[Rhyno37]

Hey guys, looking for a new EDC knife for under $100. I already have Leatherman multi-tool, so I'm looking for a folding, plain edged knife. Need something easy to carry in my pocket, nothing huge. I'm open to suggestions, but after reading reviews and from an aesthetic standpoint I've narrowed it down between the Spyderco Delica4, Sage 1, and Benchmade 556 Mini Griptillian. In your opinion, which one of these knives should I get? I've never had experience with either brand. I'm leaning towards the Benchmade because it looks a little bit better to me, and I've read nothing but great reviews.

http://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Carbon-Fiber-Plain-Knife/dp/B0013AW8Y2/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1337901531&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Delica4-Lightweight-Ground-PlainEdge/dp/B003CH3V5E/ref=sr_1_5?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1337892828&sr=1-5

or

http://www.amazon.com/Benchmade-556-Mini-Griptillian-Pardue-Design/dp/B000NZQH4K/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1337893228&sr=1-1

[Jason_G]

Big fan of the Benchmade Mini-Griptillian for an under $100 carry. Spydercos are great too though, but I am pretty attached to the Axis lock system now. The Griptillian is nice, but kind of big for EDC for me. I like the Mini better for that purpose. YMMV.

Jason

[zhyla]

I would also consider the Spyderco Native or Manix2. I've carried the Native quite a bit and am considering a Manix 2 next. I too have grown fond of the arc lock (axis lock) clone on my SOG's so I'm thinking the Manix looks mighty good.

http://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Native-Lightweight-Plain-Knife/dp/B0002IO16E/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1337901835&sr=1-1
http://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Manix-Plain-Knife-Black/dp/B002ECY7XI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1337901748&sr=8-2
http://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Manix2-Translucent-PlainEdge-Knife/dp/B0051HLOV6/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1337901811&sr=1-2

SOG Visionary deserves a mention too. I've been carrying the larger one for a while. I don't prefer the deep pocket clip but otherwise it's a pretty solid knife. I wish it came partially serrated though. SOG doesn't do a good job stratifying their product line like Spyderco and Benchmade do, but some of their knives are quite nice.

http://www.amazon.com/SOG-Specialty-Knives-VS-01-Visionary/dp/B0013AUCUE/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1337902005&sr=1-2
http://www.amazon.com/SOG-Specialty-Knives-VS-02-Visionary/dp/B001DZPER0/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1337902005&sr=1-1

[footballboy3]

I have a Delica 4 and a full size Grip. The full size Grip is kinda chunky for EDC in my opinion but it is a great knife. The Delica is a great knife...thin handle and lightweight and cheaper than even a mini grip I believe.

[kbbailey]

I have a Kershaw 'Needs Work'.(Dumb name) It is a great knife. High quality, quick opening, useful designed blade and grip. Can't say enough good about it. $40.00 My EDC.

[gpjoe]

I have a Delica and Mini-Grip, both plain edge. I like them both but the Delica came out of the box hair-popping sharp, the Benchmade - not nearly as sharp. Also, I like the Delica FRN scales a bit better than the hard-plastic scales on the Benchmade.

Though the Benchmade is still a great knife, I think the Delica is a better value at a bit more than half the cost of the Benchmade.

[ugaarguy]

The full size Griptilian has much nicer handles than the mini, but both are great knives.

The Spyderco Delica and Endura literally started the pocket clip & one hand opening segment. They're proven knives that have been continuously improved. I still have a 3rd gen Endura, and it's just really hard to argue against these at the price.

The Sage is, in essence, a highly refined version of those original Spydercos. I have the Sage's predecessor, the Calypso Jr in AUS-8 and black linen Micarta. The Sage is a good buy if you want more refinement. Although, if you're open to the Sage (which is over the $100 budget) I'd look hard at the Caly 3 with it's insane ZDP-189 core / cutting edge 420J2 laminated blade for another $20-$30.

