3.5" or less "hard use" folder?

Michael_Aos

Michael_Aos

Joined
Jan 25, 2001
Messages
1,639
I'm jumping the gun a little, since I won't know until Monday if I have any "extra" cash, but I'm going to assume that I will...

As I look through my little accumulation (it's not really a collection) of knives, I see a gaping hole -- I need a 3.5" -- or _slightly_ less -- folder for that can either take whatever I can dish at it, or doesn't cost so much that I can afford to trash it.

I'm thinking a production folder, max around $150. Right now the Emerson Mini-Commander (satin, plain-edge, which doesn't seem to exist) is sounding pretty good.

I was eyeing an Obenauf large model-2, but it's advertised as 3 5/8" blade, and it's got those damned dual studs! Also been just itching to try a Darrel Ralph CF EDC, but that's getting a little too expensive for what I had in mind.

Anything come to mind? I'm thinking something I can clip inside my right-front pocket when I'm out on my dirt-bike, or walking in the woods, or hunting or whatever. Something that wouldn't KILL me if I scraped it up or lost it.

Mike
 
Kershaw Vapor. You could probably afford to loose a few of them on the dirt bike trail! ;) It's my new favorite expendable carry.

~Mitch
 
Kershaw Ken Onion Ricochet or Random Task. 3 1/4 inch 440V blade, go for about 120 bucks. Nice EDC.
 
So far we all seem to be Ken Onion fans. :)

My recommendation would be the Kershaw Boa. I suppose the "Speed Safe" mechanism might disqualify it from hard-use duty for some people, but even that seems to be pretty tough. Otherwise you get a textured aluminum grip and a 440V blade with a nice solid liner lock.

Don't let the slick looks and fast opening fool you into thinking the Boa is just about the cool factor. Mine has worked hard without complaint. It's a lot of knife for the money.

--Bob Q
 
What about the Al Mar SERE 2000? It is really tough, strong and the finish is surperb. You should definately consider this one.
 
Maybe not so glamorous or expensive, but the Buck 112 is hard to beat. The finger-grooved model is nice.

Sorry, I just noticed you want something you can clip to your pocket... Oh well, it's still a nice knife.
 
Well,my "small"knife used to be a G10 spyderco Rookie.That is untill I got my Emerson mini CQC7 b satin,plain edge ($71 from botach).This is one stout little knife.I was going to carry it as a second,small knife,yet it performs as well as a larger knife so I often carry it alone.Hold out for the mini Comander,or try a 7,I can't explain how happy I am with my mini 7.
 
My two favorite 3 1/2" production blades are the MT LCC and Spydie Wegner. Both are tip-up however which might not sit well with dirt biking. In their defense though, both have extremely secure detents and I doubt whether they would give you trouble.

For a lot less money and a little less blade length, either the Outdoor Edge Paragee or Camillus EDC are great choices. As an added bonus they both have that certain Darrel Ralph flair that seems to interest you :D
 
If you're looking at the production side of the house:

Kershaw Ricochet, Kershaw Random Task, Microtech SOCOM MA or Microtech LCC MA
 
Can't go wrong with either! I'd recommend the 705 over the 720 since the G10 scales will weather scuffs better than any material on the market today.

Of course, if you're considering a custom-range piece, can't go wrong with the small Seb either. Pricewise, it would be a good compromise between production and custom, considering your worry of potential loss. Someone had to say it!

Professor.
 
Benchmade 720
Strong Aluminum handles, with Stainless Steel liners, 154CM Bowie style Blade and the proven axis lock up. Can be had for about $100.
Sorry to hear about the pants incident....
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Gord
:cool:
 
i tried to post last night, with all the blades i could find that you might want, but it didnt work (and i did such a good job with it too, but this time i am too lazy)

here is what i found

Al Mar SERE

Spyderco wenger

MOD CQD mark II

emerson mach 1


but i would get the vapor II i have one, its fantastic.

I love the kershaw richocet and random task, but the g10 is too polished for "hard use" and it doesnt have an open frame (hard to clean) and the speed safe means that it is more complicated.

Hope the cash comes through
 
The only knife that fits all of the features requested it the Buck 112.

The only feature that it does not cover is the pocket clip and for dirt
bike riding, hiking or outdoor use I'd be darned if I'd have a knife that
would poke or otherwise injure me if I suffered a serious fall. Pocket
clips are for urban use in my book. For serious field use the knife needs
to be in a pouch ON your belt.

There is also the cost of the Buck 112 and the great Buck warranty to make
owning this knife a no brainer. Flashy with a high toy factory it is not but
the 112 will be there is you need it.
 
I'm real partial to the BF blue Native with G-10 handles. And I keep hearing favorable word of mouth on the BM Griptilian with the Axis lock and securely gripable handles, altho I don't have personal experience with it. I also see that 1SKS now has the mini-Griptilian, with a blade that's shorter than the 3.4-inch original.
 
Whaaaat. no one said the Spyderco Chinook. talk about a hard use folder. it's a BEAST. the Mini Commander rocks too. it has the most comfortable handle I've ever held. Kershaw Boa is the only thing that comes close.
 
:confused:

Maybe I'm living in a different economy than the rest of you, or have very different ideas about gear, but...

When I hear "I want a knife I can beat up, abuse, clip on when I go trail riding and not worry if I break it or wreck it"...I'm not thinking of a $150 knife to fit the bill! I mean, c'mon now.

To whit, I will submit my rather humble, but I think very appropriate suggestions:

Spyderco Native
Spyderco standard
Spyderco Endura
CS Voyager

my 'sleeper' candidate:
Meyerco Speedster (ATS-34 blade, strong lockback, and a clip that will NOT come loose even on the roughest terrain

...even better:
SOG AutoClip - the adjustable clip can be screwed down and locked on your pocket, and to make it more sexy, it can be had in BG42.

I love knives, but I try to keep one foot on the side of practicality, am I crazy?
 
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