I have "that knife" in my head, but cant find one anywhere...

M

MateenCleaves12

Joined
Nov 26, 2001
Messages
148
So here's my story...

I originally got started collecting Benchmade Balisongs. I had a small collection of 4 knives, and eventually sold them as a set, and made a couple bucks off it. They were a fun investment, I still love to flip, even though I sold all of them.

I started to carry a CRKT M16, which I liked a lot. However, the blade is too big for me to carry in Michigan, and it was more of a knife then I need for EDC.

So I bought a Kershaw Leek. I love how slim it is. However, the spring assisted opening has intimidated quite a few people, I liked that the M16 design allows me to open it slow as well as fast. Plus, the blade is still a bit bigger than I really need. (The leek is 3").

Even though it only cost me about $50, I'm still rather hesistant to use the blade for anything other than cutting packaging tape. Probably because I know that I suck at sharpening, so if I dull the blade I either have to pay to have it sharpened, or wait until I see my grandfather again (which is only about once every 6 months, sadly).

I've started to look into a smaller, "gentlemans" folder, but it doesn't have to fit that standard 2", silver, "cute" looking knife that most gentlemans folder fall into. I want a good knife, but a cheap one that I dont mind using to cut stuff. I thought that Spyderco or Gerber could help me out. I found a couple Gerbers I like (The Gerber Crusader for the most part), but as I've been reading on here, I see that they are not the quality they used to be. Sad. :(. I also cannot find a Spyderco that I can stand the looks of. I just think they're plain ugly.

So, heres what I want:

- As THIN as possible
- $40 or less
- 2.5" blade (A little more/less would be fine. Absolutely nothing bigger than 3")
- Liner lock (I know many of you don't like them, but for what I cut every day they work just fine, and I like their ease of use)
- Pocket Clip
- Handle material doesn't matter, maybe a composite to save some money/weight

My grandpa has a very nice 2" Benchmade that he carries that I like a lot. However, I dont think BM makes them anymore, as I cannot find them.

Sorry for the super long post, any help would be great.
 
Here's what I suggest. I'm assuming you carried the Spear point Zytel handled CRKT M16 which has about a 3.5 inch blade. According to CRKT's website they are releasing and M16 EDC with the zytel handle that will be the same length as the Leek (3 inch blade). I'm super excited about this as I love the M16 series but have always found the Spear Point models a little long. Benchmade also still maked a small 2 inch blade folder but they moved it into their Red Class this year. It's also not a liner lock but their Levitator lock. Another suggestion I would make is a CRKT small Point Guard. It has a 2.75 inch blade and is a very ergonomical shape IMHO. Finally, a last option I'll recommend is the newly released CRKT Ichi folder designed by Koji Hara. It's a small 2.5 inch blade Gent's folder. The great thing about this model is it is designed as a Assisted opener but it's available for purchase as assisted or non-assisted because they took into account people like you who don't want that feature. I think any of those three CRKT's would serve you wonderfully for your purposes.
 
Thanks, I'll look into those. I didn't like the width of the M16 series. (The Leek has spoiled me, its about as thin as they get).

I saw that new BM knife, however it doesn't come with a pocket clip. If it did, I would have ordered one about 5 minutes ago... haha.

Thanks for the input. Anyone else? Pics would be great.
 
How about a Ka-bar Dozier Design? I got one for my grandfather. He carries it constantly now. Very slim and light weight. It virtually disappears in his pocket. Blade not more than 3". Solid lock up and finish with pocket clip. I got him the thumb hole version, but it comes in a stud as well.Not a bad steel, especially if you just need a slim blade for everyday cutting.Great price too. Here in canada I paid $25 for it. Check out the links for both versions.

http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=KA4066

http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=KA4065
 
If width is an issue for you on the M16 series I believe the Ichi folder I mentioned above is thinner. The Point Guard I mention may still be a little thick. Another CRKT model that is coming next month according to the sight is the Full Throttle. It's a stainless steel frame lock so it'll be thin. It's got a slightly sub 3-inch blade and like the Ichi is available both assisted and non-assisted. And, it looks kinda classy in the pics cuz all the fittings and hardware are gold colored against the blue handle. Oh, and it's got AUS-8 for the blade steel which is a step up from the standard used by CRKT.

As for pics the Ichi and the Full Throttle are pictured on CRKT's website if you click the What's New link on the home page. Which is www.crkt.com
 
Check out the Spyderco Cricket. It's kind of ugly, but it is such a nice cutter that you will soon think its beautiful. VG10 steel. Very thin. Has a frame lock, but it works just like a liner lock and is very easy to use. Small blade. About the right price. Pocket clip. Did I mention that it cuts like champ. Oh, yeah. And it's a great cutter.
 