All of those aside, I'd look very hard at the Benchmade 530 Pardue Axis. They're right under $100 online, and are a great EDC. The lightweight, ultra thin profile, Axis lock strength & smoothness, and great build quality have made it my favorite EDC.

[JShirley]

The Manix 2 is likely to be too heavy a knife if you're not used to carrying large knives. The Translucent Manix 2, however, is the same size (about 3.3" blade), but MUCH lighter.

The lightweight Native 2 is a good choice, and the knife I've carried most in the last 15 years.

The Mini Grip is a good piece.

The Delica is good, if you like a very flat knife.

[mdauben]

Although I have a fairly ridiculous collection of pocket knives, the Spyderco Delica has been my primary EDC for years. To me, its the perfect combination of size, weight and blade shape. Both the other choices are very good knives in their own right, but given my personal preference, as well as the price difference, I would not hesitate to chose the Delica.

Everyone of course will have their own opinion, but that's mine! :cool:

[hso]

You can't go wrong with either company so I recommend that you get to a store and handle each and decide based on that.

[Yo Mama]

I have fine examples from both companies. I was always raised with Spyderco lower on the ladder than Benchmade. I'm more impressed with the Spyderco knives I have than the Benchmades.

1. Edge geometry on the Spyderco, especially Delica and Endura are "beefy" to me. They have a quicker grind to the edge vs. the Benchmades I have.

2. Locks-Love my axis lock, but it's about the same to me as the CBB lock Spyderco has on the Manix 2. Like JShirley said, it's a heavy knife.

3. Many blades that Spyderco makes have a finger choil that IMO protects you in the slim chance the lock disengages. I really really like this, you can also choke up on the blade.

4. The Spydie hole is a must. I only will buy a folder if it has a thumb hole, and a hard use rated lock.

[LawScholar]

I like the Mini-Grip better. :) mine has been very solid for years now.

[451 Detonics]

Just over the $100 mark at $105 this Benchmade Bone Collector is very nice...D-2 steel, camo micarta scales, reversable clip, Axis lock system...

http://www.michiganknives.com/Item_Pages/Benchmade/Benchmade_15030-1_Bone_Collector_folder.html

[chrisb507]

As others have said, it's hard to go wrong with either knife. I have a few Delicas and a two mini-Grips (but no Sage).

I would consider how you'll use the knife. If you need a one-handed open/close, it's hard to beat the Mini-Griptillian.

If you want a thinner and lighter blade about $5 above your budget, check out the Chaparral.

[Nematocyst]

I would also consider the Spyderco Native or Manix2.

I carried a Benchmade Osborne,
but then found the Manix 2,
my EDC for over two years.

No contest.

[sigarms228]

I don't like Spydercos because of their width in my pocket where it makes it hard to get my hand into my pocket to retrieve keys or change. I also prefer the Axis lock in a knife.

In any case try out what you are considering and then make a decision.

The Benchmade Sequel 707 looks also to be another really nice knife just a few dollars more than you target price. I have a Mini Griptilan but the handle and blade on the Sequel looks really sweet.

I am looking to get a Benchmade 710 with M390 steel as my next knife.

http://www.amazon.com/Benchmade-707-Sequel-McHenry-Williams/dp/B000BYLIFQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1338063881&sr=1-1

[Nematocyst]

I know what you mean about the Spyderco width, sigarms. It IS a big knife.

But that makes it very easy for me to open with one hand in under a sec.

Fortunately, I wear Carhartts,
they have big pockets,
and I have small hands.

Still, all that gimping and the G10 wears out pockets.

I treated the G10 with nail polish and it helped.

[Rhyno37]

I'd say the Benchmade/Doug Ritter RSK Mk1/mini is the front runner. My biggest worry now is getting the right size. Would a ~3" or ~3.5" blade be better for EDC in the pocket?

