Recommendation? Looking for a small flipper or easy to open knife for the 5th pocket of jeans

D

Double P

Joined
Sep 26, 2022
Messages
9
Looking to make my final knife purchase of the year but can’t find exactly what I’m looking for. I want something to carry in the 5th pocket of my jeans. I purchased a baby banter, but it’s a little too small for my meat hooks and I can’t consistently get it to flip open more than halfway without my fingers being in the way. I already have and really like my Kershaw knives (scallion and chive) but would like something a bit bigger than the chive and a little smaller than the scallion.

I’ve scoured blade hq and SMKW and just don’t see anything that looks perfect. Here what I’d like:

closed length between 3-3.5 inches
no pocket clip or a removable pocket clip
rear flipper or easy to access thumb stud or other opening method
would like a lanyard hole
prefer a liner lock, but would consider alternatives
prefer something other than aluminum or stainless scales like g-10 or frn
$75 or less.

So far, I’m thinking Spyderco dragonfly 2 could be an option. Anyone know of anything else that fits my criteria?

Thanks in advance.
 
While the Dragonfly 2 doesn't meet the criteria, your are correct about it being an excellent option. It's a lot of knife for the size. On that same note a native 5 lightweight can be had for that price as well. I bought a civivi Bo that is a great rear flipper option that currently is on a great sale without having to look hard.
 
Would the Cold Steel Mini Tuff Lite work? Small enough, cheap enough, clip is removable, has a lanyard hole, has a thumb hole for one hand opening. Depending on the type of jeans you're wearing, your watch pocket (what you called the "fifth pocket") might even hold the standard Tuff Lite, which is only a half inch longer when closed (at 3.5"). Let us know what you decide!

Zieg
 
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Civivi Pintail is just under 3" and touch over $75 but sales off and on since discontinued. s35vn and micarta. Lanyard hole and removable clip, liner lock. Good little flipper. Yes it will slice through your finger. The sale at mfg seems sold out. 1000005821.jpg
 
Civivi Mini Elementum

Kansept Mini Korvid

CRKT Squid

Spyderco Astute

Spyderco Chaparral FRN
 
Are you considering automatics? There are a lot of smaller automatics designed to comply with the California 2" blade limit that fit well in the 5th pocket, and those are easy to reliably open.

You could also get one of those small utility blade holders, although many require two hands to get the blade out, and they're more of a backup than primary knife.
 
I am a fan of the 3" Steel Will Cutjack:
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(not my image)
 
IMHO, stick with your Spyderco options and you can’t go wrong.
Have a great weekend everyone!

Scott
 
Thanks for the input everyone. After looking at the suggestions here I decided a couple things.

1. I think I’ll make it a new tradition to buy a new knife every year on Black Friday/cyber Monday. I don’t buy my much during the year so I might as well have a shiny new knife to open Christmas presents every year.

2. Since I already own knives by Kershaw, Buck, CRKT, Esse, Mora, etc., I decided to add a new brand to my collection and ordered a Spyderco Dragonfly 2 in Zome green. Something about that blade shape and the color way is super appealing to me.

Of course, after I ordered it, I came across the PJRB mini pyrite which also checks a lot of boxes for me. Maybe that will be next years choice.

Thanks again for the help.
 
Also ordered a CJRB mica with forged carbon fiber scales. So much for buying one knife to,finish out the year.
 
Double P said:
Looking to make my final knife purchase of the year but can’t find exactly what I’m looking for. I want something to carry in the 5th pocket of my jeans. I purchased a baby banter, but it’s a little too small for my meat hooks and I can’t consistently get it to flip open more than halfway without my fingers being in the way. I already have and really like my Kershaw knives (scallion and chive) but would like something a bit bigger than the chive and a little smaller than the scallion.

I’ve scoured blade hq and SMKW and just don’t see anything that looks perfect. Here what I’d like:

closed length between 3-3.5 inches
no pocket clip or a removable pocket clip
rear flipper or easy to access thumb stud or other opening method
would like a lanyard hole
prefer a liner lock, but would consider alternatives
prefer something other than aluminum or stainless scales like g-10 or frn
$75 or less.

So far, I’m thinking Spyderco dragonfly 2 could be an option. Anyone know of anything else that fits my criteria?

Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
I have a drogonfly that I like a lot, but I couldn't handle it one-handed until Gary made a very tight fob for it. Don't let that deter you, though, I have essential tremors and an aggressive form of arthritis - which means that the average person could probably find it comfortable in the hand, and Spyderco makes them in K390. While it has to be sharpened, too, it holds an edge well and you won't be embarrassed by handing someone a dull knife.
 
What pants do you have? My Carhartt 5th pocket is huge, my go to knife pocket now especially at work and with sometimes two knives in there, Cricket and Yojumbo.

What about a RAT? Or a Buck 110 LIghtweight? Do ya like Spyderco? Cricket is great. So is the D-fly. Can probably find for under 70. Not flippers but easy to access.
 
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