Help with finding a work knife, lots of requirments

46Alpha

46Alpha

Joined
Oct 28, 2011
Messages
225
My first time posting, I tend to just lurk and soak up the smartness:o

I've been looking for a knife I can take into work with me, but I've got a list of requirements I'm hoping someone can help with:

-Blade must be under 2.5" (Federal Contractor, I'm in and out of Federal Buildings all day)
-Good steel (S30V, 154CM would do fine)
-I prefer G10. Not a big fan of Zytel or other plastics.
-Liner or frame lock. Not a big fan of lockbacks.
-And I know this is being picky, but I'd REALLY like something made in the USA:thumbup:
-Like to keep it under $200

I've been carrying a Spyderco G-10 Dragonfly, and it's all but perfect save for the lock and the made in Japan thing. I've been thinking about the Leafstorm as that seems to hit all the points. But before I drop $150 or so, I'd like to know if there are other options.

TIA, great forum you guys have here.
 
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Maybe a small Buck Vantage Pro? The blade is 2 5/8" but pretty close to your requirement. I have a small Select (420HC steel and FRN type scales--the Pro gives you S30V and G10) and I really dig it...

vansak01.jpg
 
Only other thing close is the Spyderco Orange Dodo, but that has the ball bearing lock instead.
 
For $50 or so, the small Vantage Pro gives you high quality materials, American workmanship, and a terrific deep-pocket clip -- highly recommended for those with small to medium-sized hands.

Those with bigger hands will enjoy the larger model -- too large for what you want.
 
timberweasel said:
Maybe a small Buck Vantage Pro? The blade is 2 5/8" but pretty close to your requirement.
Click to expand...

When dealing with Federal buildings I don't think "pretty close" will cut it.

To the OP, ever consider a multi-tool? Seems to hit all your requirements and is more sheeple/federal security employee friendly.
 
Get a small Sebenza (people on this forum tend to recommend this knife whatever requirements the OP mention). :p
 
Shotgun said:
When dealing with Federal buildings I don't think "pretty close" will cut it.

To the OP, ever consider a multi-tool? Seems to hit all your requirements and is more sheeple/federal security employee friendly.
Click to expand...
That also raises the question of how blade length will be measured. But "pretty close" would be good enough if one is skillful enough to grind down the blade to the needed length. Otherwise, it might be safer to go with 2 inches.
 
Shotgun said:
When dealing with Federal buildings I don't think "pretty close" will cut it.
Click to expand...

Good point. If you think security would split-hairs over 1/8" then it would be more prudent to carry something well under 2.5", imo.
 
Noctis3880 said:
That also raises the question of how blade length will be measured. But "pretty close" would be good enough if one is skillful enough to grind down the blade to the needed length. Otherwise, it might be safer to go with 2 inches.
Click to expand...

timberweasel said:
Good point. If you think security would split-hairs over 1/8" then it would be more prudent to carry something well under 2.5", imo.
Click to expand...

I expect there wouldn't be a problem but you never know if one day some anal retentive guard decides he doesn't like you. I just know that I wouldn't want to risk it.
 
Well, I WAS one of the anal retentive guards for a few years :D. So I can say with absoulte authority the 2.5" limit is a strict requirement. I'd be happy with well under (2" would be great) as I am fully aware that some of the guards at checkpoints can be a bit overzealous on occasion.
So that does rule out the small Buck and the almighty Sebenza (even the small one). The auto will defiantly not fly. But that BM 3150 is sweet. Might have to grab one just on GP.

Bobo, you nailed where I had been going. I wanted the Techno bad (bit of a Sypdie nut) and I will most likely still add one to my collection when they become available. I know it's silly, but all my EDC knives are American made (Para II, Manix 2, ZT0550) and while I will still buy overseas made knives, I really long for an American made small powerhouse folder. I've even considered grinding down a Manix 2 as I've seen done (but I don't have the skills).

I do carry a Leatherman Style CS and a Spyderco Ladybug on my keychain, but I'd love to add something a bit more robust that won't get me burned at work.

Thanks for all the recommendations, I really appreciate the input.
 
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