Also, does anyone know the law for Illinois on carrying knives? I've read that it must be 3" and under to be legal, just need someone to check my info. This would obviously shape my choice.I don't want to buy a knife too large or small for EDC.

http://www.dougritter.com/dr_rsk_mk1.htm

[floorit76]

With some careful shopping you can pick up a Benchmade 940 in the $135 range. I much prefer the aluminum handle of the 940 over the synthetics of the Griptilians. I have carried a 940 for about 4-5 years and have yet to regret it. In fact, I have one nib waiting in the drawer, and bid on one from time to time for a spare to my spare.

[sigarms228]

I know what you mean about the Spyderco width, sigarms. It IS a big knife.

But that makes it very easy for me to open with one hand in under a sec.

Fortunately, I wear Carhartts,
they have big pockets,
and I have small hands.

Still, all that gimping and the G10 wears out pockets.

I treated the G10 with nail polish and it helped.

Thanks for the tip. My local Meijer superstore sells Carhartt . I should have bought a pair recently as they had a Fathers day coupon - 40 percent off purchase of 2 or more mens clothing. I did get another pair of Levis and a Carharrt shirt for $20 total.

I do want to buy a Spyderco someday - most likely a Para II . A new knife usually ends up on my Birthday or Christmas wish list these days.

[sigarms228]

With some careful shopping you can pick up a Benchmade 940 in the $135 range. I much prefer the aluminum handle of the 940 over the synthetics of the Griptilians. I have carried a 940 for about 4-5 years and have yet to regret it. In fact, I have one nib waiting in the drawer, and bid on one from time to time for a spare to my spare.

I have a 940 also - what a fantastic knife. I put it in my pocket and then forget it is there. Also IMO does not look very threatening with the green handle color/shape and blade shape which is a consideration depending on the circumstances.

[JimStC]

Great thread. Learned a lot. I have carried the same Benchmade auto for over 10 years. It has a 3.5" blade. I can still put a very sharp edge on it even though it is used daily on farm chores. I'd estimate that it has cut a million lines of hay bale twine:D
Also have owned Spyderco. You have done a good job of narrowing your choices as as been mentioned in the earlier posts. Good luck with your new knife.

[sigarms228]

I'd say the Benchmade/Doug Ritter RSK Mk1/mini is the front runner. My biggest worry now is getting the right size. Would a ~3" or ~3.5" blade be better for EDC in the pocket?

Also, does anyone know the law for Illinois on carrying knives? I've read that it must be 3" and under to be legal, just need someone to check my info. This would obviously shape my choice.I don't want to buy a knife too large or small for EDC.

http://www.dougritter.com/dr_rsk_mk1.htm

I live in Illinois but outside of Chicago. I don't think you have to worry about the blade size unless you are in Chicago and even then I believe the 3" and under restriction applies to those under 18 years of age. Of course if one commits a violent crime with a knife or in the possession of a knife they will look at every local/state law to prosecute with. Myself I avoid assisted opening knives as I have heard that can be problematic in some places though they may be technically legal they blur that line to some so IMO why push it. I can open my Benchmades with Axis lock incredibly fast anyhow if I need to.

That is a tough call on which size to get and really only you can answer that based on your needs and situations you will use it in. I tend to be of the belief that if it larger size will carry comfortably and not be intimidating to those around you that see it when you are using it I would go for the larger size. The larger one also has a larger handle for better control when needed. The Girptilans are light knives either size.

Good luck with your choices.

[zhyla]

I don't like Spydercos because of their width in my pocket where it makes it hard to get my hand into my pocket to retrieve keys or change. I also prefer the Axis lock in a knife.

There are several models which come with stainless steel grips instead of G10 or nylon. I have a Harpy that is all steel like this and it is very thin.

[ViennaGambit]

Take advantage of Amazons excellent return policy.

Buy both the Delica and Mini-grip and return which fits you the least.

Realistically, anything Benchmade or Spyderco will serve you well and in the end it's all about personal opinions. I carried a mini-grip for a year, but went to the Delica because it is much thinner and more ergonomic for me. Ive been EDCing a Delica now for about 6 years and love them.

[Rhyno37]

Take advantage of Amazons excellent return policy.

Buy both the Delica and Mini-grip and return which fits you the least.

Realistically, anything Benchmade or Spyderco will serve you well and in the end it's all about personal opinions. I carried a mini-grip for a year, but went to the Delica because it is much thinner and more ergonomic for me. Ive been EDCing a Delica now for about 6 years and love them.
I would, but only the delica is sold by amazon. The mini grip is sold by a third party through amazon. Only way to get a mini grip through amazon is the 555:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00180GQJA/ref=s9_simh_gw_p200_d0_g200_i2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=03TGM66ECVE0C4D467V3&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846

[Walking Dead]

I've had both. That being said I carry the Benchmade griptilian tanto. Mine is not the mini though. I carry the full size.

[conw]

Take advantage of Amazons excellent return policy.

Buy both the Delica and Mini-grip and return which fits you the least.

I disagree. It is a return policy, not a try it out then ship back free policy. Unless stated somewhere on the site that this is condoned, IMO you are just exploiting the system in a way that will end up increasing prices for other customers.

To the op...I think spyderco is more of a pioneer, more cutting edge and better value. One of the newer gen full flat grind spydies with a g10 handle and choil has to be used to be appreciated. Form absolutely follows function which is why spyderco has very unique knives.

Dollar for dollar I can't recommend a benchmade. If we are talking a $100 knife though I'd drive to a nearby "real" knife shop to at least handle them before I bought something (even if I did order online). Going by looks or secondhand opinion is simply not going to get you the perfect knife. Trust me I went through about 20 knives (all sold now) before settling on a g10 native 5...

Anyway in the size envelope you want I don't think spyderco can be outdone. The use of choil and the jimping make the knife handle amazingly well. You have to try it to understand...I don't think people buy spydies for looks.

[Walking Dead]

@ conwict. I replaced my Spyderco Native twice because the pocket clip grabbed whatever I brushed up against and it twisted it out of the square pocket it sits in. Have you ever had that problem? I ended up with the griptilian after that and any be happier. Where Benchmade really shines is the "Build your own Griptilian" you can pick all your options.
http://www.benchmade.com/customize/default.aspx

[floorit76]

To each his own. But I'd never let "pioneering" sell me a knife, or anything else. Every Spidero I've handled has felt goofy in my hand, not to mention looked freaky. Plastic, be it G10 or whatever feels cheap to me, benchmades included. And after an axis lock I'm not intrested in anything else. One handed open and close without changing your grip, and just as fast as an assisted.

[Nematocyst]

I've owned a bunch of folders in the last 50 years.
Those included what just previous to my current folder
was the best folder I've ever owned: a Benchmade Osborne.

But in the end, after I bought my current one -
which I've carried and used everyday for 2+ years -
I gave the Benchmade to a carpenter to pay off a small debt.

My current EDC is my Spyderco Manix 2. I use it every day for everything, including cooking.
I used it earlier during dinner to cut my pork burrito (carry out; probably wouldn't use it in the restaurant,
but I'd prefer it over what they give me to cut with).

It rides in my pocket everyday. The G10 is too aggressive, and I've had to make it less so
with nail polish on the fabric side so it won't wear out my trouser fabric.

But the handle fits my hand like a glove. The gimping is first class.
It opens with one hand like a dream in less than a sec.

If pressed, I can use it like a kubotan, then open it for further action.

[conw]

@ conwict. I replaced my Spyderco Native twice because the pocket clip grabbed whatever I brushed up against and it twisted it out of the square pocket it sits in. Have you ever had that problem? I ended up with the griptilian after that and any be happier. Where Benchmade really shines is the "Build your own Griptilian" you can pick all your options.
http://www.benchmade.com/customize/default.aspx
Sounds like the clip got bent. Didn't have that issue with the native 3 or 5 but it did happen with a bent kershaw clip. Once it got bent out microscopically it grabbed everything I brushed against.

