Decent but cheap first folder for female EDC

[brandonnash]

I have a couple women I work with that have asked me to assist in finding a knife for them to have on or with them at all times. They see how useful having a knife can be and are now wanting one for themselves instead of borrowing mine all the time.

Looking for several options. They want something more modern, not too big, would rather manual, but I am trying to push the virtues of spring assist on them, one is just afraid it may open in her pocket. And because of the female side, looks are important. They don't want to spend more than $20 or $30 for the first time. An upgrade later is possible but anything more than that money wise won't do now.

I have found the cold steel mini recon in pink. It looks like a decent enough knife for them. AUS 8 blade. The size is good enough. Not too heavy. The handles are pink, but its a faux g10. Not sure how that would feel or hold up. I am a fan of tanto style blades for the self defense aspect as well as the looks and this has the option for a tanto. I don't think they really care about blade style as they don't really know the functions. This one doesn't have a clip. A removable clip would be a plus.

Any other ideas?

 

[Brian.Evans]

Any other ideas?

Post this question in general discussion?

But, since you asked.....peanut or opinel number 6.

 

[Peregrin]

Moving to General Discussion.

 

[dr_fosg8]

If you can convince them of the speedsafe option the rainbow chive blem can be had for 30 bucks from kershawguy. It has the safety lock slide on it .

 

[leifjl]

kershaw makes a cheap tanto assisted open. dont recall the name or steel. might be aus 8. this is probably vague enough to not be a help at all. oh well.

 

[hank_rearden]

i would recommend the vg-10 delica 4 ffg pe but it occurs to me that the zdp ladybug i gave my wife may be even better. it's not just an edc, it's a daily user. it stays in her bag, tied to a nylon ribbon that could extend 2 feet from her bag. she uses it to cut paper, sachets and fresh fruit. the zdp steel holds up with nary any tarnishing.

 

[T.L.]

an SAK. then they can have scissors, tweezers, nail file, etc...

I'm quite partial to the Executive as an EDC

 

[Blade-fiend]

Spyderco ladybug3 comes in a bunch of assorted colors so they can personalize

 

[nickturbo]

how about a Byrd Robin...my wife edc's (edp's - purses) one and really likes it

 

[Zuluninja]

the new rat-2 from Ontario. AUS-8, pocket clip adjustable for all 4 corners, comes in pink and other colors. Gave one to a female friend and she loves it. It's also smaller than the rat-1.

 

[762cal]

gave my girlfriend a Dragonfly 2 in H1, plain edge.
and a SAK (mini champ).

The SAK stays in purse while the Dragonfly on her pocket.

got the SAK for 20 USD ish, and it got much more use.

I recommend the SAK. as for the 1-blade-folder since the Dragonfly out of your price range, a Byrd Robin would do.

 

[thebrain]

If they like pink the Ka-Bar Dozier knives are pretty great little knives for the money (about $20) .

 

[patyouknow]

the new rat-2 from Ontario. AUS-8, pocket clip adjustable for all 4 corners, comes in pink and other colors. Gave one to a female friend and she loves it. It's also smaller than the rat-1.

this is what i was going to suggest.. seems to be exactly what they would be looking for!

 

[alex]

Spyderco Byrd Robin

 

[AnthonyHelmsley]

the new rat-2 from Ontario. AUS-8, pocket clip adjustable for all 4 corners, comes in pink and other colors. Gave one to a female friend and she loves it. It's also smaller than the rat-1.

:thumbup:

 

[CBennett]

Ontario RAT OR Look around for a Leek even a Leek BLEM...I got a leek it was $25(probably $28 with shipping) good knife! Mine was not a Blem though.

 

[jimh0220]

CRKT Shrimp decent little frame lock that comes in pink and purple.

 

[whetrock]

As others have stated, the Ka-Bar Bob Dozier folding hunters, are feminine in pink, and very lightweight with their FRN handles. Also the AUS-8 isn't bad and more than serviceable for most. Not to mention it falls right in your price range. I think it's a good, reliable choice. They're solid knives, and the ones I've seen have had no blade play, and very secure lockup.

 

[brandonnash]

I was just informed by one of them that they absolutely do not want pink. Apparently she doesn't like the whole girly take on guns/knives. Makes me a little proud of her.


So shift focus on something a little more rugged but still in the same $20-30 price range.

Any opinions on a Kershaw brawler or black clash? I had a black clash for a bit. Seemed like a decent knife but I don't like the locking mechanism. I have a Gerber 06 and it has a safety switch which unlocks it. Complete one hand opening and closing and very quick in doing so.

 

[tfields]

i just got my wife a kabar dozier folder with the pink grips its a nice little knife and she loves it its here edc now!