So what knife should I buy? ...

speedmaster · #1

So what knife should I buy? ...

I recently sold my Spyderco Manix 2 as it was just too big for me to EDC in the office. I loved everything about it except the size. If it was about 70% of the size it would have been perfect for me.

I've had my eye on the Benchmade 755 MPR Sibert Titanium but I think that's probably too expensive to convince the wife I need. ;-)

What else is out there that you would recommend for under $150, ideally under $100 street?

Knowing I like 154cm and similar steels, blade definitely under 3", maybe 2.5" to 2.9" would be ideal? And I like the looks of the Manix 2 and Benchmade 755 MPR?

Any tips or ideas much appreciated, thanks! :-)

Chris

J32A2 · #2

I'd wait and grap a Para 2 w/ CTS blade steel.
I have a 755 and never goes in my pocket, to chunkey! Recently got a CF Para 2, bar none the best spydie I ever held!

catamount · #3

Sounds like a Sage might be what you're looking for:

http://spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=332

There's also a version with blue G-10 scales and and a new bolt lock (operates in a similar way to the Axis lock) that should be out in the next few months.

SmoothOne25 · #4

i agree with catamount. sage 3 sounds like a winner. or just wait and get one of the new goodies coming out. like the superleaf. althought it may be too big. 3in plus

ps. i like your avatar catamount

LowSpeedHighDrag · #5

OP, it seems as though I was in the same position as you. I wanted a knife smaller than my Millie as It really is too big for me. I was torn between the 755MPR and the Para, but ended up getting the Para because I believe it is a far better EDC knife than the 755. The Para is near the same blad esize but has a more ergo correct handle, doesnt weigh a ton, rides lower in the pocket, and is thinner. I also LOVE the compression lock.

speedmaster · #6

Thanks, guys! Any links to pics or more info of the Para you refer to? Want to make sure I'm looking at the right one. Thanks!

SmoothOne25 · #7

seach function for any pics

LowSpeedHighDrag · #8

speedmaster wrote:Thanks, guys! Any links to pics or more info of the Para you refer to? Want to make sure I'm looking at the right one. Thanks!

I was referring to the plain old Spyderco Paramilitary. Mine is a black blade, PE.
http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=34

There are many variations of handle color, edge, blade steel, blade color. Any of these will serve you well though.

ROBB · #9

I'm also looking forward to the Sage 3. I'm thinkin it should be similar to a axis lock with the tight tolerences Spyderco is known for. I've got one of the old Gerber Bolt lock's and this one is supposed to be much better.

unit · #10

Ever consider a Delica?

I know it seems pretty common and perhaps low priced, but VG-10 is a great steel, the knife is in the size you mention, and the lock is very reliable IMO. I think too many people make the mistake of not trying one of these because the price is too low!!! (it is not a cheap/low quality knife)

There are a lot of great knives out there but if you have never carried a Delica (or Endura), it may be time to consider it? If you simply MUST spend 100-150...buy 2.

SolidState · #11

unit wrote:Ever consider a Delica?

.... If you simply MUST spend 100-150...buy 2.

+1 x 100%

It has been worked and reworked so many times that it rides ultra-comfortably, it does not show excessively when it is in the pocket, it doesn't chew up pockets, and it has been through **** and back (as a model) more times than just about any other model other than the endura.

I love mine, and have been loving Delicas since my Delica 2 purchased in the mid-nineties. It is street legal anywhere a manix is. My locks have never failed, and with the metal liners I haven't had any vertical play. I can't say enough good things about the Delica. There are also many flavors to set yours above the average. There's waves, ZDP, FFG, FS, and a bounty of colors.

LowSpeedHighDrag · #12

unit wrote:Ever consider a Delica?

I know it seems pretty common and perhaps low priced, but VG-10 is a great steel, the knife is in the size you mention, and the lock is very reliable IMO. I think too many people make the mistake of not trying one of these because the price is too low!!! (it is not a cheap/low quality knife)

There are a lot of great knives out there but if you have never carried a Delica (or Endura), it may be time to consider it? If you simply MUST spend 100-150...buy 2.

This is very true. One of my favorite EDC knives is the Delica 3. Im not quite as fond of the 4, but that 3 is something else.

dj moonbat · #13

I'm shocked to find myself also recommending a good, hard look at the Delica (I have never been a fan of lockbacks before this one). And if you don't want to buy two, you can buy a cheap ZDP one these days and have somebody do a regrind for you.

It's not a flashy knife like the Manix, or the 755. But it really is good.

LowSpeedHighDrag · #14

This thread has taken a refreshing turn towards simplicity at its finest. Bravo.

bada61265 · #15

looking for one under the 3" blade and similar to the manix? might want to check out the native s30v.aside from the swedge on the native the blade is very similar to the manix and the steel is awsome. i like the sage and delica also i think the sage is right at 3" where the native and delica are slightly under. can find the delica in dark green frn zdp steel right now pretty cheap for some reason. check ebay. the sage 1 and 2 would definatly be in the dressy class with either carbon fiber or titanium. i like my sage 2 but wouldnt compare it in any way as a downsized manix.

speedmaster · #16

Guys, thanks for the good info! Last night I ordered the Spyderco Poliwog from Amazon. I already have a Meerkat and like the gimmicky designs, as well as the new ball-bearing lock. ;-)

Javascript · #17

What?! All these fine recommendations and you pick one that was never mentioned. :D
Perhaps the thread title should have read "Please recommend knives I don't want..."
heh heh

LowSpeedHighDrag · #18

speedmaster wrote:Guys, thanks for the good info! Last night I ordered the Spyderco Poliwog from Amazon. I already have a Meerkat and like the gimmicky designs, as well as the new ball-bearing lock. ;-)

Well I guess that settles it then haha.

Evil D · #19

Can't go wrong with a Delica, Sage, Caly 3, Native..just to name a few of my favs.