Any opinions, experience and recommendations on a small EDC knife?

RkyMtn

RkyMtn

Joined
Dec 24, 2009
Messages
561
I am looking for a small EDC knife and I have been considering at the Al Mar SLB, SOG Bluto, Kershaw Baby Boa (I have tested this one), currently carrying the SOG Access Card 2.0. Any opinions on the above or any others that would fit in this category would be very welcome.

Criteria I'd like to have: slim handles (I LOVE the Baby Boa - wished they would make a mini Blur), 3.25"-3.75" closed length, AUS-8 to S30V blade steel equivalent, no recurve or serrations (I sharpen my own knives with up to an 8000 grit wet stone and then strop hone with abrasive => Very scary sharp. Goes through paper like hot knife through butter).

Many Thanks,

Eric
 
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RkyMtn said:
I am looking for a small EDC knife and I have been considering at the Al Mar SLB, SOG Bluto, Kershaw Baby Boa (I have tested this one), currently carrying the SOG Access Card 2.0. Any opinions on the above or any others that would fit in this category would be very welcome.

Many Thanks,

Eric
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Spyderco Dragonfly with green g10 handles. Just got mine a few weeks ago and am loving it. Small EDC that cuts like a much bigger knife.
 
The company for which I work has a rule that limits knives to a 2" blade and a 4 1/2" opened length. I have tried several, including the Spyderco Ladybug. The best I have found is a Boker Sub Com.

The biggest problem I have with small knives is getting a handle that is big enough so that you have proper control of the blade. The Sub Com, with its wide handle, excels in this.

Highly recommended.
 
scallion, chive, shallot or leek. if you buy a higher grade of any of them, then they are going to be just fine. for example, the damascus version of any of them would be really pretty, and they are really thin in the pocket.
 
Kershaw Chill... $16 + shipping. IMO unbeatable for cheap, sturdy, compact, quality EDC.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=822598

This is the only cheap EDC I've seen that manages to be both small and large at the same time, and has elegant looks and good ergonomics to boot. It is very slim and compact, yet has a 3"+ blade and a handle big enough for large hands to be semi-comfortable. Major props to Kershaw for the price point, and RJ Martin for the design.
 
The SLB is a great little knife that does not get talked about much here. Taking consideration for the total knife size the grip and handle use are good for big hands. If the SLB is too steep in price I would have to recommend the Boker Subcom. Pretty sweet little knife for the price.

Whitty
 
not sure how small you require but I sure like my spyderco native. It's the smallest folder I edc and that s30v holds a mean edge. Also I hardly ever notice it when it's clipped in my pocket.
 
How small is "small"? At right around 3", I like the Spyderco Sage series and the Kershaw OD-1. For less than 3", check out the Spyderco Michael Walker and Dragonfly.
 
neuron said:
How small is "small"? At right around 3", I like the Spyderco Sage series and the Kershaw OD-1. For less than 3", check out the Spyderco Michael Walker and Dragonfly.
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For sheeple friendly EDC, I would consider anything over 3" large, 2.5-3" average, and 2-2.5" as small. The only reason I brought up the chill, is that since it is such a slim, slender knife, the 3" blade doesn't look nearly as intimidating as other folders with the same blade size. I think the classic swiss army knife sets the benchmark for sheeptastic size.

It will become my new daily EDC for that very reason... it's the only knife I've seen that is slim and elegant enough to be PC, but has a long enough blade where you're not constantly cursing it for its' shortness. IMO, anything under 3" is just plain inconvenient for anything but cutting packing tape.

If you think about it, a 2" knife really is approaching the size of a boxcutter blade, just a different shape.
 
I second the Dragonfly in G10 (not a big fan of the way the FRN feels) and Sage or the Mini-Griptilian if that's not too big.
 
Thanks for all your suggestions and opinions. One would think there are many option in a smaller EDC knife, but there are enough criteria that it becomes a challenge.

I have just come across a Spyderco Michael Walker ZDP-189 knife and bought it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8EAf1SMAuc&feature=related

I think this could do the trick. If not, I will let you know and offer it up to the forum for something else.

Peace,

Eric
 
Seems like you want a folder but for something that small I give the nod to a Folts Minimalist if you can use a fixed blade. You also have three choices of blade type and at about 20 bucks it simply cannot be beat.
 
I think the Bechmade Axial series A2 (235) could make your short list. Its AUS-8 and is 3.39" closed. Handle is 0.43 thick and it weighs in at a svelt 1.60oz. Looks real classy with the carbon fiber scales but can be had in cocobolo and ivory micarta as well.
 
A Bradley Alias II gets my vote. A very tough little frame lock with an S30V blade
 
buck vantage pro small (i have a vantage pro large and it's a very good knife at an excellent price point)

others i can think of:
kershaw zing
kershaw salvo
spyderco dragonfly
benchmade mini grip
 
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Benchmade 707 Sequel is the best small, strong and beautiful knife for edc. It´s true... I promise!
707_Winter.jpg
 
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Slowstarter said:
Benchmade 707 Sequel is the best small, strong and beautiful knife for edc. It´s true... I promise!
707_Winter.jpg
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Yes, this is definitely in the target area of what I am looking for. Thanks for pointing this out! I will look at this in detail!!

I see from web sites that there is a G-10 inlay, but what is the rest of the handle made of?

Where in N. Europe are you from? I spend time in Denmark and your photo reminded me of our friend's deck we lounged on north of Copenhagen.

Best regards,

Eric
 
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