Looking for a pocket scalpel.

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wongKI

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Jul 9, 2009
Messages
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Hi all. I'm on the lookout for an EDC folder that's really good at slicing. Any chance you guys can help me out?

Here are my requirements:

Price range: Strictly below 150.
Blade length: 2.5-3.5 inches
Blade thickness: 3mm tops, thinner is better.
Closed length: 4" or less

I don't mind tacticals or traditionals. My benchmark for slicing is the SAK-if it can outslice a SAK, then I'll like it. A dressy knife would be a plus too.

What I've considered so far:
-Spyderco Stretches
-Spyderco Sage
-The blue Spyderco Manix 2 (I know it isn't meant to be a slicer, but this would fall under general EDC)
-Spyderco Gayle Bradley (Same as above)
-Spyderco Dfly and Kopa
 
my spyderco bradley in m4 is certainly sharp enough to be a razor. however geometry is certainly an important factor in slicing performance. no one has championed that factor [ i totally agree] more than Knarfeng. probably a blade with a thin flat grind would be a champion. another factor is blade length since slicing requires some blade length to be most effective.
 
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Erm, going to have to disagree with you on the Para. My Mili sure can slice well, but (assuming edge geometry is more or less identical) it sure doesn't outslice a SAK or Opinel.

What I'm looking for is really a thin edge (like DennisStrickland mentioned, thin flat grind, or high/deep hollow).
 
Send one of your users into Krein for the regrind and get exactly what you want!
 
A Douk-Douk is a heck of a slicer. I have a few Case and Schrade slippies that can hold their own against a SAK. I like to carry a super slicer along with a harder use folder and I've found the traditionals to fit that bill well for me. Good Luck!

ps

Case Sodbuster or SB Jr. kicks butt as a slicer!
 
wongKI said:
Erm, going to have to disagree with you on the Para. My Mili sure can slice well, but (assuming edge geometry is more or less identical) it sure doesn't outslice a SAK or Opinel.

What I'm looking for is really a thin edge (like DennisStrickland mentioned, thin flat grind, or high/deep hollow).
Click to expand...

I would not probably suggest the Para, but I will state that the edge geometry is a lot more different between the Para and the Military than anyone ever mentions (IMO). The Para has a LOT more belly because it has one less inch to make the curve (both knives appear to start from the same blank but the Para is ground to a shorter length).

Great slicer, but if you are willing to give up blade strength, there are better options.

Depending on what you are slicing, the Rock Lobster would be fantastic for food prep slicing needs, but the Stretch would be my choice for its shallow blade and full grind.
 
For a "pocket scalpel" I'd recommend something with a full height grind and blade <3". You seem to like Spyderco's so I can comment a little about that brand.

The Sage is fantastic, but a little too wide for my taste. Pro's are the full grind and the beautiful twill CF scales.

The Gayle Bradley is a larger, heavier knife that would feel pretty awkward resting in a pocket (about 5.5 oz). It's designed to work hard. I have one and it screams to cut something.

The Caly 3-ZDP looks great, has great steel and blade grind, and is widely recommended. The CF isn't as nice as the Sage tho.

The Stretch is a classic slicer, designed by the Man - Sal Glesser himself for his own personal EDC uses. This is generally similar to the Bradley but a little more easy to carry in the pocket. Again, I like the CF better on the SAGE/Bradley. You can save some money with this model and go with FRN handles if you want.

Those are the Spydies I'm most familiar with, so others can comment on different models.

Outside of Spyderco, I like BM 440 and 707 for EDC carry in nicer clothes. They have a couple more models coming up that look great for harder use in the near future.

So many good choices, so little cash. ah well...
 
Perhaps a full flat ground Delica 4. they are available with a g-10 handle now and FRN handles some time later this year.

I own a Sage but the blade is very thick and might not be as good a slicer as you are looking for. It's an amazing knife though.
 
I think an investment in a sharpening system should factor into your purchasing. Most good quality knives can be made shaving sharp plus you'll need to resharpen it eventually if you intend to use the knife in an EDC capacity. Check out the maintenance forum for ideas on systems and techniques.
 
I really like my stretch with zdp-189 and blue frn. Blade length is half an inch longer than you want but it meets most of your requirements. If you thinned the edge to 10 degrees or less per side it would definetly be a scalpel. I think you can get one for around $100.

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wongKI said:
Hi all. I'm on the lookout for an EDC folder that's really good at slicing. Any chance you guys can help me out?

Here are my requirements:

Price range: Strictly below 150.
Blade length: 2.5-3.5 inches
Blade thickness: 3mm tops, thinner is better.
Closed length: 4" or less

I don't mind tacticals or traditionals. My benchmark for slicing is the SAK-if it can outslice a SAK, then I'll like it.
Click to expand...

There aren't many knives on the planet that will outslice a carbon steel Opinel. Consider buying a no. 6 or 7, and spending the other $135 on beer. :D
 
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The Boker Plus Exskelibur meets all your criteria. The Exskelibur I is just slightly larger than what you've asked for, but it's so slender and light that I can't imagine it offending anyone to carry one. The Exskelibur 2 is definitely within your size range but I have not personally handled one.

The Exskelibur blade is a very slight hollow ground that looks more or less like a FFG blade but is even better at slicing. This thing ships with a scary sharp, hair-whittling edge and the blade is so slender toward the cutting edge that it should be easy to keep it insanely sharp. It's also quite handsome, with a modern but elegant appearance.
 
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You won't find many grinds more narrow than the Kershaw SG2 models. The one above is appox $90. Amazing slicers.
 
Anything with a full flat grind will be a better slicer than, for example, a hollow ground or sabre ground blade. Doesn't matter who makes it.
 
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