Folder Help

[CAHardball]

First, I am not a real knife guy. You all amaze me with your knowledge and passion for blades.

While I do have a dozen different fixed and folding blade knifes, I haven't been able to find the mix of form and function to satisfy me for EDC.

I am looking for a quality folding knife under $100. I like the Doug Ritter mini grip and Native by Spyderco but ideally want something a bit smaller with a blade having a deeper belly. The “perfect” knife would have a high quality plain blade 2” to 2 3/4”, a small carry profile, easy to open one-handed with a clip which allows it to be carried deep behind my belt or in my pocket. The smaller fixed blade caping and skinning are very attractive to me but i want a folder.

The two knives I use the most right now are a Microtech UDT and a Spyderco Cricket. I like the Microtech, but it is an auto and that freaks some folks out. The Cricket is good size wise, but is serrated and the hooked tip limits it's function (for me).

This isn't needed for knife fighting but as a low intensity tool, cutting straps, cord, rope, and wood. I don't mind working it over with my Lansky every couple months but would appreciate something that will hold an edge against most soft targets. Any ideas?

 

[Artfully Martial]

There's that new Mouse II that's exciting everyone...G10 scales, 2ish inch blade, lockback...60 dollars I think....I know I want one. I'd suggest a dodo, but if you weren't into the cricket, probably won't like it either. Really, the minigrip sounds right up your alley.

There aren't NEARLY as many knives from 2.5-2.9 inches as there are from 2.9 to 4 inches though.

If you don't mind going with a not amazing blade steel, I really enjoy the Kershaw mini mojo, which I think is about 65. It does have assisted opening though, but it's a rather small knife, I don't think you'll scare anyone.

Kershaw actually makes a bunch of good knives in your range, but most assisted opening. But really, on a two inch blade....

The minigrip is somewhat smaller than the Native, especially the Native III, overall.

Also consider the Centofante...I really love that knife, though it's probably a little longer than what you're looking for.

Hard to find too many knives in that range.

 

[Franciscomv]

You should take a look at the Fallkniven P1, it has a 3" blade, but it is a smallish non threatening knife. VG-10 blade, one hand opening. The micarta handle slabs can be easily replaced with some nice wood.
http://www.knifeworks.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2684

Spyderco's Almite Walker might be a good idea, too. I have one of the older Spyderco Walkers and it's an amazing little knife.
http://www.knifeworks.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=6313

How about a Spyderco Dodo? http://www.knifeworks.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=5490

Or a Dragonfly?
http://www.knifeworks.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=409

The Kiwi and Jester might be too small, but they are worth looking at:
http://www.knifeworks.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=3938
http://www.knifeworks.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2813

You might like the Navigator 2:
http://www.knifeworks.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=6732

And the Poliwog, which is just too cool:
http://www.knifeworks.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=6732

Can you tell I'm a Spyderco fan?

You should also consider a Benchmade Benchmite:
http://www.knifeworks.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=7015

 

[CAHardball]

Maybe I was shooting too low in size as well as price-wise. The Mouse II looks pretty good but I find the thumb stud easier to deal with than the spydie-hole.

It struck me that rather than the blade size alone, I was probably looking for more of a discrete profile. Most of the times I clip my knife on my pants inside of my belt. My usual workday dress is khakis or chinos and a polo shirt. I had a Spyderco Dragonfly and lost it to TSA a while back when I forgot it there and set off a metal detector at LAX.

As Artfully Martial said, lots more 2.9” to 4” choices so I increased my size/cost limits by 10% and was back at the Doug Ritter RSK along with the Sequel, Mini Presidio, and Mini Griptilian. The first three have super steel blades, they all are close to what I want in blade form, and they all have the Axis lock.

Questions: The M-G is roughly half the price of the others, are they twice as good? What if any differences are there in the clip placement on these; specifically, which hides the body of the knife the best.