Help me pick a single blade folding knife.

SpacemanSpiff23

SpacemanSpiff23

Joined
Feb 22, 2009
Messages
160
Hello all. I would like to get your input and advice to help me choose a new knife. Any advice or suggestions will me most appreciated.

As of right now, I usually carry my Victorinox SwissTool RS with me whenever I go anywhere. It is very useful at work, which is why I bought it, but it is rather heavy, and I don't really need all those tools when I'm just out and about on a regular day. I would like to carry a simple folding knife instead.

I'm not a "knife guy" (yet), so I don't really know much about different types of steels, or which brands to look for, so I'll just make a list of what features I'm looking for and hope for the best.


Here is what I'm looking for.

-Around $75 or less.
-Blade length around 3 inches or smaller.
-Closed length under 4 inches.
-Sturdy and rugged design, that can be used every day, in many different circumstances.
-A tough blade that I wont need to sharpen too often.
-Relatively slim, but not dainty.
-I think I'd like something with a metal handle (Titanium or Aluminum maybe), but it's not absolutely necessary.
-A sleek look. Something that looks modern and "cool", without looking too silly or abstract. However, not too bland either.


Also, can anyone recommend some sites where I can browse and compare, and maybe buy from?

Thanks for your help!

Edited size parameters. 4 inches closed is just too big.
 
Last edited:
SpacemanSpiff23 said:
Hello all. I would like to get your input and advice to help me choose a new knife. Any advice or suggestions will me most appreciated.

As of right now, I usually carry my Victorinox SwissTool RS with me whenever I go anywhere. It is very useful at work, which is why I bought it, but it is rather heavy, and I don't really need all those tools when I'm just out and about on a regular day. I would like to carry a simple folding knife instead.

I'm not a "knife guy" (yet), so I don't really know much about different types of steels, or which brands to look for, so I'll just make a list of what features I'm looking for and hope for the best.


Here is what I'm looking for.

-Around $75 or less.
-Blade length between 3 and 4 inches.
-Closed length of 4 inches or or so would be great, but probably not possible with a 3+ inch blade.
-Sturdy and rugged design, that can be used every day, in many different circumstances.
-A tough blade that I wont need to sharpen too often.
-Relatively slim, but not dainty.
-I think I'd like something with a metal handle (Titanium or Aluminum maybe), but I don't know if they are in my price range, or if they will be too heavy.
-A sleek look. Something that looks modern and "cool", without looking too silly or abstract. However, not too bland either.


Also, can anyone recommend some sites where I can browse and compare, and maybe buy from?

Thanks for your help!
Click to expand...

Same thing I told you over on the other forum: Kershaw Shallot :D
 
try the sog aegis
sogAE02.jpg


looks great, you can get it in digi camo too.
pic1.jpg
 
I like the Aegis a lot, but I'm not sure about the size. Do you own one? It seems like it is sort of bulky and wide, but that might just be the shape of the blade throwing off my eyes.


That Kershaw is pretty cool too. How does the index finger opening system compare to thumb studs/holes?
 
its about the size of a bm mini grip, but its thinner.
 
I checked on ebay and there was one Spyderco Endura 4 with stainless steel handle within your budget - the ones with FRN handle are more easily in your budget.
The handle is a bit long for your taste but then the blade (in excellent VG10) is almost 4". Otherwise this should map very well to your desired knife.
Also consider the cheap variant of the Endura which is Byrd Cara Cara. The steel is the same as in the Tenacious, meaning roughly of AUS8 quality. It also exists with a stainless steel handle. This is a true value for money product.
 
Ok. After looking around at a few videos and reviews, and looking at my current knife, I edited my criteria. 4 inches is just too big for me. I would feel like I'm just carrying a weapon instead of a tool. So I reduced the size that I want down to under 4 inches closed, and a 2 to 3 inch blade.


Thanks to everyone for the speedy replies. Please keep them coming.
 
> So I reduced the size that I want down to under 4 inches closed, and a 2 to 3 inch blade.

So many, many options then !
For example the Spyderco Delica with the awesome ZDP blade steel can be had within your budget from ebay vendors.
 
Here's one that fits most of your criteria (scales are mostly bone, antler or wood, mine is buffalo horn). Great Eastern Cutlery #73 Scout model. 1095 steel, linerlock, slim enough to fit in a pocket easily and it's pretty sheeple friendly. People have commented on nice it looked, not that I might be a danger to everyone in the vicinity.

Max297.jpg


Max3000.jpg
 
Go Benchmade axis lock, more fun:
Check eBay for current market prices, under $75.

+1 BM 556 Mini-Grip

or a new model
BM 527 Mini-Presidio Ultra

BM527.jpg
 
SpacemanSpiff23 said:
-Around $75 or less.
-Blade length around 3 inches or smaller.
-Closed length under 4 inches.
-Sturdy and rugged design, that can be used every day, in many different circumstances.
-A tough blade that I wont need to sharpen too often.
-Relatively slim, but not dainty.
-I think I'd like something with a metal handle (Titanium or Aluminum maybe), but it's not absolutely necessary.
-A sleek look. Something that looks modern and "cool", without looking too silly or abstract. However, not too bland either.

