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So after asking questions and reading threads and consulting website I think I have p

B

Banger102

Joined
Jan 23, 2014
Messages
88
I have picked three knives on my target list to start with. The Syderco Paramilitary 2, the Kershaw Blur, and the Benchmade 556 Mini-Griptilian. Now to watch for these to pop up for sale on here. I am so glad I found this site and look forward to becoming part of the family around here!
 
All great choices, I have the Digi Camo PM2, carbon fiber CPM-154 blur, and and a regular mini grip. All see pocket time and I love all 3. I'm sure you'll be happy once you acquire them as well.
 
Welcome Banger! I'm sure you will find what you are looking for, just be patient. All three of your picks are very popular on BF, so I say you done good!!
 
Well after watching what has popped up for sale today, the Hogue EX-01 has sparked my interest, can someone give me some info about it?
 
The Hogue EX-01 is a knife I have owned five of, in various forms at different times. I have either sold, traded, or given away all of them, but each one has been perfectly centered, solidly built, and smooth as butter. From brand new to the first one I got which I purchased used and then used quite a bit, they have all been excellent knives with great edge retention and functionality.

But, personally, I'm more of a flipper guy these days, so I recommend checking out the EX-02 as well.

Also, the EX-04, while consistently more expensive, has one of the most effective cutting blade shapes and grinds you will ever set eyes on. It has a fuller running the length of the blade that reduces material drag significantly.
 
All the of the knives you named are staples of their companies. I have all 3, and in order, I'd go PM2 > mini grip > blur. The blur is rough on my pockets and has a slight recurve, where as the mini grip is just a little to small for my hands (I'm only 5'10"). But my mini grip is M4 so it still gets a lot of pocket time (it's a great knife). But the PM2 is perfect for my needs. The compression lock is fun and very strong, the handle is great and you can't go wrong with a FFG spyderco.
 
There are two terms in this thread that I dont have fully defined, what is the exact definition of "flipper" and what is FFG?
 
Welcome Banger, those 3 are all great very popular choices, you can't go wrong with them. As you handle and use more knives you will get a better idea of what you like and don't like and your tastes will likely evolve.

Flipper--this refers to a method or device for opening. When the knife is closed there is a projection on the back side which you press or with your finger and the knife "flips" open. Kershaw is well known for this using feature. Search Youtube for knife flipping or something related and you can see it in action.

FFG refers to a full flat grind on the knife blade, don't feel bad I had to look it up too ;-)

Cheers and enjoy the knife hobby!
 
FFG means full flat grind. Spyderco especially is famous for their version of this blade grind. Basically the knife goes straight down from the spine to the cutting edge. Easiest way to explain it. Flippers are knives that deliberately have an extra piece of metal on the blade, protruding from the back of the handle. You apply pressure to this "flipper" and "flip" the blade out. In most cases, this protrusion also acts as a finger guard to keep your hand from sliding forward onto the blade.
 
Thanks for the explanation guys, I would have to say that initially I dont think I'm a flipper guy, once I try one that might change but I much prefer a cleaner looking profile plus I feel like that will take up more real estate in pocket
 
Banger102 said:
Thanks for the explanation guys, I would have to say that initially I dont think I'm a flipper guy, once I try one that might change but I much prefer a cleaner looking profile plus I feel like that will take up more real estate in pocket
Click to expand...
Don't bet on not being a flipper guy! You'll see.
 
As others have said, those are excellent choices. Each represents a slightly different design philosophy, and comparing and contrasting your feelings about each should get you a long way toward figuring out what features you want on your next knife, and which ones you can live without.

When you make your next choice, we will want pictures.
 
All good, Banger. But just for your piece of mind, flippers don't take up much extra room at all. It's just a small piece of the blade, like on this Kershaw Cryo.

 
Banger102 said:
It already has a push point for the thumb why would I need more than that?
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You can cut things with a $30 cold steel knife, why would you need more than that?

It's not about needs - it's about fun, form, and function. Flippers are fun, and, also, I find them to be a little safer than thumbstuds. Flippers act as finger guards when the knife is open, allow you to open the blade without any potential of slipping your finger onto the blade, keeps you from putting fingerprints on the blade (which, if left uncleaned, can lead to staining in some uncoated steels), and it really is just fun as all hell.

I used to dabble lightly in flippers, but, as time has gone on, I've come to appreciate them more and more. They present a challenge to the maker to create a fluid but fast flipper action, and most companies that can pull that off tend to excel elsewhere as well.

Kershaw/Kai and Hogue make the best production flippers I've ever used. Spyderco makes some damned fine ones, and the general consensus is that Benchmade's first foray into the flipper market was a little underwhelming.

But, that's production. I'm anxiously waiting for this to show up in my mailbox:

[video=youtube;7AIgCfY3QM0]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AIgCfY3QM0[/video]

Edit: Well, not exactly that. Mine has a harpoon grind blade and silver twill inserts instead of moonglow.
 
PM2 is my all-time favorite...regardless of price. The compression lock is unique, strong and is just plain fun to play with.
 
Don't sweat it, Not everyone is a flipper guy. I've handled quite a few and I'm not a fan. I'm much prefer a thumb stud or Spyder hole for opening. And I've never had any use for "assisted openers" (a variant on flippers).

You've picked some good choices there. I own the PM2 and mini Grip, never been much of a Kershaw guy myself. The PM2 is a near-perfect EDC knife. I like the mini Grip but it can't hold a candle to the PM2 in my opinion.

Good luck!
 
I'm think about putting a ZT on this wish list just to be able to sample one of them as well. What's a nice price point model that will be a good entry knife to try?
 
Banger102 said:
I'm think about putting a ZT on this wish list just to be able to sample one of them as well. What's a nice price point model that will be a good entry knife to try?
Click to expand...

Manual: 0200, 0801, 0700
Assisted: 0566, 0770, 0350

All of these, with the exception of the 0801, can be readily found in the $90-120 range. The 0801 has been popping up for 140-160 as of late, which puts it in a VERY affordable range given the materials and build quality.

If you're not looking for a flipper, I'd suggest an 0550 or 0551. They tend to run closer to $150, however.
 
Well it wasnt on my list but I had a chance to pick up this NIB 585 Mini Barrage locally for a heck of a deal, so the collection begins.uploadfromtaptalk1391454136785.jpg
 
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