Sub $200 EDC.. help..

myowngod

myowngod

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Dec 3, 2009
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I have 2 problems.. my knife collecting bug has bit me again (was really bad when I was a kid, but never had the money for anything decent), AND I have no way to test/hold any knives of decent quality because my town sucks.

I am considering:

Buck TNT/Mayo (Looks good, not sure if it is up to par with the others listed?)
Combative Edge M1 (really like the looks, but no real reviews)
Emerson MiniCQC15 or Mini CQC8 (once again, mixed reviews)
Sage II (awesome knife, maybe too small for my liking)
BM760 (heard bad and good reviews?? anyone care to chime in?)
BM950 (big brother of the 940... kinda want something different... but really like my 940..)

(And I'm on the list for the g10/ti military, but do not want to wait until may for my next knife)

I am basically looking for people who have experience with them, to give me their thoughts... (ie. bang for buck, how does it fair for heavy use, how does it carry, etc..) or if you have more than one, compare and contrast. I know it is ultimately my choice, but all I can really go by is pictures... and that sucks when you are spending 200 dollars.

I currently EDC: BM710, BM940, & Para (xmas present..)

Oh and I read through the 200 dollar ti-frame lock thread, but 90% is just people saying "get X" or "get Y".. not enough info for me..

help? oh and if you have another recommendation let me know.. (would prefer something smaller in the pocket than my ZT0350...)
 
I've heard the sage II is the closest you can get to a sebenza without shelling out $300.

I however did shell out the $300, so I can only report on hearsay :)
 
I just got a Sage 2. It's a great knife. Can't say if it's too small for you. The blade is 3" overall with a 2 11/16 cutting edge. The overall quality of the knife is amazing. I got mine for $139 including shipping off that infamous auction site. I haven't read or heard of anyone who regrets getting a Sage 2. I've been edc'ing it for a week or so. It carries very well. The FFG blade was spyderco sharp and it is a great slicer. The knife gives every indication of being very well built and very rugged, but I haven't had the occasion to put it to heavy use yet. It's not a tactical knife. It's not a pry bar. If I were looking for something for sd I'd go with the Military. The Sage is a great general purpose edc knife.

I've also had my eye on the Buck TNT for quite awhile. I hope to add one of those to my collection some day. With the exception of the Ti Military none of the other knives you listed appeal to me much, but that doesn't mean you wouldn't like them.
 
I realize the assortment may seem odd.. but I really like the idea of a folder than can serve several duties (not pry bar or fixed blade duties.. ). A tactical knife that is a good EDC and general use knife too.. or a small EDC knife that is tough enough to do the same tasks as a larger knife.. etc... I basically want a knife that will last me a long time, while being used heavily, and I won't hate carrying it daily... emergency tactical ability is a plus, but as with most.. a very small % of my decision criteria...
 
what about a benchmade dejavoo or mini dejavoo. high flat grind (practically ffg), s30, ti liner, g10 scales, i thought my mini dejavoo had great ergos too. only problem with it is closed blade retention.
 
Sage 2 is wonderful indeed. And the Sage 1 is in my opinion even nicer in the hand and it should also give a long service life. For pure (even heavy) cutting tasks, a well-adjusted liner locks work in my opinion as well as a frame lock.

I would also consider the excellent slicers that are the Stretch CF and the unique Chokwe. I stress: slicers as their blade is relatively thin. They will handle serious cutting tasks, but you should not abuse them. I have too many knives and all things considered it's very difficult for me to find a knife that's better overall than the Stretch CF, it's truly a mature design. The Caly 3 CF with ZDP steel is also a really good alternative for the Sage 2, in fact it all boils down whether you prefer a framelock or a backlock.

I don't have the Paramilitary (one day... currently happy enough with my Millie) but it's definitely a knife you should investigate as well - I think it will cover all your needs admirably.

A final other alternative is the Mcusta Tactility series. MC12 or MC12D. Elegance and quality, and they fill the hand better than most Mcustas which are lovely but surprisingly small.
 
