- Joined
- Feb 24, 2023
- Messages
- 45
Here is a quick review of five modern folders, with my personal thoughts and conclusions. I hope this may be informative for someone looking to decide among these and similar knives.
In the order photographed:
Spyderco Delica Wharncliffe 20CV
The only imported model in this list, the Delica is almost exactly the right size for my EDC. The blade shape is excellent for most of what I do, and is very slicey. However, the lockback is not as satisfying to open or close as compression or axis locks, and strangely, the spine jimping grabs onto my trousers when I put the knife into my pocket.
Benchmade 535 Bugout Grivory/30SV
This was acquired last, but is the current favorite. I put off trying the Bugout because I only ever handled a mini-bugout, which I found flimsy and cheap-feeling. However, after reading too much online, I finally had to check it out, and I'm glad I did. the full-size Bugout in Grivory still feels "less premium", and the plastic has some sharp edges, but it's plenty stiff for the size, and inspires confidence in the hand.
Benchmade 940 Osborne Aluminum/30SV
I find this knife really ugly in photos, but handsome in person. Somehow the 3D shape of the handle doesn't photograph well, especially the v-shaped groove. But it works well in the hand. Like everyone says, it feels small in the pocket. The blade is long, but not very slicey, which sets it back compared to the others. The factory edge is also quite toothy and rough, but that will go away with honing.
Benchmade Griptilian 30SV
It's surprising how much larger this knife feels than the mini-grip. The plastic handles do feel rough (grippy?) and have a hollow feeling, but they fill the hand well. The blade and action are perfect. However, the knife overall rides too thick in the pocket for my everyday use. It will be excellent for yardwork and camping.
Spyderco Para Military 2 G10/M390
Thinner feeling than the Griptilian, but taller, which ends up taking too much room in my pocket. Also I'm not in love with the hand profile cut into the handle. My pinky rides up on the bump-out at the end of the handle—I wish the bump were not there or the handle was more neutrally shaped like the benchmades. That said, I see why people like the PM2. Excellent lock. Sturdy blade. Grippy handle. Good outdoors knife.
About me: I have carried a knife every day since middle school (a quarter century ago), primarily various SAKs, but also a one-handed knife when doing projects about the house or outdoors. I have had a Mini Griptilian for about ten years, a Leek for 5, and a couple cheaper folders as well. I realize I'd really prefer a knife that fits my size L hand better. I've also desired a longer blade for cutting food away from home.
I tried a few others but returned them quickly -- Manix (BB lock too stiff), Endura (too large), Mini-Bugout (too small and flimsy), Military (too large). I also have a Kershaw bigfoot (too stiff, no clip), Kershaw Volt (too thick), Gerber Harsey Air Ranger (too slippery, and I don't like the serrations). I have a couple Leeks, which make great marking knives for carpentry.
P.s.: Here's some more unsolicited advice. I could have saved some money if three weeks ago I'd simply gone into a store, played with all these options (and more!), and bought just one favorite knife. Instead, I spent 4 times that much buying five different ones online
In the order photographed:
Spyderco Delica Wharncliffe 20CV
The only imported model in this list, the Delica is almost exactly the right size for my EDC. The blade shape is excellent for most of what I do, and is very slicey. However, the lockback is not as satisfying to open or close as compression or axis locks, and strangely, the spine jimping grabs onto my trousers when I put the knife into my pocket.
Benchmade 535 Bugout Grivory/30SV
This was acquired last, but is the current favorite. I put off trying the Bugout because I only ever handled a mini-bugout, which I found flimsy and cheap-feeling. However, after reading too much online, I finally had to check it out, and I'm glad I did. the full-size Bugout in Grivory still feels "less premium", and the plastic has some sharp edges, but it's plenty stiff for the size, and inspires confidence in the hand.
Benchmade 940 Osborne Aluminum/30SV
I find this knife really ugly in photos, but handsome in person. Somehow the 3D shape of the handle doesn't photograph well, especially the v-shaped groove. But it works well in the hand. Like everyone says, it feels small in the pocket. The blade is long, but not very slicey, which sets it back compared to the others. The factory edge is also quite toothy and rough, but that will go away with honing.
Benchmade Griptilian 30SV
It's surprising how much larger this knife feels than the mini-grip. The plastic handles do feel rough (grippy?) and have a hollow feeling, but they fill the hand well. The blade and action are perfect. However, the knife overall rides too thick in the pocket for my everyday use. It will be excellent for yardwork and camping.
Spyderco Para Military 2 G10/M390
Thinner feeling than the Griptilian, but taller, which ends up taking too much room in my pocket. Also I'm not in love with the hand profile cut into the handle. My pinky rides up on the bump-out at the end of the handle—I wish the bump were not there or the handle was more neutrally shaped like the benchmades. That said, I see why people like the PM2. Excellent lock. Sturdy blade. Grippy handle. Good outdoors knife.
About me: I have carried a knife every day since middle school (a quarter century ago), primarily various SAKs, but also a one-handed knife when doing projects about the house or outdoors. I have had a Mini Griptilian for about ten years, a Leek for 5, and a couple cheaper folders as well. I realize I'd really prefer a knife that fits my size L hand better. I've also desired a longer blade for cutting food away from home.
I tried a few others but returned them quickly -- Manix (BB lock too stiff), Endura (too large), Mini-Bugout (too small and flimsy), Military (too large). I also have a Kershaw bigfoot (too stiff, no clip), Kershaw Volt (too thick), Gerber Harsey Air Ranger (too slippery, and I don't like the serrations). I have a couple Leeks, which make great marking knives for carpentry.
P.s.: Here's some more unsolicited advice. I could have saved some money if three weeks ago I'd simply gone into a store, played with all these options (and more!), and bought just one favorite knife. Instead, I spent 4 times that much buying five different ones online
