Looking for a Small Every Day Knife

[kc2kth]

New to knives for the most part, I've owned a Buck 110 for almost 20 years and never really looked into anything else. I'm now looking for something to carry as a pocket knife, but the 110 is too big for that. After looking around for a few hours, I've come up with a list of what I think I want in a knife, however I haven't found one yet. I'm also not sure of what brands are better than others, so I'm looking for some help.

Basically I'm looking for a locking folder about 3" in length, drop point, one-hand open at least, preferably one-hand open and close. No assist - I'm in NJ and I don't want to carry anything like that here. That rules out the Twitch, which otherwise seemed to be a decent knife. I thought the AUS-8 steel on that blade was pretty good, I wouldn't want to go below that in quality. Combo blade would be nice, otherwise I'd pick standard over a serrated blade.

I was also impressed with the A.G. Russell knives, however I didn't see anything there on the small side that was also a one-hand. I also thought these are a bit pricey for me for what amounts to a starter knife.

Any tips greatly appreciated!

 

[ItchyTasty]

I don't own one myself, but the A.G. Russell Featherlites are supposed to be one handed knives, and are in your size area. Can't speak for combo-edge though. You might want to try a mini-griptilian from Benchmade?

 

[kda89508]

If you dont want a pocket clip then the A G Russell Featherlite folder is for you! If you want a pocket clip then there are several. Blade-Tech Mouse, Kershaw JYD, Benchmade Doug Ritter Mini Grip and many more. Handle and blade steel will come into play when choosing too. GOOD LUCK! Kevin

 

[ginshun]

How much are you looking to spend?

around $50? Spyderco Delica, Benchmade Griptillian

Around $100? Spyderco Paramilitary, Benchmade 720, Al Mar SERE and a whole slew of others

$150-$200? Buck Mayo TNT, Bradley Alias

High dollar? Chris Reeve Small Sebenza, Strider SnG

There are lots inbetween too

 

[kc2kth]

Thanks for all the replies already. I need to clarify one point. By 3", I was referring to closed length. I recognize some of recommendations as being over 4" closed length, so I assume everyone thought I was referring to blade length. My bad. Like I said, I'm new.

That being said, I'm going to check out some of the unfamiliar ones now!

 

[SharpOne]

$50 for a BM grip? Dont they usually go for like $60 for the mini?

 

[T.K.C.]

I would suggest either a Spyderco Delica or Endura.

 

[Cosmic Superchunk]

New to knives for the most part, I've owned a Buck 110 for almost 20 years and never really looked into anything else. I'm now looking for something to carry as a pocket knife, but the 110 is too big for that. After looking around for a few hours, I've come up with a list of what I think I want in a knife, however I haven't found one yet. I'm also not sure of what brands are better than others, so I'm looking for some help.

Basically I'm looking for a locking folder about 3" in length, drop point, one-hand open at least, preferably one-hand open and close. No assist - I'm in NJ and I don't want to carry anything like that here. That rules out the Twitch, which otherwise seemed to be a decent knife. I thought the AUS-8 steel on that blade was pretty good, I wouldn't want to go below that in quality. Combo blade would be nice, otherwise I'd pick standard over a serrated blade.

I was also impressed with the A.G. Russell knives, however I didn't see anything there on the small side that was also a one-hand. I also thought these are a bit pricey for me for what amounts to a starter knife.

Any tips greatly appreciated!

Do yourself a favor and check out the Böker Trance. For $26 bucks + shipping you get an incredible folder that is just about the perfect knife for everyday use. It's a solid little frame-lock folder with a slim profile, an extremely sharp AUS8 blade and great ergonomics.

 

[Monocrom]

Hmm.... I'm thinking Boker Trance or Benchmade Mini-Grip as two good choices reagarding your requirements.

 

[kc2kth]

So the Trance looks and sounds ideal for a starter. Just the size I'm looking for and at the price I wouldn't be risking much to find out if it's actually for me. Problem is I can't find any in stock.

I started looking at the mini Griptilian and the Mouse Lite when I saw I couldn't find the Trance. The Mouse maybe a bit small for me. The Griptilian is a bit larger and pricier than the Trance, but very nice and I can get the combo blade.

So the question now is any recommendations on who I should buy from? Pricing is somewhat all over the place - 30% or more differences between online vendors. Plus I have no idea how reliable any of these places are.

Thanks again for all the suggestions!

 

[Cosmic Superchunk]

www.knifeworks.com has the Trance in stock. It's where I got mine. I have no affiliation with knifeworks, just a satisfied customer. I've been buying from them for several years.

By the way, they also have the old style Mini-Grips on sale.

 

[EDCeeker]

So the Trance looks and sounds ideal for a starter. Just the size I'm looking for

Almost. It's 3-1/2" long, closed. And it's both relatively wide and relatively heavy (stainless frame). Don't get me wrong: It's a very nice knife and I quite like mine. But it didn't turn out to be the "in the pocket" (w/o the clip) that I'd hoped it would be. It has, however, displaced my Delica 4 as my EDC at the moment.

and at the price I wouldn't be risking much to find out if it's actually for me.

I think you'll like it. It's quite a nice knife. Opens easily and smoothly. Locks-up solid. Easy to disengage and close. Feels real good & solid in my hand, when open. Can't really ask for more.

Problem is I can't find any in stock.

I got mine from New Graham, but it looks like they're out of stock there atm .

...Griptilian is a bit larger and pricier than the Trance, but very nice and I can get the combo blade.

Not a fan of combo blades, myself. Don't often need to cut the kinds of things a serrated blade is best at, they're harder to sharpen and they're definitely less sheeple-friendly. To each their own, I guess.

So the question now is any recommendations on who I should buy from?

Asking and reading over the last several months, here's the list I have:

newgraham.com
eknifeworks.com
onestopknifeshop.com
islandtactical.com
gpknives.com
knifeworks.com
thebladeshop.com
Sooner State Knives

I've only purchased from the 1st two. Had good experiences with both. New Graham is my favourite. If I wasn't in a hurry, I'd tend to wait for them to get what I wanted back in stock.

 

[kc2kth]

Thanks for all the help folks. I just ordered TWO knives. Went with the Trance and threw in a 556 mini-grip while I was there. Since knifeworks.com had the Trance, I ordered both from there.

 

[Thalestin]

let us know how you like your new friends

 

[ItchyTasty]

Yes 'grats on the two new knives. Don't be surprised when you start getting the itch for more blades