need suggestion for durable 3.5

[Trevitrace]

I have both the Caly 3.5 and PM 2, love both. Can't exactly put my finger on why, but if I'm planning on tearing around the woods, I grab the Para without giving it a second thought. I included a pic of the spines side-by-side...always helps me to have a comparison shot.

Adam

[Trevitrace]

I'm sure it could absolutely handle most tasks, it just seems more delicate than the Para. It's a helluva a cutter, I just feel the Para would be a little more capable in the harder-use arena.

Adam

[eric m.]

If you want a knife that is light enough for summer pants/shorts get the Stretch! Plenty durable enough, 3.5in. blade and just a pleasure to carry! :)

[Blue Possum]

I would narrow it down to the PM2 and the Stretch.

[RadioactiveSpyder]

I agree with the others, both the Caly 3.5 and PM2 are most excellent and very capable knives for everyday use, but for a beater to take into the bush, it's gotta be a PM2 in your pocket or sack. Also, it's a bit easier to manage closing one-handed (although I certainly close my Caly one-handed just fine). Just don't get a camo one if you plan to do lots of camping without at least putting a bright orange or yellow lanyard on it!

[Blerv]

The most likely way knives get really damaged is with the tip. A Delica saber-grind is very tough. Probably on par with a Manix2 LW and a bit tougher than a Stretch simply due to the geometry.

The Salt 1 might be another contender. H1 can take a beating and you don't have to worry about rust.

[Officer Gigglez]

There is always the Mule Team knives.

When I think durable, a fixed blade trumps folders.

Same.

[twinboysdad]

3.5 would be my choice, and is. Not a Para fan. Blade play and an under built blade for a heavy duty handle, combined with weak detents over time make me pass on PM2. The Caly 3.5 is the porn star of the Spydie line up...when that blade pops out of that small handle, other knives get self conscious! Mine has been my biz casual EDC for 2 years and it is no worse for wear. Zero blade play, wire clip is still solid as day one, I just suck at sharpening so it will never be factory fresh. It would be the last folding knife I ever let go.

[Tdog]

The Caly 3.5 is my most carried knife, however I would agree with others that for more "tough use" I might go with the Para 2. Being pillar construction so as not to hold dust/dirt is a plus.
How do they pack sooo much blade, in a thin, easy to carry knife, with great wire clip, in the Caly 3.5? Gotta luv it. Seems like my other knives hide when the 3.5 appears.

Great line "porn star of the Spydie line up" "other knives get self conscious" lol :D

[jabba359]

Picked up both of my GBs for under $125 each

Cutlery Shoppe regularly has the largest discount off MSRP (44%) of the official Spyderco online dealers, and the GB is running $157 over there. They may have been available for as low as you got yours at one point in time, but I doubt anybody could find a new one for $125 anymore. Even the cut-throat eBay sellers that do 50% off MSRP would only reach $140, were they to offer the GB at their practically zero-margin markups.

[Buendia518]

basically i want something that feels great in hand, but still pretty good in pocket.

I own the last three you're considering and based on the quote above I'd suggest the Stretch; I think it feels great in hand while the Para2 is close but a little less comfortable. I find the caly is great in pocket and pretty good in hand, not good without the finger choil but usable while the other two offer great dual grips.

And, since you have a stated budget, the Stretch will save you some money. I think it's the most functional of your top three but probably not as much fun to own as the other two. But if you do end up with a Para2 you'll be very happy.

[araneae]

Bottom line is any one of those is a great knife. You will not be unhappy any way you go. I might lean Caly 3.5 or Stretch myself.

[LDphifty]

thanks guys. lots of great opinions here. truly appreciated

[earthman]

Why wouldn't you go with a regular Manix 2 and not the LW? It's a massively better knife...

That's my thoughts too,....in general I prefer my blades to have a FFG.

[FLIP4real]

Black blade PM2 seems to be what you are looking for ideally, but will take some work to find at your budget.

However, the C101GPBBK2 Manix2 would be a very reasonable substitute which will meet your price point and is available right now. They are very similar in spec, but take into consideration the PM2 is slightly...beefier by most measurements but is a little lighter and has FFG. The Manix2 as mentioned above also comes in FFG but you lose the black coating. Pick your poison.

http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=625

vs

http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=592

[klug932000]

I love my manix 2 (s30v)

[LDphifty]

to tie a bow on this thread, i want to ask you guys with the caly 3.5 is there a point at which you are using the knife that you think to yourself (or say out loud, if thats your thing) "wish there was more meat on this handle"? And if so, what task is it that you are performing? logically a para 2 seems like the smart choice. but the caly is so **** sexy.

i own a dodge ram and while i love it for work and tearing up trails, i'm constantly lusting over a 78 camaro that has been for sale on my street for about a year. i need my truck, but i want my toys too. this has been a recurring theme throughout my life. i'm sure i'm not the only one with that problem though

[Trevitrace]

I don't remember any specific task, but I would almost say that because the grip on the Caly isn't as tall it offers a little more variation in how you can comfortably and securely grip it. On top of it, you have essentially the same amount of usable blade. And yeah, it's pretty sexy to boot.

Adam