So Many Options...

The Government

The Government

Joined
Aug 21, 2009
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I am in the market for a folding knife with a "better than average steel," but nothing that will cost me more than $130.

Here is what I am looking at currently:

Benchmade 710 or 940

Kershaw Leek in CPM-D2 or S30V or a Blur in S30V

Spyderco Endura (in ZDP-189 or even VG-10)

My desire is tilting towards the BM 710. I have never owned a benchmade or a knife in D2! So it would seem like a good introduction to the brand and the steel.

I have owned a lot of kershaw knives and I love the value. It seems like the Blur in S30V is a steal (no pun intndd). I like the look of the Leeks as well.

I have a few Spyderco knives and so far I like them. The endura in ZDP-189 seems like a great deal; I have never used this steel either.

This choice will also be based off of steels. It is between: S30V, CPM D2, or ZDP-189? ---I dont want this to be another steel thread, but some info on the steels would help

Thanks.
 
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Paramilitary in D2 steel should fit the bill.

And the compression lock is a bonus.

smallpara.jpg
 
I like the paramilitary, especialy in that color. I am a little more interested in the endura design right now, just barely.

I am still interested in the other listed knives as well. I wonder how the 710 would hold up to the paramilitary?

Thanks for the picture!
 
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ZDP Endura4 is a fine knife as well, mine sits in my drawer though, since I got a P-mil.
In fact, mine is still brand spanking new

E4ZDP-189.jpg
 
S30v G10 Leek can be had for $70 online
I suggest looking at handle material as well as blade material.

leekg10s30v.jpg
 
I can see why. That Para just looks bad a$$. The endura looks nice too.

How do you like the D2?

The pictures are awesome, Thanks 5.56
 
D2 is impressive, only downside is it's prone to rust.
S30V is close by comparison and more rust resistant.
ZDP is the most wear resistant of the three but you may find it difficult to sharpen if you dont have proper tools
 
5.56 said:
D2 is impressive, only downside is it's prone to rust.
S30V is close by comparison and more rust resistant.
ZDP is the most wear resistant of the three but you may find it difficult to sharpen if you dont have proper tools
Click to expand...

Thanks. That was a perfect summary for me.:thumbup:
 
Okay, now the Para is in the mix.

Spyderco paramilitary, or endura

Benchmade 710, 940

Kershaw leek S30V and G-10, or Blur in S30V
 
You could try the Composite Leek D2 first, there are blems going for cheap on the FS by dealer forums.

If you don't like it, you can save up and buy a more expensive knife. All your choices are good knives though.
 
MichaelScarn said:
You could try the Composite Leek D2 first, there are blems going for cheap on the FS by dealer forums.

If you don't like it, you can save up and buy a more expensive knife. All your choices are good knives though.
Click to expand...

I just might get the CPMD2 leek, but I have enough of a budget to get the 710 or even the paramilitary too.

How expensive of a knife did you have in mind?
 
5.56 said:
S30v G10 Leek can be had for $70 online
I suggest looking at handle material as well as blade material.

leekg10s30v.jpg
Click to expand...


That's a great knife for light-duty EDC.

I've had 4 Leeks with this G-10 handled one my latest. I highly recommend it.

The Leek to me, is the perfect knife for the flipper design. People at work have commented on how fluid the pocket retrieval is with the "flip" happening on the way to the box or whatevers getting cut. All one fast fluid motion.
 
:D
NDJeep said:
That's a great knife for light-duty EDC.

I've had 4 Leeks with this G-10 handled one my latest. I highly recommend it.

The Leek to me, is the perfect knife for the flipper design. People at work have commented on how fluid the pocket retrieval is with the "flip" happening on the way to the box or whatevers getting cut. All one fast fluid motion.
Click to expand...

I like flippers a lot too. I dont own a leek, but I am sure I will have one soon. Even if I get a BM 940 or something else -I am still planning on getting a leek. Probably that G-10 Model. I was also thinking about getting the "random leek" since kershaw makes the only serrations that I like to use and it looks like it has a stronger tip. I will probably have to get 2 leeks.:D
 
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The Government said:
I just might get the CPMD2 leek, but I have enough of a budget to get the 710 or even the paramilitary too.

How expensive of a knife did you have in mind?
Click to expand...


Well, I have the Paramillie mentioned, and I really like it. However, the Leek is a great value for the money, and it would probably be easier to try out a cheaper knife first that might fit your needs as opposed to springing for the more expensive model first.

However, the Paramillie is an amazing folder, considered by many to be THE production folder.
 
The Government said:
I am still interested in the other listed knives as well. I wonder how the 710 would hold up to the paramilitary?
Click to expand...

The 710 will hold up just fine. It's a tank of a knife that doesn't carry like a big knife.

IMG_1569.jpg


IMG_1570.jpg


Those pictures are after a little over three and a half years of daily carry and use. It's banged up, and the G-10 is smooth in places, it has a homemade omega spring, but it's held up great.

IMG_1571.jpg


That's the 710 with my new s30v Paramilitary... just because they're both beautiful knives. The 710 is closer to your budget and the Para is a bit over, but you won't go wrong with either if you chose one of these two.
 
Psychopomp said:
The 710 will hold up just fine. It's a tank of a knife that doesn't carry like a big knife.

IMG_1569.jpg


IMG_1570.jpg


Those pictures are after a little over three and a half years of daily carry and use. It's banged up, and the G-10 is smooth in places, it has a homemade omega spring, but it's held up great.

IMG_1571.jpg


That's the 710 with my new s30v Paramilitary... just because they're both beautiful knives. The 710 is closer to your budget and the Para is a bit over, but you won't go wrong with either if you chose one of these two.
Click to expand...

Thanks man, Looks like you have put that bench made to good use.

I am thinking that I am going to spring for one of the Benchmades. I am tilting more toward the 940 in S30V. It is a little more costly than the 710, but I think it is worth it to have S30V.

I have a bunch of kershaws and a few spydercos, so it is time for BM. Later I will aquire a Leek and further maybe an Endura.

Thanks everyone fopr the help.:thumbup::thumbup:
 
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