2.5" or smaller traditional knife

Railsplitter · Nov 30, 2016

leghog said:
Case Peanut is more than 2 1/2". It's 2 7/8" closed with a 2 3/4" blade length.

I don't have a Case Peanut with me right now but I respectfully disagree. About the blade length, that is. Doesn't seem like a 2 3/4" blade would fit inside the handle of a 2 7/8" knife when closed.

screened porch · Nov 30, 2016

My Case peanut has a main blade under 2.25".

The police might not really care, but why risk getting the attention of a cop having a bad day, in these zero-tolerance days?

The Case XX33 medium stockman has a main blade of 2.5". It has a highly handlable handle 3 5/8" long, and a high-riding sheepsfoot blade that's easy to pinch open. You will have to use the nail nick on the main blade. I love mine.

Emspop · Nov 30, 2016

This will surprise no one but I say Buck 303, you can have shy-town legal and fully functional at the same time!

Sorry about the poor quality photo...oh did I mention it's under 40 bucks?!

Clay

Travman · Nov 30, 2016

I would agree that the GEC #25's with the easy open notch are a good option. However, there aren't any immediately available for purchase. You would need to wait for one to pop up for sale on the exchange or eBay.

Another GEC option would be their #18's. The closed length of a #18 is 2.81 inches. The blade edge length is under 2 inches. These can still be found on many GEC dealers' websites. Good luck with your search.

The single blade versions are named Coyote's and have wharncliff blade.

The two blade versions are named Beagles and have a spear point main blade.

redsparrow · Nov 30, 2016

Travman said:
Another GEC option would be their #18's. The closed length of a #18 is 2.81 inches. The blade edge length is under 2 inches. These can still be found on many GEC dealers' websites. Good luck with your search.

The single blade versions are named Coyote's and have wharncliff blade.

Great photos Travman!!! Those 18's are the purdiest, as Jake (supratentorial) would say in another thread. -James

screened porch · Nov 30, 2016

Emspop said:
This will surprise no one but I say Buck 303, you can have shy-town legal and fully functional at the same time!

Sorry about the poor quality photo...oh did I mention it's under 40 bucks?!

Clay

But for $200? I feel like Mr. Spock: "Doctor, it would be impossible for us to have a discussion without sharing a common frame of reference." (Or words to that effect.)

Emspop · Nov 30, 2016

scrteened porch said:
But for $200? I feel like Mr. Spock: "Doctor, it would be impossible for us to have a discussion without sharing a common frame of reference." (Or words to that effect.)

Buy 5? 😜
I get that the OP seems to want a nice ( fancy) knife I was just trying to show that every now and then simple/inexpensive can work as well. But hey far be it from me to tell a guy he can't spend 200 bucks on a knife...I've done it more then I'd like to remember.

r redden · Nov 30, 2016

Peregrin said:
The Case Sway Back knives are a nice option. About 3 1/8" closed with a main blade under 2 1/2". Even the damascus offerings, which are really nice, come in under your budget number. The Gent is single blade, the Jack two blade. A Google search will bring up many listings.

Gary the knives you post are always beautiful. I would love to spend the day looking through your collection.

Travman · Nov 30, 2016

Does the 2.5 inch limit include the entire length of the blade from tip to bolster or does this mean the length of the actual blade edge?

Ernie1980 · Nov 30, 2016

I would second the recommendation of a GEC 18. Well under the blade length limit and they are nice looking quality little knives!

Lord_Balkan · Nov 30, 2016

Travman said:
Does the 2.5 inch limit include the entire length of the blade from tip to bolster or does this mean the length of the actual blade edge?

I believe its just the blade edge.

Thanks for everyones input. Yeah, I am looking for something nice but also functional (William Henry is too fancy for example). I made a similar post in the general knife discussion and people recommended that I post here in the traditional folders since there aren't many quality modern folders at or under 2.5".

Getahl · Nov 30, 2016

Not sure if Case's mini blackhorn can be classified as a modern or a traditional, since it has plastic handles. But, it weighs about an ounce, has a blade length of 2-1/4 inches or so, and is super pocketable. Best part is it costs like $12 at Lowe's, making it a great disposable knife.

Henry Beige · Dec 1, 2016

Case peanut comes in at 2 1/16".

screened porch · Dec 1, 2016

AG Rusell is a place to look for small, sleek folders.

Travman · Dec 1, 2016

Lord_Balkan said:
I believe its just the blade edge.

Thanks for everyones input. Yeah, I am looking for something nice but also functional (William Henry is too fancy for example). I made a similar post in the general knife discussion and people recommended that I post here in the traditional folders since there aren't many quality modern folders at or under 2.5".

Well if the blade edge can be 2.5 inches then that really opens up the possibilities. For example, I just measured the blade edge of my GEC Beer Scout. It is just under 2.5 inches. The overall length of the blade is a little over 2.5 inches.

Wurrwulf · Dec 1, 2016

This obviously falls under my own limited interactions and YMMV, but from the police I've talked to, they have not cared about differentiating between edge length and total blade length. If they are concerned with a knife, they measure the piece of metal sticking out of the handle.

rishma · Dec 1, 2016

Peregrin said:
The Case Sway Back knives are a nice option. About 3 1/8" closed with a main blade under 2 1/2". Even the damascus offerings, which are really nice, come in under your budget number. The Gent is single blade, the Jack two blade. A Google search will bring up many listings.

I'm loving the case sway back

colubrid · Dec 1, 2016

Go to the sub forum for Traditional knives and buy a GEC 25 or #14 when one comes available.

Several peple have recommended the #25 already.. The GEC 14 is more available than the #25 and one that is perfect for you situation..

Also the GEC knives fit , finish, blade centering and tightness is a great value AND one you can always sell on the exchange and get your money back

deltaboy · Dec 4, 2016

108ot.

lambertiana · Dec 4, 2016

Will Power said:
I strongly endorse the Moki Fishowl. I got the small one 3 3/8" closed last week. It has no liners so it's featherweight in the pocket but it's totally convincing in the hand, the build quality is astounding! Lock up, opening, centre blade, zero play anywhere and once open, it looks like a fixed blade. Almost impossible to see the line between tang and spring. The handles are superbly turned and finished too. The Japanese make massive efforts in QC and presentation, their kitchen knives are the best in the world in my view. The word is fabulous.

Also from Moki - you can check out the Meek and Serapis. The Meek has a 2" blade, Serapis is just under 2.5". Both are available with a variety of handle materials. And I second the endorsement of Moki, fantastic quality.