Then you are mistaken.
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Compact small tactical folders
- Thread starter ourgon
- Start date
Then you are mistaken.
- Joined
- Sep 24, 2014
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Not as tactical or at the $200 MSRP (MSRP isn't a real thing in my mind as no knife sells for MSRP in my experience) but a couple good options are the Lionsteel SR2A about $190 new or the Spider Monkey from Southern Grind (3.25" blade) about $225 new. Give them a look. They are both a little more off the beaten path (compared to the Benchmade options) and their F&F in my experience is a bit better than most Emersons.
- Joined
- Nov 21, 2013
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Presidio does have a strong tip, I agree.
But the blade is 3,47", handle almost 5"...
The drawback for me would be the aluminum handle,
but this is me, for some people it really doesn't mater.
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2010
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- 268
I think one of the very best if not the best in this category is the Cold Steel Rajah 3. This is the knife I carry daily as a back up. The tip is very strong as is the entire blade and the lock is without question the strongest available. I carry the plain edge version but if strictly tactical I would go the full serrated edge. Blade on this baby is 4mm thick with triad lock. It can get absolutely medieval if need be.
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Well your real answer is to carry something like a FILMAM or Opinel to use in mixed company, and carry on normally with whatever main knife you like.
I like a good flat-sided knife that fits between the waistband if I'm feeling conspicuous about carrying a knife. The HK Axis is great for it, I bet with a deep carry clip it would be invisible.
The 531 Pardue is even better for that, and it's SO good-looking.
Actually I also prefer IWB or a fixed on the belt to free up pocket space.
The small Iberica liner lock from FILMAM is truly ideal as a little pocket banger, it's featherweight, wood, and classy. You could use it anywhere but an airport without incident.
On blade size, people who don't approve don't care what length your blade is, they're just judging you on appearances, demeanor, and behavior, but they already disapprove of or are uncomfortable with another adult carrying and using a knife.
The way to beat that game is to either go the open-carry route and try to force acceptance on bystanders, or you could just pick a light and compact alternate knife that specifically gives off the vibe of a traditional tool to share your daily workload.
Two hands isn't scary, one hand is, slow opening isn't menacing, fast opening is, colorful things look like beloved personal items, dreary black things look like a horrible weapon.
Opinel, a Rambler/Manager or even better an Alox Mini Champ, FILMAM, Aitor, any of those will appear friendlier to the casual observer and will be less likely to inflame misanthropic sentiments against you.
For now I carry CQC-7A and Victorinox Pioneer which is mostly in use.
I was thinking once about that model but it's folding sword man, not knife I'm searching for now.
He was talking about ULTRA Presidio with plastic handle and hollow grind. That version imho has weak tip.
I was thinking once about that model but it's folding sword man, not knife I'm searching for now.
He was talking about ULTRA Presidio with plastic handle and hollow grind. That version imho has weak tip.
The Fort
Gold Member
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- Aug 11, 2012
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I just got a DPX Heat that I believe fits your criteria. I'm not sure if the handle is 4", I can't measure it right now, but you can get a four finger grip on it. It's a rock solid knife with what I believe will be a very strong tip. Lionsteel makes very nice knives. You may want to check it out.
- Joined
- Jul 25, 2014
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Not as tactical or at the $200 MSRP (MSRP isn't a real thing in my mind as no knife sells for MSRP in my experience) but a couple good options are the Lionsteel SR2A about $190 new or the Spider Monkey from Southern Grind (3.25" blade) about $225 new. Give them a look. They are both a little more off the beaten path (compared to the Benchmade options) and their F&F in my experience is a bit better than most Emersons.
I second both of these suggestions. Great knives.
Consider also the G10 version of the LionSteel TRE.
edit...just noticed you said MSRP under $200? Do you mean MSRP or retail price? Big difference...
DPx owner. You're right about that. +1
- Joined
- Jul 25, 2014
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OK, sorry. I think most of the knives getting suggested are street priced around or under $200. You're really looking for something around $120-140 street.
Maybe consider an S30V/CF Skyline or a CS Recon or Lawman in XHP steel...
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Okay, scratch the Mini Presidio. But if the tip must be super strong on a small knife, you should reconsider a modern tanto.
How about the Mini Stryker but it's short in the grip and costly. Still under $200. Drop point or tanto.
Or the Benchmade 904. Might be a little light duty but it has other fine qualities. Thin, narrow, light with reverse tanto point (not a true tanto or westernized tanto) and pretty darn strong. Just under $200. I've been on a Benchmade binge lately so I tend to lean toward them (or Spyderco, which is out of the running).
Don't know the models but Cold Steel has several well thought of heavy built knives that would work.
I think most ZT knives are out of your price range and over the 3" blade restriction. The small Sebenza is in the size range but well over the $200 price.
Last thought: the Mini HK Axis folder. I've never even looked at one but if it's anything like the full size HK Axis, it's built like a tank and smooth as silk and, for the price, it's the bargain in the Benchmade stable. But I seem to recall it is even shorter in blade and grip than the Mini-Grip and Mini Stryker.
Sorry...I'm tapped out on suggestions.
How about the Mini Stryker but it's short in the grip and costly. Still under $200. Drop point or tanto.
Or the Benchmade 904. Might be a little light duty but it has other fine qualities. Thin, narrow, light with reverse tanto point (not a true tanto or westernized tanto) and pretty darn strong. Just under $200. I've been on a Benchmade binge lately so I tend to lean toward them (or Spyderco, which is out of the running).
Don't know the models but Cold Steel has several well thought of heavy built knives that would work.
I think most ZT knives are out of your price range and over the 3" blade restriction. The small Sebenza is in the size range but well over the $200 price.
Last thought: the Mini HK Axis folder. I've never even looked at one but if it's anything like the full size HK Axis, it's built like a tank and smooth as silk and, for the price, it's the bargain in the Benchmade stable. But I seem to recall it is even shorter in blade and grip than the Mini-Grip and Mini Stryker.
Sorry...I'm tapped out on suggestions.
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- Mar 1, 2010
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"I was thinking once about that model but it's folding sword man, not knife I'm searching for now."
Are you sure you looked at the Rajah 3? The blade is only 3 and 1/4 inch and 8 and 3/8 inch overall. Not a folding sword, just about the strongest 3 inch folder you will find at any price.
Are you sure you looked at the Rajah 3? The blade is only 3 and 1/4 inch and 8 and 3/8 inch overall. Not a folding sword, just about the strongest 3 inch folder you will find at any price.
