Vote for “larger” EDC.

D

Dude Crush

Joined
Nov 22, 2004
Messages
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You’re the experts and you haven’t steered me wrong yet. Here’s my next question:
For a larger sized EDC folder, which of these do you like most? Are there others I should consider?
All are CPM-S30V and most G10; locks, blades and styles vary. Which would you choose?

Spyderco Manix (http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=165)
Lockback, thumb hole, ~$185

Spyderco Military (http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=19)
Linear lock, thumb hole, ~$180

Ritter RSK Mk1 (Benchmade Griptilian 552-400) (http://www.equipped.org/rsk_mk1.htm)
Axis lock, thumb stud, Noryl GTX handles, ~$105

Swamp Rat, Rat Trap (www.swampshack.com or www.swampratknifeworks.com)
Linear lock, thumb hole, ~$140

Thoughts?
Thanks.
 
The Ritter Grippy isn't really a "large" knife compared to the other knives you have on your list, which are all 4" bladed G10 handled knives. If you want a Benchmade on your list comparable to the others, look at the 710HS (M2 steel) or 806 (D2 steel), or even the 630 (S30V steel, and bigger still).
 
I would add the Benchmade 806D2 and 710HS into the list to be considered.

For me, my choice is the Spyderco PE S30V Military when it comes to folders with 4" blades. And although not in the same price range, my Spyderco PE Pacific Salt is getting lots of use.
 
You also left out the Benchmade 805s TSEK...That one is MY favorite "large" folder.:).
 
your prices are a little off. While for the Ritter and the Swamp rat MSRP=street price, you can get the Spyderco knives for substantially less than what you quote. The Manix should cost you around $115, not $185 and the Military will probably go for about $110

Having said that. The Manix has a handle that is absolutely amazing IMO and the lock has made a name for itself in the Chinook II (locks are identical).
 
1st off, i'm no expert, i just know what i like & why, rated in order of how i'd rank them.

#1 without question IMO, the manix:

good - tough as ffff lock, phenomenal handle ergos & texturing.. utilitarian blade shape with lotsa belly. excellent feel in the hand, perfect balance of heft/presence & carryability. flat grind = a smidgen better chopping performance than hollow grind, probably too little to notice though.
bad - nothing i can think of or see at the moment. to nitpick, spydie is currently phasing in phosphor bronze washers, & the 1st run of manixes do not have them, check with your dealer if this matters.

tied for #2, the rat trap (i've never personally handled one):

good - handsome blade shape whose design looks very sturdy, with the thickness reaching close to the tip. lightweight for size, i've heard stories of the users forgetting they're carrying it. appears to be the one viable alternative to the millie, with many similar features.
bad - i've read about concerns with the thin liner. potentially not substantial enough in the hand due to extreme thinness, but then again it's a give & take with handfeel vs pocketfeel. it's only the first run, so there's always the potential for subsequent runs being improved.

tied for #2, the millie:

good - very light weight for a substantial blade, very narrow overall for comfortable carry, available in fully serrated for those who dig that feature. this knife has countless diehard fans, probably for good reasons.
bad - (debatable) the liner seems a bit thin & doesn't lend itself to an air of ultimate security during hard use; i've heard of more than one failure story, but i'm sure it's too rare to concern yourself with, just mentioning it. i've also heard a few tip-snap stories, but this was before they were available in s30v.

#3, the ritter grip:

good - wide grip makes for comfortable handfeel.. premium blade material (& flat grind) for nonpremium price.
bad - (debatable) axis locking mechanism involves a spring that might need replacing on rare occasion, i've heard of it happening on other BMs, although the failure is obviously rare, so i'm nitpicking here. the wide handles, although might fill the hand comfortably, may fill the pocket with too much bulk.


ps - as others have mentioned, check out the BM 806d2, or the BM 710, just take note that you will feel more secure G10 grip texturing on spydercos. also, as an alternative to the ritter mini grip, i would point you in the direction of the microtech mini socom elite manual action, as well as the BM skirmish. all in all, i still think the manix is easily the best folder for the money.
 
Depending on what your price point is you might try something like a Strider AR or GB. These things are pretty big and built like tanks, plus if you break it you will get a new one. (Within reason) They would set you back roughly $350 but it should be the last knife you will have to buy.

Oily
 
Of the ones on your list, I'd pick the Manix. I have one -- really superior knife. The lock on it simply will not fail. Check the testing that resident knife destroyer Cliff Stamp did on the Chinoon II, which has the same lock as the Manix.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=335175

If I were to add to your list, I'd also recommend the Benchmade 710HS. As good as the Manix is, the 710 gets more carry time.
 
I have two M16-14's. They set me back I think $150 for both!! I bought them and had them engraved at that price. If one breaks and it hasn't....get the other one...no worries. Like I said I have not had a problem with any of the CRKT knives. (except I hate the LAWKS)
 
Out of the 4 knives mentioned I would go with the Manix. It's big, tough, well made, and fits in the hand comfortably.
 
My 2 cents are really only worth a penny due to my lack of experience with some of these knives.

Ritter Grip - no matter what they did to the blade, it still has that crummy plastic handle feel and only 3/4 liners. I own a grip and LOVE it, but that price point, I would certainly want g10.

805 - not on your list, but a great large folder. I bought one for my buddy. I loved it.

Military - I wasn't overly impressed with this knife. Very light and great steel on the blade, but that liner lock seemed really flimsy to me - it probably isn't, but it seemed so. For the price, I would look to the Manix with Spyderco. I have not held a Manix but the full liners and g10 scales look great. I like the other Spyderco lockbacks I have used.

Rat trap - no idea. Looks very nice, which I'm sure it is. I have lost some faith in Swamp Rat since they started to have timing troubles. They just don't ever seem to be on schedule anymore. I waited way too long for my Camp Tramp (which I like FWIW) and their troubles seem to continue. The store was supposed to be operational quite a while ago, I have no idea what went wrong with the Bog Dogs but jeesh...I sound like I'm bashing which is not my intent at all. I'm pleased with my product from them, but they seem to be on an alternate timeline from the rest of the world with some things.
 
I don't feel liner locks are suitable for EDC, so for me, that leaves a two-horse race. Ritter Grip vs Manix. While both are solid choice, the Manix is what I'd lean towards.
 
i'm voting Manix, with its secure lock, wide blade, and proven cutting ability.


but i think the 806d2, 805, and 710 should be here also, and then i'd say 805.

abe
 
I'm not to familiar with the others but I've been EDC'ing a Manix for a few weeks now and I'm very impressed. I'm a lineman for Verizon and my work knife sees some heavy use. The Manix is very comfortable in the hand and I've found the lock to be very strong. I'm a big fan of S30V and the blade design of the Manix. My only complaint is that in tip down carry the thumb serrations annoy me when reaching in to my pocket. I changed it around to tip up carry and I find it much better. All in all I can whole heartedly endorse the Manix for EDC.
 
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