Recommendation? Which would you buy?!

As somebody that came here to research the one knife I would carry for the rest of my life and never need another with a $100 budget and just added my first Chris Reeve knife to a collection that requires several boxes and knife rolls I can tell you that if you're not stopping at three you're not going to stop at five. ;)

It's not the knife I would buy, but if you're interested in trying different brands and different steels the next step that makes sense for you is an Emerson. They use 154CM on most models, I believe, which is not a steel that you already have listed. They are pretty polarizing here on the forums, but the people that own them seem to fall into the same category as you as far as wanting a knife that can be used hard and not caring about aesthetics. Most models seem to be a little heavier than you're looking for, but not by too much. They seem to run around $180 - $220 depending on what model you pick up, and they're made in America. I've never owned one, but they might be worth checking out given your criteria.
 
My humble advice is that if anyone tells you why you need something like a CRK or Shiro after you've specifically said you don't want them, put them on your ignore list immediately.

I recommend trying out a Spyderco Urban in K390. You have knives that will absolutely get the job done, but the Urban is legal almost everywhere and gives you an amazing steel at a very comfortable price. With the 50/50 choil it has enough handle real estate to get a firm, 4 finger grip, disappears in the pocket and can ride along on your vacation to Chicago or Boston.
While I agree that you should run from advice like that, the OP is wrong in saying they are glamour knives (CRK, I have no clue about shiro). Lots of people use them and use them hard. Many folks who own that PM2 in M390 he/she does don't use it at all as it is quite rare and collectable. Different strokes and all. No need to paint a knife into a corner.

Sounds like the OP likes interesting steel choices. I'd be looking at the Maxamet options Spyderco is coming out with. In fact I am!
 
Hehe, just recommended a knife you have. I would get a Benchmade. Rooked river. It's kicked almost everything else out of my pocket and I only love it more with time.
 
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Hehe, just recommended a knife you have. I would get a Benchmade. Rooked river. It's kicked almost everything else out of my pocket and I only love it more with time.
Those do look sweet as hell..I suppose I'll look up a review for the Gayle Bradley, and some Emersons ?

For some reason it seems like Emerson is quite fond of the tanto style blade though..I'm not too excited about that when it comes to sharpening/maintaining that bevel.
Thanks for the all the replies Gents! Much appreciated !
 
They each have their pros and cons lol. I absolutely love the PM2 lock up and just simply the way it fucking sounds when I flip this thing open. As for the ZT and BM they just make me feel "sophisticated" lol. @Armadew

Sadly I'm trying to go with a different brand for my next knife and steel honestly (I'm huge on seeing how different steels hold up under the type of work I do.) which is why I gave you guys the knife AND steel type haha.
Cory Hess Cory Hess it's too late man..after my first "high quality" knife there was no turning back I think I'll stop at 5. Maybe one for each day of the week lol.

Thanks for all the replies by the way guys..

It's not to late I sold all my knives to include a PM2 in S110v to buy a "glam knife" that I carry everyday. That glam knife has now dug cables out of the ground, pryed nails, sliced wire, and has been beaten through concertina. You'll find a different knife for your $250 but you're not going to find a "better" knife.
 
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I have a CRK inkosi it is not a glamour knife I use That knife every day it has been put through hell and it is one of the best users I've ever owned.

That being said I would buy a BM cpm-20cv griptilian it's a great user with a great steel.
 
I'm a huge fan of my Benchmade 943, and it's lasted a long time with pretty regular use. I can't imagine that the 940-2 would be a worse knife.

It's thin, light, and it rides well in the pocket. I have the combo edge, because I feel like it's more useful.
 
Those do look sweet as hell..I suppose I'll look up a review for the Gayle Bradley, and some Emersons ?

For some reason it seems like Emerson is quite fond of the tanto style blade though..I'm not too excited about that when it comes to sharpening/maintaining that bevel.
Thanks for the all the replies Gents! Much appreciated !


Eh, compared to other companies I would say that is true. However, tantos make up probably less than half of their current line up. Plenty of options for non-tanto enthusiasts.

I'd recommend looking at the CQC 8 series (the Horseman is the smallest version), Gentleman Jim, Commander Series, CQC 10, Sheepdogs or the CQC 7A which is the spear point verision of the CQC 7 which is traditionally a tanto.
 