I saw those KaBar knives, and I would probably get one if it was a liner lock. Lockbacks are so 1950... :-P

Thanks for the help guys, any other input would be great. Anyone used a Kershaw 2415? That is the "style" knife I'm looking for. Very plain...

k2415.jpg
 
Another vote for the stainless Spyderco Cricket. It's an outstanding little framelock knife that is a just little bit over 1/4" width. (and the VG-10 beats the daylights out of CRKT's cheap steels-including AUS-8) It's so light you'll forget it's in your pocket. Oh yeah... It cuts extremely well, too!! :D ($43 bucks at New Graham)

As for not being any good at sharpening - GET yourself a Spyderco Sharpmaker. It comes with a video, is amazingly simple to use, and will keep everything you own razor sharp. They Sharpmaker will be well worth every penny you pay for it. (46.81-NGK)
http://www.newgraham.com/

sscrickets_both2.jpg
 
Where in Michigan do you live? Three inches is not an absolute limit. It only pertains to using a knife "unlawfully" and like circumstances.
 
I have a 3 inch M16 I really like with AUS8. The M16/11K.

I'd save up another two weeks and buy a minigrip. That's where it's at. 2.9 inches...

the mini mojo is really cool but a bit over your price range at about 55...

The Urban Shark is a GREAT beefy little liner lock knife that has been discontinued. I got mine as a gift a few years ago and I use it all the time. It's only got AUS6, but it works pretty well...I have the small 2 inch one. Get one used on ebay for probably 25 bucks, off the top of my head. I love that little knife. It has gray plastic handles that look much higher quality than most frn stuff and is very tough. Full thick steel liners on both sides...very tough little knife. Flickable, never developed any play, great lockup, passes the spine whack with so much ease. Comes with lanyard.
 
MateenCleaves12 said:
Thanks for the help guys, any other input would be great. Anyone used a Kershaw 2415? That is the "style" knife I'm looking for. Very plain...
k2415.jpg
Click to expand...
I laid hands in this... and i like it, though I'm not sure whether the handle Is aluminium or plastic. It's very light
I'd venture Spyderco Salsa. Compact, easy to open exellent pocket clip. Color option, too.
 
"Suck at sharpening"

If you live in Lansing we have a really nice local knife store that will sharpen your knives for $2. They also have a good selection of high and mid-end knives so you can feel around and see what you like.
 
I have been going through your exact process. It sounds like your requirements are mine.

Here is where I stand.

Check out the Imp by Nemesis Knives. Can get a bit of a custom look for cheap.
Check out the Fallkniven U2. If you dont require wood in the handle, probably your best buy.
If money isnt a concern, Mnandi.
Spyderco Kewi is nice. Not my style, but in your requirements.
And last but not least, Al Mar Hawk. Either the classic or Ultralight. A quality knife.

Edit: I didnt stay with in your price target! Sorry. For that price range, you might find a Al Mark Hawk Ultralight on Ebay. You should be able to get a Fallkniven U2 for close to your price.
 
I don' think it's being made any longer, but every now and then on ebay you'll find a Benchmade Crawford Leopard or Leopard Cub. I owned one a few years back, and I think it meets your specs. Good luck.
-Mark
 
i'll add in another vote for the Spyderco Cricket, it looks rather unassuming, and with a blade length just shy of 2" you wouldn't think it cuts well, but it *does*...
Cutoff.jpg

8" high piece of cardboard, normal cutting pressure, draw cut, the Cricket sliced thru the cardboard like it wasn't even there
 
Naymit said:
here is $50.00 Ka-Bar Dozier liner lock in D2 - ? can you ask for more?
http://www.agrussell.com/knives/by_maker/e_through_k/kabar/kabar_aluminum_handle_folding_hunter.html :cool:
Click to expand...


You know, despite my suggestions above, I'm gonna have to agree with Naymit on this one. You just can't ask for more than an Aluminum handled folder in D2 blade steel for 50 bucks. I would have suggested this one if I had known about it before now. Looks like I just found out where the money I'm saving is going.
 
MaxFisher said:
You know, despite my suggestions above, I'm gonna have to agree with Naymit on this one. You just can't ask for more than an Aluminum handled folder in D2 blade steel for 50 bucks. I would have suggested this one if I had known about it before now. Looks like I just found out where the money I'm saving is going.
Click to expand...

I own this knife - and it is excellent, one word of warning though - it does not have a clip, instead it set up for lanyard.
 
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