Seeking Advice: Guys help a lady out please!

I really can't say recommend anything that hasn't already been recommended...I would recommend finding a brick and mortar store and handling a few of these knives. You really can't go wrong with any offerings from spyderco or benchmade. Since, you have obviously developed a love for knives, your next step should be to learn how to sharpen your knives. I will go ahead and recommend the Spyderco sharpmaker, it is easy to use and is great for maintaining the edge on anything that cuts. Plus it comes with an instructional video. Good Luck, and welcome to the addiction...
 
I would say a small seb... i got one at christmas and i realize i have never had a knife that has come close to it, i love this knife
for a less pricey s30v titanium framelock go with a buck waimaee (i think that's how it's spelled)
 
Benchmade 707(sequel).
That's what my wife carries.
Pretty much the exact same size as the mini-Grip, only nicer materials.:thumbup:
 
Don't know how many times it's been said now, but you really can't go wrong with the Caly 3 in either configuration.
 
Tony8179 said:
Don't know how many times it's been said now, but you really can't go wrong with the Caly 3 in either configuration.
Click to expand...

I'll say it once more. :thumbup: for the Caly 3, although I don't think you necessarily need to spend the extra $$ for the ZDP version. I love the discrete wire clip on the Caly.
 
Welcome to the forums! There are some great suggestions in this thread. I must have missed it, but why are you replacing your MiniGrip? Is it because it was a gift from the ex?
In any event, what do you like/dislike about carrying or using your MiniGrip?

The Spyderco Delica, Carbon Fiber Calypso 3, another MiniGrip, Benchmade 707, and small Sebenza are all great suggestions (I have them all, and they are all great). I might suggest some of Kershaw's offerings, like the Leek, Chive, and the ultra-fun Zing. If you can get to a cutlery store, try to handle some William Henry knives if you can. All knives look great on the internet, but wait until you get one of these in hand.

However, as much as I love my Caly3 and small Sebenza (and others), I have to say that all things considered it is tough to improve on a MiniGrip for everyday carry.
 
I think the Orange Spyderco Urban or the Yellow Salt 1/Pacific Salt make great EDC's and are both VERY light and VERY thin:

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You are likely right handed and all these recommendations are good but if on the off chance your left handed and used to the mini Grip you may want to stay with the Axis Lock. Even though most or all of these can be opened right or left handed they mostly take two hands to close, especially the right handed liner locks.

Figured I’d throw in the lefty’s perspective :)
 
my recomendations :

kershaw skyline
kershaw od1
spyderco salt 1 full serrated
spyderco native
crkt mini my tighe
benchmade 530
 
I got mine the blued blade knife in this pic:
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:eek:
double tap
 
stabman said:
Benchmade 707(sequel).
That's what my wife carries.
Pretty much the exact same size as the mini-Grip, only nicer materials.:thumbup:
Click to expand...

this is my suggestion, light,thin,strong,154cm,axis lock, no one will ever notice it in those tight jeans;)
 
I have to second the OD-1. It's sleek and classy looking with a cool flipper design. The blade shape is really useful, too.

This is the one my GF carries:

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I highly second picking up a Sharpmaker as well, it'll teach you quite a bit about how to put an edge on almost anything. Even just starting out it managed to sharpen everything I had, in time you can try the fancier edges for the best fit. Your EDC is just the start, soon it'll make its way through your kitchen, tool box, garden shed, and into your friend's stuff as they go to you for touch-ups.

As for the knife itself...The Axis lock is an amazing little thing, you may find you appreciate it too much to give it up. Another Axis model with a different color handle or blade shape may fit your needs, but otherwise Spyderco will fit your needs nicely. If it were me starting out, I'd get by with a colored Delica, the green and gray models blend in with my wardrobe better. The Salt 1, Delica in absolutely rust-proof materials,is worth the investment if you want to swim/shower with the thing as some one suggested for a 24/7 EDC. The Delica floats around in a few handle colors, the Salt in yellow or low-profile black.

Everyone always jumps on the pink handle versions for their wives and girlfriends...And we always hear back later how they preferred the black models to begin with. I keep around a few tools in pink and purple, only because I always get them back when people borrow them, they don't want to be seen using them.
 
I suggested a CRK and so did others but thinking about it, you may want to build up to this knife to REALLY appreciate it! i do recommend getting a sharpmaker with your purchase though, i can get all my knives shaving sharp with it and you can get more advanced stones with it to improve your skills. you might also want to consider a bm 530
 
:thumbup: on the small seb

as for sharpening, go with a sharpmaker to start with and then go with a stone.

If you don't like sharpening, have you thought about stropping? you can load the strop and get knives REALLY sharp.
 
The Sebenza is my top reccomendation too, but I agree that you should work your way up to a knife of that price range.
Funny that the Kershaw Leek, Shallot, Chive and Scallion weren't mentioned that often. They're all wonderfully elegant knives with impeccable fit and finish, tough as nails, and one of the best steels a newer knut could hope for.

http://www.kershawknives.com/
 
Since nobody's mentioned them yet, you could look at the Lone Wolf Paul knives. The Prankster and the Presto are about the size of the mini-grip. Solid lock, decent steel, one hand opening... With the standard handle materials the price is not too steep, and if you want fancier versions with stone or pearl handles, those are available.
 
Thanks for all the feedback everyone. You've given me 25+ knives to scope out!

To answer a couple questions: I am looking to put away my mini grip (which actually happens to be pink!) because it was a gift. I was almost tempted to avoid Benchmade altogether, but I really like the axis lock - how I can just whip it open. You know.. It just feels good to do that now and then. The mini-grip also fits great in my hands. It has a thumb-hole but I'd be fine, maybe prefer, a thumb stud.

A little seb would be too pricey. Although I am hooked I still have a little bit of "it's just a knife" mentality and don't have the full appreciation you guys display. If I were to get one I would probably prefer to put it in a nice case instead of actually use it!

I'm going to continue to check out the possibilities online and hopefully find a place soon where I can handle some. Might not be able to bring myself to leave the axis lock, but I'm curious about the spyderco knives, as they look to be quite a bit wider. And I will definitely be investing in a sharpmaker!

Thanks again, let ya know how it goes!
 
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