Second try at an EDC pick.

O

OpKey

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Jun 6, 2011
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I know this topic has been beaten to death, seen over and over, etc, but mine is just slightly different. A few weeks back, I posted a thread on wether or not to get a Benchmade Bone Collector or some form of ZT knife for an EDC. In that thread, I also requested that no one suggest a Spyderco to me simply because of the design and overall style of the knives. Weeeelllll...I've had a change of heart. I really don't want to spend that much on an EDC knife, but I am willing to pay up to around $100. I noticed that there aren't really any ZT knives at that price range, but if someone convinces me I guess I could spend the little extra cash. So, here is my dilemma. I've noticed that the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 seems to be an insanely popular EDC knife, and I keep wondering why. I need you guys input on the three knives and suggestions on which one I should purchase. I prefer assisted opening, but I can see that the Spyderco's are plenty smooth and fast.

So, if you guys could please help, give me a suggestion from these three knives(or others if you want) and a reason behind the choice of that particular one.

1:Benchmade Bone Collector or Griptillian (Normal size, not the small one.)
2:Zero Tolerance ZT0350
3:Spyderco Paramilitary 2

Thanks, guys. Much appreciated.
 
Griptilian is a good choice. They are ugly and I hate the plastic handles but I cannot argue with the results.
 
OK, this all depends on use. if this is going to be the "do everything" knife, then get the 0350. it has a much thicker blade than the other two, or at least the PM, and so it would be better for heavy duty jobs. the PM2 is going to slice better, and the benchmades are going to have the axis lock, which, IMO, makes them my top choice as far as fun goes. if you have the ability, go to a store and handle all three. see which one you like the best and enjoy the heck out of it.
 
OpKey said:
1:Spyderco Paramilitary 2
2:Zero Tolerance ZT0350
3:Benchmade Griptillian (Normal size, not the small one.)
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no bone collector stuff for me, g-10 i like but not enough. that's me though and you are you.

Edit..my picks are above in the quote I rearranged what I would pick from the original post and eliminated the bone collector version from my picks as I don't like the bone collector symbol or show.
 
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To date, my favorite EDC's are (in no particular order):

Benchmade Ritter Griptilian (I like the blade profile better; it's a bit fatter, and if you're comfortable with sharpening S30V, it's a really nice blade). As mentioned, it might be worth your while to invest in new handle scales to pimp it out. I'm currently trying to find someone to do the work.

Spyderco Manix 2 (the Para2 handle I just didn't like, and I prefer the ball-bearing lock to the back lock)--The Stag Arms Manix 2 is also a FFG S30V run, and finds its way into my pocket very often. Might xonsider that one also. Para2 is a great knife, don't get me wrong. But Manix is the one model I keep coming back to.

ZT 0350--I've got one coming from kershawguy (can't imagine buying Kershaw/ZT from anyone else), so I can let you know how I feel about that. Won't be surprised to find out it's a great EDC.

Honestly, you'll have a tough time going wrong with any of those. Personally, I'd go with the Ritter Grip over the regular one, and eventually invest in a new handle. But any of those will be fantastic EDC's.
 
I believe the Para-military 2 would be a good choice due to it's good carry, excellent fit and finish, compression lock and tried and true S30V steel.

The Bone Collector and Grip are also very comfortable knives with the excellent Axis lock, however their handle width does command a bit more pocket real estate.

I have never really been fond of the ZT line (551 excluded) due to their blade width. To me, it would feel like cutting things with a paddle.

To add one more for your consideration, a ZDP-189 Endura would give you a super steel, small profile and very durable Spyderco knife. One of my favorites.
 
1. Spyderco Paramilitary 2 I've tried over 30 different knives in the last 3 years, and by far this is my favorite. Now I just need to sell the ones I don't like or use to fund buying another Para2, this time a spirit run.

IMO Benchmade is too overpriced for what you get. No bashing please, that just my opinion. I've never seen or handled a Benchmade with a cost of less $100 that wow'd me.

I don't have any experience with ZT, other than the ones I've handled seemed really BIG! I don't want something that big clipped to my pocket.
 
crimsonfalcon07 said:
To date, my favorite EDC's are (in no particular order):

Benchmade Ritter Griptilian (I like the blade profile better; it's a bit fatter, and if you're comfortable with sharpening S30V, it's a really nice blade). As mentioned, it might be worth your while to invest in new handle scales to pimp it out. I'm currently trying to find someone to do the work.

Spyderco Manix 2 (the Para2 handle I just didn't like, and I prefer the ball-bearing lock to the back lock)--The Stag Arms Manix 2 is also a FFG S30V run, and finds its way into my pocket very often. Might xonsider that one also. Para2 is a great knife, don't get me wrong. But Manix is the one model I keep coming back to.

ZT 0350--I've got one coming from kershawguy (can't imagine buying Kershaw/ZT from anyone else), so I can let you know how I feel about that. Won't be surprised to find out it's a great EDC.

