Recommendation? The Next Step...

[Chariotz4]

Over the last month and bit, I decided that I wanted to take the next step in my hobby with pointy objects; so instead of buying a few more budget friendly knives (Kershaw, CRKT, etc), I opted for a Zero Tolerance 0452CF, and then a Benchmade 940. However, it appears that the itch has not yet been scratched for me, so lately I've looking at the S90V Spyderco Para Military 2 to complete the trifecta/holy trinity of production folders (as I see it anyways) of ZT, BM, and now Spyderco. However, before I pull the trigger on one, I was hoping for some broader input. My loose parameters are as follows:

-A folder
-(~)4" blade length max, but also >3"
-Preferably (but not dead set on) a Spyderco
-Same Ballpark price-wise as the Navy/S90V PM2
-Unique options welcome,but nothing ultra rare/exotic (A Canadian here, so sourcing a supplier for uncommon sharp goodies isn't going to be fun)

Thanks for any and all feedback in advance!

 

[Aquaholicc]

So ..you don't have a 940?
If the answer is yes..then I highly recommend a Osborne.. I too started just like you only months ago and trust me when I say the 940 Osborne will fill all your wants and needs.
Not only does it work perfectly in the EDC role but, also if you are going out to a nice dinner with some slacks and whatnot it also is the perfect "gentlemens knife".
Though..the "sickness" will not stop there. Once I carried the BM940 for about 2 months I felt like I needed something "beefy" so I opt for the PM2 in M390. Shit man is it a beast.

Both are greats knives. Which to purchase first? Ask yourself ..

Do I want a sleek discrete all around perfect edc ?

Or do I want to carry something more substantial that locks up like a tank and has beautiful ergonomics.

 

[sfrigon1]

Manix2, coldsteel ultimate hunter, or maybe a sage or native ? Just throwing out some of my favorites

 

[strategy9]

A Buck 110 just the way you want it, out of the Buck custom shop.

 

[GB940Rookie]

I won't try to talk you out of the PM2. Iconic knife, and with S90, wow.

I wanted to like the PM2 but opted for a GB2 instead. Preferred the handle shape and blade grinds better on the GB2. And while not a determining factor, the Tai Chung f&f is outstanding.

The PM2 is more fun to play with.

I think you should try them both.

 

[Aquaholicc]

Everyone told me to get a GB as my next knife but I decided to pop the the cherry and get a 21 instead. If I'm not mistaken isn't the GB a hollow ground? I'm loving this grind on the 21 even more than my FFG on the PM2.

I practically dropped the blade down this cardboard box for a microwave I opened this morning lol.

PM2 and 940 below

 

[Chariotz4]

So ..you don't have a 940?
If the answer is yes..then I highly recommend a Osborne.. I too started just like you only months ago and trust me when I say the 940 Osborne will fill all your wants and needs.
Not only does it work perfectly in the EDC role but, also if you are going out to a nice dinner with some slacks and whatnot it also is the perfect "gentlemens knife".
Though..the "sickness" will not stop there. Once I carried the BM940 for about 2 months I felt like I needed something "beefy" so I opt for the PM2 in M390. Shit man is it a beast.

Both are greats knives. Which to purchase first? Ask yourself ..

Do I want a sleek discrete all around perfect edc ?

Or do I want to carry something more substantial that locks up like a tank and has beautiful ergonomics.

I do; I currently own a ZT 0452CF and a BM 940. And I agree, it's been awesome for me!

 

[Chariotz4]

I

I won't try to talk you out of the PM2. Iconic knife, and with S90, wow.

I wanted to like the PM2 but opted for a GB2 instead. Preferred the handle shape and blade grinds better on the GB2. And while not a determining factor, the Tai Chung f&f is outstanding.

The PM2 is more fun to play with.

I think you should try them both.

I'll have to look into the GB2...and I may have to pick up a 940-1 as well...

 

[Chariotz4]

A Buck 110 just the way you want it, out of the Buck custom shop.