[conw]

To each his own. But I'd never let "pioneering" sell me a knife, or anything else. Every Spidero I've handled has felt goofy in my hand, not to mention looked freaky. Plastic, be it G10 or whatever feels cheap to me, benchmades included. And after an axis lock I'm not intrested in anything else. One handed open and close without changing your grip, and just as fast as an assisted.

the axis lock is fine but I don't see much benefit to fast one handed closing. I can safely and easy close any of my knives I've owned (did have a benchmade, sold it) that don't use a ball bearing type lock one handed. It just takes about 1/2 sec longer. As for safety I do get knives spec'd with high strength locks but I don't use them unsafely so if the axis can hold 1200lb static versus 800lb for my frame lock...who cares?

As for pioneering the reason you have a one handed knife with a clip at all is probably spyderco. They're also stiff competition. They drive down prices for high quality steel production knives and they still have probably 30+ high end steel knives under $100 when other companies use a lower performing steel on $150 plus knives.. They established that market segment and they continue to refine and redefine it. I think there are lots of other great knives out there but few companies in any industry are run by people as passionate as spyderco.

I guess you need what makes you happy but to me a knife is just a tool. I don't buy drills, hammers, or guns for how they look, or one material's appearance over another. The "luxury" I admittedly get is just from having the ideal functional tool for the job. It isn't like a car or pair of sunglasses...it isn't a status symbol or fashion accessory.

[Nematocyst]

PS: I forgot to add the link for the Manix 2 (http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=418).


http://www.spyderco.com/pix/products/large/C101G2_L.jpg

[floorit76]

I am an electrician. I USE my knife scores of times every day. One handed closing is extremely handy when you have a fist full of live wires and your hanging out of a bucket 30' in the air. There is nothing "status symbol" about my decision.

[JShirley]

Almost all of my folders are Spydercos. Only one of them, the G10 Polliwog, may take two hands to close without effort.

Most of my knife purchases recently have been from CutleryShoppe or Blade HQ. Use Nematocyst's link for information on the knife only- Spyderco doesn't want to undercut its retailers, so it's more expensive to buy directly from them.

Since I carry my M9 on my right side, and keep my keys and a few other things in my left front pocket, I carry my Translucent Manix 2 in my right rear pocket. When I did have a lightweight Native (Native 2), I didn't have any problem carrying it, and it very rarely left my pocket accidentally. I suspect something about the "square pocket" you carried it in is the culprit.

The Delica and Endura 4, and the Manix 2 and XLs, are absolutely incredible knives for the price. And they feel great. G10 (http://www.polymerplastics.com/composite_g10.shtml) is a composite, not a "plastic" but of course electricians are well aware of that. G10 is also considered by some experts to be the absolute best hard-use knife handle material in existence.

John

[floorit76]

I actually had no idea what really was. http://composite-laminates.com/g10.htm

The most versatile all-around laminate and composite, this grade is a continuous glass woven fabric base impregnated with an epoxy resin binder. It has extremely high mechanical strength, good dielectric loss properties, and good electric strength properties, both wet and dry. NEMA grades G10 and FR4 Glass-Cloth Reinforced Epoxy -- natural color is typically a yellowish to light green. The most versatile all-around laminate grades are continuous glass woven fabric impregnated with an epoxy resin binder. (Epoxy resins are among the most versatile and widely used plastics in the electronics field, primarily because water absorption is virtually nil, rendering it an outstanding insulator

But that still doesn't mean I like the way it feels. A friend told me a few years ago that Spiderco wasn't so much a knife company as it was a cult. I'm begining to see what he meant. They're all your fellas, I'll stick with what I have.

[Walking Dead]

"suspect something about the "square pocket" you carried it in is the culprit. "
My problem was never the pocket I carried it in as I only carried it in my front right. The problem was the stamped metal pocket clip sits in a small square pocket in the plastic scales. It's only retained by a sex bolt and can easily be twisted out of it by scraping your side against a work bench or table. The other Spydercos and all Benchmades are retained with torx screws and are much sturdier. I would not hesitate to buy another spyderco but never another native.

[JShirley]

Okay, I understand what you mean now. I agree that the clip is shaped a little differently than most other Spyderco's.

