I have 2 Grips, both large--a Ritter M390 and a black combo 154CM. I like both knives but hated the handles so the Ritter now has G10 Wilkins and the other canvas micarta IgorDeds. I guess your beloved lost (sigh) mini-Grip had the stock handles. To each his own for sure
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I have all the Sages including both versions of the 3. The CF 3 is one of the smoothest knives I own and with the bolt lock would indeed be a good choice if you like the Axis. Sages 1 and 2 are both sweet, too. The 1 has awesome CF and the 2 is just so simple and light. Detents are fine on all the Sages.
Manix 2 is another good choice, as mentioned above, and carries much smaller than its size. Maybe bit heavy, though, if weight is part of why you like smaller EDCs. One of my favorites and the CBBL lock does break in and become easier after a while.
I have the mini-Barrage in 154CM and Norel and the full-sized version with the aluminum bolsters, G10, and M390. Both are stock assisted-opening, but I've taken the spring, safety, and back-spacer out of the larger knife and absolutely love it. Just flies out with a light flick. Great steel. For someone who wants a smaller EDC, the upscaled mini, de-assisted would be a helluva choice.
One knife that hasn't been mentioned and I never see much about is the Axis mini-Stryker. Not the auto version. I picked up the drop-point model here on BF and it makes a nice small EDC. It's light and thin, but has some breadth to the handle and blade, a solid feel, great G10, and a deep-carry parkerized split arrow clip. This is substantial knife that carries very lightly.
There's lots of good choices out there, and I hope you like your Sequel and find another that suits you well.