Honestly, you'll have a tough time going wrong with any of those. Personally, I'd go with the Ritter Grip over the regular one, and eventually invest in a new handle. But any of those will be fantastic EDC's.
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Honestly, I'm not comfortable sharpening any metal. I don't know why, but I have issues with sharpening my knives. I've tried ol' school whetstones, a diamond sharpener, and a cheap knife sharpener from Wally World. I just can't get my knives -that- sharp. Axes, machetes, etc I have no problem with. I can get those shaving sharp, but that's with the use of a Dremel/files. I hate to turn this into a two-tone thread, but is there any other cheaper option to getting my knives sharp other than the expensive Spyderco Sharpmaker?

Also, I took several looks at the Ritter Griptilian, but it just seemed a little too high priced for me that's why I was opting for the normal Grip. About ZT, I'm not worried about weight. I like a big knives. I'm watching this thread and reading all the posts, guys. I still havn't made up my mind but thanks again for all the help ahead of time.
 
I have not owned the benchmade griptillian. But I have owned the small version and I have handled the large. It's a very nice knife, but not for me.
I do have a Para 2 and a ZT350 in my edc rotation. All three are very nice knives, but I prefer tip down carry.
 
I'd get a Spyderco Manix 2. Great value (lower profit margin than other Spydies), good steel, slicing blade grind, strong, and a fast and secure lock.
 
I have Owned all 3, the only one I have Kept is the Para 2, not a big fan of the plastic handles on the grip, the ZT is in my opinion too wide, not enough lenght and I like a finer tip. The Para 2 is a great all aroung knife, excels at most any EDC, Self Defense etc.., I am a very big fan. However, after getting the Para 2 I purchased a Sprint Run Manix 2 CTS BD30p steel, lighter than the original Manix, Thinner and has a FFG Blade, I Prefer the ergonomics of this knife to the Para 2 and I would recommend it over the Para 2.
photo-4.jpg
 
I own a para2, zt350 and griptilian.

For me personally the para2 is hands down the winner for an edc.

The griptillian is a bit wide in my pocket but not in my hand. The blade is a bit wide for various light duty daily tasks. It's light in weight, but allmost too light, as if its a toy.

The zt350 is heavier and solid which is great, but its heavier in the pocket and it's width sort of demands space in my jeans compared to the thinner para 2. I also don't like the recurve blade for edc, I use my edc as a tool not a self defense item. The recurve gives me fits to resharpen.

The para2 has a great blade shape/grind that is easily sharpened which is key for me due to heavy use. The finger choil is very handy for finer work. It's light in weight, sometimes I wish it has a bit more heft in the handle, but thats splitting hairs. It's thinner in width and height but still fits my XXXLarge hands fine.

I'm not a spyderco fan, atleast I never have been. I'm deffinitely a fan of the para 2 though.

I wish I could get a BM 720 with some of the para 2 features, that might be perfect for me.
 
Out of the three, I'd vote for the Para2. I also suggest you check out a Spyderco Stretch. The handle has nice ergos, and the blade has good steel. They offer it in ZDP-189 too.
As for sharpening, I use a Lansky Sharpening System. I have the deluxe model which comes with extra coarse and extra fine hones. It gets the job done for me.
 
Slightly off-topic, but is you find ZT too pricey, you may find a similar Kershaw for a little less. Of the one's you've listed, I prefer the Para.
 
jbmonkey said:
no bone collector stuff for me, g-10 i like but not enough. that's me though and you are you.
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All the knives have G10? Why not the Bone Collector but I assume the others are ok?

Fishstalker: Not bashing but have you priced Benchmades at a store that gives a discount? It's really easy to get 25% off MAPP prices.

As for the OP, I still don't like the 350. It's thick and blocky and just nothing about it is exciting. The Bone Collector would be great but.the G10 scales are a little too thick. Everything else is great. I would personally look at the RIFT which can be had for under $115 which is about what the para runs. The Para 2 is a great knife and if you like knives you need to get a Spyderco eventually. A Sprint run Manix 2 is a really great knife as well. There are a ton of great knives in your price range so you are eventually going to just have to pick one as everyone has different tastes and opinions and knives also fit everyone's hands different. Plus more than likely you will own them all eventually if you are still here as you almost surely have been infected with the knife bug. Good luck.
 
I'd go with the Griptilian. Honestly, the Para 2 is a fantastic knife and you couldn't go wrong with it. Incredibly well made and a great feeling piece overall. However, after about 6 months I just couldn't warm up to the looks so I traded it. I have never owned or handled a 350, so I can't help ya there. But back to the Grip... it has fantastic ergonomics and the axis-lock is a total 'game-changer'. The first time I tried an Axis, it changed my world. Haven't gone back to 'traditional' locks for EDC since. I'd say the Axis alone is worth choosing the grip.
 
Of course it's all opinion and what you need to use it for on a daily basis, but for everyday use I'd go with the Para2 out of all of those for sure. Great knife to carry and it can do a whole bunch of things well. The ZT has a recurve blade that will make it more difficult to sharpen and it wider and thicker and will be less comfortable to carry.

But in the end it's a personal thing. And looks definitely play a part. If you just plain like the way the ZT looks, you know you're gonna end up with that one way or the other. For $30 you can go down to WalMart and get a Skyline. It will do you fine for cuttin' stuff up.
 
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