Looking for a 3 in blade folder made in the States.

[Michigan Fancyman]

+1. I'm not a fan of Taiwanese knives in general, but the ones coming out of Taichung are an exception. You'll get a better quality with them than you will with production pieces made anywhere else, including here. And the GB is generally an excellent knife.

It's not a question of the quality , I know it is excellent , just like supporting workers here at home.

 

[Michigan Fancyman]

Now this looks nice! Does the quality compare to CR ?

 

[C.Spier]

Why not have one of the custom folder makers, here on the forum make you one!?
C.Spier

 

[dalefuller]

If you like opening holes, BM's Bone Collector might be worth a look. They do D2 very well and I find I like it as well as S30V. It's comfortable to hold and use and carries very well.

 

[shunsui]

I'd consider the Para-Military2. The blade isn't that much bigger.

 

[ElectrikHellfire]

The AG Russell Ti Frame-lock Spearpoint is highly underrated IMO.

 

[LondonBridges]

I have the Sage 2, love it.

But I wish they had a Sage 3 in black or grey.

I will also +1 on the Manix/Para 2.

 

[Jarrett Fleming]

Para military 2, Manix 2, Spyderco UKPK are all good choices. I prefer to keep my money in the states too, but I often make exceptions there are too many great knives that aren't made here that I would hate to miss out on. That is 100% up to you though and I'm not trying to change your mind.

 

[BadFrog]

+1 for the UKPK. You don't even notice the lack of a lock and it doesn't upset NKP people.

 

[Insipid Moniker]

Not sure if lock type or opening mechanism is an issue, but a couple of the new Benchmade Paul Axial models might fit the bill. IMO very classy knives with decent steel.

 

[Jesse B.]

Bradley Alias II ~ high-quality titanium framelock made in the U.S. with a 2.95" modified spearpoint blade.

 

[Tyronethepro]

Benchmade Mini Grip

 

[1066vik]

Native 5 if you're willing to wait.
Kershaw Skyline (3.125"); Turbulence, Piston, Knockout (3.25"): Blur (3.375"); Rake (3.5" blade)
Custom liner lock over on the JK subforum - this is his little one, it has a 2.5" blade.
he also does orders for $225 or so and makes a larger version -- O1 steel.

 

[flash900]

Something else to consider:

For those who can wait, A.G. Russell (the man as well as the knife maker/seller) says he will have a smaller, 3-inch version of his outstanding Ti framelock, the Acies.

Here is the current, full-sized version with the 3 5/8-inch blade:

http://www.agrussell.com/product.asp?pn=RUS-UF12ZDP

A.G. might want to speak for himself, but my understanding is that the ETA on the new model is sometime at the end of this year or early next year.

These are U.S.A. made and one of the best-looking folders you will find.

 

[lava_lamp]

I like the Spyderco Native in that size range. Affordable goodness. It is a lot like the Sage with more basic handle materials, made in the USA and available for $65 or so. The same could be said for the Delica.

http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=20

 

[flash900]

I like the Spyderco Native in that size range. Affordable goodness. It is a lot like the Sage with more basic handle materials, made in the USA and available for $65 or so. The same could be said for the Delica.

http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=20

Great ergos, S30V steel and just 2.65 oz. That is a terrific deal for the $$ and CS has them for $54, free shipping with coupon.

 

[lambertiana]

In the same size range as the Sage, my vote goes to the UKPK, either carbon fiber or titanium versions. I have the CF version, and I really like it.

If you can go a little larger, the Para 2 is a great knife.