The $200 purchase dilema

U

UpChUcK

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Sep 17, 2008
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Yeah, so I'm looking to get a nice folder and have about $200 to spend.

Here's what I have been looking at so far as possible candidates:

  • Benchmade Ruckus PE in black or satin if I can find one anywhere.
  • Spyderco Military Titanium
  • Spyderco Stretch CF/ZDP-189
  • ZT0200 + Spyderco Native 4 CF
  • Kershaw JYD SG2 Ti w/ STR clip
  • Buck Mayo TNT
  • Benchmade 51 Balisong
As you can see I'm interested in large-ish folders. The Stretch is really as small as I want to go for this purchase @ ~3.5" but the TNT has been a "grail knife" to me for a while now (I know, I'm easy :p). I already have a ZT0300, Benchmade 710D2, Spyderco Endura G10, JYD II CB.

It took a while to save up the $200 for this next knife so I want to make a sound decision and I know I am the only one that can make that for me, But I sure could use some experienced guidance to put the features in perspective and not let emotion guide me too much. Especially in the steels department.

Out of the picks above, which do you like and why? Any others worth looking at in this price range?

Thx.
 
You also seem to be interested in the US companies (BM, KAI, Spyderco) but you might look over at the Fallkniven - PXL's in particular.

As to the picks above, I'd would go with the Spyderco Ti Military or the Mayo TNT. Why? Because I like 'm better :) All of these are fine knives from excellent companies, so I would default to personal aesthetic choices. There won't be many functional or quality differences in this lot. You've picked some of the best in this price range IMO.

Good luck.
 
The Rukus is really big. The mini Rukus is big. Might want to also consider the mini as it is probably big enough, yet not so big you won't carry it much. If you like this knife I would suggest tracking it down while there are still some available. It has the great AXIS lock and S30V steel.

If you like framelocks you can look for a full size skirmish. You will probably have to look for one here on the forums but they do pop up occasionally.

The stretch is nice and slim and it has ZDP steel which I really like.

You might also want to check out the 950 Rift and the 14205 if you like Benchmade. They are about the same size and similar to the stretch in size.

The Manix 2 has a similar sized handle as the stretch but the blade is a little smaller like a lot of Sypderco knives are. You could buy a second knife because the Manix is pretty cheap. You might even be able to track down one of the S90V sprint run for close to your max price but it might run a little higher. They were around $185 new and are in pretty high demand.

I'm not sure I helped much but good luck deciding.
 
the TI millitary would be a great choice. ive been edcing my benchmade 51 since i got it. its very slim and lightweight. and it flips good.
 
Chuck,

The TNT will be a small knife to you since your used to those bigger knives. I own it and its is a holy grail knife, a must have for any collector. I consider it my #1 Gentleman's knife.

That said since you like big'uns the TiRL Military is the "IT" fknife or sure. It is my next knife purchase. A Sage II is also really awsome!! Don't forget that a Custom Shop Buck 110 is a must have in a Big Knife Collection.

In this order:
Ti Military
TNT
Rukus
Sage II
 
DallasSTB said:
You also seem to be interested in the US companies (BM, KAI, Spyderco) but you might look over at the Fallkniven - PXL's in particular.

As to the picks above, I'd would go with the Spyderco Ti Military or the Mayo TNT. Why? Because I like 'm better :) All of these are fine knives from excellent companies, so I would default to personal aesthetic choices. There won't be many functional or quality differences in this lot. You've picked some of the best in this price range IMO.

Good luck.
Click to expand...

The Mayo TNT is my "emotional" choice. Aesthetically, to me, it doesn't get much better than that without going custom. Simple elegance.

FlaMtnBkr said:
The Rukus is really big. The mini Rukus is big. Might want to also consider the mini as it is probably big enough, yet not so big you won't carry it much. If you like this knife I would suggest tracking it down while there are still some available. It has the great AXIS lock and S30V steel.

If you like framelocks you can look for a full size skirmish. You will probably have to look for one here on the forums but they do pop up occasionally.

The stretch is nice and slim and it has ZDP steel which I really like.

You might also want to check out the 950 Rift and the 14205 if you like Benchmade. They are about the same size and similar to the stretch in size.

The Manix 2 has a similar sized handle as the stretch but the blade is a little smaller like a lot of Sypderco knives are. You could buy a second knife because the Manix is pretty cheap. You might even be able to track down one of the S90V sprint run for close to your max price but it might run a little higher. They were around $185 new and are in pretty high demand.

I'm not sure I helped much but good luck deciding.
Click to expand...

I'm not sure why I ruled out the 950. The 14205 was rule out because I was leaning towards higher-end steel and a big folder which is why the ZT0200 is in there - size!

