What knife am I looking for ??

mfm22

mfm22

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Nov 9, 2010
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OK I realize that I don't know exactly which knife I need / want.
But I know what would make up "my" style for most daily purposes .
*size would be approximately Blade 3.25 " / handle 4.25"
*Blade shape drop point (or close to )
*lock - undecided. Have a bunch of frame locks but starting to dislike "cold" metal scales
Thinking a good solid liner lock may be fine.
A) Allowing for easier deployment ( putting any pressure on the lock side of a frame lock bar make it hard to open)
B). More attractive / better gripping materials. G10 , carbon fiber etc
*pivot - still thinking the CRK Sebenza 21 bushing pivot / washer system is hard to beat , being smooth and durable. Bearings are fast & fun just not sure how much less strength they impart
I have a North Arm Skaha that is really close to my "perfect" it's on bearings and seems solid
Main issue for me is I'd prefer a G10 or Carbon fiber handle slightly narrower overall
Understand that the way it's done now is great for outdoor use

Used a Ritter mini grip for years and it was /is a great little knife . A drop too small and the large is a tad too big Same issue with Sebenza's. Too small or too big. Wish they made a Medium Lol.

Flipper or thumb stud is fine as long as it's well done Price range - been all over on this
$100 gets a few
$200 gets most ZT's , benchmade , spiders $300 -400 CRK's CKFs etc Been up to $700-800
Some starting Thorburns ( they are nice )
Don't think I'll need or appreciate any steels fancier than s35v. But open minded

Like to keep it $400 or less to be comfortable using it. Over $400 and I know I'll baby it

That brings up the "use " factor & honestly I don't need a heavy duty overbuilt blade
Just using for daily chores - cutting boxes open , cutting down cardboard , cutting open plastic strapping / zip ties a , cutting up some fruit at lunch & light duty stuff

Open to suggestions
 
Way below your budget, but why not a Bugout(unless you already have one)? You wished there was a medium Griptilian and that's about the closest thing we have.
 
I just bought a bugout today to give the model a second try. Really hard to beat the practicality of it honestly. The price makes it difficult to convince yourself not to use it.
 
mfm22 said:
*size would be approximately Blade 3.25 " / handle 4.25"
*Blade shape drop point (or close to )
*lock - undecided. Have a bunch of frame locks but starting to dislike "cold" metal scales
Thinking a good solid liner lock may be fine.
A) Allowing for easier deployment ( putting any pressure on the lock side of a frame lock bar make it hard to open)
B). More attractive / better gripping materials. G10 , carbon fiber etc
*pivot - still thinking the CRK Sebenza 21 bushing pivot / washer system is hard to beat , being smooth and durable. Bearings are fast & fun just not sure how much less strength they impart
Click to expand...

I know you already have frame locks and might not care for the scales, but what about the Spyderco Mantra 1?
rCQ9Dn9.jpg

If you like the looks of it but the scale material, lock, and the somewhat finicky bearings makes you think twice, look at the new Mantra 3. The Mantra 3 has S30V, carbon fiber, compression lock and CQI bearing system instead of M4, titanium and frame lock.
 
I went to buy Bugout a few days ago plain edge was sold out. Only serrated available
Agree it looks just about right on paper. No liner gives a reason for concerns - watched the usually out tube reviews on it - pretty favorable

May sound odd but I'm not sure if I like a super light knife. Don't get me wrong don't want a boat anchor in my pocket but a little substance is nice 3-4 oz is fine. Under 2 oz ?
But for just north if $100!Bugout is worth a try

I was looking at the Lionsteel TRE - the flipper version not the true TRE interchangeable thumbstud & or flipper. Didn't like that idea. Too many parts to lose or strip
The flipper only version looks just about right could be a bit larger though. Under $200 is nice
 
Spider monkey - could be a contender. What's with the pivot screw ? Where do you get the tool for it
 
I have the copper version of the spider monkey - so I can't speak to the qualities of the carbon fiber version - but mine has a "hydraulic" feel that I prefer over the sebenza. It is, without a doubt, in my top 3 knife purchases of 2017. (Probably 2nd favorite... the copper is a little heavy for work attire; but I couldn't help myself. I've been watching the exchange for the right deal on one in CF.)

*edited too add* Just saw your response - I've had no need to mess with the pivot; but I'd imagine that the tool could be had if one was so inclined.
 
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Ill post this just to be on the far out end of what you might like ,
I really did not expect this to be in my pocket every day since ,but had to try one for myyself
ecbC9vu.jpg
 
Just saw a review on the monkey. Pretty tough review

The fox Tur was on my short list

Lex what is that model - ? It's different that's for sure Clever meets high tech. Pretty cool look to it
 
A bit on the small side of both your requirements, (blade and handle), it is definitely still a great edc. Action is smooth. It is litterally just the right size to not be too small, yet also not too large and heavy, and while it's a frame lock, it's an integral frame lock to allow some warm of material alongside the lockbar.... available in a few colors (micarta) as well as C.F..

It really is a great EDC, so much so I'm considering other colors to accessorize better with what I'm wearing. Because red simply does not go with "everything", so a silver twill model could close that gap.
One of my favorite edc's, if not my favorite.
 
ADV Mini Butcher
Kind of a mix XM 18 Wharnie and small 21 is about as close I can describe
He don’t have the best rep around here , this is a 2014 model and has changed up a couple issue
That I have not had issue with after a bit of tune up myself.
Fit finish is very nice better than most , flips like crazy , heat treat is excellent holds edge very well
Clip is crooked purposely not to ride on lock bar (UNKOWN TO MOST HATERS)
Honestly I’m just experimenting while waiting for the Busse folder
Hope I live that long though
 
My first thought was the good ole Spyderco Manix 2 in G10. A tad over $100. Actually, you can add a Lionsteel KUR to your order and still have about $100 leftover from your budget. Both a little longer then your desired specs.
 
My Bugout is really one of my favorites, which kind of surprised me. I did have to tinker on it to center the blade though. It flicks open like crazy if you use your thumbnail, and closes just as nice with the axis lock.

The scale material isn’t bad, but the carbon fiber options are out there if you think otherwise.
 
If you want a great knife for the money go for the Steel Will Cutjack M390. It comes in 2 sizes 3" and 3.5". it is an awesome knife and it leaves you enough in the budget to get custom scales made for it. It is truly high value for the money.
 
c101mbgp2.2.jpg

Manix 2 Back Lock: Linerless G10 and a lock up you will not believe until you actually thumb open the blade and feel your hand vibrate as it locks into place. This is an awesome knife.

knifework-spydercostretchzdpc90gbnpe2.1.jpg

Stretch 2 ZDP-189 Brown G10 drop point.
 
The Spider Monkey pivot takes a Torx on the back side. And it's the knife I was going to suggest.
 
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