[/I]
Click to expand...


http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=210

Spyderco Delica Stainless Steel, it meets all of your standards and you can find them for less than $50.
 
SpacemanSpiff23 said:
Hello all. I would like to get your input and advice to help me choose a new knife. Any advice or suggestions will me most appreciated.

As of right now, I usually carry my Victorinox SwissTool RS with me whenever I go anywhere. It is very useful at work, which is why I bought it, but it is rather heavy, and I don't really need all those tools when I'm just out and about on a regular day. I would like to carry a simple folding knife instead.

I'm not a "knife guy" (yet), so I don't really know much about different types of steels, or which brands to look for, so I'll just make a list of what features I'm looking for and hope for the best.


Here is what I'm looking for.

-Around $75 or less.
-Blade length around 3 inches or smaller.
-Closed length under 4 inches.
-Sturdy and rugged design, that can be used every day, in many different circumstances.
-A tough blade that I wont need to sharpen too often.
-Relatively slim, but not dainty.
-I think I'd like something with a metal handle (Titanium or Aluminum maybe), but it's not absolutely necessary.
-A sleek look. Something that looks modern and "cool", without looking too silly or abstract. However, not too bland either.


Also, can anyone recommend some sites where I can browse and compare, and maybe buy from?

Thanks for your help!

Edited size parameters. 4 inches closed is just too big.
Click to expand...

Get a Benchmade Mini Griptilian.
 
I was looking for the same general characteristics and edc (every day carry). Got a Mini Griptilian from Cabelas with D2 steel. I clip it in my watch pocket and forget it. It's going with me every day now. Great knife.
 
SpacemanSpiff23 said:
Ok. After looking around at a few videos and reviews, and looking at my current knife, I edited my criteria. 4 inches is just too big for me. I would feel like I'm just carrying a weapon instead of a tool. So I reduced the size that I want down to under 4 inches closed, and a 2 to 3 inch blade.


Thanks to everyone for the speedy replies. Please keep them coming.
Click to expand...

Benchmade Mini Griptilian:

Blade Length: 2.91 in.
Blade Thickness: 0.12"
Blade Material: 154CM
Blade Hardness: 58-60
Overall Length: 6.78 in
Closed Length: 3.87 in.
Blade Style: Modified Drop Point
Lock Mechanism: AXIS
Weight: 2.56oz.
 
go to the kershaw forum and look at all the topics on the OD-1. Now this seems to me to be the exact kind of knife you are talking about.
 
I would recommend the Spyderco Caly 3 as the EDC knife for anybody (the UKPK being a non-locking variant for those of us who can't EDC locking blades, and the DKPK a two-handed opening, non-locking variant for even stricter EDC laws). It is very slightly over 4" in length closed, and you'd probably be looking at just over $100 new though. The Spyderco Urban is a smaller knife with similar ergo's, but non-locking only and you'd still be pushing close to $100. They all have G10 handles (Caly 3 available in Carbon Fibre too), which is a very good material.

The Victorinox Solo Alox (metal handle) is a very nice and inexpensive knife, but again, non-locking only.

The Benchmade Mini-Griptilan is probably the knife that best fits all your criteria, apart from the handle material.

I don't have much experience with Kershaw knives, but with your criteria and price range they maybe just the guys to turn to.
 
SpacemanSpiff23 said:
Here is what I'm looking for.

-Around $75 or less.
-Blade length around 3 inches or smaller.
-Closed length under 4 inches.
-Sturdy and rugged design, that can be used every day, in many different circumstances.
-A tough blade that I wont need to sharpen too often.
-Relatively slim, but not dainty.
-I think I'd like something with a metal handle (Titanium or Aluminum maybe), but it's not absolutely necessary.
-A sleek look. Something that looks modern and "cool", without looking too silly or abstract. However, not too bland either.

Also, can anyone recommend some sites where I can browse and compare, and maybe buy from?
Click to expand...

2nd question first:
1sks.com
newgraham.com

With the exception of the metallic handle req, there are a number of knives in you price range that meet your needs.

For metallic handles, try the Benchmade Ti Mini-Pika II.
Very good steel and a useful blade shape. I have an FRN handled one and like it.
http://www.newgraham.com/detail.aspx?ID=44975

For knives that have plastic handles (Still robust and extremely serviceable. I prefer them to metal handles.) you could look at:
Spyderco Delica
I have one and it is very thin, with excellent blade steel.
http://www.newgraham.com/detail.aspx?ID=4903

Benchmade mini-Griptilian
Not as thin, but excellent blade steel and the Axis lock is state-of-the-art.
http://www.1sks.com/store/benchmade-model-556-mini-griptilian.html
 
Boker Sub Com - 25 bucks

Spyderco Delica - 45 bucks

Fallkniven U2 - 60 bucks awesome steel.

All three blades are great.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top