Recommendation? Jeans friendly (smooth, rounded) folder w/ clip?

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Nov 20, 2001
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All - I'm looking for a pocket knife which would be friendly to jean pockets. I like to carry my knife in a back pocket, which subjects the fabric to a lot of friction and pressure. I'd like an alternative to my Spyderco Para Military, which is great but which hard edges are destroying my pockets...

My preference would be for hole-opening.
 
Pretty rounded.

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Aftermarket scales are the best thing that ever happened to the PM2... but sandpaper can do a decent job on the stock g10 for a lot less money.

The only folder I ever carried in my back pocket was a Military (contoured OD micarta scales)...I stopped carrying it when it cut up my favorite pants.
 
Shaman has nice rounded and contoured handle. It’s akin to a carry melt on a firearm compared to a PM2.
 
When I think of a jeans-friendly folder (smooth, rounded) with a clip and opening-hole I think Spyderco all-stainless Endura or Police models. They are also very thin which can make them less noticeable when sitting.
 
Check out Kabar's 4065 Dozier. Great EDC! Light, flat, oval "spyderco-type" hole, AUS8 steel. Can't really even tell it's back there.
 
How much are you looking to spend?

For me, I can't stand to carry anything in my back pockets. Got my wallet stolen from a back pocket on an overnight field trip in 8th grade. So for 28 years everything is in the front or in my medicine bag.

I think the swayback and shaman are good since you prefer a hole opening design.

I swapped out the scales on my PM2 for some burlap micarta from Ripp's Garage Tech ($60 I believe) and it is a big improvement. Less grippy than g-10, but you don't need that much grip with the great ergonomics of the PM2. Added black screws and a black mxg deep carry clip.

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Though not a hole opener, the Southern Grind Spider Monkey has nicely contoured handles, as does the WE Deacon.

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Just about any traditional carries extremely well in a back pocket. You trade off the "tacticool factor" and one hand opening for comfort, useability and in most cases affordability.
A stockman, canoe &/or Barlow style are fantastic back pocket knives.
My old Schrade Old Timers and Uncle Henrys are all to worn down from years of sharpening to carried anymore. I'm in the process of picking out some replacements.
 
I have nothing against traditional folders but I do want a locking blade, 1-hand opening, and 1-hand closing. I have an Anso slip joint I love, but it's not as practical (also, the clip is super aggressive to outside layers, but that's a separate issue).

I can spend any reasonable amount of money for something that's worth it.

The sharp corners of the Swayback's front would probably not be an improvement. My best best my just be 3rd party scales on the PM2. The Shaman looks like another good option.
 
Any Spyderco with the wire pocket clip! It holds well, inserts in pocket easily and really makes any scales less torturous on pockets
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Benchmade Mini-Grip has very rounded contours, relatively smooth (but textured) FRN or G-10, either regular or deep-carry clips (plus lots of aftermarket clips), and can be had with a Spyder-hole. I've only ever owned or handled ones with thumbstuds, I take the clips off, and only put handkerchiefs in my back pockets, so I can't say for certain that this will work for you, but it seems to match your description pretty well.

-Tyson
 
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