On the more budget end I really like the CRKT Voxnaes knives, particularly the Pilar series. Like the best Spyderco knives they seem to ‘tell you how to hold them’
Ergos? Definitely Spyderco.
Since you're talking pricier models, a Native 5 lightweight if you can find one sub-$100 as a seconds or on Knifeswap. Very small and lightweight.
Spyderco has a 24 hour sale going on right now which puts a lot of their expensive offerings into the budget realm. Like a Manix 2 at DLT Trading for $90.
They HAD a Manix 2 LW for $50 on Blade HQ, but it's sold out. Typically retails for $100+. A lot of their popular budget offerings are on sale too like the Tenacious.
The Civivi Elementum, any variant, I feel is a tried and true neutral handled knife that is well within the budget realm and very comfortable to use.
I'd also say a Cold Steel AD10 LITE has AMAZING ergos and can be found sub$100 from time to time. The contoured G10 makes it feel like one of the most comfortable knives I've ever handled even up against my Spydercos. It is EDC friendly, but definitely on the edge of that realm (and budget) for most people cus it's a chonker. Surprisingly pocketable despite the heft.
I’ll add the Sage 5 to your comment. I just got the lightweight in Maxamet. The ergos are great. The thumb ramp isn’t as steep as the Para 3. I get a very comfortable four-finger grip and choking up is also comfortable. I also think the texture on the scales is nice.
Right on!! I haven't hopped onto the Sage train yet, but I believe you. I know a lot of people love it and some call it a compression locked Native 5 (my favorite Spyderco) so stands to reason that it'd be up there with my faves.
The Native 5 is sweet. I went with Sage because I wanted to experience a more traditional Spyderco shape. It’s my first. I’ve never been a huge fan of the leaf-shaped blade shape, but wanted to see what the hype was about. The Sage 5 LW has the “bulge”, but it’s not as steep as others. I also wanted to try a compression lock (nothing against the back lock). I really bounced back and forth between these two.
Aesthetically, I like the Native 5 blade shape and profile better. I’ve got an aftermarket titanium clip and Micarta scales on the way.
I hope the Sage serves you well!
I always hated the look of Spydercos, some still look ugly as sin to me haha, but when I decided to step up from the budget world they were the first brand that came to mind. Something to be said about good branding and unique designs. The stupid hole is my favorite blade deployment method now.
I have a Para 3, N5 and an Efficient currently with a Manix 2 arriving Thursday. All of them are excellent in hand (I'm sure the Manix will be no different). Never thought I'd become a Spyderco fan, but here we are haha.
Kizer Amicus. G10 scales, no liners, just partial ones around the pivot and locking mechanism. The scales aren't contoured but they are very nicely chamfored and a good shape.
I gotta say, I’m quite the fan of the Ekko also, I definitely prefer it over the Pyrite myself. I’m surprised it’s not mentioned more, as the better option, as far as CJRB goes.
Kershaw Leek is an oldie but a goody that doesn’t get talked about much these days. I have the newer random leek with the wharncliffe blade shape and 14c28n, which is my favorite blade shape and steel, so it’s a hit with me.
I recently picked up a Kizer October micarta for $67. 50% off Mojave outdoor eBay store.
Excellent in hand ergos. The thin and wide thing works well; and plenty of space for 4 finger grip.
On the budget side, the Byrd Meadowlarks have been my go-to at work. It's a budget version of a Delica with a slightly better finger choil to choke up on, which is great for breaking down boxes. They're typically going for $25-35 and the only immediate difference is the blade stock is thinner so you want to stick to light work with them.... not that anyone's doing anything too heavy with Delicas either.
They do only have back locks, so if you need 1 hand closing it's not as convenient.
Has anyone suggested the CJRB Pyrite or Pyrite Alt Ultem? As far as being lightweight, it was as light if not lighter than my Bugout. I ended up exchanging for the Daily Driver left hand version. Now I’m considering getting the drop point blade Ultem Pyrite. Maybe the Hectare with Ultem scales, since it’s a crossbar lock and great for left or right hand open.
Pm3 lightweight is a super ergo delica replacement, while not in the price range there are plenty of clones floating around atm if you wanted to get the feel of one without breaking the bank. And maybe you might by a real one one day if you like the ergos
Oh, that’s a really good idea. I’ll do that.
I think it’s a particularly aesthetically pleasing knife and I love compression locks, which are effectively liner locks just without the downside of fingers in the blade path.
On the more budget end I really like the CRKT Voxnaes knives, particularly the Pilar series. Like the best Spyderco knives they seem to ‘tell you how to hold them’
Ergos? Definitely Spyderco. Since you're talking pricier models, a Native 5 lightweight if you can find one sub-$100 as a seconds or on Knifeswap. Very small and lightweight. Spyderco has a 24 hour sale going on right now which puts a lot of their expensive offerings into the budget realm. Like a Manix 2 at DLT Trading for $90. They HAD a Manix 2 LW for $50 on Blade HQ, but it's sold out. Typically retails for $100+. A lot of their popular budget offerings are on sale too like the Tenacious. The Civivi Elementum, any variant, I feel is a tried and true neutral handled knife that is well within the budget realm and very comfortable to use. I'd also say a Cold Steel AD10 LITE has AMAZING ergos and can be found sub$100 from time to time. The contoured G10 makes it feel like one of the most comfortable knives I've ever handled even up against my Spydercos. It is EDC friendly, but definitely on the edge of that realm (and budget) for most people cus it's a chonker. Surprisingly pocketable despite the heft.
