Looking for a lightweight folder

A

augostos

Joined
Sep 15, 2011
Messages
378
Hello!

This is a list that I come with regarding lightweight modern folders (locking/with clip/decent length handle).

I limited the length of blade to around 3".

  • Ka-Bar Dozier 2.20 oz, handle 4.25"
  • Cold Steel Tuff Lite 2.5 oz
  • Buck Bucklite Max Large Lockback Knife 3.6", 3.10 oz
  • Buck Bucklite Max Lockback Knife 3", 2.6 oz
  • Buck Bantam BLW Lockack Knife Black 3.125", 2.4 oz
  • Delica 2.50 oz, handle 4.25"
  • Kershaw Skyline 2.50 oz
  • Kershaw Leek 3 oz
  • Benchmade 940 2.90 oz
  • Lion Steel Opera
  • Benchmade 530 1.88 oz

I had Benchmade miniGrip. But the handle was a little short for me.

Any additional suggestions for similar folders? Budget is around 30-50 bucks.

Thank you very much.
 
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I can only comment on the Bucks.

While I really like Buck's traditional steel/brass framed lockbacks, I can't recommend the plastic framed ones for anything other than the lightest of duty. Under heavy cutting, the force deforms the plastic either outright or over time leading to increasing amounts of blade play. I didn't get more than a year of service out of either of my Bucklite Max folders or my Ecolite (discontinued).

Not what you're describing but I found happiness with a Opinel #9. Much tougher than any lightweight locker than I've used, at least in terms of cutting forces. The Opinel's lock won't stop the blade from closing though, although for the life of me, I don't understand why people worry aobut htat.
 
(locking/with clip/decent length handle).
Click to expand...

First ones that come to mind are the Buck Vantage Select and Spyderco Manix 2 lw. You may find the Manix on the exchange in your price range, but you may be cutting it close.

Both are insanely light.
 
I also like the LW Manix. Don't sell the Kershaw Shuffle 8700 (2.8 oz), Skyline (2.5 oz) or Echelon (2.6 oz) short. The Shuffle is small, along the same lines as the Tuff Lite you are considering but, it is a very cool knife. I have the Shuffle 2 on pre order.
 
augostos, look no futher!!!:eek: You've already listed the top 3" folders available. Delica, Skyline, Leek in that order.

Delica is #1 because it's everything one needs in and EDC; light, comfortable, durable, great value. They're highly respected for a reason.
Skyline, best flipper. They are inexpensive, they been around forever because of an innovative design that hard to beat. If one fits your hand and you want a flipper this is the one to get.
Leek, been selling well for Kershaw for a long time because they are arguably the best spring assist of this size on the market, and they look cool.:cool:

Choose anyone of these and you'll be happy with that choice.:D
 
If you wouldn't mind spending perhaps another $20, then maybe look at the Lion Steel Opera. A lot of knife for the money I think. D2 blade, nice handle with G10. Pretty good deal and a maker that is often overlooked.
 
You listed the delica and could have stoped there save up the extra 5-10$ or go to the exchange and you can find one for $50 gently used or sometimes new.
 
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