini-TiPika II, BM Grip. 550HG, or the Kershaw R.A.M.. As you can see I'm not too keen on liner locks (had one fail on my fingers before) and am looking for something moderately strong (this is just for EDC) and fast. Probably just for the "neat" factor.

Do you guys have any recommendations that I haven't seen/skipped over? It would need to be under 70 dollars (because I can find all of those for under 70) but up to that is probably okay.

Obviously the 550HG is a good solid choice, but he thinks it's boring and while I think it's attractive, it isn't all that different from my BM rolling lock. The RAM seems to be a popular choice (one I may pick up on my own in a while) due to what I've seen in the "What are you EDCing?" thread. I haven't seen anyone with a S.O.G. that isn't a flash II or.. that's about it. Do you all have something against SOG? My brother has a Tanto Trident that he bought for himself which he really digs, but I don't like the look of it. I haven't seen a vision/ary, vulcan, aegis, or hell even a fusion salute (which is pretty nice for the price). What's up with that?

What about the Mini Ti-Pika II? Does that look just not appeal to people here? I think plain titanium is very sleek and sexy, but I guess that's out for people who like camo and g-10 that looks like an A'a lava field (google it).

Please help me.
 
Well, I hate to be picky and what not - but I do not like the pinned construction, or slow opening. Just personal opinion, and I also think the spiderweb designs on the native/delica/endura/etc/etc/etc look cheesy.. I will look for a Manix 2 though. See if I can find that for under 70 to add to the list.

Anyone else want to chat?

If the Kershaw Shallot had thumbstuds, that would be near the top of the list I believe.
 
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JYD II CB
Tyrade
S30V blur
Lahar


BM barrage
Vex

Spyderco
tenacious
 
I would take the flat ground blade of the BM Grip. 551 oder the hollow ground.

BM 551!

Light, fast and strong and very good for edc.
 
knifenut1013 said:
JYD II CB
Tyrade
S30V blur
Lahar


All three of these are linerlocks, and have very thick hardened steel liners, add to that that Kershaw knows how to construct a linerlock, and you have a knife that will serve you for a good long time! For $5 more than the $70 you stated, you could get the JYDII Composite with the CPMD2 blade edge, and for $15 more you can get the G-10 Tyrade also with composite blade, but also has Speed Safe opening. Can't go wrong with a Kershaw!!:thumbup::thumbup::D
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knifenut1013 said:
JYD II CB
Tyrade
S30V blur
Lahar


BM barrage
Vex

Spyderco
tenacious
Click to expand...

All the kershaw's you mentioned are liner locks?

The barrage is a little out of price range. Seems to be going for 90-120. The Vex however is, again, a liner lock. . . As is the liner lock. :o

Blop said:
I would take the flat ground blade of the BM Grip. 551 oder the hollow ground.

BM 551!

Light, fast and strong and very good for edc.
Click to expand...

Another vote for the Griptilian. Noted. ;)

cutter17 said:
knifenut1013 said:
JYD II CB
Tyrade
S30V blur
Lahar


All three of these are linerlocks, and have very thick hardened steel liners, add to that that Kershaw knows how to construct a linerlock, and you have a knife that will serve you for a good long time! For $5 more than the $70 you stated, you could get the JYDII Composite with the CPMD2 blade edge, and for $15 more you can get the G-10 Tyrade also with composite blade, but also has Speed Safe opening. Can't go wrong with a Kershaw!!:thumbup::thumbup::D
Click to expand...

Yes, they are linerlocks. I understand some of you guys love liner locks because they haven't failed on you. I, on the other hand am trying to avoid them. :o

Smash05 said:
BM Presidio ultra
Click to expand...

Ah, I hadn't realized they came out with a cheaper Presidio. When I first read it I got excited because I thought maybe the Presidio was under 70 now and I'd go for that but it will still be put on my list, up near the Griptilian. :thumbup:


I'm gonna be honest, I don't think people are reading my post? :confused: Either that or they think I'm crazy and can't understand why I want to avoid liner locks this time around and am looking at the knives I am. No one addressed any of my questions except the very middle one of "Do you have recommendations. . ." and has said anything about the choices on my list so far. I want feedback on what I'm looking at/for. =(
Click to expand...
 
Up your price by $5, and get a Kershaw CB Shallot. Frame lock, and a ZDP189 composite blade edge. SpeedSafe equipped, it opens with a flipper on the spine of the blade. Studs aren't needed.
 
