Cheap, thin, modern

dkb45

dkb45

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Dec 16, 2012
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Not too long ago I cut up some cardboard with my SAK Tinker I just realized that an SAK is ground as thin, if not more thin than an Opinel. The issue is that I don't really carry anything that doesn't have one hand opening and a pocket clip (yes I know there are a few SAK models with both).

Long story short, I wanted to know what modern folders have a geometry like a SAK or Opinel. All I know it is the Kershaw Leek, which isn't the most lefty friendly or comfortable in my hand.
 
I sharpened up my skyline and got it pretty damn sharp, with some work it could rival my Opinel.
 
Probably one of Spyderco's FFG models would best suit you. Go with something with a back lock and 4 way clip to make it lefty-friendly. (Delica, dragonfly, etc.)
 
FFG Delica is similar to SAK in thinness and cutting ability. Also the Byrd Meadowlark for less money.
 
I know the Delica is thin, but I don't think it is SAK thin behind the edge. Im pretty sure it is about equal to the Manix 2 LW which is significantly more thick behind the edge (still pretty thin).
 
Look at those SAK models closer, I understand they work better left handed than right. I hadn't looked my self but I was reading a review awhile back and it was mentioned the linerlocks work better in the left hand. Vic does offer single blade of the type with a spydee hole but no clip. If a clip isn't a must have, stick with what you know works.
 
If a Spyderco Chaparral fits your budget, OP, I would highly recommend one. Thin, slicey, and lefty-friendly too! :)

-Brett
 
timberweasel said:
If a Spyderco Chaparral fits your budget, OP, I would highly recommend one. Thin, slicey, and lefty-friendly too! :)

-Brett
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That's one I have eyed for a while. I always preferred the Sage due to the liner lock (I can operate a liner lock better than a back lock), but the styling is nice and it does fit my hand. It's on my list somewhere amongst the million other knives I want. If only I won that Powerball...
 
I'll second the Spyder Chap. I have the basic with g10/CF. Very thin, light, and carried great. I understand that the titanium version is just a hair thinner, but don't have one to verify.

The Dragonfly is also thin and even lighter, just not at pretty. I'm not a lefty, but would think that lockbacks would be the most ambi-friendly.

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bflying said:
I'll second the Spyder Chap. I have the basic with g10/CF. Very thin, light, and carried great. I understand that the titanium version is just a hair thinner, but don't have one to verify.

The Dragonfly is also thin and even lighter, just not at pretty. I'm not a lefty, but would think that lockbacks would be the most ambi-friendly.

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Lockbacks are realistically more lefty friendly, but I have grown so used to liner and frame locks that they are a lot easier to operate with my left hand. I actually had a Dragonfly, but I got rid of it. It just felt too cheap, too much slop in the design and cutting thick cardboard made the knife feel like it was going to break. If it had different handles, maybe inset liners like a Delica, it wouldn't be so bad.
 
bt93 said:
Look at those SAK models closer, I understand they work better left handed than right. I hadn't looked my self but I was reading a review awhile back and it was mentioned the linerlocks work better in the left hand. Vic does offer single blade of the type with a spydee hole but no clip. If a clip isn't a must have, stick with what you know works.
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One Hand Sentinel is available with a clip. The liner lock is very lefty friendly, and the blade is a very slicy. I have the one hand Trekker and love it.
 
On a tight budget, Kershaw injection, not "as" thin, but thin and flat ground.. Last I seen knifecenter had a GREAT sale price on 'em

SOG twitch II is even thinner.

Benchmade 531 (pardue) is as thin as a Leek, and flat ground.
(Just 0.04" thicker then a SAK tinker blade, reversible clip and axis lock being lefty friendly).
 
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Pick a knife model you know you like using, then get it reground. I seem to remember regrinding costs 30 to 40ish depending on who's doing it and how extensive it is. Big Chris here on blade forums and josh (Razor Edge Knives) do good work and have good reviews. I'm sure you could get a blade thinned the way you're wanting like that.
 
SOG Aegis? It's flat ground, relatively thin, and lefty friendly as far as I know.

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Edit, I installed a benchmade clip on that, but it comes with a deep carry clip
 
All SAK locking liners are left-handed. That is, they push to the right. As far as clips go, I stuck a Nite Ize brand hip clip on my one hand opening SAK Trekker and it works well.

Zieg
 
Boker Plus Urban Trapper uses approximately 2.5mm stock and is fairly thin at the edge. Pretty affordable and quite handsome.
 
I'll third the Zancudo. Very nice design, well executed. I have one in my regular rotation.

Benchmade 530 is also great. Thin blade, but ground double edged. The 531 weighs the same (2 oz) but has a flat ground, single edge blade. I have both and for my purposes, they rock.

For something a little bigger, you might take a look at the Kershaw Knock Out. I have one in Elmax that performs well for me. It's a right handed frame lock, though.
 
I guess I passed right by the "cheap" requirement. Here's a Colt (model CT274) that I have and kind of like. Definitely cheap (can probably be found under $15), and very thin. Let's just call it a small Sebenza "style". Stainless frame lock, 8cr13 blade, blue bone inserts. Take off the clip, and the width cuts in half. [emoji2]

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Also the Boker Urban Trapper mentioned above might be a good choice. I have a ton of Boker's, but don't have that model yet. I do have a Boker Nano frame lock. It is also fun to drop into a pocket on light days. Completely different style than the Urban Trapper, but still very useable. The Boker's are higher priced than the Colts (made by Rough Rider). Usually I would say that you get what you pay for, but in the case of RR's and Colt's, there are a bunch of well made absolute bargains.

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