John

[22-rimfire]

I like the Spyderco Delica a lot. I have a couple Enduras that I use for work, but the smaller size fo the Delica works best for me for EDC. That and a SAK are in my pockets. I don't own a Benchmade knife, which doesn't mean they aren't good knives. It only means that I have been satisfied with what I have and not tired any of the Benchmade models.

[zhyla]

Okay, I understand what you mean now. I agree that the clip is shaped a little differently than most other Spyderco's.

Yeah, I've had some trouble from the Native clip. The squarish corners on the tip of the clip catch on things. A couple times I've had the clip bent a good 30 degrees. The Native 4 clip looks identical but has held up a little better. I haven't had this issue on any other Spyderco or my SOG knives. I've considered doing a little surgery on my Native to be able to add a wire clip like one of the Native models has.

[Manny]

I've used a mini griptillian 555 for EDC for the last 6 or 7 months and find it perfect for MY needs. It carries low and very securely in my pocket, is very easy to use one handed, holds a great edge and is the perfect size IMHO. The axis lock is also extremely solid yet easy to use. I'm so sold on it that I'm getting a spare to put back JIC anything ever happens to mine.

It's the most money I ever spent on a knife and well worth it IMHO.

[ArfinGreebly]

I actually had no idea what really was. http://composite-laminates.com/g10.htm

[ -snip- ]

But that still doesn't mean I like the way it feels. A friend told me a few years ago that Spiderco wasn't so much a knife company as it was a cult. I'm begining to see what he meant. They're all your fellas, I'll stick with what I have.

The way it feels is largely a function of how the material is finished.

It can be finished rough (which is common in knife handles) or it can be finished smooth -- almost glassy.

There's another composite used in knife handles, primarily by Buck Knives, called PaperStone. It is used, among other things, for counter tops and cutting boards. Pretty durable stuff.

Buck uses it for the handles of their new EcoLite series knives (the 110 and 112) and also in the Vantage series.

In the EcoLite series, the PaperStone is finished to a smooth, satin surface. Feels nice in the hand, goes easy on pocket fabrics.

In the Vantage series, it's finished rough -- almost sandpaper rough -- and, while it's very "grippy," it's also hard on pocket fabrics.

I don't know how to smooth that finish, but I know it can be done since I have the same material both rough and polished. If I ever mean to pocket carry the PaperStone Vantages, I'll have to mitigate that rough finish first.


This same thing applies to G-10.

Knife makers typically finish it rough for a better grip. I have a Kershaw Pack Rat, however that has less "roughness" in its finish -- it's still a bit rough, but not so much.

I wouldn't blow off a line of knives because one of the handle options feels wrong in my hands; instead I would look for designs using a different handle material.

Of course, if the aesthetics of the brand didn't appeal to me, I wouldn't bother shopping for one in the first place..

I don't own a single Spyderco. The aesthetics have never really appealed to me.

However, my sense of "aesthetic" has gradually changed as I've grown to understand what makes a good grind and what makes a good bevel and what attributes of a profile make for a good cutting tool. I'm beginniing to realize that Spyderco's blade shapes embody a lot of those attributes.

I still don't consider them "pretty" alongside my preferred brands, but while I don't lust after them, I'm gaining an appreciation for what they are.

Go with what you like -- it's hard to love a tool whose design you don't like -- but be willing to re-examine what you like about your tools as you rack up more miles on them.

I carry knives today that I shrugged off eight or ten years ago.

Those knives haven't changed, only my understanding has changed.

Allow your understanding to grow. It can take you more places if you do.

[Valkman]

AG is right, G10 or Micarta only feel rough because that's how the maker left it. It can be smoothed with sandpaper to whatever finish you desire, even glassy smooth. I don't like super-rough finishes myself but used to finish the handles of my Fighters with a 60 grit belt and then sandblast. Grippy without being overly so.

