What to give myself for Christmas?

J

J1427

Joined
Sep 2, 2013
Messages
171
Hey guys, so I need some advice on which folder to get. I'm finishing exams soon, and with Christmas coming I figured I would reward myself with a new knife. I would like a folder with a 3-4 inch place, preferably a drop point and something with some durability. It will be used as an EDC in a city environment (so no crazy hard use), but will also see some use as a camping/backpacking knife (some harder use). So far I'm torn between the Military, Paramilitary, Griptilian, mini-recon 1, ZT0350 or something cheaper like a Kershaw Cryo or Volt. I'd be willing to spend up to $150, but if I were to spend that much then I would want some bang for my buck. Which would you guys pick and why? Any other suggestions that meet my criteria? By the way, I currently only have a SAK fireman, so it should compliment that. Thanks guys!
 
Best "bang for the buck" knife I have is the Spyderco Gayle Bradley folder. Great price for what you get!
 
J1427 said:
Thanks guys. Why did you pick those though over the others I listed?
Click to expand...

Spyderco Paramilitary 2 because it has a VERY good steel (S30V), it is made in the USA, has many scale/blade coating options, and has G10 scales.

However, the ZT0350 is great too. I would recomend the Para 2 above it because the 350 has a recurve blade, which is harder to learn to sharpen/not as useful.

The Benchmade Griptilian is another great option. It's steel is not quite as good as the Para 2, but the price is cheaper. Email me if you want to know where to buy it for cheaper.

Also consider the Benchmade Barrage, and the Spyderco Delica 4, Manix 2, and Native 5.
 
J1427, you've asked a question with a very easy answer, get them all. :) ..........eventually you will anyway. We all have a wish list, some longer than others.
 
I bought a griptilian before Benchmades prices go up to full msrp so I would recommend you get that. You could pair it with some less expensive knives or just wait and save the money you did not use in your budget to put towards another nicer knife.
 
If I had to choose, I'd go with the Paramilitary 2. I have the Griptillian and it's great knife but it's a pain to take apart and clean due to the Axis lock.
 
Out of all the ones you listed I would go with the Griptillian (maybe go with the Ritter version S30V) if you have a $150 budget. While the Grip is a great do-all blade, it's a bit bulky for me for EDC. The Para2 is a great blade and thin for EDC, but not what I consider a camping knife. Those would be the two I would recommend out of your list.
Even the CS Mini-Recon would be a good knife.. maybe the American Lawman would be a good fit too. They are a little tactical looking, but great knives for the price. Tough. The ZT350 is just to wide for me for EDC and takes up too much pocket room, never really appealed to me. If going for a ZT, I'd go with the 200 and thin out the bulky scales.

Not on your list:
BM 940: Probably one of the best EDC knives ever made. It would work in the woods, but not the best.
Spyderco Gayle Bradley: Probably one of the best value production knives made. Made for hard use. A bit heavy for EDC but looks classy with the carbon fiber scales. M4 Steel. Would do great in the woods, though I would prefer to have G10 grips over the carbon fiber.
BM 520: Great knife. Kind of a Grip on steroids.
Spyderco Endura: Thin, light, tough, big blade, many colors and steels to fit your likes. The brighter colors make the knife easier to find and more sheeple friendly too.

I may also suggest getting a dedicated edc like a mini-grip or one of the above mentioned, then a small fixed blade for camping/hiking.
 
What city do you live in? In NYC in an office environment a PM2 is not appropriate. A traditional slipjoint would be, so would a UKPK, Gayle Bradley (best choice imho for you), SAK...I EDC a peanut. Love it. I would check out any number of nice lockbacks from Mcusta and AG Russell as well in addition to the CRKT Tribute if you like cheapies.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top