My jurisdiction limits blade length to 3 inches. As a result, I carry a ZDP-Titanium Leek, which I like a lot, but it is not very robust for any kind of defensive use. When I'm going places where they are permitted, I carry either a Kershaw Spec Bump or a ZT 0300. Does anyone know of a similar kind of knife with a 3-inch blade, preferably an assisted-opener or at least one that is easy to open one-handed. The Kershaw Blur looks like it would fit the bill, but the blade is 3/8" too long. Thanks.
-
The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is available! Price is $250 ea (shipped within CONUS).
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/
High-quality robust 3-inch folder
- Thread starter KRB
- Start date
- Joined
- May 3, 2006
- Messages
- 2,401
Spyderco Mini-Manix comes to mind 
- Joined
- Mar 6, 2008
- Messages
- 3,200
The OD-1 seems pretty robust to me. It's got a solid blade with styling sort of like the leek.
EDIT: A black Kershaw RAM would fit the bill nicely, as well.
EDIT: A black Kershaw RAM would fit the bill nicely, as well.
- Joined
- Oct 20, 2004
- Messages
- 4,704
I was also going to suggest the Kershaw RAM. It has a flipper that is much smoother than a regular flipper and is just as fast as an AO but without the extra parts to break.
I also would suggest something with a wave feature because that is the fastest deployment there is. Period.
The Spyderco Delica with wave would fit the bill.
However, I don't suggest using a knife for self defense. There is a good chance you will end up cutting yourself in the struggle or having it taken away and used on you. Best idea is not to put yourself in a position where you need to defend yourself or to run.
If neither one of those is an option than a concealed carry permit and a hand gun is a much better option. You don't have to be within arms reach to use it and it is much more effective.
Edit: The Delica with wave was also already suggested while I was typing. These are 2 nice and affordable knives and are liked by many.
I also would suggest something with a wave feature because that is the fastest deployment there is. Period.
The Spyderco Delica with wave would fit the bill.
However, I don't suggest using a knife for self defense. There is a good chance you will end up cutting yourself in the struggle or having it taken away and used on you. Best idea is not to put yourself in a position where you need to defend yourself or to run.
If neither one of those is an option than a concealed carry permit and a hand gun is a much better option. You don't have to be within arms reach to use it and it is much more effective.
Edit: The Delica with wave was also already suggested while I was typing. These are 2 nice and affordable knives and are liked by many.
Kaizen1
Gold Member
- Joined
- Jan 4, 2006
- Messages
- 6,312
The Emerson CQC-14 is a really nice knife for this purpose. It was specifically designed for the <3" law in LA. Also, wharnecliffe and hawkbill shaped blades can cut way deeper in slashing motions than more common blade types of similar length. The Spyderco Yojimbo was a great design for SD for a <3" blade length, but unfortunately they are discontinued. I personally think the Spyderco Tasman Salt would be a great design for this.
- Joined
- Apr 19, 2007
- Messages
- 3,396
The Manix 2's blade, I believe, is listed at 3" & it's pretty "robust." However, I'd have to say the Al Mar mini-Sere is a pretty tough little knife. They're 4" close with a 3" blade (About 2.75" edge).
No longer made, but the Buck/Strider 881 was also a stout little folder. It was also 4" closed with a 3" blade.
Good luck with whatever you get.
No longer made, but the Buck/Strider 881 was also a stout little folder. It was also 4" closed with a 3" blade.
Good luck with whatever you get.
- Joined
- Jun 17, 2006
- Messages
- 4,090
3 3/8" actually, so it's too long. I think the Caly 3 is right at 3" and it's pretty robust. Delica would be a good choice as well, as would several Kershaws.
- Joined
- May 7, 2005
- Messages
- 20,928
That is my exact same thought!!! :thumbup:Only 2 come to mind, the Chris Reeve Small Sebenza 21, the blade is 3" or the Strider PT.
You did post HIGH QUALITY ROBUST folder.
unwisefool
Gold Member
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2007
- Messages
- 10,044
I second the Hinderer XM-18, great little knife!
- Joined
- Nov 1, 2000
- Messages
- 28,365
Emerson CQC7b or Mini CQC7b, with wave. Here's my framelock converted normal 7:
- Joined
- Apr 21, 2006
- Messages
- 5,611
Some that fit your specs:
Kershaw JYD 3", AO Frame lock
Spyderco Ti/Sage 2 S30V titanium framelock, no AO, just Spyderco hole
Spyderco Delica 3", lockback, comes in FRN, G10, and SS, in VG10, or ZDP189 in PE,CE, and SE. FRN has many different colors if you look around. No AO, Spyderco hole blade opener.
Spyderco Caly 3 3" lockback, comes in G10 in VG10, and Carbon fibre in ZDP189. No AO, amazing slicer in any version. Most like "gentleman's" knife of these.
I have every knife listed above and would recommend any of them. They are all good. It just depends on what you like.
Kershaw JYD 3", AO Frame lock
Spyderco Ti/Sage 2 S30V titanium framelock, no AO, just Spyderco hole
Spyderco Delica 3", lockback, comes in FRN, G10, and SS, in VG10, or ZDP189 in PE,CE, and SE. FRN has many different colors if you look around. No AO, Spyderco hole blade opener.
Spyderco Caly 3 3" lockback, comes in G10 in VG10, and Carbon fibre in ZDP189. No AO, amazing slicer in any version. Most like "gentleman's" knife of these.
I have every knife listed above and would recommend any of them. They are all good. It just depends on what you like.
- Joined
- May 7, 2005
- Messages
- 20,928
I LOVE my 3 inch XM-18, but that is going to be hard to find!