need suggestion for durable 3.5

[LDphifty]

hey. new member here.

i don't have any serious knife retailers around me so most of my purchases have to be online without testing in person.

what i'm looking for: something similar to my tenacious/ontario rat that can put up with some yard work and random bushcrafting when im hiking/camping. i have a dragonfly ZDP that i use for the office and out on the town, so this knife will be designated for it's own particular settings and not an edc. basically i want something that feels great in hand, but still pretty good in pocket. i'd like to stay south of $125.

what i've narrowed it down to (in order of which i'm leaning towards the most): Caly 3.5(vg10), PM2, Stretch(vg10), Manix LW

unfortunately its very close among the top 3. I probably can DQ the Manix since it looks like it would be the least durable for its size

all advice is greatly appreciated. thanks guys

[pir4te]

Durable? Maybe Gayle Bradley?

[DeathBySnooSnoo]

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

[PanChango]

There is always the Mule Team knives.

When I think durable, a fixed blade trumps folders.

[FCM415]

South of $125 and an emphasis on durable, you should consider the G10 Manix2 in S30v.

[Blerv]

Gayle Bradley would be my pick (based on reputation, I don't have one).

[LDphifty]

There is always the Mule Team knives.

When I think durable, a fixed blade trumps folders.

"great in hand, good in pocket"

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

a bit heavy for my pockets during the summer months

Durable? Maybe Gayle Bradley?

"south of $125"

[LDphifty]

just to clarify. it doesnt need to be the most durable. just something that can stand up to some abuse. i should probably redact that since all spydercos ive handled seemed durable enough. and im not going to be dragging it from the back of my truck or anything.

[SpyderNut]

South of $125 and an emphasis on durable, you should consider the G10 Manix2 in S30v.

Gayle Bradley would be my pick (based on reputation, I don't have one).

Agreed. Either the G-10 Manix or GB would work well. I would also suggest looking at the Native5 (G-10) with dual SS liners. It features a 3" blade with premium CPM-S35VN steel.

[PanChango]

I have a Caly 3.5 that I have used for the last 2+ years. It has held up well, but I don't really beat on it.

For beaters, the Breeden Rescue, Military, and Stretch have held up really well for me.

[LDphifty]

thanks guys. i appreciate your input. but the reason why i have narrowed down the search to the above selection is because they fit into my price, weight, and blade length needs. manix 2 is a bit heavier than what im looking for. unless you know of a great deal, the GB is out of my budget. if i missed a model that falls into my happy zones, then id love to hear those suggestions. but for the most part, the caly 3.5, PM2 and Stretch seem to fit the bill physically. i'm just looking for recommendations from people who have experience with any or all of said folders

[FCM415]

Manix2 a little too heavy, then just go with the PM2 especially since you since explained what you meant by durable. PM2 is plenty durable like the Manix2, just not as strong at the tip. It's one of your top three anyway.

[BT-Blades]

I like the PM2 myself. I think for the price you can't beat it! I love the compression lock, it's fairly light, and a great slicer! GPknives has the DigiCam one in stock right now. My second choice from you list would be the Strech! I've actually been looking at getting one myself, but from what I have seen the cutting performance on it is excellent!

[dgebler]

Yea...hard to argue with the PM2 for your use. I

[BT-Blades]

PM2 all day! :D [ATTACH]23211[/ATTACH]

[NoFair]

I'd go for a PM2 for that use as well. If you can stretch the size and price a bit the Military is a better outdoor knife imho

[pir4te]

Picked up both of my GBs for under $125 each

[LDphifty]

i think all i'm waiting for is to find a black on digicam model to be in stock somewhere. all i've seen are black on black and naked blades. i might have to bite on a naked on digicam soon though.

thanks again guys. anyone out there gonna chime in on the caly 3.5 or stretch? or is the PM2 gonna run away with it?

[JoePepper]

i think all i'm waiting for is to find a black on digicam model to be in stock somewhere. all i've seen are black on black and naked blades. i might have to bite on a naked on digicam soon though.

thanks again guys. anyone out there gonna chime in on the caly 3.5 or stretch? or is the PM2 gonna run away with it?

Can't go wrong with a Stretch.

[Evil D]

The revised Manix 2 FFG should come in a bit lighter than the previous model, and if that doesn't do it maybe look into finding some factory skeletonized liners for it, which will also drop a little weight. My FFG/skeletonized Manix2 is only a tiny bit heaver than my Para2. It's a small enough difference that I've lived with it while carrying my Manix2 in mesh athletic shorts without any more flopping and aggravation than my Para 2.

Of the ones you listed, I would definitely pick between those two if heavy carving is in your to do list, as I feel safer with a compression or CBBL lock when making hard cuts into things, because I don't like the way liner locks lift when making those kinds of cuts.