3.5" or less "hard use" folder?

I think I'm going to go with the Mini-Commander. Been wanting to try that Wave thing anyway.

I've had a Camillus EDC -- too small. Love the looks of the Buck mini-strider, but it's only 3" -- and I have a tough 3" folder in my Obenauf small model 1.

I have a Kershaw Boa, and it's a very nice knife, but the thumb-ramp was too sharp. It's what I've been carrying (in a G2 sheath) so far, when I head out on the DRZ.

I don't care for the larger Spyderco Wegner, and I believe it's >3.5" -- that's a HARD LIMIT. Cannot exceed 3.5". And must be >3".

I really like the mini-griptillian, but it's 2.9", and while the larger Griptillian fits the specs, I just don't care for it. :-(

As far as the econmics, I've been known to blow $100+ on myself, just going out drinking. Let alone dinner + drinks + movie on a date. So I'm not going to loose any sleep over a $150 knife. Bump that to $300 or $500 and things change!

Mike
 
Fear not, RH--you're NOT crazy. It only seems that way because the rest of us are.

You get a prize for being first to suggest the Endura. For the job description, there's not much reason to look any further except for the fun of it. Although I will note that Michael, who raised the question, mentions that his first inclination was a $300-plus Mike Obendauf custom folder and that he puts "hard use" in quotes, so I suspect he's not thinking about tunnel-digging or other criminal knife abuse.
 
If you can live with the weight while on the trails go with one of the now discontinued REKAT Pioneer series. While there are many folders that would fall into the hard use category, the Pioneer models have a fuller feel due to double steel liners. This is a consideration when you may be wearing gloves in inclement weather. However, due to variations in the texture of the G10 slabs that REKAT used, it is best to have it rough blasted or even better, checkered! The REKAT Pioneer I (with checkered scales of course!)is my choice for a medium size tough as nails folder that I wouldn' t be too afraid of losing. Can be found for less than $100 on these forums from time to time. Don' t discount a neck knife as a backup when going on the trails...

Nakano
 
I'm with RH as well. The Delica or Endura, or Cold Steel's Voyagers make great low-cost, yet tough knives. I know, these are what I rotate for carry at work.

Flinx
 
want cheap, reliable, expendable knives?
Spyderco FRN Lockbacks, strong enough for a woman... but 440V and VG-10 balanced for us :)
think:
Spyderco Native probably comes closest to 3.5" but be warned... because of that coil, you only really get 2.5" of actual edge, it's fine for me - but may not be fine for you, in which case your next closest thing is an Endura - clocking in at 3.75" I believe but you said you wanted shorter, best shot may be a 3.125" Delica - I know of nothing longer in the "Value FRN" line that is longer than that but less than 3.5" in blade length save for the Native, and again, it's shorter than you might think.
*Shrugs* for more money you should consider checking out the Spydie Collaborations, i'm sure a 3.1875" Zowada could satisfy you, as well as well as much more affordable Centofante Vesuvius clocking in at 3.125" (the Vesuvius can be classed with the value FRNs all of which are only $45-$60).
In case you haven't noticed, Spyderco seems to have something for everyone... but the suggestions i've heard for Emersons are also really great.
Ah well, somethin' to think about.
 
Endura - advertised as 3 3/4" - that's >3.5"
Delica - that's advertised as 2 7/8" -- that's <3"
Voyager - lockback -- don't care for those.

What I had in mind was something >3", but ABSOLUTELY no larger than 3.5", and not a lockback.

I keep leaning toward a knife that apparently doesn't exist yet -- plain-edge, satin-finish mini-Commander. I keep thinking there's GOT to be something I'm overlooking. The Griptillian would be about perfect, spec-wise, and considering price, but I just don't personally care for it.

Mike
 
Spyderco Native - Hmm. That's nice. But it's a lockback. :-( Looks cool in the pics though. Thanks for the tip on that one.

Zowada -- not bad, but it's got the smaller opening hole. That's why I'm selling my Viele -- hole is too small.

Mike
 
Thanks for the tip on the Pioneer. That's exactly what I'm talking about.

I'm still leaning toward the mini-commander, but the Pioneer is a very strong #2.

Mike
 
How does the REKAT Savant compare to the Pioneer I / II? Do the earlier Pioneer's have those disgusting dual thumbstuds as well?

Mike
 
Originally posted by oupa
CQC7A
Click to expand...

Actually I was looking at this one, as well as the Mach-I. I really like the looks of the Mach-I.

I did some searches though, and every single one seemed to recommend the mini-commander over the Mach-I.

Mike
 
Mike,

According to <a href="http://www.emersonknives.com">Emerson</a>, the <a href="http://www.emersonknives.com/Mini_Commander_BTS.html">Mini Commander</a> "is available in all of the iterations, just the same as our other knives, (handle colors, blade finishes, etc.). " Note that the bottom of the page lists the Mini Commander SF, which should be the knife you are interested in, but without a picture at this point.
 
Yeah, 1SKS (where I tend to buy most of my production knives) shows they will be "available soon", but I'm not sure when that is.

I e-mailed Kevin.

I'm not going to to anything before tomorrow anyway -- Apple is supposed to announce gee-whiz-bang new hardware, and I want to have $$$ on-hand just in case I HAVE to have a new computer!

Mike
 
Mike--can you say more specifically what it is you dislike about the Griptilian? And why you like the mini-Grip but not the full-sized one that fulfills your requirements? I ask because I haven't handled them, yet the word of mouth has been such that they're moving up on my short list. Since I haven't gotten my hands on them yet I like to hear from all quarters. Thanks--and let us know how it works out.
 
The mini-grip fits my hand perfectly, and fits my pocket perfectly. I'm tempted to buy one "just because". I like it that much.

On the flip-side, the full size version felt very blade-heavy. The handle material was too lightweight -- felt cheap. And it seemed large in my pocket. Too thick, I guess.

Mike
 
For "hard use", I wouldn't trust the thin liners that Emersons have. I was just looking at some the other day at my local knife store. I handled a mini-commander, mach-1, cqc7-a, and a spekwar(sp). The liners on all all of them barely even engaged the tang.

Just something to think about.

Jeff

P.S. why don't you want a lockback?
 
I don't like lockbacks because I don't really consider them "one-hand" folders. They (usually) take something in addition to 1 hand to close.

I've yet to see the value of the "spine whack test" or the like. I've never done anything with a knife that I feel I needed a locking blade for, let alone a lock that could withstand 3000lbs of pressure in the wrong direction.

Mike
 
Well, this may be heresy, but consider the medium CS folders. I have two of the large Voyagers (clip and tanto) and they have yet to let me down. Good steel (AUS8) which takes a scary edge, easy to resharpen, tough, utilitarian Zytel handles, great lockback, excellent clip, flat profile, highly corrosion resistant and a great price. Hard to beat for a beater.
 
I wouldn't worry too much about the liners on an Emerson. No, they're not the thickest out there, but super-thick liners don't guarantee a good lockup. If you like the Emerson, then get one, and make sure it locks up tight. If it doesn't lock up tight, then send it in, wait a couple weeks, and you'll be happy :)
 
Is Mini-Commander chisel edge or normal V grind?
I personally would rather have a normal V or convex edge on the user knife.
If EDC is too small, and small Sebenza out of range, how about BM 940?
 
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