Seems like the sage 2 gets lots of love from its owners, I will have to research that one further. Dagon, I already have the Para Millie coming for x-mas.. which is one reason I am hesitant about the sage, as they are very similar size... appreciate the input so far guys!
 
myowngod said:
help? oh and if you have another recommendation let me know.. (would prefer something smaller in the pocket than my ZT0350...)
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Sure, Boker Trance. I've owned mine over a year and beat the hell out of it and it's still working 100% fine. Lockup is fine with no play, AUS8 blade that performs like a bigger blade, great ergos, very light but sturdy, and it's under $30! I'm getting my brother and my best buddy Trances for Christmas.
 
I just got a Sage 2, and it really is an awesome knife. great ergos, deep finger choil, fit and finish was excellent. it carries deep thanks to a wire clip, and slips in and out of pocket effortlessly. lockup is rock solid, makes a great sound! you can't really be dissapointed with the Sage 2, it is a great blade, and worth the money for sure.

The Paramilitary is also amazing, and definately more "tactical" than the Sage 2. I have been carrying one for a while now, and love the big, "grippy" g-10 handle, although it can be tougher on the pockets than the smooth Ti of the Sage 2. The Paramilitary's compression lock is fun, and very strong.

They are around the same size though, and I am torn between the two when it comes time to put one in my pocket, but that is a good problem to have!
 
ctk123 said:
I just got a Sage 2, and it really is an awesome knife. great ergos, deep finger choil, fit and finish was excellent. it carries deep thanks to a wire clip, and slips in and out of pocket effortlessly. lockup is rock solid, makes a great sound! you can't really be dissapointed with the Sage 2, it is a great blade, and worth the money for sure.
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I remember your posts in Zippo's thread and in this other thread:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=696597

when you said you were getting the Sage. It was a funny/witty post. Glad you got your knife. I'm loving mine.
 
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I just purchased a Buck Mayo TNT three weeks ago. Great knife with very good egro's. Great slicer and very smooth action. The only downside for me is the frame lock is too hard for me to release with my thumb, I use my forefinger on my left hand. It would be perfect for me if there was more area for my thumb to release the frame lock.
 
azb said:
I just purchased a Buck Mayo TNT three weeks ago. Great knife with very good egro's. Great slicer and very smooth action. The only downside for me is the frame lock is too hard for me to release with my thumb, I use my forefinger on my left hand. It would be perfect for me if there was more area for my thumb to release the frame lock.
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If you can, post some pics and a review. I'm very interested in the TNT.

On some frame locks if you try pushing the locking bar down instead of out it works better.
 
ctk123 said:
I had to keep myself from making another thread on the Sage 2 as there were already 2! Yes it is great, and your thread had a part in me getting it... so, thanks!
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This may be the first time someone has thanked me for causing them to spend money, but... you're welcome.:)
 
Hoping I can hear from one of you sage 2 guys after you have time to give the knife a decent using...
 
myowngod said:
Hoping I can hear from one of you sage 2 guys after you have time to give the knife a decent using...
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Ask any questions you want. If we don't know the answer we'll make something up.;)

Seriously, the Sage 2 is a great knife. I love the titanium slabs and open construction. The knife really is a work of art. You can't beat S30V as a blade steel and a full flat grind is far and away the best for slicing.

But, you said above: "I basically want a knife that will last me a long time, while being used heavily, and I won't hate carrying it daily... emergency tactical ability is a plus"

1) Will last a long time. - The Sage is all metal, no parts to wear out. The Endura & Delica have reputations of being rugged, dependable knives.

2) Used heavily - If you mean slicing then yes. But the FFG blade of the Sage is probably not as strong as the saber ground blade of the Delica and Endura.

3) won't hate carrying - The Sage rides comfortably in the pocket. It is a little heavier than the Delica and about the same as the Endura.

4) emergency tactical ability. - In a pinch you use what you have, but I'd rather have a Endura than the Sage in such a situation.

I don't know what knives you have in your collection now, but for the money you'd probably spend on a Sage you could get both a Delica and an Endura. If you don't already have those then that is what I'd recommend. Or at least one of them. If you already have the para coming then go with the Endura and spend the rest of the money on something else.
 
I recommend the mini cqc 15 out of the knives you listed. I think it fits all of the criteria you have listed, and my thoughts echo cgm except perhaps for the carrying bit; you have to consider wear on your pants with the wave feature.
 
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