Best 3" and under folders

SirGeod

SirGeod

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Hello BladeForums, what are you favorite 3 inch or smaller folders? What would you recommend that has a decent blade steel?
 
My favorite is either the USA-made Kershaw Zing (14C28N) or the Spyderco Terzuola slip-it (CPM-S30V). You could also look at the Kershaw Composite Leek in D2 or find one in S30V if you'd prefer.
 
I regularly use and abuse a Cold Steel Mini-Recon. The lock and ergonomics are very solid, but the blade steel needs regular maintenance to stay sharp.

I like it because of the strength of the lock, but it needs regular touch-ups with the steady diet of grit-encrusted plastic and sisal rope I feed it.

My Kershaw Cryo and Benchmade Mini-Grip get regular pocket time, outside work. Both have a sturdy feel, and good erognomics. IMHO, the Cryo is one of the best cost-to-value ratios on the market.

Oh. Right. The Cryo is Kershaw's offshore 8cr-whatever steel. But, Kershaw makes sure the heat-treat is done right, so it stays sharp longer than most examples of this steel.

The Mini-Grip is available in a bunch of different flavors. Choose what you like.
 
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My favorites in that category are the Three Sisters Forge Beast, the Strider PT, and the Chris Reeve Small Sebenza. S30/35v, or CPM 154 are great steels.
 
Just bought a Spyderco Cat for my college age son.

Very light and compact but the most comfortable handle of any small folder I own, and I prefer the liner lock.

2.5" 440C blade steel has proven to be more than adequate for most uses.

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3" and under. I only have two that fit that size--Spyderco Dragonfly ZDP-189 and Benchmade 556 D2 Mini-Grip.
 
My absolute favorite knife is the Benchmade Mini-Grip 555 (2.95"), some of my other favorites are the Spyderco Caly 3 (3"), Spyderco Delica4 (2.9") and the Spyderco Dragonfly (2.25"). On the lower end is the Ontario Rat-2 (3"), the Spyderco Resilience (2.75") and the Kershaw OD-2 (2.25"). Don't forget the medium sized Victorinox SAK's.

I carry 3 or 4 knives on me at all times, only 1 is larger than 3", I've tried many different knives in all different styles and sizes and I just find that a 3" blade is about max for my main use "EDC" knife.
 
A bunch of great suggestions so far...without knowing a budget or what you'd use it for, here's my suggestions...

On the small side, I'd vote for the Dragonfly or the Three Sisters Forge CCT. Or, check out the Fox Knives SpyFox.

Closer to 3", the Delica and Mini-Grip are great values, but I would lean toward a Caly or Benchmade Emissary if you want something a little different. (Cold Steel Tuff Lite is also a cheap alternative.) If you really want something beefy, look at the Grayman Dua.

Lots of SAKs and traditionals would also fit the bill...
 
There are lots of under 3" folders..... Lock or no lock, price etc would help a lot lol
Here are my favs in various categories.
Under 100: tie between mini grip and delica. Good steels and nice overall knives. great value!
300 ish: small Sebenza s35 steel and perfect fit and finish
Non locking under 100:spyderco uk PK or queen d2 sodbuster
Non locking 300 ish: custom slipjoint by Stan Buzek, Phil Tham, or John Lloyd all work with cpm 154
 
+1 for Delica. Had one in all stainless. So slim and light it was easy to forget I had it on me.

Edit: If auto is an option, I really like my Benchmade Stryker. Just under 3" and pretty compact, though I think the only version available is the stupid tanto like I have. It was a cool idea at the time.
 
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I second the vote for a Three Sisters Forge Beast. You won't find a tougher 3" bladed folder!
 
I have a Delica ZDP-189 reground by Tom Krein and the BFC Skyline. Both do wonderfully for modern folders in that range.
 
I have a Spyderco Sage 1 on its way. I normally don't like 3" and under blades due to the short handle however I'm hoping the finger choil on the blade helps out. We'll see!
 
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