Interested in a small fixed blade for a work EDC

DaveReb

DaveReb

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Sep 15, 2007
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I attempted to buy a Emerson CQC14 several times this week, to use as a work folder, and after several trys(everyone has them on backorder):jerkit:it looks like I'm going to have to wait:mad: In my disappointment, I started thinking about what I'm going to use the knife for, and started having doubts about the durability of liner lock, or any lock for that matter, as a heavy use construction folder. I started thinking that maybe a small fixed blade would be the ticket. I was looking through NGK's site and came across the BM211 activator. Seems like a nice little fixed blade, meets local 2.5" blade length carry restrictions, and in D2 steel. My knife interests have mainly centered around folders so I don't know what other fixed blades that maybe out there that would fit my needs. I want a plain edge drop point with decent steel, with a blade length no longer than 2.5"(local carry restrictions). Handle material isn't a big deal, but I am a fan of G10:D, and would like to keep the total length to no more than 6.5" long. Also something small or slim enough that could be carried in a pocket sheath, or small belt sheath.
Th BM Activator looks pretty tempting, with G10 scales and S30V, or wood scales. I'd probably lean towards the wood scale &D2 steel because i prefer the sheath better than the one that comes with the G10 version. My main concern about the 211 is how it fits in the hand...it doesn't have much of a handle at 3-3/8". Anyways I'm very interested in finding out if there are any other knives out there with similar specs to the 211, or hands on experience with the 211.

TIA
Dave
 
I've had the 211 and the handle is small. Small enough that it was hard for me to use though admittedly I have big hands.


I suggest that you look into the Dozier Knives. http://www.dozierknives.com/

Maybe the Dozier Personal but I think there are few that fit your needs.

Good Luck in your search!
 
I think the Dozier Personal is a real good idea.

If you don't want to spring for a custom, you might take a look at the Bark River Mini-Canadian.

Lots to choose from...just my .02 for the moment. :)
 
fewpop said:
I think the Dozier Personal is a real good idea.

If you don't want to spring for a custom, you might take a look at the Bark River Mini-Canadian.

Lots to choose from...just my .02 for the moment. :)
Click to expand...

+1 for Bark River, very sharp and very strong blades.:thumbup:

You might even like the PSK model too, it has a slightly longer blade the the Micro-Canadian, but still meets your requirements.

Here's a link: http://www.dlttradingcompany.com/index.php?cPath=24_300
 
Take a look at the Crawford designed CRKT plier knife - these are discoed and selling for around 25-30 bucks. they look odder than hell -feel a bit weird in the hand until you get used to'em - but the goofy things work. I carry one in the normally useless because it's too tight to put a lineman's pliers into -front compartment on my leather tool pouch.Nobody pays any attention to it - but it's right there at hand when you need it - and this is the big deal with a workin sheath knife -as easy to put away as it is to pull out. Have hard used mine and it hasn't brocken -nothin petite about this blade.
I heard that Crawfords made some of these up in better steel -anybody know anything about this ? Having said that- the one ( of 2 I own -others a spare) - that has been used has kept a edge quite well . When you do get carried away and either break it or lose it - not big $'s lost.
Have to admit that I have recently come to have a certain amount of appreciation for CRKT products - fit and finish have improved dramatically over the years and they make a number of "designed by ......." knives that are both functional and affordable - not a terrible combination.
 
for a good utility shape take a look at Graham brother Razel.
I believe they have sizes down below the legal limit (the site says to 1 1/2 inches)
smallringedutilityrazel.jpg

wpe9.jpg
 
+1 to the Activator. Great little knife. I have both the Wood and G10/Carbon Fiber versions, great little knife.

I also second the Bark River suggestions. They make fantastic knives, in a wide variety of handle materials, at very reasonable prices.
 
+1 for BM 211. I have several Newt Livesay LP's that are excellent, but not available any more.
 
I would get the Kershaw Scallion. 2.3 inch blade great little knife for 30.00
 
The Bark rivers look real nice, but the mickros I saw are even smaller in length than the 210/211. I do like all the scale options, and they are in my price range, but again my concern would be the grip with an even smaller handle than the Activator. The Dozier looks great!, but it is abit out of my price range. This knife is basically going to be a beater, and will have to take some abuse, so I'd like to keep the cost down to $100.00 or less. I think I'd have a hard time pulling my $200.00 knife out in a mud filled trench, or chopping around in dirt and stone. kind of like my Ex. sebenza...I couldn't bring myself to carry it at work, which is why I bought it...It was too pretty and too expensive to screw up or lose. Now I carry a Strider PT instead, not as pretty or expensive as the Seb, but IMO an equal in terms of strength.
I also found a Buck Mini Alpha Hunter, 2.5" blade in either 154cm or ATS34, with an OAL of 61/4". it doesn't look too bad, if it is made in USA...I'll have to check the Buck Website.

Thanks
Dave
 
udtjim said:
I would get the Kershaw Scallion. 2.3 inch blade great little knife for 30.00
Click to expand...

More interested in a small fixed blade. While I do like Kershaws in general, I'm not a big fan of liner locks or speed assisted openers. My one exception would be the Mini Cyclone TiZDP....love that knife!
 
I posted a similar thread recently. I ended up with a Swamp Rat Knife Works "Swp Warden," which I'm really happy with so far.

The only differences between you and me are that I DO use the sh!t out of my seb. I figure... worst case is I could break the blade... $100 to replace is no biggie all things considered. Otherwise the seb looks GREAT with the scuffs and overall patina of EDC/use. ...that and your citys SUCKY BS knife laws. (if you haven't written SOMEONE on this topic, you might as well consider yourself PRO-restriction.)

That said... I've owned a few BMs and used them all, but not the 210. I find that their grinds are toooooo thick.... so if I were to buy another BM, it would have to be in person at a brick and mortar or show. Dare I say I believe that (not without exception) BM makes knives to sell knives, and while functional for those unfamiliar with fine cutlery, the are all but unacceptable for me.

I would go for a design of function over "bling." That said, I believe the perfect knife for you is the RAT RC-3. I've done PLENTY of research on exactly what you are looking for, and it's the RC-3.. I chose the SWKW SW becausey Seb offers most of the FUNCTION that any user could ask for. I wanted a FB for SD EDC that could also slice fruit (for instance) when I don't wanna gum up my seb. All things considered, I chose the SW due to its light weight. The skelly handle is taking its time to grow on me, but its getting better.
 
The top knife, a Bark River Mini Canadian, might fit your bill:

IMG_0126_2.jpg


The blade is about 2 and 1/2", and it's stout. It's made from A2, which is not as stainless as D2, but it's tougher. I don't remember what it cost, but I'm guessing $75-85.
 
I use that Mini Canadian a lot. The handle plus choil has room for 4 fingers. It fits my hands very well and the grip feels secure for heavier cutting chores. The blade is thick enough and the A2 is tough enough that I'm not afraid of using it for light/moderate prying.
 
I'll chime in with another :thumbup: for the Bark River Mini-Canadian. It is the best "little BIG knife" I've ever used.
 
So far I'm leaning STRONGLY towards the Mini Canadian, it has the longer handle and I like choils for for finer cutting. It looks to be just what I'm looking for. Now i just need to find one online that accepts AMEX. I'm off shopping:D

Thanks
Dave
 
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