Suggestions needed for 3" knife under $150.

M

msiley

Joined
Aug 19, 2006
Messages
542
Ok.... so I don't usually do this but I'm at
an empass with my next knife purchase.

The requirements are
1) Blade about 3" not less then 2.75.
2) Must be stainless (and D2 doesn't count)
3) No FRN types... only plastic I like is G-10... and I
don't mind metal handles.
4) It needs to be a cutter but not wimpy.
5) No blade coatings... I like 'em shiny.... or at least not coated. :)
6) one hand opening
7) Secure grip, good ergos, comfortable in the long term.
8) 4 oz. or less.
9) No AO
10) and of course locks... no slipies. no lock preference.

So, here's what I'm thinking specifically:
- Al Mar Mini-Sere
http://www.gpknives.com/item/al-mar-mini-sere-2000.html
- BM HK 14210
http://www.gpknives.com/item/benchmade-hk-axis-folder.html
- BM Mini-Presidio
http://www.gpknives.com/item/benchmade-mini-presidio.html
- Spydie Caly-3
http://www.gpknives.com/item/spyderco-calypso-3-g10.html

See why the decision is tough?!

Suggestions?
 
I also like the caly 3 of those knives. A microtech mini socom elite is by far my favorite knife in that size area though. But they're not as readily avalible as the others. I had an kershaw leek too that wasn't too shaby of a knife. I know there are several upgraded versionas avalible since I had mine. And what about a yojimbo? Not sure of the weight, but it would give you a full size grip with a smaller blade. And a para millitary.
 
I have a leek and love it but it is AO.... so that's out.
I need a belly on this blade... so the Yojimbo is out.
I like the para-military but I'm looking for about a 4" handle
maybe 4.25" at the most.

Thanks for the input so far everyone.
 
i'm looking for nearly the exact same knife. i actually posted a short time ago and was referred to this thread by another member. stupid me for not reading through the forums. anyways, the only difference b/t my requirements and your's are that i would accept D2, all locks as long as they were sturdy, and 4.5 oz as my maximum weight.

the spyderco yojimbo looks great but too big of a handle.
the spyderco caly 3 looks great but i wonder how aggressive the g10 is because i would occasionally wear with dress slacks.
bm opportunist hate the handle.
mcusta folding katana worry about the lock.
crkt full throttle wanted better than aus8.
bm 525 worry about the ridges even with casual shorts.

all that's left are the bm905, buck mini strider, and spyderco scorpius. i don't really like any of those. i had a bm707 and it was way too small. if you find something please let me know.
 
Anyone have the Al Mar Mini-SERE?
I've heard the handle has great ergos and the blade is a good slicer.

steveg30... do you have the BM HK? Is it hollow or flat gound?
How's its performance as a slicer. I'm not a
huge fan of my mini-grips saber grind. cuts into wood tend to
be too shallow. (yes, I'm picky)
 
Have you considered an Emerson mini commander?

I think they are 154cm, not sure if that stainless as Im clueless when it comes to the different steel formulas.

G10, ti liners that lock up rock solid, one handed open with the wave, a sick cutter with the recurve, some of the best ergos Ive even come across in a folder that size.
 
Hmmm.... mini-commander huh. I just looked it up
yep 154Cm. Which is good. actually the BM HK and Emerson look
like cousins .... sorta.

Ahhh..... ZDP-189.... Carbon Fiber.....

You know I'm always worried the tip of the caly is too fragile...
Maybe I'm off on this.

But that does look beautiful! I think I want them all!

Sometimes I think I should just go buy a Sebenza....
'cause I know I'm going to buy enough knives in the next few months
to equal its value. And they say once you go Sebenza
you never go back.
 
If you're going to go with a Caly 3, I second DoW's ZDP-189/CF Caly 3 suggestion. Handled my friend's and it's quite nice.

Having said that, when I was doing a very similar search (albeit lower budget), I didn't really consider any Spydies. Why?...I want max blade length and cutting edge for the closed length (pocket real estate) I could find and most spydies have fairly short blades and even shorter cutting edges, plus they are typically wider than other knives in similar size. I considered the BM14210, but don't like how it looks closed (the blade tang just looks out of place and like it will snag on my pockets or something).

I ended up with the Lone Wolf Harsey T1 with Carbon Fiber scales. The CF version has since been discontinued, but some are still around. G10 scales replaced the CF. Regardless, a great knife and has the longest blade and cutting length of any mentioned thus far. Really love the Harsey T1. At least another choice for you.
 
That's right. Cannot think about anything better than Caly3. I carry this knife since September and love it.
 
well.... looks like the vote is for the Caly3.
now I'll have to sleep on it.

Thanks everyone!.... and keep the suggestions coming in...
I'll look back tomorrow.
 
check out the BM 707. 2.95" blade, 6.75" overall, 154CM blade steel, aluminum scales with G10 inserts, steel liners, and of course the axis lock. It's based on the revered 705 but with a bit wider blade profile that I think is a better slicer. can be found for around $100.
 
Msiley - as you don't have a pocket clip as a requirement, BM Opportunist might fit your description:
opportunist.jpg
 
hey... i forgot about that guy!
thx! that looks really good..... better then most online shop pics.

how's the liner lock?
 
I like I like... thanks! you should be a BM rep :-)

it's perrty and low profile... I may be sold.
 
One possibility that I have not seen here is the Spyderco Volpe. It is a collaboration with the Italian Fox company and it is a very handsome knife to my eyes and quite comfortable to my arthritic hands. The strange looking dip just forward of the Spyderhole is actually a place for your forefinger when cutting and it really does work. The blade is 3 7/16" of N690Co steel. N690Co is a European steel of very high edge-hoilding ability. The knife is not lefty-friendly, however. But it seems to fit your specs in all ways. I have one and it is one of my very favorites. And at the New Graham price of $106.18, it is well within your price range.

http://www.newgraham.com/detail.aspx?ID=5222
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top