Looking for a new EDC knife, need suggestions

joeldworkin307 said:
The Spyderco dragonfly has 1.875 cutting edge. 2.25 oal blade if you count the choil.
Click to expand...
I am sure it is a personal thing, since ergonomics in based in preference, but I find the Misses' Ladybug more comfortable than a Dragonfly.
 
Willy_Pete said:
Hey all,

So the building I work in has some ridiculous knife rules and I'd like to get my hands on a new knife so I don't have to worry about leaving it at home. The following are the parameters I need to meet:

-2" or less length blade
-Folding blade
-Carrying clip

I'd like to keep the price in the realm of $20 - $50, but am not set on that. If anyone has any suggestions, they'd be very welcome.
Click to expand...

Besides your original very vague parameters, are there any other restrictions? Legal, municipal, etc. Any other personal interests, type of opening and such? Lock, no-lock? One or two handed opening? Action, manual, assisted, auto?

Giving the benefit of doubt, that a broad question from a new account with only one post is real, and not just for someone's s-n-giggles. Here are a few from my shelf that I enjoy carrying from time to time. I apologize in advance for throwing in models that may not actually hit all three of original specs. Yeah, I know......How hard can it be to hit the easy ones? Second apology, I didn't go check prices on any of these. Pretty sure they are all on the lower side of things, but may not all fall on the super budget side. So since I've just been home with a migraine today, here's a couple of my picks-n-pics.

First that classic look. You can never go wrong with a classic slip joint. On the smaller side, the mighty Peanut. Some of the basic ones can be snacked at under $10. On the pricier side, I'm a lovin' the Northfield Beagle. Before it's mentioned, I know.....No clip. But that is easily remedied with a clipped pocket slip.

28v8u0x.jpg


Keeping it classic, there are Mini Barlow's with or without locks. And little single bladed lockbacks such as the Shrade (Uncle Henry) LB3 or the Buck (forgot the model). Or the regular Barlow's may fit, give or take 1/4".

Classic does not hold the patent on Classy. There is nothing classier than the Boker Urban Survival. Not only does it keep the classic look of a prison shiv, but also comes standard with built-in handcuff key.

Next is the simple little Opinel #4. Super light. Super thin blade. No lock friction (less) action. And creates some amazing thin line artwork on your fingers with each accidental closure.

A couple little Cold Steel's that I have handy are actually not bad micro blades. In the pic is the Mini Tufflite, and Micro Recon. But I would say the absolute best option for tiny but VERY usable, is the Spyder Dragonfly. It may ring in a tad larger, depending on whether length is measured to the handle, or just cutting edge.

x3gvbb.jpg


But let's get serious for a moment. If there is a need for a tiny knife, covert carry is most likely primary. So, why not carry in plain sight? That's where the Mantis Cyclops Ring Knife really shines. Wear it right there on your chest. Your attacker or your lunch sandwich will not know what hit them.

103to9z.jpg


A few no-lock options are the Spyderco Bugs. Well, the Grasshopper/HoneyBee/Bug to be exact.

And last but not least, a couple of my favs are the Boker Nano, and the little Kershaw Chive. Ok, maybe forget everything above and just look at these two.

2wfn21f.jpg
 
NJBillK said:
This is why I suggested a Spyderco Urban and drop the tip back a bit.
K390 steel, decent grip, slip joint with a clip and one hand opening.
Click to expand...

While I think it's a great knife, the specs on that knife are 2.5" blade and the OP needs something under 2". He would need to knock of a fair bit. I don't know that he could get it in under $50 either. It's a tough call to get something with a full grip at that blade length in a folder, IMO. There's really no knife I could like in that size range for EDC but there are certainly some that would do. The dragonfly is about as small as I can handle but if the blade must be under 2" then he's in trouble because .375" of the blade is used to extend the handle essentially. I don't envy his situation. My mitts just don't work well with handles that size well.
 
bikerector bikerector
I wear an XL width glove, and I use the a Ladybug every now and then. What helps me is a Chinese button knot sized to hang up against the outside of my pinky. The bulk of the knot acts as a stopper, effectively adding to the feel of the handle, while allowing my fingers to rest in the choils.
2017-11-13 20.12.00.jpg 2017-11-13 20.12.21.jpg 2017-11-13 20.12.39.jpg

The Misses' knife, though when it is handy, I use it too. I sized the knot to hang just out of her pocket. Fitting my hand was a happy accident, though it has caused me to keep an eye out for a HAP40, or other Lady/Man bug for my own secondary carry, if I don't want to carry a traditional.
 
