Favorite Light Weight & Thin EDC Folding Knife under $70

Kershaw Leek 1660CB with Composite Blade of Sandvik 1660CB Stainless-Steel/CPM-D2 going for under $70.
 
boltactionassault said:
I've done some research on this board, but a lot of the recommendations are for knives that are wider than I would prefer.

What are some of your favorite non-serrated, thin, light weight, EDC knives? I'd like to stay under $70.

In another thread I got close to liking the the Spyderco Salt 1 or Delica4, but I feel like it would be too wide when closed in my pocket. I like to be able to reach into my pocket for other things without the knife blocking my hand.

The BM 530 seems nice, but it seems like the 531 is going to be a better blade, plus it will have a G10 handle....and it's outside of my price range.

I really like the handle length, G10 handle material, blade length, and the weight of the Kershaw Skyline, but some people have complained about the thin tip of the blade. I have one of these and like it a lot, but I'm looking to buy 7 knives as gifts for a special event, so I want something a little fancier than the $34 Kershaw.

For reference, Skyline info: Blade length: 3-1/8 inches, Closed length: 4-1/4 inches, Overall length: 7-3/8 inches, Weight: 2.3 ounces).
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I love the Spyderco Centofonte III. Ultra light and thin. VG10 steel with perfect edge geometry takes and holds an edge exceptionally well. The pocket clip is well done, awesome ergonomics, superb jimping and thumb ramp on blade. Can't go wrong!
 
I like my Kershaw Skyline for a small thin folding knife, but if you're willing to pony up a little more, or shop around for a great deal, an Al-Mar Talon is super lightweight, great lockup, thin and elegant.
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My vote is for a g10 peanut or a spyderco ukpk. I'm starting to really nieve that sometimes cost isn't the major determining factor in how well a knife edcs and slices as well as feels. The peanut and ukpk are very well designed everyday carry blades.
 
Chill, Endurance and Delicate are some solid recommendations.
I suggest you consider other Spiderco's in the $100 range because they are nice and thin, yet solid as a rock, and they look great as well.
Sage 1
Caly 3 or 3.5 (I prefer the carbon fiber models)
Chaparral
These are 3 fantastic knives for dress carry.
 
Crkt Eros SS or Ripple Aluminum. Or SS ripple if you can push your budget a bit. Ikbs is really nice, especially at those prices
Or the crkt Swindle. It looks odd, but functions beautifully. Extremely thin all the way around, and the pocket clip isn't as funky in use as you think it will be. Plus both versions look fantastic.
 
1. Case Small Texas Toothpick ... thinnest and lightest EDC I ever had.
2. Case Peanut ... still thin and lightweight, but 2 blades to do the Job!

If it really has to be modern: Kershaw OD-2 (if you can get one) or Kershaw Oso Sweet.

But I think traditional is the way to go! :D
 
Sterculius said:
Kershaw Chill is extremely light and thin, and way under your budget at about $20.
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Love the chill. Been using one for a few years now. Under 2 oz, skeltonized liners, less that a quarter inch thick, perfect size and ergos for me. The first one I got had a bad detent, so I sent it back and got another. The replacement was great. That was 4 or 5 years ago, it's on me right now really.
 
IMHO, The Spyderco Delica is the best edc folder. However, my BRK Zancudo is thinner and sees the most pocket time ( my preferred work edc) because of the thin profile, value/price, and I won't agonize over it if something happens to it at work.
 
If you really want an inexpensive option, Cold Steel Tuff Lite is an awesome little blade and very light. Can be had for under $25.
 
I EDC a Millie in my right back-pocket, so nothing is blocking my hand.
I EDC a Victorinox in my right front-pocket. It's clip-less, so nothing to block their either.
Therefore I think a Victorinox would be my favorite light weight small thin EDC under 70 USD. Or a Case Sway Back Jack or Gent.
Personally I don't like hollow grinds but perhaps a Kershaw Blur is an idea? I've seen the S30V version for around 73 USD, the 14c28n is a lot cheaper. Works de-assisted as well. But probably RamZar's suggestion may be even better suited for you.
 
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There seems to be a wide range of opinions as to what qualifies as a light weight knife. My own opinion is that a light weight knife should weight at most 2.5 ounces. There are a number of excellent knives in that category: Spyderco Delica, Benchmade 530/531, or mini-grip, Kershaw Skyline or Leek, Ka-Bar Dozier, and on and on. While the 2.5 ounce cutoff is somewhat arbitrary, I just can't see including the 3.6 ounce Endura among light-weight knives. The Endura is clearly a medium-weight knife, like the ParaMilitary2, Benchmade Griptillian, and many other excellent knives. Knives over 5 ounces, which are usually marketed as tactical knives, I would describe as heavy. However, I'm happy to listen to other opinions.
 
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