EDC for under $100? (Spyderco vs Benchmade)

Status
Not open for further replies.
R

Rhyno37

Member
Joined
May 29, 2010
Messages
95
Location
Central Illinois
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-Carb...=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1337901531&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Deli...=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1337892828&sr=1-5

or

http://www.amazon.com/Benchmade-556...=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1337893228&sr=1-1
 
Last edited:
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
 
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-Nati...=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1337901835&sr=1-1
http://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Mani...Y7XI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1337901748&sr=8-2
http://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Mani...=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...=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1337902005&sr=1-2
http://www.amazon.com/SOG-Specialty...=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1337902005&sr=1-1
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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:
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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...=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1338063881&sr=1-1
 
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.
 
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
 
Last edited:
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.
 
Nematocyst said:
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.
Click to expand...

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.
 
floorit76 said:
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.
Click to expand...

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.
 
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.
 
Rhyno37 said:
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
Click to expand...

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.
 
sigarms228 said:
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.
Click to expand...

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.
 
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.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

V
  • Locked
Spyderco Tenacious or Endure with wave?
Replies
12
Views
1K
auschip
A
N
  • Locked
Kershaw G10 Tactical Speed Bump Folding Stud Lock Knife
Replies
3
Views
479
Sniper X
S
B
  • Locked
CRKT M21 series
Replies
4
Views
435
nevermas
N
N
  • Locked
Pepper spray or taser
Replies
10
Views
992
Steve Raacke
S
G
  • Locked
Ontario Gen II SP-40
Replies
7
Views
756
TEAM101
T
Back
Top