Recommendation? Mini Pocket Knife for Kitchen Use

[Racheski]

Hello Blade Forums!

I'm a relatively new chef looking for a very small/mini pocket knife that I can clip to my arm sleeve pocket. It will mainly be used to cut plastic wrap, scrape off labels, cut twine, i.e. quick tasks where I may not be close to my station's knives or when a chef's knife would not be ideal. I have been using a WORKPRO EDC Folding Utility Knife, but I cannot open it with one hand which slows me down. Specific requirements are:

-Less than 3.5 inches closed
-Easy to open and close with one hand
-Pocket clip
-Under $100 (the cheaper the better)
-Lightweight

The Gerber Mini-Fast Draw Knife looks like a viable candidate, but I know nothing about EDC/pocket knives so I wanted to consult with the experts!

Thanks in advance!
Robin

 

[Lee D]

Having large hands I prefer a spydie hole to a thumbstud, it just seems to require less dexterity, but that may not be the case for you. Check out the Spyderco Dragonfly and Chaparral (closer to your $100 budget, but a great little knife)

 

[scubadoober]

Crkt Pilar, Spyderco dragonfly, or ace nibbler

 

[Fonedork]

Spyderco Tasman or dragonfly salt I think

 

[killgar]

Welcome to Bladeforums Robin.

When I saw your thread title I thought you were referring to using a mini pocket knife in the kitchen for food prep, which concerned me, but after reading your post it looks to me like you just want to use it for basic utility cutting in and around the kitchen. That's a relief.

As for knife recommendations, I'm sure there are several that fit your criteria. However, Gerber is not known for their quality. They were quality once upon a time, but not anymore.

A few knives that I think might meet your criteria are all from Spyderco. Spyderco is a highly reputable company that produces high-quality knives with great customer service and warranty.

The knives are-

Spyderco Cat (around $65.)
Spyderco Chicago (around $60.)
Spyderco Ambitious (around $50.)

These are all liner-lock knives which you might find easier to close with one hand than a back-lock. They are all slightly under or near your size preference, and they are all well under $100.

 

[Bastler]

Buck Budgie.

 

[TC]

Smatchet.

 

[Racheski]

Thanks for all of the prompt responses! I looked through all of the recommendations and have narrowed it down to the Spyderco Chicago or Dragonfly 2. I'm leaning toward the Chicago because I live there (ha) and it seems the liner-lock mechanism is easier to open with 1 hand vs the back-lock of the Dragonfly 2. Has anyone here used the Chicago before?

 

[jmh33]

Carried/carry a CAT which is real similar.. Great knife.. I have large hands and the CAT fits with no issues..
JMO..
John

 

[Dergyll]

If you're going the spyder route, I prefer the Cat myself, the Chicago is bit too intsy wintsy for me, and I have schmedium hands.

If your cutting tasks is as described, I would point you to the Kizer Swaggs Swayback. The bladeshape is a greate string cutter and package unpacker. Button lock is extremely easy to actuate one handed and easier to clean than liner lock should food, organic stuff gets in there.


Good luck, here is a reference next to the 4in shun paring.

 

[gazz98]

For ease of opening and closing with one hand, I would recommend a button or axis type lock. CIVIVI makes a great knife for the $. I'd start here.

https://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/...type=Button&sortType=priceAs&brand=917&page=1

 

[Racheski]

For ease of opening and closing with one hand, I would recommend a button or axis type lock. CIVIVI makes a great knife for the $. I'd start here.

https://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/...type=Button&sortType=priceAs&brand=917&page=1

Thanks, but all of these are too long.

 

[gazz98]

Doh. I read the "less than 3.5" as in blade length not in overall length. My bad.

I hate to admit but a Stanley Control Grip retractable utility knife might be a great idea. Comes with pocket clip. About 3" long.

 

[Racheski]

If you're going the spyder route, I prefer the Cat myself, the Chicago is bit too intsy wintsy for me, and I have schmedium hands.

If your cutting tasks is as described, I would point you to the Kizer Swaggs Swayback. The bladeshape is a greate string cutter and package unpacker. Button lock is extremely easy to actuate one handed and easier to clean than liner lock should food, organic stuff gets in there.
View attachment 1921713

Good luck, here is a reference next to the 4in shun paring.

The more I looked into the button lock, the more I like the idea - but that Kizer is just a hair on the long side for what I'm looking for. I did stumble across the Kershaw Launch 9 - which would appear to be even easier to open/close with its auto mechanism. Not sure about its legality in the city of Chicago tho...

 

[Chefget]

View attachment 1922092

This would be my choice, might even fit in the skinny sleeve pocket. 3.4 inch handle length

 

[NapalmCheese]

Get a sheath for a Victorinox paring knife and hang it off your apron, put a clip on the sheath and clip it in your pocket, etc. Then hand it to the dishie to wash if you feel like it.

 

[NorthernSouthpaw]

As a former chef who carried a knife for the exact purposes you describe I can tell you that for me it was always better to have a lightweight knife clipped to your pants pocket than sleeve.

Easy one hand open/close
lightweight
inexpensive
3" or under blade
City
under $100

Here are a few suggestions....

Byrd, Robin 2 - or Spyderco, Dragonfly II for better quality

Ontario, RAT 2

Giantmouse, Nibbler

Kizer Vanguard, Swaggs

Kizer Shard

 

[anthonycastorena2014]

I would go with a Hogue Deka. I seem to recommend this knife once a week now lol. I think it is the right length and width for your criteria. Very easy to manipulate one handed as well.

 

[anthonycastorena2014]

As a former chef who carried a knife for the exact purposes you describe I can tell you that for me it was always better to have a lightweight knife clipped to your pants pocket than sleeve.

Easy one hand open/close
lightweight
inexpensive
3" or under blade
City
under $100

Here are a few suggestions....

Byrd, Robin 2 - or Spyderco, Dragonfly II for better quality

Ontario, RAT 2

Giantmouse, Nibbler

Kizer Vanguard, Swaggs

Kizer Shard

Dude the Byrd is a great suggestion! (They all are but I skipped over the cheaper the better comment)

 

[Racheski]

As a former chef who carried a knife for the exact purposes you describe I can tell you that for me it was always better to have a lightweight knife clipped to your pants pocket than sleeve.

Easy one hand open/close
lightweight
inexpensive
3" or under blade
City
under $100

Here are a few suggestions....

Byrd, Robin 2 - or Spyderco, Dragonfly II for better quality

Ontario, RAT 2

Giantmouse, Nibbler

Kizer Vanguard, Swaggs

Kizer Shard

Heard. I'll experiment clipping to pants pocket - what did you carry during your chef days?