Recommendation? 2.5" or less EDC knife

Buck small Vantage is 2 9/16", just a shade over. The Select model is dirt cheap, but still a reasonably stout folder. The Pro version (if they still make it) is s30v.
 
I highly recommend the Spyderco Manbug Salt.

The serrations are terrific for any practical office need. H1 steel is the most corrosion resistant steel there is (saltwater proof). The blade is only 1.9 inches long, but the handle is very ergonomic and the knife cuts way past it's size. The price is only $50, and the construction is very durable (nice lockback knife). Lastly, it won't scare people, unless they are afraid of their own shadow.

I have also heard good things about H1 serrated steel (work hardening), so that's another bonus. If you need to sharpen it you can get a DMT serration sharpener.
 
Scott321 said:
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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To be honest, my knife usage at work is extremely minimal. I have a pretty hum-drum white collar job where there are very few things needing cutting other than budgets. I mainly keep a knife out of habit, as I am used to carrying one daily for many many years. Sometimes I will use it to cut up a little food for lunch, trim a string, open a package, etc. So, that said, I don't really need a super steel high performance knife to meet my needs...I just happen to like those sorts of things and don't mind spending a little money on them. I'm mainly just trying to make sure that I have some options in my rotation that satisfy the legal requirements for carrying a knife in my workplace. Sadly many of my favorite knives are too large to keep on my person at work.
 
How about the Spyderco Techno 2? It's got thinner blade stock than the original Techno so it should slice better.
 
The CS Tuff Lite is the knife that killed the Dragonfly series for me. IMO, it's superior in everything but materials offered (e.g. I can't get one in ZDP-189 like my 189 dfly). It does take a few minutes to fix them up to my standards when they're fresh out of the box (I break the edges of the blade spine, finger choil, and any sharp spots on the handle slabs) but they're fantastic knives, low price considered or not.
 
Gravy said:
How about the Spyderco Techno 2? It's got thinner blade stock than the original Techno so it should slice better.
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The Techno 2 looks like it checks most of the boxes. I'm just concerned about the weight. Almost 4 oz is pretty heavy for something I want to disappear in my pocket.
 
evilgreg said:
The CS Tuff Lite is the knife that killed the Dragonfly series for me. IMO, it's superior in everything but materials offered (e.g. I can't get one in ZDP-189 like my 189 dfly). It does take a few minutes to fix them up to my standards when they're fresh out of the box (I break the edges of the blade spine, finger choil, and any sharp spots on the handle slabs) but they're fantastic knives, low price considered or not.
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The steel doesn't knock my socks off but the design, weight, etc. are all on point. That one definitely makes the short list!
 
evilgreg said:
The CS Tuff Lite is the knife that killed the Dragonfly series for me. IMO, it's superior in everything but materials offered (e.g. I can't get one in ZDP-189 like my 189 dfly). It does take a few minutes to fix them up to my standards when they're fresh out of the box (I break the edges of the blade spine, finger choil, and any sharp spots on the handle slabs) but they're fantastic knives, low price considered or not.
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I tried a CS Tuff Lite. I was dissatisfied with the construction and I guess materials. I ended up buying a Spyderco Kiwi 4 and like it a lot better for the same kind of usage.
 
91bravo said:
How about the Para 3?
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Have a Para 3 in M390, which is an amazing knife. Unfortunately the blade is too long for this application -- has to be 2.5" or less without exception.
 
For small, practical and non threatening a SAK Tinker or similar. Everything else is just jewelry. Next perhaps is a BM 940 or 940-2. Light as a feather with enough blade to gut a steer. Next up a small Sebenza 21 or Inkosi. But the SAK will do what is needed. Disclaimer: IMHO
 
BBuser said:
For small, practical and non threatening a SAK Tinker or similar. Everything else is just jewelry. Next perhaps is a BM 940 or 940-2. Light as a feather with enough blade to gut a steer. Next up a small Sebenza 21 or Inkosi. But the SAK will do what is needed. Disclaimer: IMHO
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The SAK is definitely still in the running. I have a 940-1501 which is wonderful but over 2.5" so that's out. Likewise the Sebenza's are too big and over the budget I set on this ($200). Appreciate the suggestion though. All fine knives, just can't carry them to work.
 
Many people just find SAKs kind of boring. They certainly don't identify you as being a "knife knut" for the most part. I like SAKs a lot by the way.
 
PeterS84 said:
The Techno 2 looks like it checks most of the boxes. I'm just concerned about the weight. Almost 4 oz is pretty heavy for something I want to disappear in my pocket.
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The Techno 2 is 3.4oz. I've got the original (3.6oz) and while it's a little heavy for the blade length, it sill carries very well given its diminutive size. If you wear a belt the weight really shouldn't be an issue.
 
Gravy said:
The Techno 2 is 3.4oz. I've got the original (3.6oz) and while it's a little heavy for the blade length, it sill carries very well given its diminutive size. If you wear a belt the weight really shouldn't be an issue.
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Good to hear from someone with firsthand experience! I do wear a belt, generally with dress slacks/suit pants which are fairly light material. I may have to look at this one some more, as I like quite a bit about it. Thanks!
 
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