2-3 inch blade folders

Z

zmac

Joined
Nov 2, 2001
Messages
56
Hi people, I'm new here, and it's a great forum.

I'd like some recomendations for a small utility folder.

Thank you.
 
zmac,

Welcome to BladeForums!
You might want to take a look at:

Spyderco Native.
Cold Steel medium clip-point Voyager.
Camillus Cuda EDC.
 
If you are willing to spend the money, the CRK Umfaan or small Sebenza are great. The Camillus EDC, Spyderco Native,and Delica are good choices,

Paul
 
Originally posted by el cid
What price range? Also, are you looking for a lockback, linerlock, slipjoint?
Click to expand...
To add one more to the list: "What is the intended purpose of the knife? Self defense? Camping? Utility cutting? Concealed carry? Or something else perhaps?"

Once we know a bit about what the knife is to be used for & how much you're willing to pay for it, I'm sure you'll get many opinions.
 
Zmac, we are glad to have you on the forums!

There are SO many choices in that size range! Part of me wants to tell you to buy them all . . . if you stick around here you might!;) BUT, the "sensible" part begs the question:
What price range?

If this is one of your first knives then you may want to look at some of the great "under $50" choices . . . maybe a Camillus EDC or a Gerber Harsey Air Ranger.
 
You might check out the Benchmade web site as well as William Henry. There are too many "in between" to list. I'm predjudiced, so won't go beyond that.
 
If you don't mind spending some money take a look at a custom knife. Keith Coleman www.colemanmade.com makes some very nice folders for very reasonable prices.
:)
Pete, I'm suprised you didn't mention Keith! :eek:
 
Thanks for the warm welcome :)

The knife will be general purpose, mainly opening boxes, gardening, travelling etc

Price range, I think under $120 is OK for this type of use.

Thanks
 
I have just checked out some of the recomendations - very nice. I'm not too familiar with some types of lock. Please can you explain the merits of a framelock, and slip joint, and how they compare to a lockback or liner lock?
So far, from the suggestions, I like the Camillus EDC. The Gerber is nice but a bit big and costly.
Thank you all.
 
Thanks! The Benchmade 705 looks great.

Has anyone tried a Spyderco Pegasus, CoPilot or Navigator? And how about the Toad?
 
zmac -

I've got the Spyderco Meerkat, which is essentially a Navigator with an FRN handle and the "phantom" lock. It's a nice small knife with gadget appeal, and it feels great in the hand. Plus you can get it as low as $32 off eBay...

Low price and Spyderquality - can't ask for more!
 
I would DEF go with the BM 705. Forget the black and forget the serrations-they are harder to keep up. Since starting my gov't job in CT, I had to pick up a knife that was small and tough and sharp. I have DOZENS of both factory and handmade/custom pieces. I tell ya what; I HAD and traded away (over the forums of course) my first 705. Its diminutive size, and "steak knife" style blade wasn't up to the tasks of my old job. But now, in a less labor intensive area, I have the ULTIMATE confidence in both the lock and the blade strength. If I am not carrying a small Sebenza, my Rekat Pioneer II, or my custom AFCK (all of which I have yet to carry in my new home state: CT) I have had my new 705 (from Grand Praire Knives) everyday since then.

Granted, I STILL have any one of a dozen neck knives draped around my neck. My usual carry set is my Griffith Patrolman, my Leatherman Micra, and my 705 in a sheath on my right hip. Makes for a good day!

Go for it! You will NOT be dissappointed.


Steve in CT

God Bless the men and women of our Armed FOrces...
 
Originally posted by zmac
I have just checked out some of the recomendations - very nice. I'm not too familiar with some types of lock. Please can you explain the merits of a framelock, and slip joint, and how they compare to a lockback or liner lock?
So far, from the suggestions, I like the Camillus EDC. The Gerber is nice but a bit big and costly.
Thank you all.
Click to expand...

The Gerber I was referring to is the air RANGER not the air frame . . . they are very similar knives, both designed by Harsey. The air ranger only has a 3" blade. Given your possible $120 ceiling, there is no need to suggest the inexpensive knives that I did! :D
As for LOCK choices, everyone has their favorites . . . that said . . . the Camillus EDC has the "no moving parts" strength that is hard to beat. (Check out the TALONITE!) A slipjoint is basically not a "lock" at all . . . just a basic pocket knife. A lockback is great but does not have as much "one-hand" ease as several of the other choices. The 705 that has been mentioned is an awesome knife and the axis lock is tough to beat. (I think the only problem some people have had with these is broken springs.) Probably your best bet is to do a search on locks here if you want a wealth of info!

My choice would be, and is, the EDC! I have had the 154cm and the TALONITE and LOVE both! Plus, AG Russell is releasing it in D2!!!!:D :eek: :D
 
Another vote for the Benchmade 705. A quality knife with a proven lock design. It would last you a lifetime.
Cheers,
Gord.
 
Welcome to the forums !!!!

I'de checkout almost all the Benchmade Axis lock folders, the 705 is nice, but so are the others....
 
Jason Burns - my apologies sir. I've now had a look at the Air Ranger and it looks very nice indeed, and at a great price too. Thank you for your help.

Starfish - Thanks. I must check out Ebay! How does the Phantom Lock work?
 
Lightweight, comfortable to carry, very comfortable to handle, legal everywhere (almost :)), completely ambidextrous, thin high performance edge, flat ground blade, very decent VG-10 steel, hard to beat ratio between price and usefulness - clear winner among lightweight 2-3-inched folders!
Didn't I miss something? :rolleyes:

BTW, Welcome to the Forums!
 
I can recommend the BM 705 and the Spyderco Calypso Jr. as well. I have both and they are my favourites. The Calypso is definitly the best value for money.
 
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