Recommendation? Best small EDC blades? (Close in size to the cadet)

Steelhog

Steelhog

Joined
Jul 2, 2009
Messages
1,176
Hey all - I love the victorinox cadet - I have like 7now. This to be has been one of the best EDC blades for me about 5 years running. But it occurred to me this is really the only small blade I have tried.......It just happened to stick. So what are some other small EDC blades around the size of the cadet that I may be missing out on?

Modern/traditional/slip joint/locking - doesn't matter. Its mostly if it can fit in that watch pocket and be EDCed that way (I may be the only person who does this.....lol).

So let me know what you think is worth trying!
 
Hands down DF2 and a plus it comes in many different steel, scale and blade shape options.
 
some pics for a side by side comparison.
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Spyderco DF2, you can even get a wharncliffe version

Manly Wasp or benchmade proper for modern slipjoints

larger but still interesting the BM Bugout

but for pocket watch, the DF is really better
 
I kinda avoid knives that size pretending to be one-hand opening because i find it uncomfortable to manipulate thus and I generally prefer one-handed...

and while not really a recommendation of a different small EDC, another option is to have a clip installed on the cadet for a different carry style - the clip is mounted only though those super-thin scales, so not ideal, but still and option:

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you could also go deep-carry-clip although the thin scale base is still an issue:
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I carry my alox Cadet and Pioneer X on the Tec P7 clips. Works perfectly and the knife rides along the side of my thigh. No need to carry in the watch pocket and doesn't fall down in the bottom of my front pockets. v2.jpg v3.jpg
 
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These pop up once in a while, but they are totally worth it(to a degree, some prices are bonkers). Northwoods Fayette Jack. It’s my absolute favorite watch pocket knife. 3.5” frame is a perfect fit for that spot. Great ergonomics for the size. There’s others out there with the same frame like the GEC 56, but I’m smitten with the blade profile on the Fayette. A more available option is the Case Swayback. Similar to the Fayette in most respects.

Another special mention to the Lionsteel Barlows. It’s a great knife that uses modern materials in a traditional package. I’m biased towards the Dom, but you have more than a few picks to choose from.

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The Case Texas Jack was my #1 knife last year ( ignore the modified pen blade )


The cadet is great, but I do prefer the recruit.
It's similar enough that you probably don't need to try one though.
 
The Opinel 6 and the Okapi Biltong are two of my favorite carry knives. They are so light and unobtrusive I can carry both in addition to the SAK.1BF5EBB3-74D6-4BFA-A727-FB9DCD5EEC71.jpeg
 
Spyderco Lil Native is absolutely fantastic, and can be had as a backlock or compression lock.

The dragonfly is exceptional as well.

The CRKT Pilar is a great design for the price but heavy as heck, and less premium materials, but that's to be expected with that price.

Lionsteel bestMAN is a great option too.

I have all of the above and would recommend them all.
 
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