As far as the Manix 2, I hear it is a great knife but for some reason, it doesn't do it for me.

And the Mini Ruckus, well, I think I would never forgive myself if I didn't get the big one. :p

YFN667 said:
the TI millitary would be a great choice. ive been edcing my benchmade 51 since i got it. its very slim and lightweight. and it flips good.
Click to expand...

The BM 51 is another "emotional" choice. I had a bali when I was younger and gave it to a buddy when he joined the Marines long ago. It was a nice one too, given to me by my uncle in the Philippines.


Anyone care to chime in on the SG2 steel's performance compared to S30V and ZDP-189?
 
If you like Titanium, check out the Sage II It rocks. I also have the Stretch CF/ZDP-189 and I highly recommend it. If I could only have one Spyderco, or even one knife at all, it would probably be the Sage II
 
You should also check out the ZT 0300 series, I think you can get a factory blem on here for a decent price, I picked up a 0300 and it should be here today, can't wait.
 
have you considered the tops / buck issue?
but if you looking for heft check out tops.
i agree with the mayo for a edc in the pocket.
 
Kershaw JYD SG2 Ti w/ STR clip - get it while you can, these are getting harder to find, and increasing in price.
 
I'd get the Ti RIL Military. You're taking one of the best large knife designs ever, and giving it a Reeve Integral Lock (framelock). The pinnacle of Spyderco IMO.

Otherwise I'd snatch up a Rukus before they're all gone.
 
Flatlander1963 said:
Chuck,

The TNT will be a small knife to you since your used to those bigger knives. I own it and its is a holy grail knife, a must have for any collector. I consider it my #1 Gentleman's knife.

That said since you like big'uns the TiRL Military is the "IT" fknife or sure. It is my next knife purchase. A Sage II is also really awsome!! Don't forget that a Custom Shop Buck 110 is a must have in a Big Knife Collection.

In this order:
Ti Military
TNT
Rukus
Sage II
Click to expand...

I'm not sure why I'm into "big'uns" lately. And like I said, the Mayo TNT is a "grail knife" to me. Maybe I'm afraid to get it because I know I will use it since it is the perfect EDC size and I don't want to scratch it up or lose it. I don't "collect" so every knife I get I will use.

When I step back and think about it, I know that I would be satisfied with any of them.

Damn indecision!!! :confused:


puyallupn8ive said:
You should also check out the ZT 0300 series, I think you can get a factory blem on here for a decent price, I picked up a 0300 and it should be here today, can't wait.
Click to expand...

Have it and love it. :thumbup: You will too. :D
 
It's too bad they don't make eight sided coins, eh? From your list I'd go with either the Buck, the Kershaw, or the Spyderco Millitary. Although, I'd be going for another Custom Buck 110 myself.
 
On your list I woul;d go with the Military first. I have a Rukus and although it is a decent knife, think it is a too big for an EDC.

The military is also big, but has a thinner profile.
 
Here's my ranking. I think #1 through #3 are a toss-up.

  1. Spyderco Military Titanium - I have one on order -- the Military is one of the best folders ever and Ti should make it that much better.
  2. Buck Mayo TNT - By far the smallest knife on your list. Not your grandfather's buck. Pretty much perfect for a small knife.
  3. Benchmade Ruckus PE - really hard to find any faults here. Smooth. Strong. If we are talking full-size, it's too big to carry for most people and situations.
  4. Kershaw JYD SG2 Ti w/ STR clip - Nice call on the clip, the stock one is Mall Ninja ridonkulous - the knife is nice, but I didn't like the assymetrical lamination lines on mine and it wasn't the smoothest opener I've ever had. I wouldn't bother with it since you have a JYD II already.
  5. Benchmade 51 Balisong - I've only owned the 32 Morpho. It had impeccable fit and finish, but was a little too small. The 51 is regarded as the best bali out there by many.
  6. ZT0200 - big beastly heavy folder that you can't fault, but may not want to carry. I also wouldn't duplicate your ZT 0300 + Spyderco Native 4 CF - less than impressive fit and finish, CF is too smooth, I like the FRN version better
  7. Spyderco Stretch CF/ZDP-189 - had one - great slicer, bad ergonomics and sharp liners that felt like they would cut my hand
 
Ti Mil = awesome, sleek

ZT 200 = Awesome, tough as hell, but lump of coal in pocket.

I would go with the Ti Mil for long term edc.
 
Of the knives you listed I would get the Ti military I would also put an STR lowrider on it. You can never have enough titanium! :D
 
Another vote for the Ti Military...dont have one yet but i think it will be much more comfortable to carry that a 0200 (have one in my pocket right now) and its an already awesome design that just got better IMO...
 
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