Best 3" and under folders

For 3" or under, AG Russell's Acies 2, Small Classic Sebenza and AG Russell's Gentleman's folder. 2.9 inches of ZDP, 3.0 inches of S30V and 3.0 inches of VG-10, respectively. All 3 are Ti framelocks.

Without wanting to start a flame war, for me the quality of AG's knives is on par with CRK, they have deep carry clips that I prefer and you get better steel at half the cost. I own all 3, so this is merely my opinion based on quite a bit of use of all 3. YMMV.
 
Delica. Love mine. Just realized how small the blade is. Itccontinues to be a capable little folder. Feels comfortable in hand and I just carved a whole pumpkin with it. If I could change anything about mine it'd be that I'd rather have Vg10 than Zdp 189. Easier to touch up. I'm not an extremely experienced sharpener through. Just bumble my way through life with a sharpmaker.
 
SirGeod said:
Hello BladeForums, what are you favorite 3 inch or smaller folders? What would you recommend that has a decent blade steel?
Click to expand...

Blade length of 2.5"-3"? 3.1" okay since there are quite a few there?

Manual, flipper, assisted or automatic?

What's your lowest threshold for a "decent blade steel"?

What's your budget range?

Anything you particularly dislike?
 
3"> my locality prohibits anything bigger than 3"

Flipper, Manual or Assisted is fine. Sadly I live in Michigan so no autos.

I'll take S-30V and above but M390 and it's other proprietary sisters is preferable, but like I said I'll be happy with just about any steel. I've got a real M390 addiction right now. Gotten the 581, 586, 0350M390.

Budget range is a maximum of $300
 
Last edited:
Spyderco C22 Michael Walker with carbon fiber and zdp-189

Spyderco Techno CTS-HXP steel.


These have 2.5ish blades. The C22 is lighter and ground much thinner while the Techno is a little brute that can take a lot of abuse. If 3" is okay then the Sage series and Native 5 are very nice.
 
The Kershaw Leek and Spyderco Dragonfly are my top two under $100. Everyone at one time should own one of each of these. The Kershaw Scallion is also great. The Spyderco Chapparal as well. It is actually a little better in my opinion and their are different versions to choose from like the other knives. Custom Curtiss Nano is very cool blade if you can swing the cash or Boker makes a inexpensive collaboration. Tons of smaller customs in the lower price range if the blade is smaller.
 
Kershaw Leek, moreover the D2/14C28N combo blade version. If the Random Leek came with a non serrated blade that would be my top pick with it's S30V reverse tanto blade, or if you can find a S30V G10 Leek that would be a winner also.
 
NoFair said:
Spyderco C22 Michael Walker with carbon fiber and zdp-189

Spyderco Techno CTS-HXP steel.


These have 2.5ish blades. The C22 is lighter and ground much thinner while the Techno is a little brute that can take a lot of abuse. If 3" is okay then the Sage series and Native 5 are very nice.
Click to expand...

Correct me if I'm wrong but if memory serves me well CTS-XHP is like a stainless D2 right?
 
Spyderco native v is also a great edc option to consider. I think you can occasionally find the green spyderco forum version with cpm s110v for $200.00 -250.00 on the for sales area of BF. If not the regular s35vn version is good option too for less money.
 
Yeah, the Chaparral is a great suggestion. Comes in CPM S30V or CTS-XHP. Light, thin, classy. The Doug Ritter Mini-Grip is also CPM S30V.
 
  • Spyderco Caly3 C113CF -- One of the narrowest profile Spyderco with great ZDP-189 steel and CF
  • Spyderco Caly3 C113CFPD -- One of the narrowest profile Spyderco with VG-10 Damascus steel and CF/Steel bolsters
  • Benchmade Sequel 707-1201 -- M390 and CF inlay
  • Benchmade 755 MPR -- M390 and titanium frame lock
  • TSF Beast -- M390 and full titanium
 
Last edited:
"Best" will always be subjective to what gives the most satisfaction in utility and pride of ownership. With internet sales and the plethora of excellent custom, semi-custom, and quality factory produced knives now available, it becomes challenging to choose ONE knife! Pick a purpose, find a blade/handle style you like, and roll with it. Happy Hunting!
 
Out of the knives I have my two favorite by leaps and bounds are:

1. Spyderco Delica 4 blue ffg
2. Cold Steel mini recon spear point

Another notable mention is the Spyderco persistence
 
#1 ~ Delica ZDP 189
#2 ~ Caly 3 ZDP 189 ~ CF

2 of the best 3" or so Knives out there right now.* Ya just got to love them.!** lol
 
SirGeod said:
Correct me if I'm wrong but if memory serves me well CTS-XHP is like a stainless D2 right?
Click to expand...

Some say it is, but more like CPM-D2 then (which I like). My Techno has held its edge well, with no issues so I'm happy with it so far. Not sure if it is an improvement over S30V, but it seems fine.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top