I'm looking for a small (tiny) utilitarian knife for under $20

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Ferrari353

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Aug 2, 2012
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My current knife (and EDC) is an M21-14SFG, which is quite large and heavy. While I love it in all its awesomeness, I'd also like to carry something MUCH smaller. The Spyderco Cricket seems perfect for what I'm looking for. It's small, it has that cool, curved tip that would cut boxes and packages and stuff easily, but it's out of my price range right now :(
Can I get some recommendations on small, light knives that are great for small everyday tasks and is under $20?
Thanks!
 
Kershaw Chill is right around that price range. Buck makes some good small knives around that range as well.

I would recommend spending a little bit more and get either a Kershaw Skyline, or a Spyderco Tenacious/Ambitious
 
Swiss army knife. Pick the one you like best and go for it.

If you want to go truly small and light, with maximum cutting performance for the price, I recommend some of these:

feather_double_edge_razor_blades__93441_zoom.jpg
 
stebolicious said:
Kershaw Chill is right around that price range. Buck makes some good small knives around that range as well.

I would recommend spending a little bit more and get either a Kershaw Skyline, or a Spyderco Tenacious/Ambitious
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Maybe the Ambitious is small enough for what I'm looking for, but I don't want another medium/large sized knife.
And I'm open to spending more if I find the right one.

Dorito Monk said:
Swiss army knife. Pick the one you like best and go for it.

If you want to go truly small and light, with maximum cutting performance for the price, I recommend some of these:

feather_double_edge_razor_blades__93441_zoom.jpg
Click to expand...
If only they sold that with a pocket clip^ :)
 
The Ka-bar small Dozier folding hunter goes for around twenty bucks. It is light as a feather, has Aus 8 steel, is beautifully designed and very practical. Get the model with the thumb hole rather than the stud. The blade is 3 inches. If that is too much knife, then go for a small slip joint or take a look at the Opinel line. They have some very small knives and they cut like crazy.
 
The dozier looks good. I'd prefer the Mini Dozier, but the mini doesn't seem to be offered with the thumb notch. I don't have much experience with lock-back knives, but from a few videos I've seen on Spyderco lock-back knives, it seems like a decent choice.
 
Don't know anything about this but I saw it while 'surfing'

DAJO Ascent Folding Knife for about $16
 
Spyderco Kiwi 3... :thumbup:

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Top to bottom: Native 1, Kiwi 3, Delica 4, Dragonfly 2.

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Left to right: Victorinox Rambler, Spyderco Grasshopper, Spyderco Kiwi 3, Spyderco Dragonfly 2.
 
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Check out the Spyderco Ladybug and Manbug. Though they are a bit over your price range (~$30), it's going to be some of the best steel you can get in that price range (v10). I have a ladybug myself and I love that little sucker. Sharp edge and not intimidating for an office workplace. Blade shape I think is just about perfect for a knife its size.
 
I picked up a boker gnome for about 22 buck. Its been great for opening boxes, envelopes. Etc.
 
The Spyderco Dragonfly would be my choice but it is much more expensive. I am currently carrying a Spyderco Byrd Hawkbill and I'm impressed with it for a $14 knife. The Byrd Robin is basically the equivalent of the Dragonfly size and can be found for under $20.

There are a lot of Kershaw models available in that price range, and a lot of smaller CRKT models as well. Your local WallyWorld probably stocks Kershaws and/or CRKT's.
 
Here are two knives that I carry regularly that I think will suit you.

* AG Russell Hunters Scalpel. It's a drop-in-pocket fixed blade, right at $20, and 0.5 oz.

* Regular-sized Swiss Army Knives without too many tools are easy find under $20. The Recruit model cost me $13 recently at a major home improvement chain.

Between the two, I like the Hunters Scalpel better. The hard locking sheath, fixed blade design, and lanyard make it more safe and hygienic.
 
The Kershaw Chill comes to mind as was mentioned, also take a look at the Kershaw Nerve see if that strikes something with you. Both good inexpensive knives in your price range...
 
If you want a pocket clip i'd go with the Chill. Still a three inch blade but very light and thin. I carry one on my days off and mostly forget its there.
 
Spyderco Bug. $7 and you won't notice its even there. Just be sure to make sure it doesn't go through the wash.
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