Help... What to buy??!!

[LoveHate]

Ok so I finally have some spare money for a folder in the $100-$150 range. I want something in the 3.5 to 4" size. I use my knifes hard and need it to hold up. Also I'm looking for something in a good steel, the ones I have now are all aus 8 and its ok but want more edge retention. The knifes I have in mind are 1) spyderco manix 2 xl or manix 2... Can't decide what size fits me best. 2) sog Vulcan and 3) bm griptilian. So what's your thoughts? Any experience with these would help. Also if there's something else that would fit the bill post it up. This is my first knife over $100. So really don't want to make a bad decision. Thanks for the help. 

[shark_za]

So you don’t have a Spyderco Paramilitary 2 and you are discussing other knives?
Does not compute with me unless you have some serious issues with needing an Axis lock?

[LoveHate]

I've handled a friends pm2 and didn't like the lock location. I also am looking at the axis type locks because from reviews it seems like the strongest and having the sog trident I know I like the lock location. Frame locks also seem interesting. I should add that I'm a lefty and that may sway my decisions.

[shark_za]

I have played with the Griptilian of those three and like it a lot.
A bit cheaper than $100 too.

[dks]

Cold Steel has some good ones too, though not many in fancy steel. Good locks.

GEC produces some nice traditional locking knives, again no fancy steel.

Many more.....Damascus victorinox....

[Steinar]

A quick comparison on the composition of the steels in question in the knives mentioned in the first post:

http://zknives.com/knives/steels/steelgraph.php?nm=154CM%2CCPM%20S30V%2CVG-10&ni=51,276,4001&hrn=1&gm=0

(Not very tough steels, with fine edge holding ability, all three of them.)

[LoveHate]

My main concerns as far as materials is edge holding and blade lock up. My knifes will cut cardboard carpet wood and other stuff daily in my work environment. I really don't use it to pry stuff but scrapping glass and metal of stickers may happen.

[LoveHate]

Well thank you all for the help.  I have spent all day watching every review on YouTube  and I have made a purchase.......
There is a manix 2 xl in all black on the way.  my only gripe about it was the clip as I like deep carry so... There's a titanium black deep carry clip on the way as well. Saturday needs to hurry up and get here.

[shark_za]

Congrats on your knife!

[hrvstmn31]

Well thank you all for the help.  I have spent all day watching every review on YouTube  and I have made a purchase.......
There is a manix 2 xl in all black on the way.  my only gripe about it was the clip as I like deep carry so... There's a titanium black deep carry clip on the way as well. Saturday needs to hurry up and get here.

I was just about to suggest that. JA sold me his and it and the landslide are the only knives I carry anymore.

[LoveHate]

Thanks shark.
Yeah, I hope I like it as much as I think I will. It's also my first spyderco so I hope it doesn't disapoint. I will post a pic when I get it.

[LoveHate]

I got the manix in today. I like the feel and ergonomics. a few things I wasn't expecting, the pivot needed to be loosened as I couldn't oho to save my life. The problem with that is that this knife should not need adjustment because of the type of pivot it has. Also the blade is slightly off center and one scale is floating off the liner near the tail. And the bevel edge is slightly off like they sharpened more on one side then the other. The fit and finish is all around alittle off. However I was picking this one apart and the problems other then the pivot are so minor that the average person would never have noticed it. Overall for a user, I love it!!

[cool123]

Ok so I finally have some spare money for a folder in the $100-$150 range. I want something in the 3.5 to 4" size. I use my knifes hard and need it to hold up. Also I'm looking for something in a good steel, the ones I have now are all aus 8 and its ok but want more edge retention. The knifes I have in mind are 1) spyderco manix 2 xl or manix 2... Can't decide what size fits me best. 2) sog Vulcan and 3) bm griptilian. So what's your thoughts? Any experience with these would help. Also if there's something else that would fit the bill post it up. This is my first knife over $100. So really don't want to make a bad decision. Thanks for the help. 

Hello,

You can check some Gerber bear grylls knives.

[captain spaulding]

I got the manix in today. I like the feel and ergonomics. a few things I wasn't expecting, the pivot needed to be loosened as I couldn't oho to save my life. The problem with that is that this knife should not need adjustment because of the type of pivot it has. Also the blade is slightly off center and one scale is floating off the liner near the tail. And the bevel edge is slightly off like they sharpened more on one side then the other. The fit and finish is all around alittle off. However I was picking this one apart and the problems other then the pivot are so minor that the average person would never have noticed it. Overall for a user, I love it!!

Kind of a bummer. Can you exchange it for a different one? If not at least its nothing major.

[Corwyn]

Hello,
You can check some Gerber bear grylls knives.

 

[LoveHate]

I got the manix in today. I like the feel and ergonomics. a few things I wasn't expecting, the pivot needed to be loosened as I couldn't oho to save my life. The problem with that is that this knife should not need adjustment because of the type of pivot it has. Also the blade is slightly off center and one scale is floating off the liner near the tail. And the bevel edge is slightly off like they sharpened more on one side then the other. The fit and finish is all around alittle off. However I was picking this one apart and the problems other then the pivot are so minor that the average person would never have noticed it. Overall for a user, I love it!!

Kind of a bummer. Can you exchange it for a different one? If not at least its nothing major.

I fixed the minor problems and the pivot has loosened with about a million flicks lol.

[LoveHate]

Hello,
You can check some Gerber bear grylls knives.

 

 

[LoveHate]

Pics 

[shark_za]

Love that clip, I'm a leftie too but carry knives on my right.
Might be because the original clipits were setup like that or it frees my hand for my firearm.

The Manix is a good choice for its ambi controls.

[LoveHate]

Love that clip, I'm a leftie too but carry knives on my right.
Might be because the original clipits were setup like that or it frees my hand for my firearm.

The Manix is a good choice for its ambi controls.

The clips great. I would probably do the same but I can't carry a firearm where I live 
I'm really liking the Manix, it's working in great.

[captain spaulding]

Shes a beauty! 

[LoveHate]

Shes a beauty! 

thanks capt. she's almost to good to use. I fixed the edge grind the other day using the lansky and a leather belt. now shes hair whittling.

[captain spaulding]

Very cool! I need to get me a strop.

[LoveHate]

Very cool! I need to get me a strop.

I use a old worn out leather belt. I just use some oil on it and it works great.

[captain spaulding]

Very cool! I need to get me a strop.

I use a old worn out leather belt. I just use some oil on it and it works great.

I might have to give that a try.

[LoveHate]

Very cool! I need to get me a strop.

I use a old worn out leather belt. I just use some oil on it and it works great.

I might have to give that a try.

You want to use the unfinished back side. I sanded it nice and smooth first.

[captain spaulding]

Very cool! I need to get me a strop.

I use a old worn out leather belt. I just use some oil on it and it works great.

I might have to give that a try.

You want to use the unfinished back side. I sanded it nice and smooth first.