ALL THINGS BUDGET KNIVES

+1, The Bondhus are excellent, most of the allen/torx sets in the stores nowdays are really crap, poor fit, soft metal, there’s some real junk out there. The Bondhus are high quality, Made in USA. I use them for work. I’m getting this set of shorty size for my knives with torx (star):

http://www.amazon.com/Bondhus-31732-L-wrenches-Length-T6-T25/dp/B000E80FYY/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1447237420&sr=8-8&keywords=Bondhus+torx

You can buy the combined metric and standard Eklind ball hex wrench sets from Enco for about $10-15 for both. Eklind Allen wrenches have been very good for me, rarely rounding off unless they’ve been used a LOT.

For torx wrenches I highly recommend the Wiha precision torx drivers. I bought my set from Amazon.

The three sets should be enough to take apart just about any knife.

Edited to add that I have used Bondhaus hex keys, they’re very comparable to the Eklind, but not enough better to justify the higher price.

Amazing Amazon
thanks guys :slight_smile:

I ended up buying
table(table#posts).
| | |
|Bondhus 31732 Set of 8 Star L-wrenches
Short Length
sizes T6-T25 |Bondhus 20199 Balldriver L-Wrench Double Pack
10999 (1.5-10mm)
10937 (0.050-3/8-Inch) |

Thanks for the info beam0. I wonder if Spyderco put some pressure on, and that’s why the compression lock models are hard to find. Unlikely, but just a thought.

I’m sorry, what is a compression lock??

The “liner lock” is placed on the spine of the blade as seen on the knives here

ignore the green axis lock knife
close up

Thanks KKW, I checked them out, the Eklind hex wrenches look good too, but the Whia torx set at nearly $70 on amazon is way over my budget, the Bondhaus torx set I linked is only about $11.

I thought that too. Because they are a true “counterfeit” I compared it to a real one and its pretty much spot on. Either that or the cheaper version sells a lot better.

Nice photo comparing the SpyderGanz to the Para2. Are your Paramilitary2’s clones from Ali Express?

I like Spyderco’s top lock/compression lock, but I’m undecided if its better than a liner lock. It seems like the compression lock on these was designed for lefty’s. To unlock I have to bring my thumb up over the top, for right hander’s like me I think it would be better with the cutout on the left side of the knife?

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My new preferred opening method on these; the “Spyder Drop” 8) :

I like the the Axis lock on the SpyderGanz, I wish they would have did the Para2 clones with the nice thumb ramp & choil jimping .

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I also like the “Arc Lock” on some of the the SOG knives, its real smooth and the stud is only on one side.

My SOG Trident Tanto with Arc-Lock:

Manx, Google compression lock. Sal Glesser, owner of Spyderco, can explain it much better than any of us. It is a proprietary, Spyderco designed lock, and it is much stronger than a liner lock.

From top to bottom:

  1. Spyderco
  2. CN clone
  3. Ganzo version

The clone is as good as the real deal and have taken a lot of use

The compression lock is easy to manage right-handed using index finger
I flip the blade in-out using the lock only

Thanks, I see what you mean, with the index finger its like “pinching” between finger and thumb, I’m going to try it that way for a bit and see if its better for me, a little awkward right now since im so used to using my thumb. On my clones the C-Lock is pretty stiff.

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I agree, these C81 clones are my best CN knives and I have many. At this price it couldn’t be real S30v as marked, however it must be a decent steel because mine is holding an edge VERY well, I’d say its at least 8cr13MoV.

Just ordered one of these on the 11.11 sale

$14.79 :wink:

Endura 4 FFG (ZDP-189 Blade Steel)

At nearly 9” and only 95g I think it will fit my needs well for a large, thin and lightweight knife for SD carry when wearing shorts and lightweight pants.

It’s actually about the same weight as my Large SOG Trident, which is EXTREMELY light, but I think this Endura4 is a lot thinner. If I really like it a lot I’ll eventually get the real one (probably the less expensive VG10 version)

I’m thinking of buying a Ganzo G716, does anyone here own it ?
What do you think about it ?

The best price I could find until now is on FastTech
It’s still budget, but I would not be against a coupon/better price…

Damn thats a nice Ganzo! Didn’t see that till today! I’m saving up for an Ontario Knife Company Chimera Survival Knife HEHE

Guys, I was thinking if we should create a thread of reputable AE stores selling sought after blades. This info is then constantly updated in OP. I think it’ll be easier for us all to refer to that list! :wink:

Please check FastTech shipping cost
Last time I checked it was almost $30 to Europe
It kills all knife-deals there for me
$18.21 at GearBest

I have that exact model - I find it absolutely superb. My only very minor gripe is that the upper edge of the compression lock is a wee bit sharp so could do with the 90 degree angle softening a little with a file. I haven’t got round to doing it yet. I think mine worked out at about £17 but it is still incredible VFM.

I am ordering one this week. I want to try the serrated edge blade!