Suggestions to complete my "Trinity"

[FearDoiteain]

Long time lurker, newer poster seeking input. I am looking to round out my collection of nice knives. I know the traditional Trinity was Hinderer, Strider, and CRK. But Strider just doesn't speak to me, so that leaves at least one open spot. I definitely would like to get a Hinderer at some point, but I am wondering what other alternatives you would consider for your personal trinity.

For reference here are my current two trinity members/candidates that happen to both be in S45VN, a CRK Large Sebenza in Bog Oak and a Spartan Harsey Folder Plague Doctor, along with some comparison knives. I consider the SpydieChef and ZT 0562TI shown as users. The 'Chef is a bit small for my hands, as I can only get about a 3.5 finger grip, and on my PM2 my pinkie ends up on the hump at the end of the grip. My Endela is probably the bare miniumum for a full grip and even it is getting a bit narrow for me to hold comfortably (I wear XXL work/medical gloves.)

I looked at the Spydie Drunken and Paysan, but neither of those really interest me. The Paysan looks like it would be a great knife, but kind of "plain" for its price, especially with the recent MSRP increases.

I am looking for something with "character" like a unique design, inlay, etc. I prefer a full size grip, but I am open to consider a more compact gentleman style for more formal event. Currently that role is filled by a Benchmade 940-1 (CF and S90V), and recently added a Spydie Watu. A high end steel would be nice, but not necessary as I have a ton of different steels already.

And while a lot of what I have listed is titanium frame locks, I also really like compression locks (PM2, PM3, Watu, Caribbean), and I also love (and own) a lot of Axis lock style knives from Benchmade and Hogue. I already have two ZT Hinderer 0562 designs in titanium and titanium/CF, and love that style as well as Sinkevich designs like the ZT 0450 and 0452CF, Ritter designs like his Hogue collaborations, Sibert designs like the Adamas and Bushcrafter.

[Manixguy@1994]

Large Adamas. I suggest you handle one first . Since you have large hands it may be a good fit for you . I like mine but it is not a knife for everyone. MG2

[benben]

Since you say you're going to get a Hinderer at "some point", have you considered a Medford? They definitely have some unique scales to go with your Spartan.

I'm very new to researching Spartan knives, actually handled one several months back, very high quality knife! I think peoples Trinity may differ, for me I'd say Chris Reeve, Hinderer, and Medford would be mine, for now!

[benben]

Nice group BTW!

[TkoK83Spy]

Get a Shiro!

[FearDoiteain]

You have excellent taste! Also quite right on a full size Adamas fitting my hand. It hasn't seen much hard use yet, but for the last two years I spent 75%+ of my time in an office type environment (911 dispatch center supervisor). I recently transferred back out to a firehouse full time, so it'll have more opportunity to stretch its legs a bit.

[FearDoiteain]

Get a Shiro!

I have recently started looking at them, they seem to be well regarded.

[FearDoiteain]

Since you say you're going to get a Hinderer at "some point", have you considered a Medford? They definitely have some unique scales to go with your Spartan.

I'm very new to researching Spartan knives, actually handled one several months back, very high quality knife! I think peoples Trinity may differ, for me I'd say Chris Reeve, Hinderer, and Medford would be mine, for now!

I have seen them, but have not looked closely at them. I guess I will research them. And I was turned onto Spartan by a friend that knew of them through Army SF connections, having served at Bragg in SF himself. Unfortunately, he does not know the guys that started it well enough to get me hooked up though

[cabfrank]

I second this idea. It sounds right.

[Naperville]

My suggestion is do not use the Spartan Harsey Folder Plague Doctor, and it will be worth a ton in 5 years.

All 8 billion of us are being dragged through h*ll right now and I cannot think of a better knife to sum up our plight.

[benben]

My suggestion is do not use the Spartan Harsey Folder Plague Doctor, and it will be worth a ton in 5 years.

All 8 billion of us are being dragged through h*ll right now and I cannot think of a better knife to sum up our plight.

Completely agree, with both sentences! Yesterday when prndltech posted his I probably stared at it for 5 minutes, very cool knife!

[cabfrank]

It is beautiful.

[FearDoiteain]

My suggestion is do not use the Spartan Harsey Folder Plague Doctor, and it will be worth a ton in 5 years.

All 8 billion of us are being dragged through h*ll right now and I cannot think of a better knife to sum up our plight.

Completely agree, with both sentences! Yesterday when prndltech posted his I probably stared at it for 5 minutes, very cool knife!

Thanks for the advice, I plan on keeping it NIB for now. It has only been opened to check for defects and snap a few pics. I also agree that the last two years definitely was part of the reason I wanted it. CV19 had a major impact on my work as a FF/Paramedic and my wife that works in a family practice doctor's office. But, we count ourselves very lucky that neither of us had hours reduced, business affected etc. I work a crazy amount of OT already, and last year was my highest ever. The Plague Doctor was a treat to me (and the CRK, and.... ) I had an in stock alert at DLT and managed to catch it within 10 minutes of the email.

I guess that means I will eventually have to pick up a PJ SHF at some point. Darn.

I'm also looking at the Medfords, and the Praetorian attached looks decent.


I also will probably peruse some Demko designs. I have a 4Max Elite and an AD10 by Cold Steel. The 4Max is ridiculously overbuilt, but I managed to get a decent deal on it through a professional discount thing. But I actually have carried the AD10 a bit. That is around my comfort level for carry.

[skeeg11]

Scot Cook Lochsa but the waiting list is forever. You might get lucky on the secondary market, tho.

[MacLaren]

I would suggest a Rick Hinderer Full Track.

[ZrowsN1s]

What's your budget? I think everyone has laid out the all the high end production pieces. What about a custom?

As for production, Rockstead are really nice.

[Ramonade]

I think the Chaves folders are interesting. The Peña X series are very good too.
For big mits Chaves would be a better fit IMHO.

But yeah, Shiro can compete for a spot in a trinity.

My personal vote would go to Rockstead, particularly for a Higo II.

Beyond that is the custom territory and in art cutlery there is Charles Roulin, better order before he sadly passes. This man is a legend.

[Giygas]

Since you have XXL hands and an interest in Hinderer and Medford:





Pm2 for scale.

[VooDooChild]

Fluted titanium military.

[nerdlock]

Hinderer XM-24