Help with next purchase

[danielmayo]

I need some help in trying to navigate all the models. I carry a knife every day. I started with cheap Kershaws and others then got a Para 2 in black G10. I lost it. Bought another. Lost it. Then decided to try a Benchmade Bugout. This was all over a few years so I'm not that bad... Well, I am not near as happy with the BM as the Spyderco, it just feels cheaper but it's a very good size. I feel the Para 2 is a little big.

What should I be looking at? I think I want the same steel as the old Para 2 I had (S30V). I did find an earth brown one with S35VN - is this a better version? I definitely want G10. What about the Native Cheif even though its a different steel. I'm not married to S30V, I just like it so I'm sure I would be happy with similar steel that's suggested.

I really use this for everyday things and I have a Salt 2 for saltwater use.

[Doc Dan]

Do you want to stay with the same blade length? Kapara , Shaman, smock, and a lot more. Frn ... the Endela.

[Mushroom]

I think you might enjoy the Para 3! If you like the Paramilitary 2 but feel like it is a little too big, the Para 3 could be the perfect option for you. There are a number of g10 options and a lightweight FRN model available.

The Chief is bigger than the Paramilitary 2, so if you want something smaller than the PM2, I would look elsewhere. The Native 5 is the shorter version of the Chief, that may pique your interest? The Native 5 is also available in a number of handle options.

[Dazen]

I think you might enjoy the Para 3! If you like the Paramilitary 2 but feel like it is a little too big, the Para 3 could be the perfect option for you. There are a number of g10 options and a lightweight FRN model available.

If you enjoy the compression lock the Sage 5, and Lil Native are good options as well.

[TkoK83Spy]

If you feel like the PM2 was a little big, but enjoyed the knife overall...why not try one of the various G10 Para 3's that are out there, or one of the knives from the Sage series?

[Colorodo]

Native 5 in Cruwear.

[danielmayo]

Sorry, I didn't get notified this was approved. Thanks for approving it!

I keep gravitating to the Para3 but backpedal because of the blade length. Though I don't know why.

The PM2 is perfect in every way for me except I feel its a little big. I actually really like the proportions of the Bugout but the lightweight and FRN feel cheap to me. I wish they would have a baby... I know the Bugout of BM but it's my comparison and first (and last) deviation after going Spyderco.

The PM2 is just so solid feeling and smooth. I really like that. Are any of the others (Sage, Native, etc.) going to give the same feel?

Looking like the Para 3 is it unless some of the others offer the same feel in hand.

[TkoK83Spy]

I find the Sage 5 to be more comfortable in hand than a Para 3. Depending on how you like how a knife rides in your pocket, the Sage 5 rides much deeper with the wire clip. Both knives are quite similar in size, though the Sage has more of a leaf shape blade.

May I also suggest the UKPK...if Heinnie Haynes still has their exclusive available, I HIGHLY recommend that knife if a non locking knife isn't a big deal to you. It's got an ever so slightly longer blade than a Para 3...but you can't beat the ergos for a knife that size, when it comes to the UKPK. Also has S30V steel and costs around $100-$115 depending on what the exchange rate is.

[marty_bill_]

I'd vote for the Para 3 for you. I finally got 1 incoming from DLT Trading and I'm looking forward to it.

[JuPaul]

If you go with the para 3 (which I would also recommend as a smaller g10 version of the knife you already like), then there's currently a brown/satin or brown/dlc version out now in s35vn steel. That's a very similar steel to s30v, but many would argue it's slightly better (slightly tougher than s30v, and just as easy to sharpen).

I will say that I've handled the BM bugout, and I think the scales feel much weaker and cheaper than the frn scales on a spyderco delica, for example. Delicas feel solid and indestructible, imo. So if you're open to trying the spyderco frn, you might look at a delica (or endela or endura if you want longer blades) or even a native 5 lightweight. If g10 is an absolute must, then a native 5 in g10 is also a great option.

[zippifish]

Para 3 and a aftermarket deep carry clip from MXG Gear or Lynch makes for a great EDC.

[Doc Dan]

You might also try the Endela. It has the same blade length as tge PM2 but in a slimmer package. I know it is FRN but there is no, none, no comparison between Benchmade and Spyderco FRN. Spyderco gives you a lot more traction and is warmer feeling in my hand and not hollow.

[araneae]

Para 3 will serve you well. I prefer the lightweight version.

[Pelagic]

You could snag a cruwear native of they haven't sold out. If you don't like it, you can get your money back on eBay. It'll be gone soon.

[Woodpuppy]

Endela has a similar blade length but a shorter handle since it doesn’t have the finger choil. Slightly more compact overall. I love the para3, it’s a fantastic size for edc. For weekends I tend to carry a larger knife. Work is a semi restrictive area as far as blade length goes.

[BLUETYPEII]

Sorry, I didn't get notified this was approved. Thanks for approving it!

I keep gravitating to the Para3 but backpedal because of the blade length. Though I don't know why.

The PM2 is perfect in every way for me except I feel its a little big. I actually really like the proportions of the Bugout but the lightweight and FRN feel cheap to me. I wish they would have a baby... I know the Bugout of BM but it's my comparison and first (and last) deviation after going Spyderco.

The PM2 is just so solid feeling and smooth. I really like that. Are any of the others (Sage, Native, etc.) going to give the same feel?

Looking like the Para 3 is it unless some of the others offer the same feel in hand.

Take a look at the Sage 5, It has some of the best ergonomics of any knife I have ever held, (It’s S30V) it’s also a beautiful knife IMO. It’s almost identical to the Para 3 in size so it’s not super intimidating which is also important to some people. It really is just a great knife.

[danielmayo]

Thanks all. I buckled and bought a PM2. I'm planning on picking up some of the others maybe used to try them out. Like Para 3, Sage and Native. I don't really like FRN handles for an EDC. I have a Salt 2 and use it in saltwater, appropriately as we live at the beach.

Where is the best place to find them used?