Time to add another folder to the collection

[Dekz]

I currently EDC either my:

CRKT M16-10Z:

Kershaw Rainbow Leek:

Spyderco S:

I love them all equally in different ways. As you can see, with all these having 2.5 - 3 inch blades, i usually prefer a small knife, more sheeple friendly.

It's time to add one more to the collection, but I think I want to go with something a little bigger for the heavy duty stuff, going camping, etc.

So I'm looking for something around a 4 inch blade, I think I'd prefer it wasn't assisted but not necessarily a deal breaker. I think I would like to try some of the other brands that are out there, but all the rest seem to be too expensive for me. I know everybody is going to rave about a Benchmade of some kind, but honestly I've never seen one that I liked, and I'd like to keep the budget under $100.

As you can see from what I currently own, aesthetics is very important to me. I don't sit in a warehouse cutting boxes open all day, I use my knife for the odd job, etc, I like it to look good, be a conversation piece.

Right now, I'm really liking the Kershaw Groove. 3.5" blade, it's not assisted but you can easily flick it open with the flipper, and it's really cool looking.

Any other suggestions?

 

[cutter17]

Several of the Kershaw offerings are under $100. Take a look at the Cyclone, the Lahar, and the JYDII, as they also seem to fit your needs and your budgeted amount. Another choice would be the Vulcan from SOG, or for a little more, $25 over your budget, the Tomcat 3.0. Both of these are equipped with the Arc Lock which is similar to the BM Axis Lock and therefore a pretty heavy duty locking mechanism. Be interested in knowing what you ultimately pick!:thumbup:

 

[Varg Lobos]

cutter's suggestions are one that I would suggest too.

I have the Lahar and JYD II. Both excellent knives and they always get a look from the people around me wanting to know more. The first things out of their mouths is usually, "Hey! Let me see that."

 

[Rich357]

You can get a BM 710 D2 for close to $100.

Rich

 

[cutter17]

What Rich said, and that ain't a bad deal for the knife that sorta defines Benchmade. Good call Rich!:thumbup:

 

[Rich357]

Thanks, Cutter17!

There is also the BM 943. It has a 3.4" blade, but is usually a few bucks more than the BM 710 D2.

BM 943
BM 710 D2


Rich

 

[Dekz]

There's just nothing special about the Benchmades. They look like a $10 knife.

Don't get me wrong, I know they must have excellent quality, I see them recommended in pretty much every thread on here. But how a knife looks is important to me, and all the BMs I see are so boring.

 

[oldfogey]

If it was me, (from the research I've done), I'd get the BM 710D2, but it looks as if the "Kershaw Groove" fits in better with the rest of your knives. Can't fault a Kershaw knife, I carried one for almost 7 yrs., abused the heck out of it, and liked it so much, I'm spending more than it's worth to get it refurbished.

 

[paulhilborn]

I love Benchmade/Spyderco & own several but certainly know where your coming from for price. That said stayin in the Kershaw family the "Speed Bump" aluminum or G-10 handle are great knives and the blade alone draws conversation. You can find the aluminum handle #1595AL for around $50.00 if ya look you can find the G-10 closer to a $100.00. They're hard to put down once you start playin with em.

 

[GLively]

I have the Kershaw JYD II, Lahar, and the Groove, and the Benchmade 710. They are all excellent. The JYD II flips open the easyist and has a very stout feel to it. I like the blade shape of the Lahar better but it flips open with more effort than both of the other Kershaws. The Groove and the 710 are my choices to take to work (office) as they are a lot of knife in a small package. IMO the JYD II is the most for the money. I really like the flippers and the steel on all of them. :thumbup:

If you really want a stout knife with the most secure grip, spend $120 and get a Zero Tolerance 0200. It is FANTASTIC!! It cuts so well and it flips open so easy. The grippyness of the handle is the best of anything I've held. I like it better than my Spyderco Chinook III, Ontario Hossum Retribution, and my Buck/Strider Tarani Police. I paid around $120 for each of those and I prefer the 0200.