Need Your Input - Which to Buy?

[lsulaw12]

I've got about $150.00 burning a hole in my knife fund, and I'd like some input on which of the following knives I should buy.

Couple of things: 1) I work in an office setting, so, practically speaking, I don’t really need a larger knife, 2) I own a Delica and Manbug in V-Toku2, and plan on getting the Stretch version when it comes out, and 3) I do own other "nicer" knives from Spyderco and other companies, and am aware of what else is on the market.

I'm considering the following, which are all in stock at my local gun/knife store: Hap40/SUS 410 Wharncliffe Delica, Native 5 LW in S110V or Maxamet, or Calypso Jr. in Super Blue.

Any thoughts or input?

[Daveho]

Currently I’m getting excited for my mini griptilian 555 having lost the last one to nature.
That said there are subtle clues that this may not be the place to discuss my enthusiasm for this-
As far as spydie goes I’m feeling the yojimbo but have 0 use for it- a chaparral or lil native are pretty swell but the calypso jr would be my pick

[Ric]

I would try a compression lock or axis lock. I recommend compression lock .
Dragonfly also but its more a summer knife so I would not recommend it now.

[SG89]

Lil Native, UKPK, Caly 3.5 or Caly 3, Any Sage. I love wire clips tho...

[sal]

Hi Isulaw,

Welcome to our forum.

sal

[Nate]

I think if one of the blades you're considering is a sprint, buy the sprint first. Easy to resell if it's not your cup of tea and might not be around if you wait.

[lsulaw12]

I do own two compression locks (PM2 and Para3), as well as three Axis locks (Griptillian, Nakamura, and 940). I suppose I'm identifying these three knives because I am a fan of Spyderco's FRN durability, thin profiles, ergos, and just everyday usability.

Perhaps I should have narrowed my question to the particular steels at issue: Hap40, S110V, Maxamet, or Super Blue. Any clear winners?

[Sjucaveman]

I do own two compression locks (PM2 and Para3), as well as three Axis locks (Griptillian, Nakamura, and 940). I suppose I'm identifying these three knives because I am a fan of Spyderco's FRN durability, thin profiles, ergos, and just everyday usability.

Perhaps I should have narrowed my question to the particular steels at issue: Hap40, S110V, Maxamet, or Super Blue. Any clear winners?

Of those I prefer s110v as it is a stainless steel with great edge holding.

[VashHash]

Maxamet native 5.

[Slash]

I love shopping for others w/o having to spend your own $.
Gayle Bradley 2 or manix 2 would be my pick since you don't have either. GB if you never used m4. Couple more bucks manix lw in maxamet if you're daring and patient enough to sharpen it.

[KnickKnackCity]

You need some Golden in your life. Native 5 LW Maxamet will serve you well for many years to come.

[SG89]

You need some Golden in your life. Native 5 LW Maxamet will serve you well for many years to come.

I agree :)

[Accutron]

I've been very happy with my Natives in both S110V and Maxamet. Between those two steels it primarily comes down to whether you want extreme edge retention with extreme stainlessness (albeit not 100% rustproof), or double-extreme edge retention with typical carbon steel patina/corrosion potentialities.

[tvenuto]

I like the native, carrying my forum S90V one this month.

You might be able to snag a Broewer for that, which is like a more gentlemanly Native. Just a thought, can’t go wrong with the Maxamet Native though, as long as you don’t need stainless.

[Tucson Tom]

Native 5 Definitely my choice for a small knife.

[lsulaw12]

Maxamet native 5.

This is what I am leaning towards; I like the stonewashed blade. But I'm concerned with chipping. Seems some users have trouble once they go to sharpen. But any touch-up I would do would be on the sharpmaker. Any experience with chipping?

[VashHash]

I have the Maxamet mule and it only chipped when I was cutting the teeth off of a file. It sharpened up fairly easily with diamond stones but I don't use the sharpmaker. I'm not talking catastrophic chipping but it's 2 very hard steels being used against each other. I have a coworker who just bought the Maxamet native and he likes it a lot. I think the N5 is a great design too. I would recommended to touch it up often before it gets really dull to avoid any sharpening woes.

[SF Native]

I know this is weird, but I never carry my s110v native. Just don’t love that model.
Not a huge delica fan either but the Hap40 warncliffe gets a lot of pocket time. It’s a real winner.

[abbazaba]

Native5 LW would be my choice out of those knives. I have both Maxamet and S110v (we really are spoiled) and am not sure which I like better. In theory I like Maxamet better, but never really connected with it and that dark blue is very nice :) I haven't had chips in either, but found Maxamet easier to sharpen FWIW.

[steelcity16]

Native 5 LW, but order the Orange/DLC S90V sprint from Cutlery Shoppe while it is still available. Or grab a blacked out S35VN Native LW from a dealer online while you still can.