What is next in my humble collection?

[dkblade]

I'm fully hooked and I admit it. When I first started out on this forum a couple months ago I thought to myself: I don't need anymore knives, my Buck Taclite Mini has done the trick for 15 years. Then I dug a little deeper and discovered two companies that are touted as some of the best, Spyderco and Benchmade. After dozens of videos, I decided my first purchase after joining the forum would be my beloved Spyderco Delica ZDP-189, british racing green. I received it and used it for a couple months and could not be happier! I said "this is my purchase for the year". Of course Christmas rolled around and a family member bought me a Spyderco Paramilitary 2, which essentially shelved my Delica save for weekend outings. I also bought a Case Sodbuster Jr. in yellow CV which I have had fun playing with.

So I am at a crossroads now, whatever it is I decide to save for will require a couple months before I can justify its purchase, but my list is as follows:

1. Spyderco Gayle Bradley - Recently on my radar as a potential knife. Initially saw it a few months ago and said "why would I buy that over a PM2?" Now I have the PM2 and I have watched a bunch of videos of GB and I really want this knife.

2. Sebenza 25 - Skip the Gayle Bradley and save a few extra months for the mighty Sebenza 25 first, hope for a GB down the line. The Sebenza, if bought, will be my only knife purchase for 2015 because of its price.

3. A Benchmade - Preferably between $100.00 - $250.00, similar in size and quality to Sebby and Gayle Bradley.

4. A Zero Tolerance knife - Preferably between $150.00 - $300.00, heavy duty and indestructible but also physically attractive and functional.

5. Maybe something I haven't listed. I think I've gotten the point across as to what kind of knife I want

Thanks folks!

 

[Gollum]

Zt 0801bw

 

[onojoe]

You are going to get a Sebenza some day, it is a natural progression of this disease. So the question really is do you buy it now or later. If you choose to hold off, I would suggest the benchmade 940. It is similar in size to a Sebenza and is different enough from the spydercos, so that you will get a feel for a different kind of knife.

 

[blades&wrenches]

I can't recommend the ZT 0562 (in either fashion) enough. I waited for months to get mine and when I finally held it in my hands I said "Totally worth the wait!" One of the best production knives out there.

Most importantly, go hold and play with as many as you can before you buy. People have different tastes and what works for some may not work for others. For me, this is the case with the BM 940 series and Spyderco PM2. I've held both, and while they are both great knives, they just don't work for me.

 

[drrickso]

1. Spyderco Gayle Bradley - Recently on my radar as a potential knife. Initially saw it a few months ago and said "why would I buy that over a PM2?" Now I have the PM2 and I have watched a bunch of videos of GB and I really want this knife.

2. Sebenza 25 - Skip the Gayle Bradley and save a few extra months for the mighty Sebenza 25 first, hope for a GB down the line. The Sebenza, if bought, will be my only knife purchase for 2015 because of its price.

3. A Benchmade - Preferably between $100.00 - $250.00, similar in size and quality to Sebby and Gayle Bradley.

4. A Zero Tolerance knife - Preferably between $150.00 - $300.00, heavy duty and indestructible but also physically attractive and functional.

5. Maybe something I haven't listed. I think I've gotten the point across as to what kind of knife I want

Thanks folks!

1) I still prefer the pm2 over the GB
2) Sebenza is widely considered THE BEST folder, and a necessity for any serious knife enthusiast... get one and you'll see
3) Benchmade- such a HUGE range of choices, but I'd stick to the KW M390 sprints either the 710 or Contego
4) ZT0350 M390 based on carryability (it's a word now) & steel choice- IF you want an assisted opener... If not 0560 to get a taste of a hinderer design
5) Two choices:
SNG strider... a 3.5" beast of knife- get one used to try it out for a little less than a Sebenza if you want tactical over simplistic. another must have IMO- but some disagree
HTM gunhammer... DDR knives are fantastic and come in different shapes, steels and actions. Out of all of my knives, his gunhammer handles fit my hand as if they were made specifically for me, and DDR's service is second to none... also best pocket fit for me.

That's just answering your 5 points... you WILL end up with a Sebenza at some point- but the other choices are hard to argue with if you want to delay the inevitable.

 

[jascolli]

Just get the Sebenza and save some time. I've had the rest, now I have the best!

 

[drrickso]

Just get the Sebenza and save some time. I've had the rest, now I have the best!

see that, TC? case and point

 

[dkblade]

Awesome replies! In looking at all the knives you guys have recommended, I have narrowed my own personal requirements down. I realized I want a knife that I can beat the hell out of. I'm not talking about opening cans and bottles or using it for things it should never be used for. I'm talking about if it falls out of my pocket from 20 feet up a ladder I won't be sad for the rest of the day cause it got chipped or scratched. In my research it looks like something from ZT with a bladewash might be an excellent choice. Here are my unadulterated, unedited thoughts while looking at every knife listed:

zt 0801bw awesome blade wash, definitely an abuser, can take a beating and will never look it. Not a huge fan of the handle design.

