Best 2.5" or under folder for EDC for a college girl (preferably ~$20-30)?

J

Juna

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Jan 21, 2011
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3
Need a 2.5" or under (city ordinance) folder for EDC for a college girl. I was thinking Kershaw Scallion, but they don't like the SpeedSafe assisted opening. What can one get for $20-30 for a decent EDC? Not heavy duty use.
 
You can remove the torsion bar in the scallion then it will no longer be assisted. You will probably need to follow through with your thumb to open it up fully.

Edit: You may also want to look into a slipjoint. A Yellow Case Peanut is a good choice in that range. A Rough Rider or the like will be even less expensive.

Edit#2: And if she's anything like my sisters, a Victorinox Classic may be all she'll need.
 
Thanks, I'll check that out. I prefer American made, but I know it's a limited price point. So the Robin looks like the Byrd that fits the bill:

SP-BY10GP.jpg


I still like the Scallion but am trying to talk them into SpeedSafe assisted opening. Will check out any other good ideas posted.
 
My wife loves her little swiss army knife, especially for the scissors, tweezers, and nail file. Well-made, inexpensive, utilitarian. Check out the smaller models like the classic and the cadet.
 
For a one-hand-opening folder, the Spyderco Ambitious would get my vote. But like others have said, I think a nice Victorinox would be an even better choice.
 
As a college student I've carried all sorts of knives (including large tactical folders and at one point an auto) and discretion is much more important than physical characteristics. The keychain size knives like a vic classic or spyderco ladybug are a good idea though, and swiss army knives or multitools are generally accepted. In fact, I once had a professor ask for and use a full size swiss army knife I was carrying during class (it was a Vic Compact).

I'm in grad school right now in CA and rotate between a Spyderco Chapparal, Bradley Alias I, and an Emerson Gentleman Jim. No problems.
 
You ought to look at the small Buck Vantage Select. Great little folder and meets the 'made in USA' criteria...

2 5/8" blade but not too many LEOs would bother to split hairs ;)
 
My daughter (21) has her choice of a Spyderco Dragonfly
C28PBK.gif


or a Vic Classic SD similar to this -
8821209628702_SAK_56190_000_SF1_28737_psd_1.jpg


Or a Case peanut like this one -
I9bVGZVSeoh3yz-gi5QnUWZUeou6wCnb6cHRkWwpRiUvgIzgmKll_akKZwEWfUqh175Ro08L6IosDbOamFfpfNm7cRaPrhGlYbsMbO6inz2J9-nBkTa8KmXjHsVGPU1DOUDz1f1e-Nw1


These are all quite small and have never gotten her a second look.

Given your pricepoint I would suggest looking at some of the Victorinox offerings.

Andy
 
Chocula said:
As a college student I've carried all sorts of knives (including large tactical folders and at one point an auto) and discretion is much more important than physical characteristics. The keychain size knives like a vic classic or spyderco ladybug are a good idea though, and swiss army knives or multitools are generally accepted. In fact, I once had a professor ask for and use a full size swiss army knife I was carrying during class (it was a Vic Compact).

I'm in grad school right now in CA and rotate between a Spyderco Chapparal, Bradley Alias I, and an Emerson Gentleman Jim. No problems.
Click to expand...

+1. I carry large knives at my college and haven't had a problem yet. I keep a SAK in my backpack as well.

You could also look at the Sanrenmu 763 (or 763LB). I'm pretty impressed with mine; the quality is surprising for the price. It fits well in your hand and pocket, opens and closes smoothly, isn't too obtrusive, and has a bottle opener. That would be my best recommendation to a college student (BTW Sanrenmu is the company that builds Spyderco's made in China knives).
 
As mentioned, the SAK is not only versatile, but also avoids the tactical look that make some people nervous. Also inexpensive.
 
timberweasel said:
You ought to look at the small Buck Vantage Select. Great little folder and meets the 'made in USA' criteria...
Click to expand...

+1 for the small Buck Vantage Select. It's only about $22. I have the Buck Vantage Pro and it's great. My Buck 110's 420hc steel cleaned at least two hundred fish over a couple years before needing to be sharpened for the first time.

If a locking blade isn't important, then I would suggest a Case yellow peanut for $30 - made in the USA.

I'm a senior in college. I carry around a small USA-made Schrade stockman everyday, and it finishes everything I start. I don't need an SAK because my belt buckle has a bottle opener already haha. My Buck Vantage is the large size (3.5" blade), so I prefer not to carry a knife THAT big on my campus.
 
Gotta go with Swiss Army "Compact" blade, scissors and a pen.

The only thing better for a girl is the "Miss A" which is like a SAK but come with ....

Features include:
Pocket knife
Flashlight
Keychain
Needle and thread
Safety pin
Corkscrew
Mirror
Pen
Tweezers
Perfume bottle
Screwdriver
Scissors
Ruler
Nail file
Pill box

I got one for my wife and she likes it so much she never wants to use it lol I'm the opposite, I'd use a 135 dollar knife on day one.

marcinek said:
Vic Classic.

She'll actually use it.
Click to expand...
 
I gave my daughter a mini Commander p.e. when she lived in NYC and went to Columbia for grad school. Granted a bit larger than what you are looking for and more expensive, but worked for her. Look at the frame lock Sanremu 710 I think it is. Around 20 bucks with shipping and looks like a Sebbie just smaller and is very very well made. The Byrd line of knives is also good. keepem sharp
 
I too would go with a small SAK or Spyderco. That said, a few years ago, I gave my college-age nieces each a Gerber Fatty. They had never owed a knife and went wild over the Fatty! They've graduated but still carry and use their knives.

Joe
 
All great suggestions so far, here's one from left field. How about a Gerber LST? They are american made and fit the cost requirements.
 
 
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