[jp9mm]

I have a Kershaw 'Needs Work'.(Dumb name) It is a great knife. High quality, quick opening, useful designed blade and grip. Can't say enough good about it. $40.00 My EDC.
Got the same one, very nice. tight lock up.

http://www.bladehq.com/imgs/shop-by-brand/all-kershaw/kershaw-needs-work-1820.jpg

[conw]

"suspect something about the "square pocket" you carried it in is the culprit. "
My problem was never the pocket I carried it in as I only carried it in my front right. The problem was the stamped metal pocket clip sits in a small square pocket in the plastic scales. It's only retained by a sex bolt and can easily be twisted out of it by scraping your side against a work bench or table. The other Spydercos and all Benchmades are retained with torx screws and are much sturdier. I would not hesitate to buy another spyderco but never another native.

The new natives (not 3 but 4/5) have a regular spyderco clip/screw.

[Rail Driver]

I've got a S&W HRT out the front style spring assisted knife (no serrations).

It's lightweight, holds a good edge, and there's no risk of the knife closing on my fingers.

I've carried it every day (and used it most of those days multiple times) for the year and a half that I've had it.

I think I paid $30 for it.

[mdauben]

I live in Illinois but outside of Chicago. I don't think you have to worry about the blade size unless you are in Chicago and even then I believe the 3" and under restriction applies to those under 18 years of age. .
Actually, the 3" limit is specified in the state law, with no age exceptions. In Chicago, it's a 2.5" inch limit, or 2.0" if you are under 18.

When I lived in IL and worked in Chicago, I often carried "illegal" pocket knives (being ignorant of the law) with no problems, but I never gave an LEO a reason to search me. I could technically have gotten in a lot of trouble if for some reason I had ever been stopped.

[sigarms228]

Actually, the 3" limit is specified in the state law, with no age exceptions. In Chicago, it's a 2.5" inch limit, or 2.0" if you are under 18.

When I lived in IL and worked in Chicago, I often carried "illegal" pocket knives (being ignorant of the law) with no problems, but I never gave an LEO a reason to search me. I could technically have gotten in a lot of trouble if for some reason I had ever been stopped.

I am pretty sure that it is not illegal to carry a folded knife over 3" in Illinois but it is classified as a "dangerous weapon" and would be of concern if one used it to commit a crime.



"For IL statutes 24-1 (Unlawful Use of a Weapon) the blade length is not a factor nor mentioned in the statute. What the UUW statute addresses is "carries or possesses with the intent to use" regardless of blade length.
However, if a person for some reason finds themselves charged with armed violence then the penalty can be increased as an "aggravated offense" if the person is carrying a knife with a blade over 3", along with other named weapons."

[hso]

Buy both the Delica and Mini-grip and return which fits you the least.

That is unethical and unacceptable.

[mattmann]

I like my spyderco endura with wave!

Sent from my DROID RAZR

[Deltaboy]

Get a Needs work and save the money.

[ViennaGambit]

I disagree. It is a return policy, not a try it out then ship back free policy. Unless stated somewhere on the site that this is condoned, IMO you are just exploiting the system in a way that will end up increasing prices for other customers.

Are you kidding me?

How on earth is it any different than buying a pair of slacks online from LL Bean and returning them because they do not fit well, or buying two sizes and returning the one that doesn't fit right??? Or even different than trying on different sizes in a dressing room??? I'm not saying USE the knife.

I can't believe I got an infraction for my original post suggesting buying both the Spyderco and Benchmade and returning the one that is less ergonomic.

This place needs to lighten up.

[conw]

My opinion, since you asked, is that it's lazy to buy something with the intention of returning it for "free" and you're passing the cost on to other customers, most of whom don't do that.

No problem with trying something on in a dressing room or returning a single wrong-sized item via mail-order where applicable. In the latter case, you made a good faith effort to pick the right size. As for buying two sizes via mail-order and returning one, you are guaranteeing you will return one item. What, do you think that's actually free? You are incurring a cost that you aren't paying for... not my style if I can avoid it.

