Little help please...

[armyguy]

Hello everybody,
I'm a total newbie here and really needing some help picking a new knife. I've searched the forums and cant quite come up with a definitive answer so here goes...

I'm in the Army, and in my duties I carry a Spyderco Dragonfly (love it), Gerber EZ-Out Skeleton (it's alright, but i'm not loving it), and a Gerber multi-plier 600 (love it).

Thus, i'm looking to replace the Gerber EZ-out with a new spyderco...and I must admit i'm a little overwhelmed about materials, etc.

The majority of my cutting is various stuff. 550 cord, parachute cord, ropes, clothing, nylon belts, etc.

I'm wanting an everyday carrier that has some beef to it, but it's not so large that I can't get into "detail cuts." I really like the combination edge on my dragonfly. I would prefer to keep it less than $100. Everybody I know keeps on suggesting either a delica or a native (I do like the look of the black native) but was wondering if anybody had any suggestions, thoughts, or opinions?


I've owned knives from Gerber, Buck, Cold Steel (lost it somewhere in the desert) and Columbia River Knife and tool. Usually those purchases were made as impulse buys in the PX and I should have thought them through a little more.

Thus, I've decided to try to go direct to the best source I can find.

Can anybody help me?

thanks

armyguy

[deeker]

If you are working in harsh environments, maybe a rust-proof steel like the H1 is the way to go. An easy-to-care-for blade material. I know it still has lots of options in blade lengths and styles, but that can narrow the search a bit for you.

I would also think that either the Native or Delica would have no troubles with the materials you listed. Also, the Paramilitary seems to be well liked by those that have one (or more).

I don't think I've been any help at all....

[smcfalls13]

The majority of my cutting is various stuff. 550 cord, parachute cord, ropes, clothing, nylon belts, etc.

If you're going to be cutting material like this, I would highly recommend a serrated blade.

I'm wanting an everyday carrier that has some beef to it, but it's not so large that I can't get into "detail cuts." I really like the combination edge on my dragonfly. I would prefer to keep it less than $100. Everybody I know keeps on suggesting either a delica or a native (I do like the look of the black native)

All are excellent choices, but with the price range of $100 you could do even better. You could have an SE Paramilitary(black bladed if you so desire) for just barely under $100, though for what you are going to be cutting, I'd really recommend a Harpy or Tasman Salt, hawkbills really shear through those kinds of materials with little effort. Not sure if either will be large enough for your needs(depends on how big your hands are) but they are very inexpensive.

Good luck, and welcome to the forums. :cool:

[raven]

Hello armyguy, Welcome to the Spyderco Family. Great to have You Aboard. For the materials you're cutting, I'd suggest something Fully Serrated. All the choices made already are Awsome, you can't go wrong with any of the suggestions made. Another to throw in the mix, would be the Endura 4. Not expensive and very sturdy. For the environment you're in (sand), it is also easy maintenance. The new Endura 4 is all Torx Screw Construction, so it would be very easy to clean, same with the Delica 4. Both also have excellent steel, VG-10. I hope this helps some. On this forum, you will get very well Spyderco Educated, and get Really Good Advice. Take Good Care and Be Safe. Thank You for Your Services to Our Country, it is Very Much Appreciated.

God Bless :)


-raven-

[J.B]

Hi Armyguy,

welcome to the Forum, enjoy your stay!
I would recommend a Military or Paramilitary. Maybe the Military C36GPSE would be the best choice. It has a Combo Edge, gives you the best of both worlds. About both I can say: very ergonomic handles, very good blade steel, low weight, really good to carry, can take a lot of hard work and are easy to clean. S30V is a stainless steel but I would always keep it a bit oiled in the field e.g. with Ballistol. Both folders would serve you very well. You can find them e.g. on eBay for good prices. Don´t forget to get a good sharpener like the Spyderco Sharpener 204 or a pocket sharpener. Take care.

Best wishes,
JB

P.S. This legendary review to underline my suggestion. Since then the bladesteel and handle stiffness have been improved.

[Zwaplat]

Well, my first and only thought is "Salt series". A Tasman is a very good option I think, because you have the hawkbill shape that way.

[pjrocco]

Welcome to the forum! :)

With all the materials you cut, I would recommend a hawkbill. Mainly the Tasman in SE. Very light, tough and rust proof. If you didn't want to go with a hawkbill, then my next suggestion would be a Para-Military...Light as a feather and tough as nails.

Good luck in your decision.

