Folder 3" or less blade

R

Rey HRH

Joined
Oct 6, 2014
Messages
860
There's two cities near me that I regularly go to and they have a 3" limit on knives.

I'm looking for one that's definitely less than 3" like 2.9" but, at least 2.5" or greater.

I handled a Benchmade mini-barrage which is less than 3" but the handle was way too short for my hand. It made me feel like I had to hold it with my fingertips. Since the mini-barrage handle is 4", I guess my second requirement would be a handle that's at least 4.25"? I figure this forum could help me from its collective experience and knowledge.

Would prefer it to lock open doesn't matter which method (frame, liner, axis, etc.). Less the $200, more like $150 would be better, lower would be great.
 
I wanted to have a small folder for pocket carry while I am in the office. Frankly I did not wanted to get people focused on the knife so I wanted a less than 3" folder. Different reasons but same need. Blades hq had a very good deal on a spyderco Dice which I was going to order. They also have an amazing deal on a the spyderco cricket blue nishijin. So for less than $250.00 I got both.
 
Small blade with a big handle = Emerson "Snubby" CQC14. You should be able to pick one up within your price range.
 
might i recommend a ZT0900?
these things flip like they are assisted openers even though they are not
I think whitty's got a few left over at USA Made Blade
 
mellanman said:
might i recommend a ZT0900?
these things flip like they are assisted openers even though they are not
I think whitty's got a few left over at USA Made Blade
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Thanks for the input. Most of my knives are ZT. Upon closer look, the handle is even shorter than 4" so I'll have to pass.

Edited to add: I still looked at USA Made Blade but they're out. :)
 
nick21 said:
Spyderco Delica fits your requirements to a T.
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I'll keep this in consideration. Thank you for your input. When I went to their website, I remembered that it is difficult for me to browse through their products. They could really use a web redesign.
 
The Fort said:
Small blade with a big handle = Emerson "Snubby" CQC14. You should be able to pick one up within your price range.
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Okay, looks like they had my need in mind exactly with this model. I've stayed away from Emerson up to now as I was afraid their wave feature will ruin the pockets of my office pants. But that may change if I can find one with a good price.
 
There are lots of folders with blades under 3", but most will have handles around 4" or less. The only knife I can think of with a sub 3" blade and a full size handle is the emerson 14. The blade is 2.7 or so, but it has a regular emerson mid sized handle. The chisel grind is not for everyone, but I Personally found that it is easy to use and sharpen once you get used to it.
 
Ernie1980 said:
There are lots of folders with blades under 3", but most will have handles around 4" or less. The only knife I can think of with a sub 3" blade and a full size handle is the emerson 14. The blade is 2.7 or so, but it has a regular emerson mid sized handle. The chisel grind is not for everyone, but I Personally found that it is easy to use and sharpen once you get used to it.
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Thanks for the confirmation. I think I can get used to chisel grind. An edge is an edge as long as it's sharp in my book. I think it just has something to do with the cleaving forces being applied to what's being cut.
 
Keep the DPx Heat in mind as well. Quite a few scale options including a Sick looking shredded carbon fiber.
 
Highly recommend the Delica or Dragonfly. Spyderco really does do small knife geometry very well.

I usually use knifecenter for looking up models because they carry just about everything and the site is very well laid out.
 
Maybe check out a Spyderco Kiwi 4...

kiwi401_zpsmuuunzkh.jpg


Good luck, OP! :)

-Brett
 
If your price range ever goes up at any point I can't recommend a Curtiss F3 compact enough. I have a small collection of high quality knives and that is by far the smallest I own, but also one of my favorites that sees plenty of pocket time and use. Also Dave is awesome to work with as far as spa treatments and other little custom tuning goes. As far as for your price ranger a Boker albatross is a nice stout little knife.
 
For under 200$ bucks you could get a wwells (Walter here in BF) folder and I am sure you would be quite happy. Check in custom folders he has one there right now. Russ
 
Rey HRH said:
Okay, looks like they had my need in mind exactly with this model. I've stayed away from Emerson up to now as I was afraid their wave feature will ruin the pockets of my office pants. But that may change if I can find one with a good price.
Click to expand...

The wave will ruin your pants, but Emersons are awesome so if you want to try one with a sub 3" blade get a mini CQC-7a while you can. The few available now are from a limited run, and they are among the most solid feeling 3" knives out there.

My second favorite small folder is the Spyderco Lava G10, also a limited run that you can still find now.
 
Just a tip make sure those cities also don't have restrictions on assisted opening or visible pocket clips. Google NYC gravity knife for some crazy tales of what they consider illegal there.
 
Have you considered a traditional folder style? They don't feel so limited in the smaller size because they are meant to be like that. Obviously you cant take down a lion or fight Steven Segal with that kind of knife, but they are still very capable.

There are nice trapper patters around the 2.75 - 3 inch mark, and some really sweet drop point lock backs. Only a rabid socialist would be offended by that style too, even in a city.
 
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