Sebenza - still a huge contender, but also a huge price. possibly the best of the bunch? best is subjective of course. I will own one eventually. Now or later? Not gonna take this one up a ladder with me--probably only take it out on the weekend in place of my Delica. Won't get EDC work unless I have a really good year financially.

Benchmade 940 - while I dig the design and would definitely get it in green, it doesn't look durable enough to be my go to, go anywhere, battle tank of a knife. Definitely will own one in the next year or two though.

zt 0562 - very possibly my next knife. really love the handle, looks durable, never owned a flipper, nice ergonomics. Size compared to PM2? Does it come in blade wash?!?!

Benchmade sprint knives from KW - Probably just gonna skip benchmade all together at this point. I don't own one yet but I definitely plan to down the line--just not my priority right now. Another knife that would get EDC use in place of my PM2.

SNG strider - Can't say I like the look of the handle deisgn -- that's not to say it isn't awesome. It may fit my hand better than any of the others for all I know. Good blade shape, but doesn't look like my next knife for now.

HTM gunhammer - what's up with the recessed secondary part of the blade? Probably pass on that one for now--though the normal blade one looks pretty nice. Not a huge fan of the pitted G10 or the oblong spydie hole, although I'm sure it's awesome to hold!

Rants of an obsessed imbecile!

 

[drrickso]

HTM gunhammer - what's up with the recessed secondary part of the blade?

I'm guessing you looked at the radian blade? That happens to be my favorite aesthetically, but they also make a bowie and torpedo blade... also spydie hole? are you sure you're looking at the gunhammers?
http://www2.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_store.html?usrsearch=gunhammer

Regardless- might not be right for you... but I highly recommend them to others. As much as I'd say get the Sebenza out of the way- it sounds like you're pocket and plans for use will prefer a ZT for now... stick to what works- and get the pretty stuff when you have everything else you need =)

 

[dkblade]

I'm guessing you looked at the radian blade? That happens to be my favorite aesthetically, but they also make a bowie and torpedo blade... also spydie hole? are you sure you're looking at the gunhammers?
http://www2.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_store.html?usrsearch=gunhammer

Regardless- might not be right for you... but I highly recommend them to others. As much as I'd say get the Sebenza out of the way- it sounds like you're pocket and plans for use will prefer a ZT for now... stick to what works- and get the pretty stuff when you have everything else you need =)

Yes! Thanks for correcting me. I crossed the gunhammer and strider. Gunhammer looks awesome though, still not a huge fan of the handle. I really appreciate the input though, it only helps me narrow my search!

 

[drrickso]

Yes! Thanks for correcting me. I crossed the gunhammer and strider. Gunhammer looks awesome though, still not a huge fan of the handle. I really appreciate the input though, it only helps me narrow my search!

no worries! let us know what you end up with.

 

[Lost Cosmonaut]

I never got the hype behind the Sebenza until I got one. I got a Sebenza 25 and it's brilliant. I tend to prefer my Umnumzaan, though, but that's just me. They're very similar in most ways, it's just size and blade shape.

 

[BenchCo Spydermade]

You are going to get a Sebenza some day, it is a natural progression of this disease. So the question really is do you buy it now or later. If you choose to hold off, I would suggest the benchmade 940. It is similar in size to a Sebenza and is different enough from the spydercos, so that you will get a feel for a different kind of knife.

+1 benchmade 940

 

[slambo32]

Im feeling ya man. Thought I kicked the Watch Addiction,Finally! Good news, I have. My new Benchmade Contego Cant tell time worth S@#t . Man this Blade is Sweeeet! I'M all in. ......... Here we go Again... lol. Hobbies, Gotta love em.

 

[blades&wrenches]

zt 0562 - very possibly my next knife. really love the handle, looks durable, never owned a flipper, nice ergonomics. Size compared to PM2? Does it come in blade wash?!

Size is very similar...weight is not. ZT is about 1.75oz. heavier, but for me weight isn't an issue. Only comes in stonewashed elmax or polished/stonewashed M390.
ZT 0562:
8.3" oal
0.49" thick
5.5 oz.

PM2:
8.3" oal
0.46" thick
3.75 oz.

 

[dkblade]

So I think, for now, I've narrowed it down to ZT 0801bw or Gayle Bradley. I have two spydercos and have never even held a ZT. I love both my spydies but am not at all opposed to trying a new brand. Price is not too far off between these two, nor is weight, so that's a non issue. How about reliability, locking mechanism longevity, blade edge retention, durability, and hand feel? Still quite interested in GB, but leaning about 51/49 towards 0801bw. As for handle, I'm sure it'll grow on me!

