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Spyderco or Benchmade

I

itannerjh

Joined
Mar 2, 2013
Messages
36
Hey everyone! I really want to thank you for all the help on my last couple questions, but I'm back at it! I ended up getting the Kershaw Burst, and I have beat the crud out of that thing! Whittling sticks, opening letters and packages, even some cardboard cutting! It was a great choice, but for my 16th, I'm getting another knife. I am deciding between two, the Benchmade mini grip, and the Spyderco Dragonfly 2. I want a really good EDC, not just something that will sit in my closet in a case and look good. Of course, if any of you have any great knives that you would like to share, I am open to any suggestions. It's for my birthday, so moneys not TOO big of a deal, but I do want to actually use it, so I don't want anything more expensive than the Benchmade Emissary. In fact, the lower cost, the better. Remember, I'm turning 16, I don't have an official job yet :) Thanks, this is an awesome community, so I'm sure I'll have this solved in no time!

-Tanner
 
Mini Grip has about 50% more edge than the Dragonfly at twice the weight, so I'd put them in different size classes. The Mini Grip is pretty close in size to your Burst, so if you're looking for something different, I'd go with the Dragonfly, but if you want to stay in the same range, go with the Mini Grip. Neither is inherently bad, so it comes down to preference.
 
Tanner, is there a possibility your parents (you know those people who are paying for your gift) might stumble across this site and your thread?

I ask because if one of my kids said "its my birthday so money isnt too big an issue" and then followed that up with how they dont have a job or contribute anything to their upbringing I can tell you without a doubt they wouldn't get a single thing after making a comment like that...

Just my 2¢ as a parent.

Now of someone asked me mini-grip vs dragonfly without the rest of the ungreatfull jargon first thing I'd ask is specifically what mini-grip, and specifically what dragonfly they were considering. I have multiple's of both and the 555(HG) is my favorite knife hands down, yet at the same time my ZDP dragonfly is my most carried knife, it gets carried every single day regardless of what other knives I'm carrying.

Edit: I'm leaving what I said, but I will offer a little bit more advice since I was a little hard on you- I'd say the mini-grip... The dragonfly is a great knife and so useful but everyone deserves an axis lock, obviously going to school you can't carry all day every day like most of us do, so when you can carry you may as well get the most enjoyment possible from your knife, and in terms of what one makes me happier overall (looking past their merits as a knife) I'd say the mini-grip and its axis lock provide me more enjoyment than even the super steel of my ZDP dragonfly.

However of you wanted to save your parents a little money the FFG VG-10 dragonfly is a awesome cutting tool and at 2.25" is pretty much acceptible everywhere locking knives are legal, if you really want to go crazy consider the SE dragonfly salt, talk about a "little big knife", that's one mean knife right there.
 
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+1 for the 555mini grip. You get the best of both worlds spyder hole and axis lock. I really like my 555 with blue scales
 
Spyderco "Delica". You said you wanted a really good EDC knife.

A good, solid, very popular amongst the knife folks, working EDC. It gets the job done. The model with the VG-10 is a good steel tough-as-nails (actually tougher than most nails) model that I would recommend. If you absolutely have to have a big knife, I don't recommend it, then the Delica's big brother, the Endura model, would be a choice.

Here is a great video about this new Spyderco Delica 4 model. I have been using Benchmade and Spydercos for many years and like them both. However, for a good, not too expensive, EDC with all the proper features I think this Delica fits the bill. I personally carry the Spyderco Embassy model but now you are getting into much more money and automatic knife laws, etc. You might notice similarities between the Delica and the Embassy models.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4K5iHf7GpE

Here is my Embassy





 
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To address your title, Spyderco, hands down. I suggest that you get a Manix 2 Light Weight. They retail from $70-$80. You will actually be getting your moneys (or parent's money) worth with that knife. Similar lock, decent steel, spyderhole, better ergos, light weight, decent price, what more could you ask for. The regular Manix 2 is even better.

The only knife I would buy from Benchmade right now is the Adamas, and spending $85 or more on a minigrip is absurd. If your heart's set on the mini grip (its still a decent knife) try to get one soon, before the sites offering discount codes either run out of knives, or are forced to go to regular MAP.
 
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I'd take the axis lock over any lock spyderco offers.
the fit and finish of the spydercos are a little nicer IMO.
Don't have too much experience with the steel, but I seem to have a problem sharpening benchmades.
At the lower prices, I like benchmade.

Course, I'm not a fan of frn or lockbacks.
 
I would go with ergos and what will fit in your pocket most comfortably. Locks meh, I don't think any locks will fail as long as you use the knife the way it's supposed to be used.

Spyderco
 
...And the Onslaught(s), and probably a bunch more.

I'd take a Dragonfly over a Mini grip without hesitation (Owned both)
 
tiguy7 said:
And the AFCK.
Click to expand...

Oh yeah forgot about Black Class. And I guess you can count the H&K knives the Soldat and Ally I think. H&K ain't bad kinda weird tho haha. I have the Soldat its not a bad knife very light and the lock works well. I like N680 steel a lot, maybe more than VG-10.

Onslaught is discontinued. There aren't many with opening holes is a pretty accurate statement. I think it is one thing that is a big choice between the two. The Axis lock and compression lock are pretty equal, although different. And the steels are comparable at each price range.

I own several of each brand and I like both of them. They are both quality knives. It's hard to pick my favorite. I really like my Pacific Salt.
 
I will second the suggestion by EDCanAdamas. The Manix 2 LW is a great knife. I have several BMs and other Spydercos yet find that particular knife in my pocket more than any other knife except for my Case Peanut. And that is the best compliment that I can give a knife. With many choices, the fact that the Manix is the one that I reach for most often is telling. :)

BTW, I have NO problem with the BM Axis lock. Great locking system that is easy to use and solid. :thumbup:

Best of luck on your decision.
 
There are a lot of Spyderco knives that I would like a lot more with thumb studs. I think Spyderco should consider making a knife with thumb studs.

One knife that I really want though, is the Southard. The opening hole is less 'loud'.
 
Jeeeeezzzz, CKiller, harsh indeed. I'm forty something, but I remember sixteen.;)
To the OP - you would be good with either choice. I think you need to narrow your search down by "what features are you looking for" based on what is the intended use of the knife.
 
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