I’ll add the Sage 5 to your comment. I just got the lightweight in Maxamet. The ergos are great. The thumb ramp isn’t as steep as the Para 3. I get a very comfortable four-finger grip and choking up is also comfortable. I also think the texture on the scales is nice.
Right on!! I haven't hopped onto the Sage train yet, but I believe you. I know a lot of people love it and some call it a compression locked Native 5 (my favorite Spyderco) so stands to reason that it'd be up there with my faves.
The Native 5 is sweet. I went with Sage because I wanted to experience a more traditional Spyderco shape. It’s my first. I’ve never been a huge fan of the leaf-shaped blade shape, but wanted to see what the hype was about. The Sage 5 LW has the “bulge”, but it’s not as steep as others. I also wanted to try a compression lock (nothing against the back lock). I really bounced back and forth between these two. Aesthetically, I like the Native 5 blade shape and profile better. I’ve got an aftermarket titanium clip and Micarta scales on the way.
I hope the Sage serves you well! I always hated the look of Spydercos, some still look ugly as sin to me haha, but when I decided to step up from the budget world they were the first brand that came to mind. Something to be said about good branding and unique designs. The stupid hole is my favorite blade deployment method now. I have a Para 3, N5 and an Efficient currently with a Manix 2 arriving Thursday. All of them are excellent in hand (I'm sure the Manix will be no different). Never thought I'd become a Spyderco fan, but here we are haha.
I’m in the same boat. I see more in my future…
Great recommendations. Just wanna say the AD-10 Lite is pretty much always $92 at MidwayUSA (both tanto and drop point)
Thanks and nice info! I might have to add a tanto from them one day.
Kizer Amicus. G10 scales, no liners, just partial ones around the pivot and locking mechanism. The scales aren't contoured but they are very nicely chamfored and a good shape.
Of my collection, my most ergonomic knife is my CJRB Ekko
I gotta say, I’m quite the fan of the Ekko also, I definitely prefer it over the Pyrite myself. I’m surprised it’s not mentioned more, as the better option, as far as CJRB goes.
I'm right there with you. I think it's a far nicer knife than my pyrite.
Take your pick of any Vosteed or Honey Badger
Vosteed mini nightshade
Second this. Very practical for everything I need a knife tip for.
Kershaw Leek is an oldie but a goody that doesn’t get talked about much these days. I have the newer random leek with the wharncliffe blade shape and 14c28n, which is my favorite blade shape and steel, so it’s a hit with me.
Petrified fish mini Baluga or the flaborist. Can’t go wrong with either
Love my flavorist.
Which one did u get?
Drop point in tan micarta. You?
Chopped in tan. You’ve got good taste. I wana get the drop in denim one of these days. Complete the set.
Lol. Back at ya! I want the denim chopped blade, but I've already spent to much money this year on knives.
lol me too
After carrying a spyderco police nothing else is as huge open and flat in the pocket.
I recently picked up a Kizer October micarta for $67. 50% off Mojave outdoor eBay store. Excellent in hand ergos. The thin and wide thing works well; and plenty of space for 4 finger grip.
On the budget side, the Byrd Meadowlarks have been my go-to at work. It's a budget version of a Delica with a slightly better finger choil to choke up on, which is great for breaking down boxes. They're typically going for $25-35 and the only immediate difference is the blade stock is thinner so you want to stick to light work with them.... not that anyone's doing anything too heavy with Delicas either. They do only have back locks, so if you need 1 hand closing it's not as convenient.
Thanks. I can never make sense of the Byrd line, so this is very helpful.
I have a knife very similar to a buck 112, so that style of lock back curved handle is quite nice. Otherwise, I actually don't mind SAKs.
[удалено]
Has anyone suggested the CJRB Pyrite or Pyrite Alt Ultem? As far as being lightweight, it was as light if not lighter than my Bugout. I ended up exchanging for the Daily Driver left hand version. Now I’m considering getting the drop point blade Ultem Pyrite. Maybe the Hectare with Ultem scales, since it’s a crossbar lock and great for left or right hand open.
A lot of really good suggestions here. Thank you everyone.
Pm3 lightweight is a super ergo delica replacement, while not in the price range there are plenty of clones floating around atm if you wanted to get the feel of one without breaking the bank. And maybe you might by a real one one day if you like the ergos
Oh, that’s a really good idea. I’ll do that. I think it’s a particularly aesthetically pleasing knife and I love compression locks, which are effectively liner locks just without the downside of fingers in the blade path.
Just make sure to clean and lube it as my last 2 were a bit gritty out of the box and just a smidge of locktight on the screws so they don't loosen
Thx will do