 

[BladeChick777]

If the Sebenza is not going to be an EDC and you want something that's going to replace your PM2, do not get the Sebenza.
Sebenza's are excellent knives and are made to use, however, if you're just going to let it sit most of the time, that's a waste of the $410+ you just spent. Sure it's nice to look at but if you want a knife to look at, buy something cheaper that's prettier lol. Plus dropping your Sebenza sucks, it opens most of the time it falls and then you're afraid that the fine tip is going to break.

The Benchmade Contego is bigger than the PM2 but will handle a beating and dropping. It has excellent steel, and the Axis Lock is arguably one of the best out there.

Have you taken a look at other Spyderco Knives?

Try the Spyderco Southard or Tuff. If you want something tough that can take a beating, the Spyderco Tuff will do the job and the steel is fantastic.

 

[dkblade]

If the Sebenza is not going to be an EDC and you want something that's going to replace your PM2, do not get the Sebenza.
Sebenza's are excellent knives and are made to use, however, if you're just going to let it sit most of the time, that's a waste of the $410+ you just spent. Sure it's nice to look at but if you want a knife to look at, buy something cheaper that's prettier lol. Plus dropping your Sebenza sucks, it opens most of the time it falls and then you're afraid that the fine tip is going to break.

The Benchmade Contego is bigger than the PM2 but will handle a beating and dropping. It has excellent steel, and the Axis Lock is arguably one of the best out there.

Have you taken a look at other Spyderco Knives?

Try the Spyderco Southard or Tuff. If you want something tough that can take a beating, the Spyderco Tuff will do the job and the steel is fantastic.

I would have trouble making the Sebenza my EDC knife. I don't necessarily want to replace my PM2 as EDC as I will probably always do some kind of rotation, but the PM2 blade shape, at least for me, doesn't really lend itself to the tasks I would normally or occasionally put it through--the blade is super pointed and sharp and I am always afraid I'm gonna slide the super sharp tip over a part and scratch it so I have to be really careful when opening boxes with it. That said, the Sebenza would make an awesome EDC knife if I could have two, one for carrying EDC that I wouldn't worry about messing up, and one I would keep in pristine condition. This will probably be the case eventually. Again we will see how this year goes financially Contego from BM is a pretty awesome looking knife but I think I want one without G10. I like the look of the Southard but it doesn't have the blade shape I want and the Tuff....well it definitely looks tough but...I can't say I really like the look of it. Thank you for your recommendations! I'm leaning towards the ZT 0801bw right now. I am going to devote the night to video testimonials. I will definitely watch videos on all the afformentioned as well.

 

[The Aflac Duck]

I would have trouble making the Sebenza my EDC knife. I don't necessarily want to replace my PM2 as EDC as I will probably always do some kind of rotation, but the PM2 blade shape, at least for me, doesn't really lend itself to the tasks I would normally or occasionally put it through--the blade is super pointed and sharp and I am always afraid I'm gonna slide the super sharp tip over a part and scratch it so I have to be really careful when opening boxes with it. That said, the Sebenza would make an awesome EDC knife if I could have two, one for carrying EDC that I wouldn't worry about messing up, and one I would keep in pristine condition. This will probably be the case eventually. Again we will see how this year goes financially Contego from BM is a pretty awesome looking knife but I think I want one without G10. I like the look of the Southard but it doesn't have the blade shape I want and the Tuff....well it definitely looks tough but...I can't say I really like the look of it. Thank you for your recommendations! I'm leaning towards the ZT 0801bw right now. I am going to devote the night to video testimonials. I will definitely watch videos on all the afformentioned as well.

Get the Sebenza Insingo. Then you don't have to worry about the fine tip, and the insingo is the best performing blade ever IMO.

I'll tell ya what, I carry a Large Insingo w/ Micarta Inlays (about $500) nearly everyday to work. I work construction...

I've dropped my sebenza off scaffolds, ladders, roofs, dug holes in the ground, cut concrete bags, cut zip ties, cut silt fence, pryed open access panels, cut wires, used it as a door stop, used the handle to break tiles, cut holes in drywall, opened beer bottles (after work of course)...the list goes on. The last thing I do is cut boxes and paper at work, that's on a good day.

Honestly, my Sebenza is the only knife I'd trust on the job. I have many other expensive knives and they are all great. But the sebenza is for serious work, my other knives are just for "fun" IMO. And CRK's warranty will leave you worry-free if anything happens.

Forget the whole "over-built" thing... A sebenza insingo is where it's at...

 

[Hobs98]

Well I'd lean toward the zt. I've carried Spyderco for the last 20 years, but I messed up and bought an 0350. Can't kick it out of my work pants. Still carry the para 2 on weekends.