Small, light, durable EDC for under $150

[vanslem6]

Thank you very much! So between that one, the m390 mini grip, the 560zt, and the spyderco sage 2, what would be your choice? I have more options to think about than I started with

The Ritter Grip. Axis lock > the others. I've had a love/hate relationship with my 154cm BM 556, but at the end of the day I know it's great. I've done some surprising things with it, and all because it was my 'least favorite' for a while. I certainly respect it now. The Delica has superior ergonomics, but I think the Grip/mini-Grip are more durable.

 

[custombuff]

I looked for something with this same criteria. My main desires were: slim in pocket, light weight, fit well in my large hand, and sturdy enough to handle most edc tasks. I have the sequel and would love it, if it only fit my hand better. I considered the new positron, but ultimately, I think that will leave me with the same feeling as the sequel. I handled a lot of knives, custom and factory, and the 0450 is it for me. The 0560 would have been great, except for the bulk and weight. Since I want to carry this at the office, that was a deal breaker. Good luck in your search.

 

[flarp]

I can't explain why, but I like the look of the sage 2's titanium handle more than the zt's

They have different finishes. The Sage 2 handles are bead blasted. The 0450 is stonewashed. The former has a more uniform look, but it will show wear a bit more easily (especially as it rubs against keys or anything else in your pocket). The latter has a more chaotic look (the stonewash is essentially lots and lots of small scratches), but it also hides wear very well.

Thank you very much! So between that one, the m390 mini grip, the 560zt, and the spyderco sage 2, what would be your choice? I have more options to think about than I started with

I'd go for the Ritter Mini-Grip or 0450. For the Grip, you can get it with the FRN handles for now, and when you've had a chance to save up for some aftermarket handle scales, then you can always add them later.

Here's a side by side of the Mini-Grip, Sage2, and 0450 next to your reference knives. The Ritter and regular Mini-Grip are the same length, just different blade shape. The Ritter in this pic has Wilkins scales on them.

 

[M. Johnwell]

I'd go for the Ritter Mini-Grip or 0450. For the Grip, you can get it with the FRN handles for now, and when you've had a chance to save up for some aftermarket handle scales, then you can always add them later.

Here's a side by side of the Mini-Grip, Sage2, and 0450 next to your reference knives. The Ritter and regular Mini-Grip are the same length, just different blade shape. The Ritter in this pic has Wilkins scales on them.

Thank you very much. That side by side comparison is a huge help. I'm going to try to get both the mini grip and the zt0450 in my hands today to see which fits me better. Those were kinda the two that I was leaning towards as well.

 

[cchu518]

This a great choice, I would pick up a little bird and trout or a 119, other fixed blade for cleaning fish in the field. Getting all that muck stuck in a grip or a 450 just sounds like a chore to clean!

 

[vanslem6]

Thank you very much. That side by side comparison is a huge help. I'm going to try to get both the mini grip and the zt0450 in my hands today to see which fits me better. Those were kinda the two that I was leaning towards as well.

You will probably be wanting a little more from the mini grip, I know I was. With use, however, it just seems to work…And work, and work, etc. Because I was not enthusiastic about mine initially, I grabbed it whenever I was going to get down and dirty. Like, instead of grabbing a screwdriver… It's a 'give and take' sort of relationship. I give it hell, and it takes it. I want a regular Ritter Grip nowadays.

 

[Fireform]

The Benchmade 940 or 943 fits your criteria and will be very hard to beat. You can find one on the exchange under $150 no problem.

 

[M. Johnwell]

Thanks everyone for their recommendations. I think I'm going to go ahead and order the Ritter mini grip. I like the m390 steel and the axis lock as well as the small size. The grips aren't exactly what I want, but I can remedy that with some aftermarket ones if it bothers me that much. Thank you all again for your help.

 

[vanslem6]

Awesome! What color?

 

[M. Johnwell]

Black, although I'll probably regret that if I ever drop it in the woods