Help choosing a small knife

[phreemann]

Hi,

I'm new to this forum; I have been browsing for a while looking for a topic regarding the type of knife I'm looking for, and now I'd like to ask people's opinion on choosing a small knife to buy.

I am looking for a very small, lightweight knife that I can easily carry in a small pocket or as a neck knife. Total length must be no more than 5", and preferably no more than 4". It is going to be a general purpose knife, but not heavy duty; at the moment I am using a cut down handle mounting 1" Stanley 11-111 whittling blades, so I am definitely going more for the scalpel end of things than the upswept blade or kerambit style.

At the moment I am looking at the Fred Perrin Street Surgeon and the Warren Thomas Thumb Tac. Does anyone have any experience with or advice regarding these knives? Also; does anyone have any photos of the knives in question? If anyone can recommend any other knives that fit my criteria I would very much like to hear about them.

Thanks for your time, hopefully you can help a knife n00b choose his first decent knife.

 

[Franciscomv]

I haven't tried the knives you mention.

For a small fixed blade I'd recommend one of Bark River's Mikro or Mini Canadian models, they are great little knives. Some come in 12C27 steel (a decent stainless steel which Bark River heat treats VERY well) and A2 (a very good carbon steel). There are a gazillion handle choices.

Take a look at the Fallkniven WM-1 as well as one of Charles May's Fireants (customs, but not overly expensive). The WM-1 almost feels like a full size knife, the handle is very well thought out and the VG-10 blade cuts like there's no tomorrow. I've got a Scandi ground Fireant with ironwood handles and mosaic pins, it's a real beauty and a handy tool. Even though it's a custom, it's not very expensive (I paid $125 for mine).

http://www.barkriverknifetool.com/

http://charlesmayknives.blademakers.com/

http://www.fallkniven.com/

 

[fudo]

In a fixed blade knife, I find a Victorinox 4" paring knife very useful. They are a comfortable size, have a nice pointy point, they don't weigh anything, and they are cheap.A.G. Russell's Woodswalker is also great, for the same reasons.In a folder, any Spyderco that fits your hand should work wonderfully.

 

[phreemann]

Okay, thanks for the help there . I quite like the look of the Bark River Trickle, it looks similar to the Mikro but I prefer the blade shape on the Trickle. The Fallkniven and Fireant knives I'm not so keen on, I'm not so much after a hunting knife, rather a more straight edged design.

I've also found the Bucks Hartsook, but the price makes me wary. I'm really looking for a nice custom knife that will last many years of use, rather than the sort of knife that's cheaper but more "disposable" in nature.

Thanks for the help so far, and keep the comments and ideas flowing guys!

 

[DoctaD]

Here are a few knives knives that I think would be great. I have never used any of these knives, but would love to have one:
Gene Ingram Warncliffe
Krein TK-1
Graham Knives Razel (lots of variations, look at the stubby Razel for a small knife).

 

[phreemann]

Well.....just been browsing and stumbled across these;

Does anyone know where or if they are available to buy?

Also trying to identify the knife in the bottom right and corner of this image;

So many nice knives! I never thought I'd be a knife collector but I am seriously compelled to rethink that. I blame this site!