[TheKnifeCollector]

Welcome to the forums!! I am glad that you have joined us!! Also, THANK YOU for your service!

[Senate]

I really like the combination edge on my dragonfly...

Welcome Armyguy

I could be mistaken but I don't think the dragonfly was made in CE, only plain or serrated edge. So I believe you prefer teeth on your knife then my personnal choice would be a SE Paramilitary. Great cutting power in a relatively small package, available in all black, open-back for easier cleaning, S30V blade steel and so on.. One of my favorite.

[spydutch]

Welcome to the forums :cool:

I would go for the Pacific Salt black fully serrated

[Civilian]

Id have to "vote" for the Para Military. It is one hellofa user, as its big brother. Stay safe out there!

[Axlis]

Hello armyguy, and welcome to the forums!

The Paramilitary or the Military sounds like a good knife for you. I'm not big on SE edges, as my PE cuts the mentioned materials just about as easily, and is more versatile.

Thank you for your service, it is not forgotten here!

[Mr Blonde]

I would recommend a Salt I with full serrations and a Sharpmaker. Then you'll be set for years.

You could consider a Pacific, or Endura if you like it to be a little bigger. And you could hardly go wrong with a Millie or Paramilitary, but those are more expensive.

Wouter

[rcbalt2]

My vote goes for a paramilitary fully serrated. Welcome to the forum and thank you for what you do for this country.

[ront]

I would also have to say a serrated blade Paramilitary. The knife is strong and yet so light. It is an awesome knife!!

Ron

[Halfneck]

Welcome Armyguy, former Medic with 2/187 Inf here.

I will highly reccomend the new Remote Release. I carried one of the original Remote Release knives on my right LBV strap throughout my 4 years in the Army. It was very easy to access in case I needed a knife fast to cut myself out of a bad rappel or to free up sling loaded gear. When I was not wearing my LBV I kept it hooked around one of my right front belt loops. Secured on the belt loop it was secure and still easy to access along with somewhat out of sight with the BDU top draped over it.

For normal pocket carry I would suggest either the Delica 4 or Endura 4 (my current personal favorite), depending on which blade length you prefer. If you want to go up in price I would suggest the ParaMilitary or the Military, again depending on your blade length preferance. I have also heard good things about the Manix but have never handled one.

Personally I carried 2 knives & 1 multi-tool all the time in the field. The Serrated Edge Remote Release on my right LBV, Plain Edge Delica (later a Emerson CQC-7) in my left front pocket, and a Gerber Multi-Tool on my belt right side.

Welcome to the Spyderco forums.

[spd9075]

Hi...and welcome. Another vote here for the Paramilitary. I can't say enough about this beauty...lightweight, tough as a tank, WONDERFUL ergonomics and the blade steel is nothing to smirk about. This knife is nothing but business. You can get it in plain edge (scary sharp) or serrated. You can also get them with a satin blade or black blade. I really like the compression lock on this one. With all this said, the Military is it's big brother....really a great pair of knives.

Let us know what you decide!

Be safe and thanks for your service!!!!!!!

[armyguy]

Thank you all very much for the informative responses and for your support.


I think I've decided on the Paramilitary based on your suggestions, but I have to clear it with the wife first...i'm sure you guys know how that is!

My batallion doesn't allow "harpy" type of blades according to one of the policy letters. I just found this out after talking with my captain (he has a delica he loves). I have no idea why, but thanks for those suggestions.

Anyhow, I'll let you know how it goes and will hopefully get some pics up here as soon as I get it.

thanks again

armyguy

[butch]

Thank you all very much for the informative responses and for your support.


I think I've decided on the Paramilitary based on your suggestions, but I have to clear it with the wife first...i'm sure you guys know how that is!

My batallion doesn't allow "harpy" type of blades according to one of the policy letters. I just found this out after talking with my captain (he has a delica he loves). I have no idea why, but thanks for those suggestions.

thanks again

armyguy

i d like to welcome you here and thank you for serving
i had a mili for my time i was in the corp in SE and beat the **** out of it loved it and how it worked but a para might have been the better knife alas it was not out yet
i say you ll love the para in SE i keep a PE on me all the time now
as far as the "harpy" style blades funny how some of the rules work :D
butch

[Halfneck]

Knife rules in the military are weird. Our battalion had some rule where the knife could be no longer than your hand. Anything bigger had to be stored in the arms room. A few inspections I got busted and was asked if I understood the rule, I'd answer "Yes" and they would just reply "Ok, carry on". So they did not really enforce it, unless you had a machete or a sword.