Mid/high end small edc

I often have a Chaparral in my pocket, unless I need something with a little less blade - like the Michael Walker in my pocket right now.
 
Once again, thanks for the suggestions guys. At this point I am leaning towards the chaparral or the bm 470. While the other options suggested look nice they kinda got me looking in the wrong direction. For example I was looking at the nemesis manx, which is at the top end of my size requirement, then started to look into the sage 2 which is slightly bigger than my caly 3 which I had already decided was bigger than I wanted for this knife.. Before I knew it I was trying to track down a paramilitary 2, etc. I have decided I'd really like to keep the blade under 3 inches and the overall length under 7 inches with a thin, classy construction. The chaparral and the 470 seem to best fit that description in my price range and both offer features that I really like in a knife. In terms of the chaparral I really like the cf scales and great ergonomics. I also have really liked the way spyderco heat treats their s30v, I've had very good luck with it in the past. As far as the 470 goes, it's similar to what I have been carrying for the last couple of years so there is obviously a degree of comfort there, and I love the axis lock as well as assisted opening knives so I can imagine that an assisted opening axis lock would be fantastic. My biggest worry with the 470 would be the durability of the gray aluminum scales in comparison to the cf on the chaparral. I don't necessarily have anything against aluminum scales but they tend to show wear a little more than other options. Aside from that, I just kind of have this feeling that it's about time I edc'd a nice spyderco again. I've been on a benchmade kick for a while now and it just seems like it's time for a change. Thoughts?
 
Seems like you have answered your own question when you say how much you like AO folders.

Manual operation is one of the many reasons I love the Chaparral.
 
flash900 said:
Seems like you have answered your own question when you say how much you like AO folders.

Manual operation is one of the many reasons I love the Chaparral.
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I do particularly like ao folders but it is in no way a deal maker/breaker as spyderco knives aren't exactly difficult to open. Assisted opening just helps a bit since I work in a kitchen and my hands are often dirty or I'm wearing gloves. Assisted opening just helps me to minimize mess and maximize efficiency. But like I said, it nice but not necessary considering I've never had a problem opening a spyderco quickly and effectively.
 
Does it have to have a lock? Spyderco has some great slipit designs such as the UKPK and Terzuola....
 
timberweasel said:
Does it have to have a lock? Spyderco has some great slipit designs such as the UKPK and Terzuola....
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For the typically light duty tasks this knife will handle, no, I suppose it doesn't NEED a lock. I have looked quite extensively at the urban in the past, but in general I think the chaparral is everything the urban is only slightly better. I already have a caly3 so the ukpk is out since it is basically just a slip-it caly3.. The terzuola looks nice though but doesn't quite speak to me like some other knives do. To be perfectly honest I think I am still leaning towards the chaparral but that ao axis on the 470 keeps calling my name.
 
Just for some different suggestions... Fallkniven & Klotzli both make folders in your size range. So does William Henry and A G Russell. These are all pretty well made knives with mid- to high end materials.
 
mkjellgren said:
Nice suggestion!!! I completely forgot about Bradley. Man, this is getting to be a hard decision.

This might have just jumped to the top of the list... A little spendy but I'm thinking it might be worth it...

http://www.bladehq.com/item--Bradley-Cutlery-Alias-II--733
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I absolutely love mine!
Just the right size, and the quality is even better than expected, and it operates perfectly, locks up like a vault with no play, and is just awesome in every way.
I have a hard time imagining how anything could be better.
 
Hey all, new here (first post) just got my first nice knife, a 470. Love it and couldn't be happier. I have no other experience with quality folders, but can highly recommend the BM. Good luck with your final decision.
 
twl said:
I absolutely love mine!
Just the right size, and the quality is even better than expected, and it operates perfectly, locks up like a vault with no play, and is just awesome in every way.
I have a hard time imagining how anything could be better.
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That is very good to hear. Being that I am actually going to be getting a fair amount if use out of this knife, the Bradley is looking more and more like the way to go. It just seems to be of slightly more solid construction than some of the others and just seems like its meant to be used fairly hard. Friday is payday so I will probably order something then so hopefully I can make up my mind. Basically the only thing I have really learned throughout this search is that I now have a list of knives I want a mile long and I'll never be able to afford them all...
 
mkjellgren said:
Once again, thanks for the suggestions guys. At this point I am leaning towards the chaparral or the bm 470. While the other options suggested look nice they kinda got me looking in the wrong direction. For example I was looking at the nemesis manx, which is at the top end of my size requirement, then started to look into the sage 2 which is slightly bigger than my caly 3 which I had already decided was bigger than I wanted for this knife.. Before I knew it I was trying to track down a paramilitary 2, etc. I have decided I'd really like to keep the blade under 3 inches and the overall length under 7 inches with a thin, classy construction. The chaparral and the 470 seem to best fit that description in my price range and both offer features that I really like in a knife. In terms of the chaparral I really like the cf scales and great ergonomics. I also have really liked the way spyderco heat treats their s30v, I've had very good luck with it in the past. As far as the 470 goes, it's similar to what I have been carrying for the last couple of years so there is obviously a degree of comfort there, and I love the axis lock as well as assisted opening knives so I can imagine that an assisted opening axis lock would be fantastic. My biggest worry with the 470 would be the durability of the gray aluminum scales in comparison to the cf on the chaparral. I don't necessarily have anything against aluminum scales but they tend to show wear a little more than other options. Aside from that, I just kind of have this feeling that it's about time I edc'd a nice spyderco again. I've been on a benchmade kick for a while now and it just seems like it's time for a change. Thoughts?
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Re-consider the Sage 2. It is wider, but the handle is actually a bit shorter. I have both and love both. I don't carry the Caly as much because the blade is scratched and scratches easily. I carry it with dress slacks more and carry the Sage 2 with jeans more.
IMG_3623.jpg
 
You could also go cheap and look at Sanrenmus. My gripe with them is most of them are too small, but you are leaning towards smaller, so maybe that could work. I know you are looking up to $150 but maybe get whatever and also get a 710. You will be surprised at how good the quality actually is for so little money.
 
I was going to recommend the 470 too. I saw the 470 in a store and had to have it. It was just what I was looking for with Lightning fast deployment, great blade shape w/ s30v, and deep carry clip.
 
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You could try getting some nice scales for your (mini) Ritter grip. I got some Cuscadi scales on mine, and they really step the knife up a notch. It feels way higher end with some g10 or carbon fiber scales on it. Turns it into a whole knew knife!
 
OP please get a bench made 943.
Slim, light, sv30 steel. I can't feel it in my pocket, but it still has a decent sized blade (3.5 inches)
It carries the same as a blade much smaller than it (twitch 2).
I just received my 943 today and I could not be happier.
I've had / sold a paramilitary 2, benchmade griptilian, and benchmade mini onslaught because I was not 'thrilled' with them. This knife has me thrilled.
Its classy, light, and tough.
 
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