Which first folder?

R

rrpalma

Joined
Nov 27, 2005
Messages
80
Hello,

I've been watching and enjoying this forum for the past few months. I'm planning on buying myself as X-Mas present my 1st folder knive. I collect multi-tools, but would like to EDC a folder as a complement to my Leathermans or Vics. Budget is $120. So far, my shortlist includes:
- Benchmade 707 Sequel http://www.knivesplus.com/benchmade-knife-bm-707ssn.html
- Spyderco Paramilitary
http://www.knivesplus.com/spyderco-para-military-knife-sp-c81gs.html
- Leatherman (am I correct to assume they are on a different league?)
http://www.leatherman.com/products/knives/e306x-e307x/default.asp

I'm not sure on which is a better steel: 154 CM or CPM-S30V. Am I right to assume the S30V steel is better?
All your opinions are more than welcome. Thanks for your time...
 
Welcome to the forum RRPalma.

S30V is better yes. The Para-Military is a super knife. I had one and sold it because of the lock but now wish I'd have kept it. One of the things on my wish list for 06 is to acquire another one.

If the larger handle models the same size range as the Para-Military are what you are looking for consider the Spyderco Yojimbo and the 80mm Manix also. All three are great knives. I have a Yojimbo and love it by the way.

There are other great values out there too though. For just over $50 the Cold Steel Ultimate Hunter is one of the best kept secrets in the cutlery world in my opinion. I just bought one of these from them and I can't tell you how impressed I am with it. For the price I am amazed at the features and the quality of this folder. I haven't been able to put it away since it arrived. I have paid twice that amount for folders not half as great. Go figure.

If made in the USA is important to you though, you can't go wrong with the Para-Military. The lock takes a bit of use to get the hang of it but it is very secure and strong. It is a very good blade and Spyderco knives are the sharpest knives new in the box that you will ever buy.


Good luck in your search.

STR
 
Thanks STR!
Yes, I rather buy made in the USA. I'm also looking for something not bigger than 4-3/4". The Paramilitary barely makes it, but so far I'm leaning towards it...

Thanks again.
 
From you list i would suggest the paramilitary without a doubt. I personally dont own one but have handled them a couple of times and can say they are a solid knife backed by a solid manufacturer. The blade is S30v which you cant go wrong with and many people here will swear by this knife.
 
I once carried a Leatherman (Wave)/ knife combo for EDC. The small blades were good, but sometimes I needed a bigger blade for whatever (an Endura, among others, at the time). Of your choices, I'd go with the Para. Tough, ergonomic, well made....a great companion for a Leatherman or any multitool.
 
The Benchmade 707 is an excellent knife, as is the less expensive Benchmade 556 Mini-Griptilian...Both have the excellent Axis-lock.
 
I like the Paramilitary, Last BenchMade I had was an AFCK and I found the blade and liner to be a bit thin.


Rick
 
TheSpyderco Calypso Jr. and the Benchmade D2 Griptilian from Cabelas are both great EDC's. You could get both for $120:D
 
Although the Spydies are great, you can tell by the number of peeps that own them here, Do not overlook the 707.

It would make an excellent first knife, good quality, nice sized blade, and good looking aswell.

There are many great first knives, Spydies an Benchmades are a great start.

WR
 
I EDC a paramilitary - of the dozens of knives I've own (and still own), it is
far and away the best all-purpose blade, best handles, yet relatively lightweight. You may also want to consider that the hole may be preferable to a thumb stud - it won't open by itself on the way out of your pocket.
 
Thanks guys for all your feedback.

Isn't the Paramilitary too large? How comfortable is it as an EDC in the front pocket? I'm only 5'7''
 
How is the SV30 a better steel than 154CM? I remember some of my Leatherman multitools have a 154CM main blade and they seem decent enough.
 
SV30 (or S30V) is the current "high end" steel, that can hold it edge longer (if heat treatment is correct). 154CM is also a high end steel, that Benchmade's treatment seems to be good. I've only had experience with Spyderco and Benchmade S30V, and Benchmade and other brands 154CM. Both are good steel, but S30V generally costs more at this time.

You can lurk around the forum and read about users experiences with these steels.

By the way, I'm 5'6" and find the larger BM 806 easy to carry with an inside the waistband carry. For in pocket carry, comparable in size to those you mentioned I carry a Boye or BM750 without problem.

Oh, my vote goes for the Benchmades.
 
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