<$130, <3" Edc

znode

znode

Joined
May 4, 2007
Messages
413
I've been having a lot of trouble deciding this one.

The Delica 4 has been my EDC for the better part of a year. During this time I also experimented with carrying slipjoints, a Vic, the Native, and the mini-Grip. I believe I've gotten a good idea of what I want. But of course, nothing has perfectly what I want, and learning to make a custom folder is not yet within my time constraints (I am learning to make fixies, though).

What I Want:
Ideally, I want the Sebenza blade in a scaled-down-by-1" paramillie handle, with linered G10 and the compression lock. And a Caly 3-style deep-carry clip. :D

Of course, this doesn't exist :p. But specifically, the features I want are:

  • Thinner grind than the Delica. Even a stropped and polished Delica cannot shred paper the way a full-flat ground slipjoint can. You know what I'm talking about - the ability to wave the knife around with abandon and have perfectly clean slices coming out each time. Unfortunately, the edge profile from the short saber grind on the Delica means it can never do this, no matter how polished the edge is.
  • Enough tip strength to not break in an accidental drop. Fully flat grinds are amazing. But imagine the Caly Jr. blade, but handled in heavy G-10 and liners so that it had more momentum than the stock Caly Jr. If that were accidentally to drop onto concrete while open, I bet it would take out a decent chunk of its tip.
  • Compression lock/AXIS/lockback/framelock, in that order. Linerlocks are unacceptable.
  • I am a steel junkie. Enough said.
  • As indicated in the title, <= 3", < $130.

Some options I'm considering:
- Krein my current Delica 4. Lowest-cost option. This may weaken the tip too much, though.
- Buy a FFG Delica. But the $100 wouldn't really be much an improvement to paying for Mr. Krein's services, would it?
- Calypso 3: Love the FFG, deep-carry clip. May still be a bit delicate, though.
- Benchmade 707: Good, deep grind. But 154CM is a bit low for the price, and the aluminum handles are not my favorite.
- Mini RitterGrip: I like the grind and blade shape a lot, and the S30V. Never liked the Griptilian grip, though.
- Mini CabelaGrip. Good steel, barely acceptable grind (slightly deeper than the Delica 4). But it's the second-lowest-cost option.
- I also very much love the Fallkniven P as a "Sebenza alternative". But no pocket clip :(

After all that, the weaknesses and the strengths of each really makes for a difficult decision, so I would like some ideas or criteria or analysis that I haven't thought of. The cost is in fact of importance, so no "get a Sebenza" or "buy them all" please :p
 
I'd either go with the Caly3 or Sequel. Having had both, I'd give the nod for comfort to the Caly and I found it cut a better, eventhough the Sequel was fine. But I really liked the BM's lock, weight and amount of blade in relation to the overall size. BM crammed as much blade as possible in such a relatively small knife. The handles never bothered me, either, as I like how they wear.
 
If you find a knife you like - but the clip either doesn't exist or isn't discrete enough or is simply way honkin too long/big - consider gettin Steve ( aka STR) - to make a low rider for your knife. You will be surprised just how well this works..
And even though these are dis-qualified by their well executed liner lock - the Spyderco Captain gets my uglly ltl bstd that works award - carried tip down with the factory clip - it simply fits my hand and gets the job done - including prying - the tip on this one is no razor blade.
 
I think the Caly3 is a phenomenal knife. I have the CF ZDP version and it is by far the most comfortable knife I've ever held. I suggest getting that one.

Tom
 
Maybe the Kershaw 1660CB? Leek frame-lock with composite (13C26/CPM-D2) blade. Very sharp, very thin (doesn't print in Dockers, really). Nice "gentleman's knife."
 
Have you thought about the Spyderco Stretch?
Lockback,flat ground,V10 blade steel and "rugged" but maybe a bit too heavy? with it`s stainless steel handles.
You will have to handle one yourself?
I quite like mine,it is perfectly balanced in my hand and it feels"comfortable" as a good knife should be,a Sebenza "feel" of lock solid reliabilty.
For the money I could not think of anything that compares.
 
The Mini Ritter Grip would be the one I would get of those you have listed. Nice compact size and RAZOR SHARP! Good Luck! Kevin :thumbup:
 
My first thought was the Spyderco Paramilitary. In particular, it addresses your lock preference (compression). Unfortunately, 3/32" too long. You could modify the tip for strength and length (or just preemptively drop it on concrete. :D ). You'd have to do it yourself to stay under budget. Second choice would be the Rittergrip - I think it fits all of your criteria. Third would be Kreining a delica. I'm sure Tom could come up with a good tip configuration for you.
 
Tom could start with a fresh D4 in BRG with ZDP 189 and go easy near the last half inch. Should be close to $100. I think that making your own confetti is over rated. If it makes you happy, wave at it. :)
 
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