Looking for 'The One' EDC folding pocket knife

ugaarguy said:

It seems like you're wanting a Spyderco Domino that's half an ounce lighter and has assisted opening. Alternatively you could bite the bullet and get custom scales for your Mini Barrage. You'd be close to the price of a Domino at that point, but you'd have a US made knife that meets all your requirements.

I hope that sharing my thoughts and experience helps you to prioritize what features you want most and where you're willing to compromise more.

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Thanks. I'm always appreciative of any suggestions I get.

I started this quest based on something I already have that meets my needs, but was hoping there was something else out there that I just wasn't aware of where I wouldn't need to make compromises . It would seem that there isn't.

And what you said is exactly right - it all comes down to what feature matters most to me, and maybe that's also part of what I need to figure out by trying different knives. Maybe I'll find that a half-ounce really doesn't matter, or that the tactile feel I get while holding the knife isn't quite as important as the type of steel it uses.

I keep going back to look at that Benchmade Emissary 470 though. It hits all the buttons I want, except for that stiletto-like blade. And at ~$170, I think that would be an expensive lesson when for ~$40 I can try the SOG Aegis Mini and only compromise slightly on build quality and steel composition. I've been satisfied with my old Dragonfly in AUS8 for years, so I hesitate to even call that a compromise, especially when comparing a $170 knife to a $40 one.

Maybe one day Benchmade and Spyderco will release AO versions of their mini-grips and delicas. Until then, maybe instead of having 'The One', I'll have to be content with cycling between carrying 'The Ones'. Variety is the spice of life as they say.

spazzymcgee said:

You could make your own G10 scales for your Barrage, if you're patient and crafty. I carry a Barrage and have considered doing so myself. I looked high and low with very similar requirements for a knife, and settled with a Barrage. The scales are growing on me, but I like G10.

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In fact, I started down that path but quickly lost steam. Maybe something to pick up again during the winter.

spazzymcgee said:

Update: Check out footage from Benchmade's booth at SHOT Show. They're releasing a G10 Barrage and some other neat knives. While my Barrage is at the factory for service, I'm going to see if they'll put a set of G10 scales on it for me.

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I knew they came out with the G10 version of the mini-grips. I wonder if they have plans to come out with them for the mini-barrage too, or if they'd sell them as a separate option (doubtful).

Good lookin out!

I think it stinks that they won't swap the scales for you, even at a cost. But that would pretty much undermine the whole new line if they allowed that to happen, although I'm sure they'd get a few sales for the updated steel too.

Love that they came out with the updated 585-2 mini-barrage right away (sometimes they do the full size model first with a follow up of the mini's later on), but I'm sad to see it now weighs even MORE than the original - 3.76oz vs 3.4oz. I know the G10 is solid vs the more hollow valox, but I would have hoped that they'd skeletonized the steel liners more to shave off some of that weight and keep it at the same overall weight.

Also, I have to take a real hard look at the 490 Amicus - That looks to be very very similar to the Emissary I was eyeballing, but with more of a blade shape I prefer. Just a hair on the larger side than I really like, but I think a 3.25" blade is doable. It hits every other item on my list - 2.88oz, reversible, great S90V steel, only 0.47" thick.... :drool: MSRP: $250 Going to have to think hard about that one. (ok, so it doesn't have a FFG blade, but it is a high grind)

Do we have a winner here?:



Specifications

Blade Length: 3.2"
Closed Length: 4.52"
Overall Length: 7.72"
Blade Material: CPM-S90V Stainless Steel
Blade Thickness: 0.090"
Blade Hardness: 59-61 HRC
Blade Style: Drop Point
Blade Finish: Satin
Handle Thickness: 0.48"
Handle Material: Black Anodized 7075-T6 Aluminum
Locking Mechanism: AXIS-Assist Flipper
Pocket Clip: Deep-Carry Tip-Up, Right/Left
Weight: 2.88 oz.
Designer: Benchmade
Made in the USA