Recommendation? 3 inch folder

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Buck268

Joined
Nov 5, 2006
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Long time Spyderco user here, having EDC'ed the Native, D4, E4, Tenacious and others. For the past many years its a E4 VG-10, or a Saver Salt while on duty. State law is a little fuzzy here, though. Without going into details I can legally carry any size folder unless its with the intent to do harm, in which case I'm legally limited to 3in blade length... but of course then it would become a dangerous weapon anyways and be illegal. Well, never mind that. I'm happy with my Sypderco E4 in full flat grind.

Buttttt, I would like to switch to something a little less intimidating to the sheep as I've received my comments about the E4 on occasion. Recommendations on a 3in flat ground folder? My first thought is to go with a D4, maybe ZDP-189, in FFG. And that is likely what I will do. But are there any options which are more economical with similar quality?
 
I'd vote for a para 3 or para 3 lightweight. Sage 5 if you like a thinner blade/more "gemtlemanly" carry. The para 3 lightweight is going to be the most economical, but I prefer the standard para 3 myself.

Just my opinion!
 
Buck268 said:
Long time Spyderco user here, having EDC'ed the Native, D4, E4, Tenacious and others. For the past many years its a E4 VG-10, or a Saver Salt while on duty. State law is a little fuzzy here, though. Without going into details I can legally carry any size folder unless its with the intent to do harm, in which case I'm legally limited to 3in blade length... but of course then it would become a dangerous weapon anyways and be illegal. Well, never mind that. I'm happy with my Sypderco E4 in full flat grind.

Buttttt, I would like to switch to something a little less intimidating to the sheep as I've received my comments about the E4 on occasion. Recommendations on a 3in flat ground folder? My first thought is to go with a D4, maybe ZDP-189, in FFG. And that is likely what I will do. But are there any options which are more economical with similar quality?
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I've always been and will be Spyderco lover, but over time desire a lighter EDC. Now, Im rarely without my Benchmade Bugout. I got mine with the carbon handle. C35V, I believe.
 
So, first, some pedantry about nomenclature.

Calling NKPs (non-knife people) "sheep" is.... not the nicest thing to do. It's not actually a slur, but it is a stereotype. It doesn't bother me, and it doesn't seem to bother most other people here, but it's a big Internet, and there are places where you'll get flamed into the ground, instead of having a useful discussion.

Granted, those places are usually easy to spot with a little lurking. But, free advice is worth what you pay for it.

My suggestion when the topic of "perceived as harmless" comes up, is always a multitool. Somehow, they don't have any of the baggage that a dedicated cutting tool comes with. I dunno. Cultural constructs don't make sense.

I know, you said flat ground. If that's a must-have, then I'm not going to be much help. The only non-Spyderco I know of for sure is the Batum, and that sure doesn't fly under the radar!

Spyderco is the only production company that specifically flat-grinds their folders. With others, it's down to doing a lot of research into models. Maybe there are some sites that publish this information, but I've never specifically looked.

Edit: I specifically looked. Knifecenter does include the bevel grind in their descriptions. And, I think they're a Bladeforums sponsor. Otherwise, I might get moderated. :eek:
 
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You're paying more for the ZDP189, it would be cheaper with the VG10. I'd rather pay a little more and have a premium steel.
 
There is a 3 inch limit for LA city where I work so I limit myself to 3 inch knives as well.

I carry Sanrenmu 7094 and 710. One is a multitool and the other is very simple looking. I know people here have problems with that brand so another option would be:

Joker Breton:

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They actually have several models similar to this. Pretty elegant little folder with bull horn scales. They have wood and antler too which I like. I carried one that had wood scales for almost 3 years until it got stolen but it wasn't FFG They actually have several models similar to this. Pretty elegant little folder with bull horn scales. They have wood and antler too which I like. I carried one that had wood scales for almost 3 years until it got stolen but it wasn't FFG. NA08:

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They are very easy to find in Amazon and ebay. Made in Spain and are relatively inexpensive.
 
unwisefool said:
What about the cows, pigs, dogs and cats? Do we not care about their feelings of intimidation as well?

Or the llamas? They are easily spooked.
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I was at an animal petting farm and got a splinter in my thumb from the split rail fence. One of the goats passed out when it saw me digging out the splinter with my Vic Classic's pen blade.8440942.jpg
 
The Sage 5 lightweight probably won't cost much more than the Delica. That or the Chap FRN, a scaled-down Sage with a backlock, would be my preference given your criteria. For my XL hand the Delica doesn't fit well, but the Sage and the Chap do, very well. Many people like the Para 3 LW; I prefer thinner blades.
 
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I'd say go with what you're thinking, the Delica 4 FFG VG10 or ZDP, either one is good. I'd just go by whatever color of Delica you like best :p
I live in the deep south so most of the time people aren't intimidated by whatever knife I'm carrying, within reason.
As in a Large Sebenza is no problem and probably reads as something similar to Buck 110 which everyone and their Grandfather has, literally.

In a few cases, people thought my Delica was some sort of fancy safety cutter thing due to the odd shape and purple/ orange coloring.
When they asked to borrow it, they then realized it was a regular ole pocket knife with modern design.

I'd be surprised if anyone was intimidated by a Spyderco Delica or similar, and if they are, get the heck out of there before the aggressive treads on your shoes scare 'em too much. :rolleyes:
 
Delica 4 FFG is a great choice, IMO. So would a Para 3, although if you're concerned about image, the latter's blade appears bigger (but the length is the same), and it is a bit thicker than the Delica's.

Jim
 
Chaparral in any of its flavors would be a great choice. And the raffir handle version is striking and less likely to elicit a negative response from non-knife people.

Any of the Sage models would also be good. I used to have a ZDP delica and that wouldn't be a bad option, either.
 
Shorttime said:
So, first, some pedantry about nomenclature.

Calling NKPs (non-knife people) "sheep" is.... not the nicest thing to do. It's not actually a slur, but it is a stereotype.
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And to them, knife and gun people also have the same talking points (which is often true) and same wording, so we are also sheep.

Back to original poster - I like the Spyderco Baby Jess. I think the scales are all wrong for a gentleman's folder, but that is another issue.
Any number of Victorinox fit the bill and a multi-tool that has a knife just isn't the same to people. Traditionals are good here too, I like the peanut pattern. The Moki Serapis is a dressier option and few knives will be as well made. The Blakiston's Fish Owl is a less costly option.
 
As a fellow resident of MI, proving intent to harm is difficult, but I often carry a sub 3" folder so I avoid any hassle. My go to blade is the Delica 4 FFG. You really can't go wrong with a Delica. The BM MiniGrip is another option but I find the Delica more comfortable in the hand.
 
My favorite sub 3" folders are the Esee Zancudo (although I modified the frame and scales to my liking), the LM Crater (most carried of the two; thin enough blade stock that the high saber grind is comparable to similar 3" FFG blades). I carry the Crater MT, but a knife only version is available (while they last).

IMO, if you are really looking for a low-key option:

Buck, GEC, Case, etc. and even the Opinel. I prefer the #8 & #9, but the #7 is right at 3.06". They are fun and easy to customize to your handle/blade preference too.

Honorable mention to the good ol' SAK. When in doubt, I carry a box cutter... also if I have a lot of utility cutting planned.
 
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