made in usa locking folder with ~2 inch stubby blade

M

magicdust

Joined
May 12, 2011
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I've been looking for a knife such as this to carry for an EDC but haven't found any options made in the USA. This part is only my preference because I like to support my country's industry and craftsmanship. If there aren't any, I'll go with something imported.

I want something pocket friendly, one hand opening, but not assisted...a liner lock would be ideal for one handed closing as well. A little over 2 inches can be ok, but only about 1/4 inch.
To give an idea of some designs that fit the bill:
Spyderco Chicago (mixed reviews)
Broker Sub com (blade might be a little too "fat")
Al Mar SLB (I am leaning towards this if there isn't a made in USA option)

I feel like I've looked around a fair amount, but thought I'd see what else might be out there.
Thanks!
 
I saw the Spyderco Techno in another thread about stubby folders, but its blade is a little too long for my preference.

It's probably a little more expensive than I'd like too, but at this point if I could find something that fit everything I'm looking for, it might be worth it!
 
magicdust said:
I saw the Spyderco Techno in another thread about stubby folders, but its blade is a little too long for my preference.
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What about your made in the US requirement? If you're willing to toss that one out the window, it's hard to beat the Mini Tuff Lite for the money.
 
Thanks for the suggestions so far.
The made in USA requirement is the biggest barrier so far, so that's what I'm really fishing for here...although other recommendations are not unappreciated.

The Al Mar SLB is made in Japan from what I gather. The mini tuff is by Cold Steel if I'm correct. Not bad either, but I am holding out for made in USA unless one doesn't exist, in which case I'll just order the SLB.
 
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sorry that was my bad I misread the info on the al mar their HQ is in the states you are right they are made in japan
 
I was pointing out that the Techno was made in Taiwan, that's why I asked if you dropped the US requirement.
 
Never mind. Suggestion already mentioned in OP - I just missed it. Spyderco Chicago - Taiwan. Currently on sale, though, at Knives Ship Free.

Sorry for the redundancy.
 
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evilgreg said:
I was pointing out that the Techno was made in Taiwan, that's why I asked if you dropped the US requirement.
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Ah, yes, you're right. It is made in Taiwan...I think we've established that determining country of origin can sometimes be tricky. Mostly the Techno's blade is just longer than I would like.

Right now I carry a Buck Lightning 170. It's blade is just under 2.5" and I'd actually like to go a bit smaller and a little stouter.
 
SaintlyBrees said:
Never mind. Suggestion already mentioned in OP - I just missed it. Spyderco Chicago - Taiwan. Currently on sale, though, at Knives Ship Free.
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No problem. The Chicago is definitely one I'm considering if I can't find a US made option. I checked one out today at a local store, and I think it would work. I've heard a lot of good things about the SLB though, so will probably go that route if I go imported.
 
Ford1911 said:
Buck Nano or 505 and Kershaw Chive come to mind.
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The nano and 505 aren't bad for lockbacks. I have a 505, and occasionally throw a Gent in my coin pocket. I'd like something a little bigger in the hand and one hand opening. The chive isn't bad, but I'm not so much for assisted opening...more to go wrong. Even for my needs, the chive struck me as a little small, more the handle than the blade I think. I might not have spent enough time with it, but the frame lock seemed hard to close with one hand.
 
If you jump up to around 2.5" you have a lot more options. The Benchmade 482 Megumi is a beatiful knife. I beleive the Spyderco Leaf is made in the US. Of course you then have more models to chose from in the Buck and Kershaw lines.
 
I like my Al Mar SLB, has great fit and finish.

If you want to get a stubby beater knife, check out the Kershaw HalfTon.

Both of these get pocket time.

Ric
 
Boker Plus Orange Nano (Curtiss) Specifications:
Overall Length: 4.75"
Blade Length: 1.875"
Blade Thickness: 0.12"
Blade Steel: 440C
Handle Material: Zytel, Stainless Steel
Weight: 2.90 oz.

Boker Plus CLB Subcom 42 Titanium (Chad Los Banos) Specifications:
Overall Length: 4.625"
Blade Length: 1.875"
Blade Thickness: 0.09"
Blade Steel: 440C
Handle Material: Titanium
Weight: 2.3 oz.

Spyderco Leafstorm Specifications:
Overall Length: 6.063"
Blade Length: 2.438"
Blade Thickness: 0.125"
Blade Steel: CPM S30V
Handle Material: Titanium, G-10
Weight: 2.5 oz.

Al Mar SLB Specifications:
Overall Length: 4.6"
Blade Length: 1.75"
Blade Thickness: 0.10"
Blade Steel: AUS 8. Rc 57-59
Handle Material: Black Linen Micarta
Weight: 1.5 oz.
 
How about a friction folder? If you can deal with no lock,I would suggest contacting one of the makers in the exchange.
 
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