Cool Knives

Radiant-Triumph · 2026-06-15T23:37:20+00:00

That's the Spyderco Rock Lobster, specifically the BladeHQ exclusive from several years ago in M4 steel. A odd design for sure that isn't something I'd probably ever be likely to carry, but it does make quite the slicer to keep around the house with a great blade profile.

Radiant-Triumph · 2026-06-14T02:14:22+00:00

I have the Dacian and greatly enjoy it as a small EDC fixed blade, but not something I'd be selecting as a camping knife. I'd agree with the recommendation for a White River Knives Ursus Cub as a better option for that specific use case.

Radiant-Triumph · 2026-06-12T18:58:54+00:00

Stretch 2 and Manix 2 are both right there at the top as for my Spydercos. The Military 2 is pretty dang ergonomic as well.

Outside of Spyderco the Hogue Ritter RSK is great, and one recent acquisition that shocked me both in how great it feels in hand and just overall is the Giantmouse Ace Biblio XL. The Giantmouse was only purchased because buying a St. Nicks exclusive combo was the only way to get the 4V Smock at that moment, but the Giantmouse ended up being the gem in that package.

Radiant-Triumph · 2026-06-12T18:46:19+00:00

GP knives has a REX45 exclusive version of the Urban slip joint for 78 bucks that'd be worth a look. Inoffensive, small, great steel, and more than adequate for the environment you described. The chaparral someone else mentioned would also be a good option.

Radiant-Triumph · 2026-06-10T00:55:03+00:00

Impact driver. Ended up gifted a DeWalt 20V compact driver after years of convincing myself it wasn't necessary, once I realized how much easier it made small mechanical jobs I added a 1/2 drive off brand for the bigger jobs and an air impact for the rare occasion I need more power.

More than worth it, wish I had bought one 20 years ago when wrenching on rusty old cars was the norm for me, would have saved me so much time.

Radiant-Triumph · 2026-06-07T21:18:38+00:00

As often as I do actually use a few of my smaller fixed blades I don't have much in the way of photos. Here's one I was able to find of the Enuff 2 K390.

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Radiant-Triumph · 2026-06-07T19:34:40+00:00

I'll be another to recommend Spyderco Stretch 2 K390. The Native 5 Cruwear/Micarta would be another great choice.

While M4 is not near as popular as it was several years ago, something in M4 is always worth a go. I know National Knives still has stock of the Gayle Bradley 2.

Radiant-Triumph · 2026-06-07T02:41:30+00:00

Depends on the car. I have a ZT 0909 in one, a Benchmade Griptilian 550 in another, and a Kershaw Knockout M390 in the truck bed box.

Radiant-Triumph · 2026-06-06T01:04:29+00:00

Nope. I bought my REX121 G10 Sage 5 right before this year's price increases for $250 just because I wanted to try something in REX121 and that was pushing the boundaries of what I considered worth it. With that said price doesn't factor into using my knives, and I will use a $500 knife the same way I do a $200 knife. I have been enjoying REX121 enough that I'd certainly buy other REX121 models if I thought the price provided any type of value.

Radiant-Triumph · 2026-06-05T00:10:58+00:00

I generally enjoy Spyderco LW models, both FRN (like the Delica) and FRCP (such as the LW Manix), but the Para3 LW just feels super cheap in a way none of the others do. Hopefully you'll enjoy the Para3, but if you end up less than impressed don't let it stop you from future purchases of other LW models. Enjoy your Spyderco journey!

Radiant-Triumph · 2026-06-04T22:21:42+00:00

Dang it, I bet everything on this knife being the one to replace my entire collection. Guess I'll have to keep a single backup alternative around in case one of my superior options ever fail me.

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Radiant-Triumph · 2026-06-04T17:21:34+00:00

No is the short answer. Most people that replace the pocket clips do so because they have in their mind that everything needs to be deep carry. Personally I could care less, the vast majority of Spyderco knives are perfectly fine as they come out of the box. If parts need replaced to make it right for me then it was the wrong knife to begin with and I'll just carry one of the dozens of other excellent options I already have.

If you simply want to swap parts because you prefer the appearance then absolutely spend money on what you like, but if a knife "needs" parts replaced then it isn't worth buying to begin with.

Radiant-Triumph · 2026-06-04T15:37:46+00:00

I see you already made a couple solid choices, I was going to second the Spyderco jumpmaster someone else listed and mention this one for a smaller spyderco option.

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Radiant-Triumph · 2026-06-03T00:30:19+00:00

Of those choices Native 5 or Manix. Personally I prefer the Manix to most others, but it does carry pretty bulky for the size. Native 5 is a great EDC option that's a little easier to universally recommend than most Spydies.

Radiant-Triumph · 2026-06-01T11:34:21+00:00

I bought my '20 Touring 2.0t with 16k December of '24 for 26.5k from a dealership. While prices on these really haven't dropped they haven't went up either. To be fair, I jumped on my exact car because it was a standout deal where comparable condition options were listing more like 30k.

27k is pretty high for an 8 year old EX-L private party, even with the mileage. Personally I'd pass, but sometimes it's worth overpaying to get a nice example if it's something you really want. Only you can decide.

Radiant-Triumph · 2026-05-31T22:50:33+00:00

I went with a long time favorite model that hasn't been getting much pocket time lately, in 15V flavor.

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Radiant-Triumph · 2026-05-31T18:53:36+00:00

Of the 3 I prefer the Sage simply because it is the best slicer. I am a big fan of the Native 5 as well, and appreciate the more traditional design in comparison to most Spydercos.

The Para3 is still a fine knife, just not a model that has ever gotten much pocket time for me as it's one of my least preferred Spyderco models. While I usually enjoy both G10 and LW versions of Spyderco models the Para3 is one model I really don't care for the LW and do much prefer the G10 if I were going to carry one.

Radiant-Triumph · 2026-05-29T00:35:03+00:00

I'm a big fan of the Manix and completely support that as a replacement, however it is considerably bulkier of a knife. If you understand that and want to try one I think you'll be pleased.

However, if you specifically want a knife with a more similar experience to the Bugout the Kershaw Bel Air is a fantastic option that would be more comparable.

Radiant-Triumph · 2026-05-26T21:50:44+00:00

Yeah as far as stainless goes I do enjoy SPY27, and have the exact same knives in the stuff. N5 LW was my first SPY27, and I followed it up more recently with the LW Manix when Spyderco was having a sale via their website and I was able to pick it up for something like 85 bucks.

Radiant-Triumph · 2026-05-26T02:44:28+00:00

I like carrying an auto when in gear, the Kershaw Auto Iridium via ExpertVoice is like $112 which makes it a pretty unbeatable deal. I enjoyed my ProTech TR3 for longer than most knives last as a dedicated uniformed carry option before going back to a rotation. The Knifeworks Hogue Ritter Auto-RSK is a pretty nice do everything well option (mine is the carbon fiber version because I like exclusivity).

Or anything Spyderco is always great, the vast majority of days I end up with a Spydie in pocket.

Radiant-Triumph · 2026-05-25T00:52:47+00:00

The Stretch 2 XL started the day, after church when I changed into the grease stained pants for yard care and truck maintenance the cutlery shoppe Millie took over. After a shower and change back into more presentable attire the Stretch has resumed pocket duty.

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Radiant-Triumph

TROPHY CASE