Recommendation? 2.5" or less EDC knife

P

PeterS84

Sharpening addict, collector of "super steels"
Joined
May 9, 2018
Messages
226
Hi all! I'm looking for recommendations on a 2.5" or less EDC knife for work. Based on where I work, there are some specific legal restrictions that limit me to carrying a folder with a sub 2.5" blade.

Right now I have a Spyderco Dragonfly 2 in ZDP-189 which has been amazing in that role. However, it's the only knife I have which is small enough to meet the requirements. Ideally I would like the steel to be fairly stainless (on par with S30V or the like in terms of corrosion resistance). Also, it would be nice if it were pretty light (2.5 oz or lighter) but not mandatory. I would also be open to traditionals/slipjoints as long as they're not carbon steel blades only. Price is not a huge factor, but let's limit it to $200 for the sake of discussion.

Generally I carry my Dragonfly 2 inside my pocket with no clip, so it would be nice if the new knife could be carried comfortably in a similar fashion.

Thanks in advance!
 
Just to notate, even though it's way out of your price range, the Hoback MK Ultra is 2.5 inches. I have one and really like it.
 
After looking at the suggestions so far, I'm looking strongly at the Case Peanut or TRM Atlas. Looked at the SAK options, but I'm having a hard time finding specs on blade length; also, the weight might be higher than I'd like ideally. Also considering the Spyderco Lil Native, but will most likely go with a slipjoint at this point. Still open to other options though! Thanks for all the suggestions, keep 'em coming! :)
 
Buck 303 Stockman. (The 301 has a 2 7/8" main blade, so won't work.)
Böker Magnum Scout/Camp knife
SAK Recruit?
Case (or other brand) Canoe
Case (or other brand) Peanut
Barlow (not a "Daddy" or "Grand Daddy", those would be too big)
 
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The Vic Bantam is a one layer SAK and useful. Blade is same size as the Small Tinker which is a two layer SAK. The blade on both are less than 2.5". Measured to the scales, it is almost exactly 2.5", but I view the cutting portion of the blade to be sub 2.5".

Years ago, I was given a Schrade (USA) 30T which is a thin sub 2.5" lockback as an office Christmas present. It is a nice little knife and highly functional. At that point in time, it was one of two Schrade knives that I owned. The present day Schrade does sell this model still and should be a good office knife.

Rough Rider also has a peanut model.
 
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I hate to be that guy who stretches the parameter, but the Fällkniven U2, at 2.55”, is one of the best folding knives I own. I can’t imagine that the 0.05” additional length would be problematic... ;)
 
Might not work, but I’m carrying an Ohta FK5 in cocobolo, I think I got it from dlt trading.

It’s in your size range, super light, people friendly, and light duty. It’s almost stainless (D2). But what may or may not work is that it’s a friction folder.

Love mine. Beautiful and more capable than it looks.
 
I've gotta throw one in for the case 6208 half whittler.
It's just such an awesome little knife in a very attractive looking package.

No super steel, but mine cuts like a dream and touches up in just a few strokes on the bottom of a coffee mug.
Mine happens to be a BSA version, but they've got lots of nice ones available.
 
PeterS84 said:
Hi all! I'm looking for recommendations on a 2.5" or less EDC knife for work. Based on where I work, there are some specific legal restrictions that limit me to carrying a folder with a sub 2.5" blade.

Right now I have a Spyderco Dragonfly 2 in ZDP-189 which has been amazing in that role. However, it's the only knife I have which is small enough to meet the requirements. Ideally I would like the steel to be fairly stainless (on par with S30V or the like in terms of corrosion resistance). Also, it would be nice if it were pretty light (2.5 oz or lighter) but not mandatory. I would also be open to traditionals/slipjoints as long as they're not carbon steel blades only. Price is not a huge factor, but let's limit it to $200 for the sake of discussion.

Generally I carry my Dragonfly 2 inside my pocket with no clip, so it would be nice if the new knife could be carried comfortably in a similar fashion.

Thanks in advance!
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Bastinelli Creations PiKa 1.65" Black Cerakote N690CO Hawkbill Blade, Pinky Ring, Kydex Sheath (PRICE: $134.95)
 
Tommy-Chi said:
Bastinelli Creations PiKa 1.65" Black Cerakote N690CO Hawkbill Blade, Pinky Ring, Kydex Sheath (PRICE: $134.95)
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I appreciate the suggestion, but I probably should have been clear that I'm looking for folding blades only. :)
 
Dangerously said:
Might not work, but I’m carrying an Ohta FK5 in cocobolo, I think I got it from dlt trading.

It’s in your size range, super light, people friendly, and light duty. It’s almost stainless (D2). But what may or may not work is that it’s a friction folder.

Love mine. Beautiful and more capable than it looks.
Click to expand...
Love the look of it, but the opening mechanism is a little off-putting to me for the type of carry I'm envisioning. Seems like that small protrusion would be uncomfortable in dress slacks. Thanks for the suggestion!
 
PeterS84 said:
Love the look of it, but the opening mechanism is a little off-putting to me for the type of carry I'm envisioning. Seems like that small protrusion would be uncomfortable in dress slacks. Thanks for the suggestion!
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Fällkniven U2 is slim, light and has no clip or thumb stud. Not that I’m trying to talk you into it or anything. ;)

Oh, and everyday you can feel like a rebel for that extra 0.05”... :D
 
Pilsner said:
Fällkniven U2 is slim, light and has no clip or thumb stud. Not that I’m trying to talk you into it or anything. ;)

Oh, and everyday you can feel like a rebel for that extra 0.05”... :D
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That is quite an attractive blade and seems like it would fit my parameters almost perfectly. Definitely on the short list! Thanks!
 
Depending on how often and how long you have to cut, there are a few options.

Most have already suggested a slip joint. One of my favorite small knives is the LM crater, but that's 2.6". Personally, when it comes to cutting cardboard for long periods of time, my favorite is the old standby boxcutter (although I prefer the non-folding knife). Gerber has two small folding boxcutters for pretty cheap, the EAB (my contractor uses that) and Edge ( I'm going to grab that one the next time I go to Wmart).

Another option is one of the smaller Opinels. Although my suggestions are mostly inexpensive, they work well for utility tasks.
 
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