Last edited:
Spyderco squeak or the crkt snicker are both under 2" with a pocket clip. If you can go without the pocket clip you would have way more options, most knives that size are key chain or pocket carry. Since they gave you ridiculous rules personally I would get a ka-bar and cut the blade down to 2" and see how they like it. Lol
 
I'm a big fan of little knives!
My most useful little knife is the Spyderco squeak.. I have the titanium version, but you can get the lightweight version to save a few bucks.
Another small knife that's more "pokey" is the crkt mini Eros.
Let us know what you decide!
-grant
 
Running through limited edition knives at knifecenter and came across the meerkat (orange being their color I think) which is 4" handle with a 2" blade that could be a comfortable knife. It certainly has a different look though.
 
bflying said:
Besides your original very vague parameters, are there any other restrictions?
Click to expand...

I didn't find the OP's "parameters vague." In fact, because of the pocket clip requirement with a blade of <2", it's fairly restrictive. I've been curious to see what the suggestions are. There haven't been many that fit his requirements since it seems like a lot of knives that size opt for a keychain hole instead of a pocket clip.
 
raistlin65 said:
I didn't find the OP's "parameters vague." In fact, because of the pocket clip requirement with a blade of <2", it's fairly restrictive. I've been curious to see what the suggestions are. There haven't been many that fit his requirements since it seems like a lot of knives that size opt for a keychain hole instead of a pocket clip.
Click to expand...
I was thinking the same thing, one option would be to use a CRK clip and mount that in the key chain hole, if large enough.
See quote below for an example of this in use.
Officer's Match said:
Pretty easy remedy (see below; CRK clip, 6-32 Tee Nut with collar ground smaller plus 6-32x 1/2" button head screw). My recommendation is the KW exclusive CTS204P Millie (dark green G10, linerlock). I think the Millie truly shines best as the light weight pocket sword it is in linerlock form.

GXGRP5I.jpg


U0aqWDY.jpg


GadNcs1h.jpg


BssqHQnh.jpg


3Z5oz9th.jpg


Orb1ex8h.jpg
Click to expand...
 
Wow, never expected to get this much help from the site! I think at the end of the day I'll go with one of SpyderCo's options.

Really appreciate all the help!
 
IMO, if you are going to actually use the knife a lot, I would suggest a box cutter, folding or plain. Some come with clips.

Also, if you are a multi tool guy, key ring MT's i.e. the LM Squirt and Gerber Curve (and Vic Classic) should fit the bill.

Stanley makes a unique box cutter with clip that is pretty thin and yet has great handle ergos without folding... and it's cheap and available at many local hardware stores:

076174108286lg.jpg
 
I second kershaw chive for under 2 inches and i second scallion for just over. Both high value knives made in usa
 
Willy_Pete said:
Wow, never expected to get this much help from the site! I think at the end of the day I'll go with one of SpyderCo's options.

Really appreciate all the help!
Click to expand...

Cool. Hope you come back and share what you finally get.
 
I'll second the Cold Steel Mini Tuff Lite. Triad lock included. Lot's of knife for under $30. I own the partial serrated version. Been camping, hunting, etc. with it and probably use it more than my actual hip hugger. Good luck!!
 
chefmateo said:
I'll second the Cold Steel Mini Tuff Lite. Triad lock included. Lot's of knife for under $30. I own the partial serrated version. Been camping, hunting, etc. with it and probably use it more than my actual hip hugger. Good luck!!
Click to expand...
It would be nice if they bumped this model to xhp...
 
I like the look of the kershaw scallion, do not know if it has a clip. Also like the SOG Twitch 2.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top