Help me pick a Knife

[tkl]

I'm looking for a new EDC since my Kershaw liner lock is getting sloppy. After 3 years I think I've gotten my $34 worth out of it. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Requirements - Blade must be atleast 3.3in, tip up carry and $55 max not including shipping.

I'm considering the new Benchmade Ambush(thanks Dano!) or Griptilian.

 

[ZENGHOST]

I'd say the Ambush is a good choice--I'd be picking one up if it wasn't tip-up. Also, you may want to look into the Spyderco Endura II. Nice knife, goes tip-up or down and just under your price. If it wasn't for your price cap, I would've recommended the Benchmade Griptilian (about $4-5 over your cap).

 

[Minjin]

Best knife in that price range is going to be a Sypderco.

Here's a decent selection to get you started:

http://www.newgraham.com/spyderco.htm

I would agree with the Endura recommendation, though I don't agree with the SS handled choice. FRN model has better blade steel, is much lighter, and will look better after being abused. If you are lenient on the length requirement, look into the Delica and Native. If you can sacrifice the tip-up requirement and are lenient on blade length, another good budget option is the Calypso Jr.

Mark

 

[FNG]

3" - BenchMade Mini Griptilian or Spyderco FRN Delica (I have/had both)
4" - BenchMade Griptilian or Spyderco FRN Endura

The Spyderco Delica in VG-10 was my first quality knife and it came VERY sharp from the factory. In fact, I even cut myself accidently without knowing until I saw the blood. It's got a very thin profile so it disapears in your pocket after being clipped and is pretty lightweight. Opening and closing action is smooth and the Spydie Hole is a very nice design. I can open it with my thumb over 50 times without getting sore.

I got to handle the Mini Griptilian (556) for a few days and I really liked the AXIS lock. Thumb stud with small for me so I usually opened by pulling the lock back and lightly flip the blade out. Edge came sharp, but not nearly as sharp as the Delica. I think the same can be said for the rest of the Benchmades vs Spyderco, but thats the only one ive owned so take it for what its worth. A visit to a sharpener will fix that problem.

I think the main difference in choosing between both is the price. Delica is $40-$45 while the Mini Grip is about $10 more. Customer service from both companies are excellent and they stand behind their products (from what ive read). If I were to buy again, id probably get the Delica or an Endura because of the thin profile and blade material. HTH

If interested, I have a Delica up for sale.

 

[tsg68]

If you don't mind a little weight and thickness tkl, the CRKT Lightfoot M1 is an absolute cutting machine and around $40 the blade profile and edge (two different angles to the edge) make this the most efficient edged tool I think I've ever owned and I beat the hell out of mine at work prior to getting a Strider . I've also heard good things about the Kabar Dozier folding hunters that go for around $20 a piece, three blade styles, light weight with a lockback lock, tip up and cheap enough to lose on a regular basis too.

TSG

 

[DarkHelmet]

I would recommend the Endura again, the newest version lightweight (not stainless) has VG-10 blade steel which really holds an edge. Also quite easy to bring back to factory sharpness with a sharpmaker. My EDC is a lightweight Endura, serrated, and it is a truly great knife.
-Chris

 

[BugLightGeek]

what is a sharpmaker?

 

[Hoghead]

Spyderco Sharpmaker
http://www.1sks.com/store/spyderco-sharpmaker.html

 

[was_jlh]

Chris, a Sharpmaker is a good investment for your new knife, you won't regret it.

Joe

 

[tkl]

The only thing I don't like about Spyderco is the clip gets twisted off center rather easily. It's not screwed in three places to the "frame" of the knife. Being plastic handled the action is not very smooth.

I think the Griptilian or Ambush is going to be my knife.

 

[Minjin]

The clip on the Calypso Jr is held on by three screws. And being plastic handled has no effect on the action of a knife. Its not like its being used as a bearing surface...

I would also take FRN and G10 (both of which are plastics) over aluminum handles any day.

Mark

 

[Steve Andrews]

Spyderco Calypso Jr
Spyderco Delica Lightweight
Benchmade Mini Griptilian 555
Benchmade Mini Griptilian 556
Benchmade 705
Chris Reeve Small Sebenza
Opinel No7 (a bit cheaper than the Sebenza!!)

And you HAVE to have a Spyderco Sharpmaker. Yor knife will always be shave-sharp.

 

[ygbsm]

tkl -- Griptilian.
It comes in OD! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif Do you need any other reason?

I've EDCd a mini Griptilian (556) for ages. Nice size, light, Axis lock (with a nice solid lockup) any a very useful blade in the drop point style. Solid value -- I don't really see any stray machining marks, if you know what I mean... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Sigman]

Mini-Grip 556!~!

 

[Bushman]

tkl Take it from me. I have had the sypderco, camillus EDC Kershaw vapor and I am dearly in love with my 2 week old minigrip 556... I doubt seriously that there will be another EDC that will bump it off my pocket! The 440C steel is sweet and holds and edge good, the axis is buttery smooth with a drop of militec-1 oil and the tactile feel of the scales is great!

 

[Bill.H]

Have you disassembled, cleaned, retensioned, reassembled and tightened up the old one yet? Only takes about 30 minutes and it'll be like new if you do it right.

 

[tkl]

Bill, yes a couple times.

I'm about to buy a Griptillian 551.

 

[tkl]

ygbsm will be happy to know I ordered the 551 <font color="green">OD</font> satin plain edge. Gottal love the OD! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif

 

[this_is_nascar]

[ QUOTE ]
ygbsm said:
tkl -- Griptilian.
It comes in OD! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif Do you need any other reason?

I've EDCd a mini Griptilian (556) for ages. Nice size, light, Axis lock (with a nice solid lockup) any a very useful blade in the drop point style. Solid value -- I don't really see any stray machining marks, if you know what I mean... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

I ordered a black 556 the other day. I should have it in a few days. Hope I like it.

 

[ygbsm]

tkl -- Mmmmm, OD. It takes so little to make me happy these days. As always, I look forward to your evaluation.

this_is_nascar -- I hope you enjoy it too. Don't tell tkl, but my EDC Griptilian is a black 556 (at the time I ordered it, black was the only color available). I guess I'll tell tkl that the OD one is just to pretty to EDC. Like I told tkl, I'm looking forward to your evaluation of the Griptilian.