SPXTrader said:
Up your price by $5, and get a Kershaw CB Shallot. Frame lock, and a ZDP189 composite blade edge. SpeedSafe equipped, it opens with a flipper on the spine of the blade. Studs aren't needed.
Click to expand...

Yes, I noted that in my 2nd post, but I said

If the Kershaw Shallot had thumbstuds, that would be near the top of the list I believe.
Click to expand...

Because I want, and like thumbstuds over "flipper" designs. If it had both, that'd be fine too. If someone would mod it for me, that'd be amazing as-well.
 
Yes, I noticed your second post. I was suggesting the trade-off between not having thumb studs but having ZDP on the cutting edge might be worth considering.

Have you ever used a knife equipped with a flipper? Very addictive!
 
I too have had liner locks fail on cheap knives but never on a good knife, Kershaw's flipper also completely prevents the blade from closing on your hand. You would probably break your index finger before a kershaw flipper ever closed on your hand. I really don't understand all the hate for liner locks, its one of the strongest and most sucure ways that you can lock a knife and once you own a good liner lock you will understand this.

Though the knives I listed are liner locks passing up the chance to own any one of those kershaws would be a shame, they are some fine cutting tools with a price point that seems too good to be true.
 
No I understand it's not likely a good liner-locking knife will fail (easily) but I would prefer to not go that route for this gift. That's why I was asking for other suggestions. =) It's just personal preference - much like how I dislike how most spyderco's look due to the... well.. spider designs. The g-10 models are much more pleasing to my eye - which is why I added the Manix2 to my list. The Kershaw Shallot is also on my list, but still no one has commented on my initial post - I was hoping for conversation, All I've gotten are suggestions for what I'm not looking for at this time. -_- That's all. I will take all things into consideration and still enjoy seeing new knives. I hope I don't come off as ungrateful or arrogant. =(
 
mgboy said:
No I understand it's not likely a good liner-locking knife will fail (easily) but I would prefer to not go that route for this gift. That's why I was asking for other suggestions. =) It's just personal preference - much like how I dislike how most spyderco's look due to the... well.. spider designs. The g-10 models are much more pleasing to my eye - which is why I added the Manix2 to my list. The Kershaw Shallot is also on my list, but still no one has commented on my initial post - I was hoping for conversation, All I've gotten are suggestions for what I'm not looking for at this time. -_- That's all. I will take all things into consideration and still enjoy seeing new knives. I hope I don't come off as ungrateful or arrogant. =(
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Then go for the RAM, its one of very few knives you will find with the features you want at the price point you are aiming for. SOG is not liked so much after some really bad customer service problems.
 
Kershaw also makes a Barrage. It's a frame lock, and "Dave" under Production-dealer has them for $33! Proven design, slender blade profile, robust handle, cheap price. What else ya want? :)
 
of your choices listed i would highly suggest the Kershaw R.AM. it is a fantastic blade, wiht a great utility shape. the hawk lock is fantastic, with very very little blade play.
 
SOGs are usually looked at as over priced and not always the best fit and finish of the parts.

Of the knives you listed I would go with the griptilian or the RAM. The RAM being a little smaller than a full size grip. I like both equally and like both of their locking systems which keep your fingers clear of the blade when closing. The RAM lock seems quite strong but I don't think it has been around for very long. The AXIS lock has been around a while and has been proven reliable and one of the strongest locking systems made.

I would trust both and would pick the one that you like the size, materials and looks of best. The RAM is also a little less bulky in the pocket if that matters.
 
tbh, i owned a full sized grip, and traded it plus cash for my ram and an s60v blur blem.

i liek the ram far more than the grip.

the zytel on the grip just seemed too flimsy to me, and i like flippers more than a stud.
 
supasuprab0b said:
of your choices listed i would highly suggest the Kershaw R.AM. it is a fantastic blade, wiht a great utility shape. the hawk lock is fantastic, with very very little blade play.
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What he said. :thumbup:

It is a great knife. Very fun and addictive as well as being a
great and solid built knife. You can use the studs, the flipper
or pull back on the lock release to open it. It opens as fast or
faster then any AO and a lot of auto's.

Here's a suggestion, start a new thread asking how and why RAM
owners like it. You'll get all the feedback you need on it. ;)
 
We all have our likes and dislikes. I like a single handed opening function and prefer liner locks, yet really dislike power assisted opening and autos.

But given that I have more than a few EDC knives that have been soon discontinued my needs are secular. I tend towards BM, Kershaw and Buck.

Take a long look round and try out what you can. There are alot of good knives available and you could end up with alot of cool toys and a peeved mrs.
 
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