Legal Length (<2.5") Folding Knife for School Carry

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leftistelf

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Apr 21, 2008
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Long time lurker, looking for some good products.

I EDC one knife everyday. It's either a Benchmade 710 or a Benchmade 930.

The problem is, neither knife is legal to carry onto a California school campus when I pick up my kids. The legal length limit for a folder is 2.5". Benchmade doesn't make a knife like this with their AXIS lock (gosh, I love that feature, which is why I carry Benchmade). So, I'm free to look at any manufacturer.

As a lover of high end steel and great quality blades/knives, I'm in search of a folder that is legal to carry for the brief period of time that I'm picking up the kids. In this case, I don't want a custom knife (limited use of a knife that costs $300+). Nor am I interested in serrated blades (or partially serrated). I prefer right-handed tip-down carry. Love S30v steel, but would be willing to play with other fine steels...

Could anyone please recommend a knife? Thanks much!
 
Sep has already listed the Spyderco Leafstorm in his list. I can highly recommend it. It's an RIL, but it's S30V and the size is within your specs.
 
depends on what locking system you like. spydero leafstorm, ladybug or dragon fly. boker subcom, wharcom or subclaw, or kershaw chive, or if you like bm i think the benchmite fits your specs, its not axis but its still bm.
 
I would also say either the Spyderco Leaf Storm or the Cricket. Don't let the small size of the cricket fool you, the reverse S does an amazing job.:thumbup:
 
If you want something different, the Spyderco Meerkat is a fun little knife that fits the hand well. I can't remember if it's tip up or down though.
 
It's even smaller, but I really like the Spyderco Spin (blade < 2 inches, RIL, tip-down clip). It has a handy modified wharncliffe blade shape.
 
I believe that the sub 2.5 in knife for California school carry also includes a requirement that the knife be non locking. A SAK or Spyderco Grasshopper should suit your needs for that brief amount of time. I think there are also a few Spyderco slipits that may be under 2.5 inch too and are non locking.
 
I carry a SAK on school, delica off.. I dunno, just something built into me saying "weapons at school don't fly right"
 
SAK = Swiss Army Knife
Try the alox (aluminum) Victorinox Pioneer. It's perfect for many lighter uses and it looks totally non-aggressive!
 
Dagon said:
SAK = Swiss Army Knife
Try the alox (aluminum) Victorinox Pioneer. It's perfect for many lighter uses and it looks totally non-aggressive!
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I second that. :thumbup:

I carry that very model on campus now. It's even more people friendly than the Leek I usually carry, and probably more versatile as an EDC.
 
Emerson cqc-14 "snubby" is damn close to 2.5" maybe a .16th over.
GREAT knife. full sized handle, wave, grippy g10, v-grind, thick liner lock and built like a tank. 154cm steel I believe.
 
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As mentioned, the California law if 2.5" and non-locking. I carry a Spyderco Urban when I pick-up my daughter at school. It is a great knife.
 
edcrefiner said:
I believe that the sub 2.5 in knife for California school carry also includes a requirement that the knife be non locking. A SAK or Spyderco Grasshopper should suit your needs for that brief amount of time. I think there are also a few Spyderco slipits that may be under 2.5 inch too and are non locking.
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Adamar said:
As mentioned, the California law if 2.5" and non-locking. I carry a Spyderco Urban when I pick-up my daughter at school. It is a great knife.
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Yes, please read the law (PC 626.10 section a.) carefully!

On California public grade school campuses, knives are allowed if under 2.5" with no locking mechanism. And for students, school policies may not allow them to carry at all (although I believe that you still can.)

Also, I think the Urban is something like 2.6", so be careful on that one.

K.Berge said:
We have a on campus blade length limit!?!?.. News to me, oops.
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This is for public grade schools.
 
I would definitely recommend the Spyderco Urban. Choose a color or blade shape your prefer. I have the orange wharncliffe version. It's an incredible knife.

Not only does it meet your criteria, but the wire clip lets it carry incognito. It's also got a very hefty spine pressure, so it's far more sturdy feeling than even the other Spyderco slipits. The orange color passes for a utility knife. And the foliage green blends into your pocket like camo.

I can't recommend it enough. I've got an Urban, UKPK drop point, UKPK orange, and a red UKPK Lightweight. They all rock.
 
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