An enticing idea that I hadn't thought of, thanks!

 

[sharp_edge]

OP - I would stick to yuor original thinking: to get a nice Spyderco (so that you have knives from the "big three" production folder manufacturer). For that, the PM2 s90v is indeed an excellent choice. Some other options I would suggest include:

- Spyderco Military sprint run or dealer exclusive, such as kw exclusives of cts-204p/green g10 or s90v/ti/cf
- Slysz Bowie if your budget is not an issue.
- Manix 2. Again a sprint run or dealer exclusive would be nice.

 

[NJBillK]

If you want larger, K2 in 10V is a beast.
Similar to the 940 is the GB2, but has M4 which is a nice alloy.

My preference, being an alloy junky, is a Manix 2 in Maxamet.

The alloy is Incredible. It takes an edge nearly as easily as M4, but it will out cut the K2 and GB2 one after another, and the Maxamet blade will keep wanting more after the 10V and M4 both ask for a touch up...
That being said, it isn't as tough as M4 is, so it can chip when you contact steels and rocks...

I have a Maxamet Mule and I am looking for funds for a Manix in it too.

 

[ChazzyP]

OP, I think you're on the right track with your choice of initial representatives of the "Big Three". The 940 gives you quite a bit of blade in a pocket-friendly, non-threatening, EDC knife along with the awesome AXIS lock. The 0452 is one of my favorite ZTs and adds a long flipper to your collection that fires out like the proverbial rocket. It has a great long handle shape that isn't a pocket hog and ZT does a great job on their S35VN.

The Para2 is perhaps the quintessential current Spyderco and fits very nicely between the two you have. It's about the same blade length as the 940, but in a broader FFG with a superb pointy tip. The compression lock is another personal favorite. My two Paras are in S30V and Spyderco does a great job with that steel, but "better" is fine too if that's you preference. The ergos on the Para2 are excellent with the dropped handle swell at the butt making the P2 perhaps the best working knife of the three.

These are three really great choices from three excellent production knife companies that represent them well and offer you a broad gamut of use and features for starters.

 

[NJBillK]

One thing to keep in mind. The amount of blade that the 940 fits into the handle is surprising.
The PM2 is the same thing, but the other side of the spectrum. I am surprised how small of a blade the handle contains. The dichotomy is incredible.

I know it isn't that small, but it just tiny compared to the handle size. Due to that, I couldn't get used to it, and leaned towards BM, ZT and traditionals.

 

[ChazzyP]

Interesting comparison between the 940 and PM2, NJBillK . Your observations are, of course, spot on, but my personal preference runs counter to yours. With my old arthritic hands, I have a hard time hanging onto shorter slender handles. It's indeed remarkable how much blade fits into the 940's grips, but I prefer the ergos of the "too large" PM2 handle. Blade-to-handle ratio means little to me if I can't hang on to the knife.

 

[NJBillK]

ChazzyP to be honest, I didn't even take that aspect of PM2 as being a benefit to some of the more time worn hands.
A well thought out answer and I appreciate it.

I am definitely going to remember that. Since I cut meat for a living, my hands are already starting to get a bit sore in the knuckles and I am only 36...

The bad thing about having this forum, is that I get so accustomed to talking about knives and knowing ballpark prices, that when I go to my local brick and mortar, I have to try out some knives, but I don't often buy due to the markup.
I always try to buy something while I am there just to help keep the lights on, but it isn't often a full MSRP knife when I can find one for near 50% pricing and in 90%+ condition...

 

[ChazzyP]

Take care of those puppies, NJBillK , especially making your living with them. I could have abused mine less, I suppose, but banging nails for 46 years and playing competitive b-ball for 37 or so takes its toll regardless. Lots of jammed fingers, sprains, cuts, and a couple major f'ups along the way have left these old carpenters mitts kinda messed up. They still can get the job done, but they ain't pretty.

