Light, slim, non-locking traditional folder for pocket – Help me choose

[strongman75]

Hello all, first post here. A classic “which knife for me” post, which I’m sure isn’t the first.

Am looking for a pocket knife, and am definitely looking down at the cheap end of things, and I like the more traditional styles. The key is that it must be fairly light, and unobtrusive- I’d rather have something a bit on the small side that I actually carry around with me, than something perhaps a bit bigger/cooler/more blades, that I leave at home because it is heavy and/or bulky. In particular I think something slim/thin. Worth noting I am looking for uk legal carry (no locking blades).

I’m currently carrying around an Opinel #5, which is a nice knife, but I’d like something a little less rustic I think.

I’m keen on the Rough Rider brand, mainly because I’ve read that they have found a balance between good quality and super low price. I’m torn between a few classics, peanut, mini texas toothpick, mini-barlow, mini muskrat and mini canoe.

I’m kind of settled in on the mini-canoe, but then I saw some youtube videos, and it looked kind of thick, and it made me wonder if it would be heavier than the mini toothpick.

I’m open to any suggestions down at the cheap end, if its too ‘nice’ I won’t use it and/or I’ll be afraid to lose it. Uses? Well, everything light duties – I’m an office bod, bit of DIY, mainly food, boxes that kind of thing, might whittle a stick to a point once in a while.

Help me out, get me started. Many thanks!

 

[meako]

I have a Klaas ramshorn mini toothpick which has served me well for all sorts of tasks.it was under 20AUD .

 

[WA Martin]

Case Eisenhower, Case Peanut, Case Penknife, Case Mini Moose, Case Teardrop.

All light office use knives. I wouldn't use them to break down cardboard but they should open the mail, slice the plastic on your microwave meal, open most packaging not requiring a special tool. Small, fashionable.

If you can find an old Schrade 108OT that's nice and small even with 3 blades.

 

[Henry Beige]

Rough Rider has a small stockman that is positively dainty.

 

[screened porch]

Almost anything is going to be heavier than the tiny toothpick, and most will be thicker.
Of the few RRs I've handled, they seem to me quite thick in the handle. The Case butterbean (mini-canoe) is likely to be thinner than the RR version. You might look at Frost's, too.
The peanut folks will tell you a peanut can handle just about anything, and they'll be right, but of course if it's thin you want, you'll want a single spring.
Victorinox makes a nice flat oval pen knife with a lot of blade (but under 3 inches).

 

[screened porch]

And welcome aboard, by the way.

 

[fishcakes]

peanut. I keep mine in my back pocket, goes unnoticed until needed.

 

[bonzodog]

Sak,slim,light and low cost.

 

[arrowhd]

+1 on SAK. The Classic or Cadet especially. Welcome aboard!

 

[plk7]

Victorinox Pocket Pal or Secretary. Good luck with your search, and let us know what you get.

 

[jprime84]

Most single blade slipjoints will meet the light and thin criteria.

For Rough Rider, all single blades:

- model 1273 small barlow, 2 and 7/8" closed, 1.6 oz, smooth white bone or amber jigged bone (model 740)
- model 461 small lockback, 3 1/8" closed, brown jigged bone
- model 272 baby toothpick, 3 inches closed, red jigged bone

With RR prices you could always try a couple. Then once you find a pattern you like, you could decide whether or not to invest in a Case, Queen, S&M, GEC, etc!

Welcome!


edit: just reread "non locking" in your post - i guess scratch the lockback

 

[Will Power]

My favourite slim and inexpensive knife is the CASE Slimline Trapper in Yellow Delrin, chose carbon or stainless to suit.

However, I have no idea of the nuances of the laws in GB with regard to cutting edge length?

Don't have a pic of my Yellow D one but here's jigged delrin, also nice, nor is it costly...

Thanks, Will

 

[Rupestris]

Japanese traditional higonokami knives can be found for exceptional prices:
http://www2.knifecenter.com/item/NH...rse-tanto-blade-silver-stainless-steel-handle

Another inexpensive, slim, single blade offering is the Buck 302 Solitare.
http://www2.knifecenter.com/item/BU...e-Select-Pocket-Knife-3-78-inch-Valox-Handles.

Buck has a smaller imported version, the 379, for about half of the 302 price.

Keep us posted on what you get.

 

[edison]

Douk Douk

 

[Dr-Mabuse]

There are places on the internet where a case peanut in jigged brown delrin can be found for as little as $20. I recommend checking that out. I dunno if they ship to the UK but if that becomes a problem I can always ship it for ya.

 

[btmccutcheon]

Victorinox Alox Bantam (if you can find one)

 

[ConBon]

I would reccomend a single blade trapper, I've got a queen and case that I love. Very light weight, I always toss one into my suit coat if I'm dressing up because they look classy, carry light, and cam handle both fine and heavier work.
The case is modified, was missing a shield and had a broken tip when I got it, so I made a shield out of a penny and turned clip into drop point.

Connor

 

[black mamba]

I think the alox Cadet is mighty hard to beat. I carry one almost every day.

 

[btmccutcheon]

Mercator

 

[Hickory n steel]

The victorinox Gardner is a great slim easily pockitable single blade knife that comes in many colors and they only cost around 13$ give or take ( they've also got a clip point version called the day packer, and a Gardner with a lanyard loop called the folding twine knife )
I love mine because the sheepsfoot blade is awesome and is really easy to sharpen since it only has a bevel on one side.