Mid/high end small edc

mkjellgren

mkjellgren

Joined
Nov 1, 2005
Messages
1,592
Hey guys, I've been out of the game, so to speak, for a little while now and its about time for a new small edc. Basically I have given up on trying to buy "user" knives. I have a couple delicas in different variations, an endura, both large and small griptilians a Ritter mini grip, several assisted open kershaws and a whole slew of leatherman tools and such. Its not that I dislike those knives in the least, its that whenever I'm using a beater type knife, particularly one with frn scales, I just wish I was instead using one of my nicer knives. I came to the conclusion then about a year ago to just start using my nicer knives, simply because it makes me happy. Anyway, I've been carrying a benchmade 707 sequel for quite some time now and its seen some hard use (abuse?) And I'm looking for something to take its place. I have a g10 delica that I carry occasionally but for some reason it just doesn't quite hit the spot, I tend to prefer a little slimmer, classier, gentleman's type knives for everyday use. I also own a Caly 3 but the handle is just a bit long for what I'm looking for and it tends to draw a little more attention than the 707, as does my benchmade bob lum mini dejavoo I have my eye on the spyderco chaparral, as it seems to be about the perfect size (3 inches or less), has a lot of blade in a small, discrete handle, and is made of quality materials at a fairly affordable price. Basically what I'm looking for are suggestions for a quality 2.5-3 inch folder in the $100-150 range. Is the chaparral the answer? Or are there other directions I should be looking. Thanks in advance.
 
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Maybe try a CRKT Ripple 2. I have the larger Ripple 1 and I really dig it... :thumbup:

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I think a small Lum chinese would suit you well. slim and classy.
Its my EDC so I'm a little biased.
 
love me my chaparral. good conclusion on your part :).

i currently rotate between the chaparral, the mini-grip (sheepsfoot) with STR's low-rider titanium clip (makes a huge difference in pocket carry), a small sebenza insingo (more $$$ than you want to spend this time around), a buck vantage pro small (s30v blade - great smaller knife in the under $75 category), and a couple other less $$$ but still quality blades i like.

so we appear to have similar tastes in small edc blades. that means you're probably good looking too, just like me.
 
I would highly recommend the Kershaw Speedform II. Very classy knife with some great steel.

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I recently bought the Spyderco Native 5 with S35vn steel, when I am visiting in cities or states where there is a 3" or less law on folders.

Another small fixed blade carry I like, that's very well made, is the Spyderco Fred Perrin. Can be carried as a necker, or in the pocket, or (what I'm trying next), with a Mercharness.

Finally, here's a classy folder I've been eyeing and that I'd like to own, but don't yet:

Spyderco Native Titanium C41TIFP (has the fluted titanium handles with the sunburst pattern). Spendy at $236, but a gorgeous custom edition of the Spyderco Native.
 
Vanguard41xx said:
Chapparal is an excellent choice and so is the G10 dragonfly.
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I actually have a couple of dflys as well (2 early plastic clip versions in plain and serrated edge and a plain edge vg10 stainless handled version) , and while I do really like them, I'm looking for something a bit bigger. Honestly I wish I had the spare scratch to throw down on a sebbie, but I just can't do it at this point. About $150 is my limit. I should also probably mention that I tend to prefer a flat grind since most of my usage tends to be slicing, and a splinter picker tip I'd always a nice bonus. Overall my favorite lock is benchmade's axis lock but am generally not adverse to any other lock style, provided the lockup is bank vault tight with absolutely no blade play. Solid, quality feel is a must, as I've said, I have several high quality "cheap" feeling knives, and while great knives, they just aren't my thing.

Anyway, thanks for the ideas so far guys. Keep em coming.
 
razorsdescent said:
I just got a nemesis knives manx. They are very nice knives and arent talked about very much on this forum.

a ti framelock with vg-10 and carbon fiber for under 150 is a hell of a bargain in my book. http://www2.knifecenter.com/item/NKNK15/

if the knife wasnt imported it woul probably cost around 300.
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Hmmm...now this just might have my interest. Seem to be significantly beefier than the chaparral (not necessarily a bad thing but I usually prefer slimmer knives). It almost reminds me of a poor mans sebenza. Anyone else have any experience with Nemesis?
 
@nkjellgrn

its actually quite slim and incredibly light, its the lightest and slimmest knife i own. Poor mans sebenza is a good description but i think its a bit more modern/fashion forward looking.
 
shaneotool said:
check out the benchmade 470
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Dang, that looks right up my ally as well. Seems a bit pricy most places but I appear to have found one on gpknives.com for about $130 which seems like a heck of a deal. And I LOVE the axis lock so I assume assisted axis is only going to be better. What do you guys think of the 470 and Nemesis in comparison to the chaparral? I know its probably all in my head but the whole made in china thing kinda scares me a little bit...
 
The 707 is a great EDC. Try one in D2 steel.
The new Chaparral sounds like a great choice too.
 
HuntBomb said:
The 707 is a great EDC. Try one in D2 steel.
The new Chaparral sounds like a great choice too.
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Thanks for the suggestion. I am currently on my second 707, lost the first through a hole in my pocket carrying it clipless. My current one is still of the 154cm variety and to be honest, almost nothing sounds better than a steel upgrade to my trusty 707. That said, I've been carrying a 707 for roughly 3 years now and I just think I need something different. If i ever feel like carrying the 707 again it is, while slightly battered and bruised, as usable as ever.
 
The chaparral has turned into my knife of choice on days I wear shirt/tie. Thin, discrete (size and deep carry), light. I like the handle better than my 707; with the 707 - I can only get about 3.5 fingers on it. With the choil, the chaparral accommodates my entire hand. While I like the 470 in theory - it is fairly small in hand as well.
 
razorsdescent said:
I just got a nemesis knives manx. They are very nice knives and arent talked about very much on this forum.

a ti framelock with vg-10 and carbon fiber for under 150 is a hell of a bargain in my book. http://www2.knifecenter.com/item/NKNK15/

if the knife wasnt imported it woul probably cost around 300.
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Wow I am really digging that knife. Could you give us your thoughts, or possibly do a review? I'm usually a lefty, but that price is hard to beat--and, after all, I am ambidextrous.
 
OffTheGrid said:
Check out the Spyderco Leaf Storm.
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I had initially looked at the leaf storm but the more I thought about it, the more I realized it wasn't the best choice for me. I actually use my knives quite a bit. Its not overly hard work, mostly breaking down cardboard boxes or opening up plastic packaging (I work in a kitchen), but I am grabbing for my knife all day everyday. The leaf storm, with its small handle with no choil, and sharp bottom corner of the blade, would be an accident waiting to happen for me. I really wish there was a carbon fiber or nice g10 version of the ritter mini grip...that would be one heck of a little knife.
 
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