Best "little knife"?

L

LongDistance

Joined
May 24, 2004
Messages
319
I am entering college this year as a freshmen. I love knives and I am responsible with them, but I have the feeling that alot of people on campus will misinterpret my enthusiasm as something else (are you a terrorist? :mad: )

I normally EDC a Ritter Mini Grip, despite its small size, people might still freak out when they see it. So I need a very sheeple friendly folder. Oh, I do EDC a SAK, but non locking blades just won't cut it for me.

I will use this folder as an EDC for "normal" cutting tasks. The Ritter Grip will take care of the bigger tasks, but it should handle a tough job without too much trouble.

My preferences:

good quality
one handed opening
reliable lock
pocket clip
no "tactical" or "ninja" style blades
no auto or assisted opening
blade length < 3 inches. However, I think blades within 1-2 inches are more sheeple friendly
less than $80 USD

So far, I am looking at the Spyderco Spin. However, I have a bad experiance with framelock/liner locks because I cut my thumb while closing one once(but I was distracted, so it was really my fault). So it would be great to find a locking mechaism that doesn't involve placing the thumb in the path of the blade (but I don't think there is any to my knowledge...)

So thanks for your help and looking forward to your recommendations .
 
Spyderco Dodo. It's a little more than you want to spend, but what a sweet knife. I personally prefer the plain edge, but whatever floats your boat.
 
I'd take a look at the Buck 505. It doesn't have a pocket clip and is definitely more traditional in style, but nobody notices it. one of the most sheeple friendly lockbacks I've ever encountered.
 
Check out the Benchmade Mini-Griptialin. The blade is 2.9", is not assisted, and the Axis locking mechanism does keep your fingers out of the path of the blade. You can find them for about $60, and they are available in bright non-tactical looking colors.
 
I'll second the Spyderco Kiwi suggestion; it's a great knife and the SS version is available for well under $80. If you want something bigger, I'd suggest the Spyderco SS Dragonfly or Navigator. Both have sub 3" blades, have a great grip to them, are of the proven lockback design, look good (IMO) and will serve you well for years.
 
Might be a little tactical, but how about a BladeTech Wenger Mouse Lite? I am pretty sure you can get the Lite version in orange, which makes it very un-scary.
 
I know that it conflicts with most of your criteria for a knife you have listed, but as a University student, I think I have a little experience.

I normally carry something one-handed, clipped, nice, etc (leek, centofante, mini-grip, native)... In my right front pocket, but I also carry a Case Stockman slipjoint either in my left pocket, or vertically in my right back pocket, beside my wallet, while I'm at school. If I need something cut RIGHT NOW, or I need to do some really heavy cutting, the one-hander comes out, but normally, for pulling staples, opening packages and envelloppes, or cutting paper, the stockman is perfect.

It's traditional, classy, gives you a variety of blades, and is very non-threatening. I'd say to go with your ritter mini-grip, and then either a case/queen slipjoint, or a SAK, and decide which to use for each task as it comes up.

That's just my experience, and if you don't like it, that's fine.
 
For $80 you can get 5.333333 Buck Juno's---nice light little knife---at a price you afford to lose one or two of them and not notice----no clip though---its so light I hardly notice it in my pocket-----I have 3 so far--one always seems to be handy and I use them a lot.
 
camillus cuda edc ($25)
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Inside your price range, I'd look at one of the Spyderco offerings like the Dragonfly, NavigatorII, or even the Spur.
 
Get a fixed blade from Bark River. They have several that you can use as hard as the Ritter without a problem, but are small enough to pocket for EDC. A small fixed blade is about as unremarkable to most people as they come, and the Barkies are tough without looking tactical.

Here's what I use--Bark River OMF knife in a kydex sheath. The clip attaches to a belt loop or top of pocket.

Cheers,
Daniel

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The Benchmite II from Benchmade is a good possibility, as well as several of the Spyderco's listed here. If you had more money to spend I would suggest a William Henry Kestrel (T09).
 
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