M2 and CPM M4 is at the top of my list for proven working blades. M2 isn't available, so that leaves M4.
K390 and Maxamet are looking good, but not yet 100% proven to me. I'm working on that.
 
I'd reccomend a Spyderco Endura in ZDP-189.

I own many knives that some may consider "glamorous" and I've been carrying a ZDP Endura for months now. They just work so well and are relatively cheap.
 
You can live a full, rewarding life with just the knives you currently own.

Hey!!! Quit putting evil thought's like this in the op's head, and mine. That kinda talk around here is considered sacrilege bub, though true.;]

Get users of all 3, sell the 2 you like least,or keep all 3. Only way to know what your gonna ilke is to get your hands on it.
 
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I'd reccomend a Spyderco Endura in ZDP-189.

I own many knives that some may consider "glamorous" and I've been carrying a ZDP Endura for months now. They just work so well and are relatively cheap.
It's funny you mention the Endura, that's actually the first "production" knife I purchased and I absolutely hated it lol. I'm not a fan of how the detent is so stiff and for some reason those FRN scales they use on both the Delica and Endura felt so cheap to me, just my opinion though..I can see why many people use them for their EDC, as the price point is the definition of "bang for your buck" haha
 
It's funny you mention the Endura, that's actually the first "production" knife I purchased and I absolutely hated it lol. I'm not a fan of how the detent is so stiff and for some reason those FRN scales they use on both the Delica and Endura felt so cheap to me, just my opinion though..I can see why many people use them for their EDC, as the price point is the definition of "bang for your buck" haha

I can understand your position on the Endura.

Personally, I have owned and used a lot of the high end stuff. Knives from $500-$1,200. The more knives I used, the more I understood about what features I desire and need.

I still enjoy using my customs and stuff. But the Endura in ZDP just ticks all of my boxes and holds up to my job (construction). Hell, I carried (and used) a Rockstead Higo-X for about 6 months straight a couple years ago, and I'm still putting my Endura back in my pocket lately:)

Keep trying different blades and eventually you'll find a design profile that speaks to you. I'll tell you what, since you're an electrician, I can imagine the use that you put your knives through. So that said, no matter how "super" the steel is, it will end up dull no matter what.

I don't find blade steel to make a significant impact on knife performance in construction-related careers. What I think matters most is thin edge geometry, good ergonomics, economic pricing, and a reputable company that stand behind their products.

From experience, I'll say this: if you can't afford to lose it, don't carry it.

I hope this was somewhat helpful, and feel free to send me a message anytime to chat about knives!
 
I am going to have to say that for an electrical worker the Gayle Bradley 1 or 2 is probably one of the best knives you can get.
 
Hey BF, I'm currently becoming a knife enthusiast/collector with this being said I'm not one of those guys who just stares at the knives I buy, I actually use them..
So far I've acquired:
-M390 PM2
-S30V BM 940-2
-S35VN ZT0450
As you can tell I'm more opt towards the lighter EDC knives preferably under 4.5oz. So my question to you guys is what the hell can I buy next? Once again I'm a commercial electrical that USES my knives so please no glamour knives like Chris Reeves/Shivos or anything of that nature ..Thanks again BF!

(250$ spending limit)

Which one do you like? Myself, off the the three options, I'd save the M390 PM2 (they're a bit hard to find and costly here) and get a regular PM2 or a RAT and use it. When I feel fancy and want to deviate from the FFG, I'll carry an Emerson.

Also, I think you say you're an electrician, so you'll want a multitool or SAK of sorts, I suspect.
 
The Aflac Duck The Aflac Duck
Well put my friend ! It seems I've fallen in love with my PM2..after cutting about 200 ft of romex sheathing I couldn't be happier with the results. Sadly after all of these awesome replies and whatnot I still can't justify buying anything ..I REALLY wanted to like Emerson knives but I just can't find anything that tickles my fancy.
I'm going to cross my fingers as I look up the review on the GB2.
 
Why do I not the the GB2 ...seems like a lot of hotspot ergonomically speaking, that whole "dummy proof" linear lock thing just seems quite annoying and the scales aren't even fully CF?! Am I just a premadonna or what?! It seems like the only good thing the GB has going for it is the blade steel and the shape..(yes that is a beautiful thing)

I hope someone else can agree with me..?
 
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