looking for recommendations on a smaller EDC

[Alnamvet68]

A SAK Minichamp for about $30 or so...

 

[black mamba]

Yes, Ed, the #406 has a little "grape" to it. In strong natural light, the color is slightly more mahogany than in the photo.

 

[mrszeontestpilot]

Buck 503 Prince. The blade is just about 2.5", can be found for around $35 and made in USA.

 

[jacksterp]

I've been picking up Schrade 12OTs off of the bay for $10 or so. They're a little used, but they're the old made in USA ones which is cool. I was able to score a new in box one for $12 the other day. Their blade is right around 2 1/2" give or take.

That is a terrific buy.

Paid about $35 for one new in box a couple of years ago.

 

[Cory Hess]

That is a terrific buy.

Paid about $35 for one new in box a couple of years ago.

I was pretty pumped about it. I'd say that it was a good buy at $35. They are excellent little knives, and my biggest problem is keeping one in my hands because my wife and daughter have become quite fond of them as well. Just received an 18OT that I scored for $6.50. It's blade is only 2", which is why I didn't mention it earlier. There are a ton of good little Old Timers out there still. They're less expensive and IMO much higher quality than the Rough Riders and similar brands. Just have to make sure you're getting the old USA ones. I've been having a lot of fun with them.

 

[JBE]

A nice SAK such as a Victorinox Alox Cadet or Pioneer

 

[300Bucks]

Lots of good suggestions.

I am guessing you want a smaller knife to fit in with rules of a workplace or to go with dress clothes. The SAKs are good and have low visual scare image. Any of the pen knives will also work.

Once again let me give the Buck situation, Buck went to China to satisfy a price point set by a major store (WM) around the time they were moving the factory to Idaho. They never stopped making American made models. And have brought some back for production in US. For this thread there are a couple of two blade pen knives, Model 305s, made in America, that will meet the request by the OP. Which will also give you the lifetime warranty they are known for. I collect Buck folders, I do not work for Buck. I did once receive a small plastic box of Buck bandaids for free. 300

 

[waltmc]

Buck 503 Prince. The blade is just about 2.5", can be found for around $35 and made in USA.

You've gotten a bunch of good suggestions so far, which will give you plenty to go through. Without more information on what you want, it's hard to nail things down.
But... the Buck 503 is a great little knife. It takes up no space in your pocket, looks good, works great, and doesn't tend to excite people (in the wrong way) if you use it.

 

[pinnah]

Hello, im looking for a new EDC, im looking for a smaller one, around a two and a half inch blade. I would prefer for it to be as low priced as possible. Thanks.

The lowest price/highest value knife discussed so far is the Opinel. The #6 size will be in your size range and can be purchased online shipped to your door for around $15. They make smaller models but they lack the lock ring.

If you want a tiny lock back, you can search the auction sites for the Schrade LB3. If you add USA to your search you will find versions made in the US by the original Schrade. You can find these for under $20.

I would follow 300Bucks advice if the Bucks hold interest to you. Personally, I would steer clear of the non-USA made knives, which includes a lot of their slip joints due to the 420J2 steel, which has a reputation of being very soft. In contrast, their 420HC is excellent.

For traditional slip joints on the inexpensive end, Inwould look at Rough Rider.

Many Victorinox SAKs are available in large retail stores in the $20 range. Very useful EDC options.

 

[Lee48]

I also have been attracted to smaller knives recently. The Buck suggestions are good. I particularly like the 303 which can be very economical.

Also look at the small sizes of the Case "working knives". These are lower priced knives with simple delrin handles and "as ground" stainless blades. Several patterns are available, they are good quality but lack the polish and bling of the normal Case folders. I own a peanut and a small/medium stockman with jigged brown delrin panels and a medium jack (which is actually rather small) in smooth black delrin. All of them are well made and well worth the lower prices.