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

[pkilbanjr]

Second for the KABAR dozier mini hunter, I have two about to purchase another because I like them so much, super lightweight!

 

[Gadgetman7]

How about a Leatherman Skeletool. May be a little heavy but utilitarian, 2.5" blade and around $40 or a Leatherman Wingman for $20.

For a pure knife I agree with either the Ladybug or Dragonfly.

 

[Reasoned1]

I have scores of big, manly knives, but I have to admit that the one I'd miss most is my Victorinox Ranger. A college girl would do well with a Climber (all the normal stuff), Huntsman (with all the normal stuff plus wood saw), or Ranger (all the normal stuff plus wood saw and metal saw/file). Price range on Amazon is $20-$30.

 

[ol_sc]

+1 for the Dragonfly which is $40 on a certain south american online retailer.

 

[Siggyhk]

The Dragonfly is an amazing little knife in it's size range. Be sure to get the Dragonfly-"2" if you choose that. The Kershaw leek is slightly longer, but also a great little knife.

 

[bobusx]

For something actually in the price range, the Kiwi stag/stainless slipit is really nice. Safe finger choil, non threatening shape, 2.5" blade, and easy to open for a slipit. My #2 recommendation is a Vic Alox Cadet, 2.5" blade, Bottle Opener, Can Opener, Nail File, in a very compact, light package.

 

[Minnesotapride88]

I have scores of big, manly knives, but I have to admit that the one I'd miss most is my Victorinox Ranger. A college girl would do well with a Climber (all the normal stuff), Huntsman (with all the normal stuff plus wood saw), or Ranger (all the normal stuff plus wood saw and metal saw/file). Price range on Amazon is $20-$30.

For something actually in the price range, the Kiwi stag/stainless slipit is really nice. Safe finger choil, non threatening shape, 2.5" blade, and easy to open for a slipit. My #2 recommendation is a Vic Alox Cadet, 2.5" blade, Bottle Opener, Can Opener, Nail File, in a very compact, light package.

SAKs will offer a lot more utility than a general folder, especially given the OPs intended use.

 

[drillsgt71]

I would go with the Vic SAK Classic. I got one for my wife and she loves it.

 

[Gosdent]

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

exactly what I was going to post. Small buck vantage. and they are extremely easy to get, you don't have to buy online or hunt for stores that carry brand name knives, "2 major sporting goods stores" always have em in stock when you go there. I have both sizes, bottom one is what you want:

 

[yobbos1]

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.

Great choice.

 

[sinsanity]

Kershaw OD-1
Kershaw zing
SAK
Spyderco ladybug

 

[charles novak]

Just get her a Stanley 049 with a replaceable blade. It's just the best ever.

 

[eonXboX360]

I gave my girlfriend a purple Delica a year ago. And when i`m sleeping over, guess what knife she grabs out of my bag/pocket? An SAK....

So i`d say get her a VIC Climber!

 

[Chris "Anagarika"]

Sanrenmu 763 is lightweight, offers good grip, decent steel. You can get it 18$ shipped from exduct. It's nicer to hold than 710.

It's on my EDC when sheepies around.
Not my post but nice review: budgetlightforum.com/node/1758
forum.multitool.org/index.php?topic=22232.0

I cannot stress enough the solid grip & comfort during use. Some members stated that among all Sanrenmu, Bee, Navy, Enlans, that he has (many same size, or bigger), this one is the favorite. It means that it beats even larger knives .

Here's some pics, the smallest one: