Looking for a tiny fixed blade

CanadaKnifeGuy

CanadaKnifeGuy

Joined
Jan 27, 2019
Messages
654
Hey guys,

Looking for a tiny (60mm / 2.25") fixed blade, to comply with domestic air travel rules.

It needs to be inexpensive, in case an overly aggressive security guy decides to steal it, despite complying with the rules... :rolleyes::oops::mad:

I've looked at / considered:

- CRKT minimalist (handle too small and not a fan of the steel)

- Mora Eldris (not enough parallel cutting surface before the belly starts and fat handle for my small hands)

- A.G. Woodswalker (is this one just-right?? Blade stock might be a bit thin and sacrifice durability)


Right now, I'm leaning towards the Woodswalker.

Am I missing anything else that's this small, yet usable and cheap???
 
jmgruber said:
Have you handled the Minimalist?
Click to expand...
Yeah - it's really small.

I have small hands, so a handle greater than 3.5" can give me a full, 4-finger grip and I much prefer that to a 3-finger which feels like it's much more in my fingertips, than palm.

I'd rather a 4-finger, full grip.
 
I have extra large hands. I wear 2xl gloves and like the small grip on the minimalist. It’s amazing for such a small handle
 
The woodswalker is actually a great option. The blade is thin-ish but it isnt fragile. My dad had one that he used for years for taxidermy work, cutting hide etc. and it held up great. He put it in the kitchen eventually and used it for a long time as a paring knife. Then I stole it away and refurbished it (it was in rough shape) and its served me well too, mostly as a kitchen knife. I also carry it occasionaly in a sheath I made.
 
If the Minimalist isn't your thing, any knife can shorten down..... Get a Mora with a handle you like, then cut it off to your desired length and profile. Go slow, cool it often, and it's actually pretty fun.
 
I tried the Minimalist. I wanted to love it. The fit and finish on mine wasn't great. You're absolutely right about the steel choice. Edge retention was dismal. Seriously, 5Cr15Mov is something we often see in counterfeits, clones, knives with fake steel stamps, and otherwise just very inexpensive Chinese-made knives. The fact that they're still putting out new models of minimalist in 5Cr15Mov in 2020 is bad. The fact that they're asking around $25 for them is worse.

If you want a knife that is cheap, small, and comfortable to use; consider the Tonife Squirrel. It comes with a good kydex sheath and makes for a great package opener. The steel is only 7Cr17Mov but that'll give you better edge retention than 5Cr15Mov and notably better corrosion resistance than 8Cr13Mov. The best part is that you can usually find them between fifteen and twenty dollars. (During a recent sale, I think I got my second one for $12.99.) I have higher quality knives at my disposal but there are times when this cheap, tiny, and ultimately disposable little knife is just right.
 
If you are looking for a hard use smaller knife, you could consider a good "neck knife" variety.

You could check out :

TOPS Knives Ferret. 1.8 inch blade. 1095 high carbon steel with good heat treat. Micarta Handles. Made in U.S.A. Tops Quality at a good price point (around $60). Can't go wrong with a TOPS Knife.
 
Anza has a lot of models with blades at or under 2.25”. Handles are micarta, stag or wood. All the knives on their site are shown next to a ruler so you can see just what you are getting.
 
Woodswalker is great. An exceptional value, and you aren't out a bunch of coin if it gets seized.

I like the $6 Victorinox and Dexters as well. I don't fly with 'em, I just pick them up "when I get there" and leave them.
 
Search Sanrenmu 4101FUZ-SZ Mini Fixed. They say it is Sandvik. You get a flashlight too.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top