2,5" Hard Use Folder?

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Lock1454

Joined
Jan 4, 2009
Messages
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Anyone know of any folders with about a 2.5" (not over) blade that can stand some hard use? I have a couple of lighter knives like the Flash I, but just curious as to whether there are some tougher folders in this size range. Not expecting it to be a tank like a Strider or anything, just something a bit on the tougher side :)

Also interested in hearing about any other favorite knives with a 2,5" length if anyone has any they enjoy :D
 
Mmm, have been eying the dragonfly. Heard of the G10 version on the horizon and kinda want one, but the $95 price tag is a bit of a turn off. I can understand charging that much for the G10 Delicas and Enduras because you are also getting the change in blade grind as well as the scale material, but with the dragonfly you're just getting the handle material upgrade as the FRN version is already FFG :\

That Navigator2 looks pretty intriguing as well, although I think I'd opt for a Dragonfly instead.

Edit: Just realized that the G10 Dragonfly also has a wire clip instead of the molded plastic and jimping on the thumb ramp, which also adds to the price. Although I'd still have loved to see the price in the $75-$80 range. Would be a no questions asked purchase for me then.
 
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Lock1454 said:
Anyone know of any folders with about a 2.5" (not over) blade that can stand some hard use? I have a couple of lighter knives like the Flash I, but just curious as to whether there are some tougher folders in this size range. Not expecting it to be a tank like a Strider or anything, just something a bit on the tougher side :)

Also interested in hearing about any other favorite knives with a 2,5" length if anyone has any they enjoy :D
Click to expand...

Though I don't often recommend Cold Steel, the Mini Lawman (pictured below, bottom knife) would certainly fit the bill. It sports knifemaker Andrew Demko's "Tri-Ad lock," which is known to be a very, very strong lock!
3649034016_7b28a12c64.jpg


Regards,
3G
 
I second the mini lawman. Cold Steel really did good on the tri-ad lock folders.
 
Byrd Meadowlark or Robin would do good service. They're stout little things for the price. Can't remember the blade length but they're both less than 3".
 
I have recently been on a quest for small dress folders. They can’t be wimp knives though.

I just bought a Buck / Mayo 171 Waimea, which I am very impressed with.
I wish my Umnumzaan was this nice. Heck, I wish ALL my folders were this nice.

Maybe not on so much of the ‘tough’ side, I also just re-bought a Doug Ritter, Lone Wolf, Paul Presto folder. (Ritter RSK Mk4)
I bought and returned one of these a couple years ago. I was going through a ‘No blade play of any kind for any reason’ stage. I now realize that most of my folders have some play, and that it isn’t that much of an issue. The Paul Presto’s have a very slight bit of play when new, it seems to be part of the design.
So, I bought the knife again. The Paul Presto folders are the second coolest locking system made, next to AXIS. I really like this knife. I never should have returned the first one.
The knife has a wide chord S30V blade which is really beefy for such a small, 2.25 “ blade.

I am eyeing a TOPS CQT Gent-X folder now.


Here's a pic of the Waimea and TNT
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=666248&highlight=mayo+tnt
 
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Lock1454 said:
Anyone know of any folders with about a 2.5" (not over) blade that can stand some hard use? I have a couple of lighter knives like the Flash I, but just curious as to whether there are some tougher folders in this size range. Not expecting it to be a tank like a Strider or anything, just something a bit on the tougher side :)

Also interested in hearing about any other favorite knives with a 2,5" length if anyone has any they enjoy :D
Click to expand...

Emerson Snubby. The only problem is the blade is 2.7in.
 
Have to stay under the 2.5" limit on this purchase, buying a couple of knives specifically to carry when I know I'm heading into Boston or other town/city that has a length restriction. Also have to stay away from waved openers as well. I've been carrying larger knives while in town for a bit, but just figured if I could find a knife or two that I still enjoy that are fully legal, might as well :)

Definitely liking the Mini Lawman - now I feel dirty because I'm interested in a Cold Steel knife :p Especially like that the handle is still full sized, gives room for a nice grip. Is AUS8A basically the same as AUS8? I was under the impression that it was a quite a bit worse (but lord knows I've been wrong before especially concerning knives).

Appreciate the input all :thumbup:

Edit: And looking at the Mini Lawman at knifecenter... It says the blade length is 2.5", closed length is 3.9" - yet the OAL is 5.9"? I've been school in math today, here I was thinking 2.5+3.9=6.4 :p
 
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Match the knife to the job at hand....overall I use a drop point made of top quality steel, and a comfortable handle config scaled with hard use material like G-10 or micarta.
 
I was looking forward to the Leafstorm when I first heard of it a while back, but I swear those translucent scales look hideous from what I've seen :\ Also it looks like your index finger would want to hug up ever too close to the cutting edge.
 
I've been carrying a Leaf Storm for over a week and love it. Shape is such that finger doesn't get near sharp back edge of blade...I used a stone to round off corner... won't knick now.

I got tired of black G10 and wanted something different. Definately not wicked looking...kinda funky or euro look.

Check out the pics that Reees posted at the Spyderco sub forum....fantastic!
 
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