Would like to buy a new toy.. err.. I mean tool. ~$60 budget. Suggestions?

baraqyal

baraqyal

Joined
Nov 30, 2000
Messages
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Haven't bought a knife in a heck of a long time. Used to have a pretty decent collection, but whittled it down quite a bit.

Current rotation (in order of size):
- Schrade Old Timer
- Spyderco Stainless steel Cricket
- Spyderco Military
- Spyderco Gunting
- Strider GB

The bottom three are big knives. The top two are pretty small. Would like something to fill the gap in between - ~3"-3.5" blade. I will not consider a FRN Delica or Native, as I tend to lose them. Something about the clip design causes me to snag something as I walk by, and goodbye knife! Also, I'm not a fan at all of assisted opening knives.

Been looking pretty seriously at:
- CRKT M16
- Buck SBMF
- SS Native

Prefer a knife that is thin and not too heavy. Any other suggestions?

Thanks!
 
I'd suggest looking at a M21 aswell as the M16 line up.

I have a M21,and love it, nice shape,same as M16, Different blade style sold me on it in person. :D


Best of luck on what ever you do choose.


WR
 
I second the CRKT M21... I just bought one of the larger ones.. and the flipper is really neat.. just stay with the aluminum handles they have better blade steel than the zytel ones.. and you could almost get 2 for your projected spending budget..
 
If you want thin, check out the Benchmade 530. Not exactly the most subtle of blade shapes, but barely over 1/4" thick and an Axis Lock, perfect for your budget.

I wouldn't recommend the SS Native if you're looking for a light folder... I traded it because I never noticed my Native III in my pocket, but the SS Native was definitely on the weighty side.
 
If your interested in breaking the budget these are some great knives. If not ignore the next two paragraphs.

The spyderco paramilitary is smaller than your larger knives, but larger than many of the ones suggested. It is under your 3.5" top range though. This is a nice knife, if you like the military, this is basically a minime. Better (IMHO) lock. I dont see the pivot pin problems people talk about, but then again, I have not needed to tweak mine. This knife doesnt feel like its 4mm thick when cutting something. I do really like it.

Another consideration for a bit smaller is the barely sub 3" spyderco Yohimbo. This knife has a totally different philosophy behind the handle, but is also comfortable and even better at slicing. It weighs a little bit more but I doubt it will be noticed in use.

Back on budget:
The native III has a different type of clip than the native III or delica. The calypso jr is a great cutter for lighter tasks, but it basically has the same clip. Scorpous is interesting too, its a good knife. Also consider some of the byrd knives, while on the topic of SS handles. You could get 3 for your budget.

I am not too familiar with CRKT knvies.

The BM grip feels decent, but not excelent. I prefer the ergos of most spyderco knives. I have not carried it, but the wideness was an initial turn off for me too, however my friend who has and carries one does not have any issues with it. His pants are usually a loose or relaxed fit and he is fine.

The 530 is intreguing, however for a thin knife, I would prefer a full flat grind. The spear point seems to waste so much grind hight that it must be compensated for by a thin blade. Then again if super thin is you thing, you could say the spear point allows the blade to be that thin. On the subject of thin, the Spyderco Centofante III is pretty thin, but it seems to err on the side of too tight (good if you hate play, but it might take some work for it to become a one handed closer). Any of the SS handled spyderco or byrd knives will naturally be thinner, but also heavier.
 
Wait a bit and get a Spyderco Calypso with the new ZDP whatever steel blade. They are going have a street price of around $70 which is not much more than the $60 you mentioned.
 
i would recommend the CRKT M21 over the M16. the M16 tanto points are kindof annoying to sharpen and use, while the M16 spear-points are quite slim knives, and nearly impossible to find a plain edge unless you go to the EDK M16-00/-01/-02, which are absolutely ]tiny. if you have big hands these will seem like toys to you.
the M21 also comes in a satin finish as opposed to bead-blasted (read: rust magnet).

as for the spyderco - i would definitely recommend the native as well (although personally i prefer the FRN handled one - ive owned several SS handled knives and i just cant get a decent grip on them especially when wet/sweaty hands are involved. i believe others were also complaining that they assumed the SS handled one would be slimmer but it in fact is just as thick, resulting in a bulkier/heavier knife).

decide what side/blade shape you want and go from there. i think in terms of quality/design both the native and M21 are comparable. if you are looking for a better blade steel you can get the native in S30v.

heres a quick size comparison of the large M21 and native.
m21native5xo.jpg

the smaller M21 is pretty much exactly the same size as the native.

why not go into a knife store and handle both the M21s, as well as the M16 models and SS native, and see whats right for you? if the price is higher there, you can always order them afterwards online and save money.. but pick them up and heft them first. stay away from the Zytel-handled M16s, the massive quality drop is not worth the $10-15 youll save.

cheers,
-gabriel
 
For $60 and change, I suggest you to look @ the new sprint run Michael Walker Spyderco in blue almite. The blade is only 2.5", so if 3" is the absolute minimum you'll consider, this one is out. However, it's light, slim, and in my opinion a tremendous value @ around $60.

Some of the cons to this knife are that it's handle is a little bit slick, and it doesn't ride low in the pocket when clipped.

Some nice features on this for the price are:
- adjustable pivot
- teflon washers for smooth action
- high quality build
- Spyderco thumb hole, VG-10 steel
- limited production, though still easily a great office use/EDC
 
frank k said:
OOPS, forgot the price limit :footinmou , for around $60, I would suggest the Scorpius.
Click to expand...

Wow, thanks for all the great replies!

I'm not real enthused about the scorpius because of the handle shape. It doesnt seem like it would carry very well - am too used to the military and it's profile. Used to have a Lil temperance, but it was really just too wide to comfortably carry. Love Spyderco's though. Have owned far more of them than any other brand.

The M21 looks very good. I'm probably going to pick one of those up for sure.
 
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