Spyderco Forums

OK, I was pondering over this for a while now and I have probably looked at most if not all possible candidates and got to a point that asking for what others would pick and why might help me to get a different perspective.

So - I am after a knife that I want to carry when out on trips with my family where I might need to cut some food, sharpen a stick, etc. I don't mean camping, just really shorter hikes.

I am have been carrying the Brouwer for this purpose (for the lack of a knife more suitable for the purpose) and while it does the job in a pinch, the blade is just too short for this.

My preferences are the following:

• Edge longer than 3", should slice reasonably well, does not need to be a 'laser' though
• Not super thick blade, should have some belly towards the tip
• Handle should sit well in the hand
• Preferably stainless steel, though semi-stainless would be fine too I suppose
• I am not too hang up about the weight, but the 150g of GB1 was just feeling too heavy in hand
• Choil or no choil - both is fine
• Probably not a flipper

Some knives I just don't to connect design wise and thus have been excluded: Endela, Endura, Police, Kapara (super narrow handle), Military (just too large), Chief (because of the blade profile)

I have so far collected the following candidates:

• Schempp Bowie - I know, not a super practical knife, but I can't stop looking at it since at least February. I am pretty much in love with the design.
• Caribbean - the handle looks excellent (hand filling), the blade could have a little more blade but should be fine
• Stretch (k390 or ZDP),
• PM2 (not quite sure about this one)
• GB2 ... I had one briefly but kinda did not bond with it ...
• Siren - though it keeps hand pretty far from the cutting edge plus the model apparently needs a CQI because of the lock issues
• ... and as a non-Spyderco canidate - Cold Steel American Lawman in XHP (one just happens to be available second hand with apparently a very well made regrind)

... Did I miss some obvious candidates? Thanks in advance for your input.

i would have to suggest the manix. it's a great knife. a very close second for me would be the caribbean.

Most of my suggestions were ones you didnt want.

Stretch 2
Resilience
Subvert

manix for sure

Considering the ones you excluded or already have:

Tenacious S35 VN:
Compact carry, Endura length cutting edge, great ergos, solid built, no nonsense user friendly steel and a great linerlock - for me still the best to use locktype in outdoor scenarios.

Manix 2 (LW or G10) would be a good choice too, but imho its cutting edge is just too short and limits its versatility a lot, especially in the use you describe. Its more of a specialist, but certainly not a camp knife (food prep...)

Personally, the Stretch gets my vote here, though I sometimes take the Para 3 LW or Native 5 LW hiking instead as they're smaller, and I don't really nee more than 3" most of the time.

Have you ever handled a Military? It carries surprisingly light for its size, and is an incredibly capable outdoors blade. I held off for a long time too, but now that I have one it gets more pocket time than my PM2.

excluding the ones on your list that didn't work, my favorites for this role are the Street Beat, Pacific Salt LC200N and Manix XL.

Street Beat has an exceptionally comfortable 3D contoured handle and a good blade shape. The blade stock could stand to be thinner but it still cuts wood and food well when the edge is thinned out. Lightweight and easy to carry for a fixed blade.

Pacific Salt is very light for the size, only 2.5oz. Large, versatile handle. Rust proof. Efficient cutter with the FFG. Not sure if this would work since the Endura didn't.

Manix XL. Heavy for long hikes but fine for shorter trips. The blade shape works great for work prep when out camping. Very comfortable and secure handle.

Aqua Salt is also a nice one.

Yup. Manix 2 XL

BHQ "field" proven even: https://youtu.be/UvHhv39AIU8

PM2 would be just fine. Also would echo suggestions of a Manix or Stretch.

Of those three, I would choose the PM2 personally.

I second Vivis suggestion of the Pac Salt.
Did not mention it since you excluded the Endura and the Pac Salt is basically a linerless version of it.

Wartstein wrote: ↑

Tue May 11, 2021 3:16 pm

Manix 2 (LW or G10) would be a good choice too, but imho its cutting edge is just too short and limits its versatility a lot, especially in the use you describe. Its more of a specialist, but certainly not a camp knife (food prep...)

Some hardcore stereotypes there. I may surprise you but dragonfly works nicely as food prep knife and manix as well.

Gayle bradley 2 would be my vote

Stretch

I debated on a Salt as well, for a second carry knife. Right now I am debating if I should get a Chaparral.

Looks like we might be looking for something similar right now.

knifemovieguy wrote: ↑

Tue May 11, 2021 3:33 pm

Wartstein wrote: ↑

Tue May 11, 2021 3:16 pm

Manix 2 (LW or G10) would be a good choice too, but imho its cutting edge is just too short and limits its versatility a lot, especially in the use you describe. Its more of a specialist, but certainly not a camp knife (food prep...)

Some hardcore stereotypes there. I may surprise you but dragonfly works nicely as food prep knife and manix as well.

Not really stereotypes...
I think it is pretty much common knowledge that especially in general food prep a longer edge is really advantagous (even long Spydie folders have not long edges compared to even smaller kitchen knives).

Believe me, I use all of my folders (from Chaparral to Endura size) a lot in food prep especially in the outdoors: Sure they all work, but just compare an Endura and a Manix in things like cutting a larger baking roll or fruit or whatever: Clearly more awkward and less efficient with the Manix due to its short edge (not really longer than on a BM Minigrip)

So, I stand by it: For the use the op describes I would not recommend a Manix - despite I really like that model and my two lightweights! Just really not a camp knife imho.

Wartstein wrote: ↑

Tue May 11, 2021 3:49 pm

knifemovieguy wrote: ↑

Tue May 11, 2021 3:33 pm

Wartstein wrote: ↑

Tue May 11, 2021 3:16 pm

Manix 2 (LW or G10) would be a good choice too, but imho its cutting edge is just too short and limits its versatility a lot, especially in the use you describe. Its more of a specialist, but certainly not a camp knife (food prep...)

Some hardcore stereotypes there. I may surprise you but dragonfly works nicely as food prep knife and manix as well.

Not really stereotypes...
I think it is pretty much common knowledge that especially in general food prep a longer edge is really advantagous (even long Spydie folders have not long edges compared to even smaller kitchen knives).

Believe me, I use all of my folders (from Chaparral to Endura size) a lot in food prep especially in the outdoors: Sure they all work, but just compare an Endura and a Manix in things like cutting a larger baking roll or fruit or whatever: Clearly more awkward and less efficient with the Manix due to its short edge (not really longer than on a BM Minigrip)

So, I stand by it: For the use the op describes I would not recommend a Manix - despite I really like that model and my two lightweights! Just really not a camp knife imho.

Right, 13mm (!!!) difference of cutting edge is a deal breaker, now i get it.

I'd look into the Bow River. Inexpensive, fits the criteria (unless you're just not into fixed blades) and could be pressed into more serious use if needed.

S35VN Resilience that just appeared out of nowhere in Reveal #8 sounds like it would fill the bill. Frankly I'm stoked. An unexpected delight.

ladybug93 wrote: ↑

Tue May 11, 2021 2:54 pm

i would have to suggest the manix. it's a great knife. a very close second for me would be the caribbean.

I concur.