I know what you mean about brick and mortar stores as I believe in supporting local small business--that's me after all. We have a long-standing, locally-owned hunting, fishing, boating, sporting goods store. They stock mostly Benchmade and Buck for knives, but sell for basically MSRP. I just don't go in there to look as it's too hard to make myself pay their prices and it's not fair to use them just to check out knives. If they'd sell for MAP I'd support them, but I got a BS answer when I inquired about it.

On the other hand, I'll buy most of my tools from my locally-owned supplier as their pricing is fair, they have good product knowledge, top brands, and stand behind their sales. When I buy a big ticket item they'll work with me. Once in a while I'll buy something online, but never from a big-box store.

 

[Chariotz4]

OP - I would stick to yuor original thinking: to get a nice Spyderco (so that you have knives from the "big three" production folder manufacturer). For that, the PM2 s90v is indeed an excellent choice. Some other options I would suggest include:

- Spyderco Military sprint run or dealer exclusive, such as kw exclusives of cts-204p/green g10 or s90v/ti/cf
- Slysz Bowie if your budget is not an issue.
- Manix 2. Again a sprint run or dealer exclusive would be nice.

I'm considering the Millie as well, but I was thinking some smaller (à la PM2 size) would be more socially acceptable to the general public around where I'd be using it. I also prefer tip up carry and I'm jonesing to see a compression lock in action!

 

[Chariotz4]

If you want larger, K2 in 10V is a beast.
Similar to the 940 is the GB2, but has M4 which is a nice alloy.

My preference, being an alloy junky, is a Manix 2 in Maxamet.

The alloy is Incredible. It takes an edge nearly as easily as M4, but it will out cut the K2 and GB2 one after another, and the Maxamet blade will keep wanting more after the 10V and M4 both ask for a touch up...
That being said, it isn't as tough as M4 is, so it can chip when you contact steels and rocks.

As much as I like the design of the K2 and the GB2, ~4.5" of blade is a bit much for me to carry and I use all my knives. I also think I'm more of a stainless guy so that kind of rules out the lovely M4 GB2 and given my work places, while I don't need it to be indestructible, I'd prefer blade steel with a little more toughness over the cost of a little edge retention. That being said, I've been considering a Manix XL and a Manix with upgraded steel!

 

[Chariotz4]

OP, I think you're on the right track with your choice of initial representatives of the "Big Three". The 940 gives you quite a bit of blade in a pocket-friendly, non-threatening, EDC knife along with the awesome AXIS lock. The 0452 is one of my favorite ZTs and adds a long flipper to your collection that fires out like the proverbial rocket. It has a great long handle shape that isn't a pocket hog and ZT does a great job on their S35VN.

The Para2 is perhaps the quintessential current Spyderco and fits very nicely between the two you have. It's about the same blade length as the 940, but in a broader FFG with a superb pointy tip. The compression lock is another personal favorite. My two Paras are in S30V and Spyderco does a great job with that steel, but "better" is fine too if that's you preference. The ergos on the Para2 are excellent with the dropped handle swell at the butt making the P2 perhaps the best working knife of the three.

These are three really great choices from three excellent production knife companies that represent them well and offer you a broad gamut of use and features for starters.

Currently I'm still leaning towards the PM2. And I'm happy with my choices from Zero Tolerance and Benchmade too! However, I'm already finding myself wanting a 0450CF, a 0460 (when they become available North of the border here), a 940-1, a 943, etc...

 

[Chariotz4]

One thing to keep in mind. The amount of blade that the 940 fits into the handle is surprising.
The PM2 is the same thing, but the other side of the spectrum. I am surprised how small of a blade the handle contains. The dichotomy is incredible.

I know it isn't that small, but it just tiny compared to the handle size. Due to that, I couldn't get used to it, and leaned towards BM, ZT and traditionals.

I'm still kind "wowed" by how slim and sleek the 940 is for almost a 3.5" blade. I remember feeling the same way about my Kershaw Shallot when I first got that. However, the weight savings that come with the 940 because of the better materials, makes it truly "disappear" in my pocket.