A traditionalist explores the other end of the pool

comoha

comoha

Gold Member
Joined
Jan 12, 2006
Messages
6,226
I'm mostly a traditional knife guy. Slipjoints, stag and carbon steel and such. But I find I'm drawn to getting a good non-traditional (I won't use the word "tactical") knife for EDC for the summer.
I'm looking for something pocketable, like the Spyderco Leafstorm. Or perhaps a BM Mini-Griptilian, which I owned many years ago. So sub-4" works best for me. Something with some color, all black is not my style.
Having been out of the loop for awhile, what are my options?
 
The Boker Nano is very cool

01bo597.jpg
 
I have a Spyderco Delica that I really like. It's available in a number of handle colors. If you want a little bigger, then the Endura is an option, also available in several colors.
 
Spyderco definitely has a bead on the small and colorful section of the market, borrowing some pictures from other people I hope they don't mind.

From Evil D at the Spyderco forums. Spyderco Dragonfly Closed Length: 3-5/16", Blade Length: 2-1/4"
DSC02615_zpsc290179f.jpg

Available in black, yellow and British Racing Green for the lightweight FRN Handles. Gray g10 handles, stainless steel handles, and decorated SS handles. Vg10 steel or H1. Fully serrated edge or all plain edge.

If you want a bit more blade the Spyderco Delica can be had in a variety of colors: gray, blue, green, purple, british racing green. Or the similar Spyderco Salt 1 can be had in yellow.

If you want to spend more the Spyderco Gayle Bradley "Air" should be a great choice. Slightly more traditional it has no pocket clip, but still one hand open. CPM M4 steel is not stainless, so a step closer to your traditional carbon steel.
69327369-AB0C-498A-9A87-2BE5DDB23BD9-11493-00000B8C0389AF5E.jpg


Closed: 3.39" (86 mm)
Edge: 2.36" (60 mm)
Blade: 2.56" (65 mm)
Weight: 1.27 oz. (36 g)
 
comoha said:
I'm mostly a traditional knife guy. Slipjoints, stag and carbon steel and such. But I find I'm drawn to getting a good non-traditional (I won't use the word "tactical") knife for EDC for the summer.
I'm looking for something pocketable, like the Spyderco Leafstorm. Or perhaps a BM Mini-Griptilian, which I owned many years ago. So sub-4" works best for me. Something with some color, all black is not my style.
Having been out of the loop for awhile, what are my options?
Click to expand...

The Caly3 Blue Steel sprint run is giving me full satisfaction.
I love the staining blade on great ergo modern grey g10 handle.
Great clip too...
 
As a few have said, you can get a Spyderco Dragonfly, I suggest the one in the Nishijin Glass Fiber with ZDP-189 steel.
If you don't mind Pink you could get the Pink FRN version and the Tattoo is also very nice.

The Caly 3 is a great choice. Carbon Fiber and ZDP, or Gray G-10 and Superblue.

Spyderco Gayle Bradley Air is a great choice as well. That M4 is great stuff. Also, you can dye the Silver Twill scales if you wanted some color.

One of my favorite small knives is the Bradley Alias 2. Solid, titanium, good ergos, s30v, etc. Great little knife.
 
Been thinking along similar lines myself.....

I have a BM Minigrip in yellow, good knife, very well made but I find it a bit thick when clipped in the pocket.

I like the look of the Ken Onion Eros or Ripple, these are slim and could work well.

Regards, Will
 
Not sure what your budget is - a small Sebenza with wood inlays is very pocketable. A Mnandi is also a good choice. Both knives come with a leather slipcase.

Only problem is cost - not the cheapest way to make the switch.
 
Kershaw Blur, Kershaw Leek, Buck Vantage Pro, Ka-Bar Phat Bob, Ka-Bar Dozier (may be cheap, but is definitely one of my favorite knives)
 
One thing I should mention is that I am a lefty. That rules out the Kabar's as I notice they always have a right-hand only thumb stud.

I really like the look and size of the Leafstorm. Just unsure how left-handed ergo friendly it is.
 
I'm a lefty also, and I find liner and frame locks to be a little cumbersome. It's really hard to beat a FFG Spyderco Delica for general utility. They're light and slim, durable, and cut like nobody's business. They also come in some nice colors.
 
I will enthusiastically suggest that you take a look at the FFG Spyderco Delica's. They are light weight and thin, easy to carry and they slice pretty well. I find the handle to be very well designed and comfortable. They come in several bright colors, mine is orange, and the VG 10 blade is very good imho. The pocket clip is reversible and can be used for tip up or tip down carry.
Jim
 
Forgot about the new Buck Spitfire - Sub 4" and they come in grey, orange, green and, maybe, yellow?
 
I'd recommend the Spyderco Chaparral. It is small and the carbon fiber is textured and black. If you want a great user, slightly larger alternatives are the Benchmade MiniGrips in M4 or the yellow or orange models in 154CM.
Another option is the Benchmade 707 Sequel. Of these recommendations, the Chaparral (S30V) is most comfortable in the pocket, but all are good knives. M4 steel is good stuff, but so are the other steels. For EDC, I tend to like the Chaparral for comfortable carry or the Sequel. The MiniGrips are good users, and the latest in M4 can't be beaten for the price.
All of these knives have blades that range from 2.8 to 2.9 inches, with handle size of 3 5/8" to about 3.8". I never use a clip on my knives, so they wind up clipless and in my pocket.
 
If you like the look and size of the Leafstorm, check out the Techno too. I love mine. Like you, I've pretty much only carried traditionals until recently when I started trying some moderns and the Techno is the only one I've really been crazy about. I'm not sure how well it would work for a lefty though.
 
You have specified the Leafstorm here twice now, so that seems like you have already decided.
I have a new one sitting in a box, so I tried it...left-handed. I am definitely NOT a leftie. It's easy to open. I had the easiest time in closing by putting my index finger in the Spydie-hole while unlocking the lockbar with my thumb. No problem. Gripping the knife left-handed worked well; no problem with the pocket-clip. Attractive little knife also.
I think Kevin Wilkins has a neat design here. The G10 has a greenish glow or haze which is also attractive.
I'd say go for it. IF you don't like it, you can quickly sell it here on the Exchange for a little less than you pay for it.
Mine is to be used for a relative so is NOT for sale. But there are lots on the Web.
Sonnydaze
 
The Chaparral is about the same handle size as the Leafstorm, but with a little more blade.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top