Help me choose... A great EDC under 3"!

M

Mobuis

Joined
Nov 25, 2015
Messages
4
I've been lingering around BF for quite a while, and I've come to have an absolutely huge amount of respect for the ridiculous amount of blade knowledge that seems to have coalesced around these boards. I decided that, given the fact that I'm looking for a reasonably specific bracket of knife, there would be no better place that I could drop a line and ask for advice.

I'll outline my specifications. I live in an area that does not permit blades outside of a margin equal to or less than 3 inches. Every man needs a good utility knife, and that's certainly what I'm looking for, but the area that I live in is such that defense is a concern and, if confronted with an absolutely inescapable self defense situation, I'd like to come out on top. Regulations also prohibit fixed blades and OTFs(as much as I adore both) and, as such, I'm looking for a folder. I'm willing to drop a couple hundred bucks on a top-quality blade (even though I'd have no qualms with keeping the price down), because quality is always better than quantity in the long run.

So to clarify:
3" or less.
Folder.
0 - around 300$ range.
No fixed blades or OTFs.
Utility, with defense possibility.

I respect all of your opinions tremendously, and I will seriously look into each piece of advice and every recommendation given.
 
That's an easy one...
CRK Small Sebenza 21

You said you wanted quality and if your patient you can easily find one for $300 on the Chris Reeve exchange. Lots of varieties to choose from.
 
wtlj said:
That's an easy one...
CRK Small Sebenza 21

You said you wanted quality and if your patient you can easily find one for $300 on the Chris Reeve exchange. Lots of varieties to choose from.
Click to expand...

That's a Bingo!
 
If not the small Sebenza the new Boker mini kwaiken is coming out. Benchmade Nagara if you can find one, Al Mar Hawk Ultralight, AG Russell Dozier Tab Lock Flipper is pretty great I want to pick that one up soon-ish. PM2 is fantastic. So many choices.
 
Mobuis said:
Every man needs a good utility knife, and that's certainly what I'm looking for, but the area that I live in is such that defense is a concern and, if confronted with an absolutely inescapable self defense situation, I'd like to come out on top.
Click to expand...

Hey man, welcome to the forums! I hope you stick around and help someone else out in the future too. Anyway, I know you said you are willing to spend big money on a knife for self defense. But instead of a knife, how about a gun if the area you live in is bad? Okay on point. When I think self defense, I would want something quick opening. The spyderco sage 1 & 2 are quick to open and right at 3" blades. I have a sage 1 that i have been using for 3 years now and I love that knife. I would suggest checking out BladeHq.com and set your criteria to include knives 3" and under. Good luck, and be sure and let us know what you pick.
 
Spyderco Delica - 2.88", VG10, $65

Spyderco Native 5 - 3", S35VN, $85

Benchmade Doug Ritter Mini RSK Mk1 - 2.9", M390, $130

Benchmade 904 Stryker Tanto - 2.94", 154CM, $150

CRK Small Sebenza 21 - 2.94", S35VN, $350
 
TravisH said:
Spyderco Delica - 2.88", VG10, $65

Spyderco Native 5 - 3", S35VN, $85

Benchmade Doug Ritter Mini RSK Mk1 - 2.9", M390, $130

Benchmade 904 Stryker Tanto - 2.94", 154CM, $150

CRK Small Sebenza 21 - 2.94", S35VN, $350
Click to expand...
That s a good list of sub 3 inch choices. Knowing what I know now, I d choose the Native or the Ritter mini Grip as the most value for the money. Good steel, good strength for work or sd, and don t break the bank.
 
Benchmade 707 for class or 525 for a more handfilling grip with ~2.9" of blade length on either knife.

Or a 3" lockback Spyderco, if your locale uses cutting edge rather than total length of metal then go for a choiled version.

Maybe get a choiled knife anyway.
 
Want to start with a knife that you'll be able to use as a benchmark for your future knives?

Spider Monkey by Southern Grind. But 3.25".

Kizer Gemini. But 3.125"

Damned decimals !!
 
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Smooth_Operater said:
Hey man, welcome to the forums! I hope you stick around and help someone else out in the future too. Anyway, I know you said you are willing to spend big money on a knife for self defense. But instead of a knife, how about a gun if the area you live in is bad? Okay on point. When I think self defense, I would want something quick opening. The spyderco sage 1 & 2 are quick to open and right at 3" blades. I have a sage 1 that i have been using for 3 years now and I love that knife. I would suggest checking out BladeHq.com and set your criteria to include knives 3" and under. Good luck, and be sure and let us know what you pick.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the hearty welcome - I'll be around for a long time yet, and I'm sure I'll get the opportunity to impart some well-earned knowledge at some point.

I wish I could grab a gun (and I probably could for around the same price) but right now that's not feasible. It'll certainly be something I'll look into later.

I'm compiling a list of all of the blades on this thread, and I'll be looking into them shortly. Love some good variety!
 
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Sounds to me like the best folder to suit your needs is a CS Mini AK-47. You can get them in CTS-XHP or AUS8. I've got the full-size and it's one of my favorites. Wicked lockup, blade shape and handle, that high hollow grind comes down to a thin edge that's super sharp out of box, and man is it light for what it is!

7068548_orig.jpg

Not my image. Here you can see how the mini compares to the large version.

You can get knives that cost two or three times as much that won't perform as well or last as long. Here is a thorough review on the AUS8 version from someone with far more experience with it and blades in general than I.
 
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Many of these look fantastic.

I've heard good things about the Emerson CQC and Mini CQC lines, as well as the Mini Commander. Any personal experience with any of those?
 
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Easy choice, small seb. (used)
Mini Ritter isn't bad, but it needs aftermarket handles
Native 5 isn't bad either if you are into lock-backs
Spyderco domino bento box edition with cts204p blade
 
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Oh man, there are a lot of really good blades in that arena. Of the ones I own:

Fastest deployment would be a waved Delica.
Most robust feeling would be Native 5 G10.
Most fun to play with/smoothest action is Benchmade 903/904.
Best ergonomics would be Caly 3.
Best blade for the money is Native 5 Lightweight.
Prettiest looking is Spyderco Sage 1 or Benchmade North Fork (depending on your tastes).
Most useful overall would be a PS saber ground Delica or some variation of PS mini grip.

If self defense is really that large of a concern, something with a wave feature is a big plus. I'm sure there are nicer options up near the $300 mark, but a waved delica is well under $100 and fits your requirements perfectly.

If assisted knives are allowed, an M390 mini barrage would be a good defensive option.

Other than CRK, I can't think of a good reason to spend $300 on a sub-3" folder. Better to buy two $150 folders, IMO.
 
Haven't seen this posted, what about the Dpx heat? I am considering picking one up since they have a left handed version. Being under 3" it would be a great work knife I think.
 
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