Are there some instances where this may not apply, sure! I'm not laying out universal guidelines. No doubt there is some retailer that encourages it, and their prices reflect that. But usually a purchase implies intent to keep an item, or at least a greater than 50% likelihood of keeping an item, IMO. If you disagree, fine, but if everyone did what you do, things would be more expensive than they already are.

Kind of like the old example of peeing in the pool. Sure you don't mind your pee, it's everyone else's that you want to avoid. But if everyone thinks peeing in the pool is OK...

[Rail Driver]

For what it's worth, I've mail ordered things in the past and when they turned out not to be what I wanted, I've returned them (on MY dime). The only time I've ever returned something on the company's dime is when it needed warranty service, was the wrong item, or was defective. If I'm returning something I bought and just don't want or something, not only am I usually stuck returning it on my own dime, but I also have to pay a restocking fee between 5% and 15% - Now I don't know every company's return/refund policy, but the way I figure it, if the decision is that close between two items, and I've got the money, I see nothing wrong with getting both and then (if unused) returning the one that I don't like. If the item gets used for awhile and I decide I don't like it, then I sell it to another individual rather than returning it, but the premise is the same.

I agree that ViannaGambit's post was NOT infraction-worthy, but I'm not a mod and that's not the topic so it is what it is.

[GMHAYESUSN]

Sog trident tanto is a nice assist open knife for around 70 bucks kinda hard to beat and i live the locking mechanism for the blade!

[Valkman]

I'd just get a full size Griptilian like I did a while back. Absolutely great knife, wouldn't think of replacing it except with another Benchmade.

[hmphargh]

I don't really want to get into the Amazon return shipping ethics, but just for the information of the thread, Amazon has two categories of returns:

1. Errors in ordering/shipping, defective products, bad product description
2. Wrong size/color, not what you wanted, changed your mind, not needed/wanted

Returns for category 1 are almost always free, there are some exceptions for very large, heavy, fragile, awkward, or items that are very expensive to ship for some reason but this is typically covered by shipping insurance

Returns for category 2 depend. Certain items are specifically selected by Amazon to allow you to "buy and try", most of these are clothing items, but there may be some others. Amazon notes on the product page that the product can be returned for free. For all other items, Amazon will accept the return, but will subtract the cost of shipping from your refund (the schedule for return shipping fees is available here (http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html/ref=hp_901926_costreturn?&nodeId=3484071)). Amazon will also subtract a percentage of the item's price for certain opened items as well.

I have spoken with Amazon customer service before with a similar question, and I was told that they want to allow users to return non-defective items, and that the intention of the return shipping cost is to allow just that.

While I agree that it is unethical to lie and say that the item is defective just because you want a full refund, I don't feel that it is unethical to be honest with the customer service representative about your reason for returning and accepting a partial refund and paying the return shipping cost.

[Yo Mama]

Are you kidding me?

How on earth is it any different than buying a pair of slacks online from LL Bean and returning them because they do not fit well, or buying two sizes and returning the one that doesn't fit right??? Or even different than trying on different sizes in a dressing room??? I'm not saying USE the knife.

I can't believe I got an infraction for my original post suggesting buying both the Spyderco and Benchmade and returning the one that is less ergonomic.

This place needs to lighten up.

Jeans are not a mechanical item. They can be resold with tags still on. A knife can't be resold once shipped. How is it ethical or fair that Amazon takes a hit?

[Yo Mama]

Kind of like the old example of peeing in the pool. Sure you don't mind your pee, it's everyone else's that you want to avoid. But if everyone thinks peeing in the pool is OK...


Especially the public pool. Now at my In-Laws....? :)

[Deltaboy]

Well I picked up a CR&T Hammond Cruiser and it is a beast.

[sixgunner455]

A knife can't be resold once shipped.

Why on earth not?

[JShirley]

Some knive-specific places sell knives that have been returned at a discount.

[Yo Mama]

Why on earth not?

Because when you buy a new knife, you don't want to receive a used one. I'm not ordering the "floor" model.

[j0sh]

Another vote for the Benchmade 707. I have changed through several different EDC. The 707 takes the cake. I love it and you can't beat the axis lock.