Looking for Quality Mini Quick-Open Folder for EDC

D

ducksoup

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Mar 29, 2007
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The title pretty much says it. Does anyone have any recommendations/advice for a quality folding blade? The main criteria I'm looking for are high quality blade (preferably combo edge, < 3"), easy 1-handed open, and in the <$50 range. I've had my eye on a Benchmade Mini Ambush. Any advice is appreciated.
 
I've talked to a few people and got some opnions besides my own and I'd say for what your looking for and for the money the kershaw ken onion scallion. They go anywhere from $25-40 bucks. They have a great pocket clip, super tight, the blade launch is amazing and it keeps a good edge. I know there is a lot of guys that would agree to your bench made, but for the money the scallion in my opnion cannot be beat. You can usually get them new in the box on ebay for $30 or less. Ive carried one for over a year and never had a problem, and I work construction so It gets used 4 or 5 times a day. Just my opnion hope it helps.-Joel
 
Most traditional knives do not really quick-open. You'd be better served asking this question in the Blade Discussion Forum.
 
Caution, I had the mini ambush, but it wouldn't stay closed in the pocket. There was something wrong with the detent function. Bass pro replaced the knife, but I ended up with the same problem.

I have never had any problems with Benchmade Blue or Black class though.:thumbup:

BTW, I 2nd (or is it 3d) the Scallion.
 
I'd for for a kershaw. They have so many models in that price range and size that you should have no trouble finding something you like. Good Luck and welcome to the forums!
 
I'm gonna go ahead and cast another vote for Kershaw. My reccommendation would be the Scallion but you really can't go wrong with any of their models and they do have a lot of them that would fit the bill. The other recommendation I would make would be to think about the Kershaw NRG which should be released in a couple of months. G-10 handle, Sandvik steel blade, and an "unassisted" flipper action that is, from what I hear, one of the best we will have seen so far. Here is a link to the video of its opening:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCAp6FGAWWo
 
What you seek might just be the Spyderco Waved Delica 4.
It's faster than an auto!
 
from Wally World, and while I like it, I am carrying my Buck Rush more. The Buck is slightly longer, and has a nice convienient safety lever which makes it great for one hand operation :thumbup: ~$45 at Wally World. The Scallion will be my weekend carry, when I want something light to carry. I also just picked up a BM Mini Pika Red Class, and this knife is quickly becoming my favorite,:thumbup: got me out of a Pickle today while working in a live panel :eek: at work. I was a little leary of buying a made in Taiwan knife, but the fit and finish of this knife is on par with my Scallion and Buck. I've seen it online for under $25.00.

Anyways just my 2 cents. I'm a newby when it comes to quality knives so take my opinion for what it's worth.
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DaveR
 
id vote for the kershaw chive ive been carrying it as a money clip for months it has a strong opening and is pretty sharp its kinda small though
 
I would suggest checking out that Mini-Ambush a little more. I've got one, and while I've had no mechanical problems (good fit & finish and locks up pretty tight), it took me a little getting used to opening it (used to thumb flick it open until it slashed my thumb open) - no really quick way to open it, IMO. I would suggest for fast opening, try a Waved Delica or SOG Twitch or Kershaw Chive.
 
I would recommend a Benchmade 556 mini-Griptilian. Very easy one-hand open, smooth action, very sharp blade.
But the best option would be to 'test-drive' several different brands/models in person if you can, and choose from there.
Jim
 
Thanks for your input, guys. I'm thinking the Scallion is probably the best choice for my price range.
 
I have the Ambush, and it not only looks great, but with a little breaking in and some Militec-1, it opens very fast. The detent action is a little stronger than on my Grips, but therefore, as it requires a stronger initial push with the thumb, once it gets going it has enough inertia to open it all the way, very quickly. In practice it almost feels like an assisted-opener. One-hand closing works well too (pull back rolling-lock stud, curl index finger over near thumb-stud and pull closed).

I would recommend a mini-Grip for your purposes but for the price, the mini-Ambush is great ($32 or so at gpknives).
 
ummm, most of the knives mentioned are not mini, even if they carry the prefix "mini" in their name. And most are not <3" either. I would take a look at some of the Byrds. For $20, you really can't go wrong. The Finch comes to mind, or how about one of Chad's "Biscuits" (Boker Subcom)?
 
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