Need a folder less than 3".

[Tyrannosaur]

I lost my trusty everyday carry knife of five years, a CRKT M18-14, and need a new one that is under 3", because I found out that un my state, WA, that they are illegal to carry if over 3" mostly.

So I need something for cutting boxes, packages, and maybe self-defense for everyday use and then for all small cutting application when i go outdoors and camping. I've looked a lot online and in some stores and am considering a Emerson Commander Karambit. I also really liked some of the folding Al Mar knives, but those were over 3". My old knife took all my punishment well for the past five years, and still worked like new, so I want something that is going to take that and last me a LONG time.

 

[sixstrings101]

if you like the emerson karambit commander you should try to find a snubby cqc14 they are hard to find but well under your 3" requirement and take quite a beating

 

[Jos]

If you like Al-Mar, check out the mini SERE 2000.

 

[longbeachguy]

I'm sure you're aware of the Spyderco Delica 4. Awesome knife regardless of price, and I'm sure would fit your needs.

The Benchmade 14210 is another excellent knife under 3".

I don't know how you feel about tantos but the Emerson mini CQC-7B is a tank, with a big grippy handle and a blade under 3".

I have all of these knives and would recommend any of them for your purposes.

 

[Esav Benyamin]

Mini SERE http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=AMMS2KB
(Beat me to it! )

Also the Al Mar Nomad http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=AMND2

 

[MG_Saldivar]

My favorite <3" folder is the Spyderco Salsa. It's been discontinued but many are available for $50-$60 on eBay. Aluminum scales, pocket clip, Spydie thumbhole with cobrahood for rapid deployment, and very sturdy compression lock (just like on the Para-Military). All with an approx. 2.5" flat ground blade of AUS8 stainless.

 

[omaha-beenglockin]

Benchmade 525 or Mini Grip

 

[Confederate]

Even in my hideous state, carrying knives isn't a hassle. I have to admit, though, that I'd carry what I wanted regardless of the laws. I'd recommend the CRKT M21-02 or a Cold Steel medium Voyager. Okay, they're advertised as three inches, BUT...BUT...BUT they make them a little shy of three inches just so people can carry it in states run by mentally deficient bureaucrats. These knives come in at about 2.94 inches, so fear not, and if you don't believe me, visit a store and measure the blades.

Small blades are difficult to use for self defense; however, if you know all the main artery spots (like Kim Bassinger in the movie Cellular), they will work. Having a good Cree flashlight also is a good idea.

Good luck.

This is the CRKT M21 with serrations. I prefer the plain.

And these are the "medium" Cold Steel Voyagers.
All these come in just under 3 inches.

 

[fordf250]

Unless you are in Seattle it appears their is no limit on the length of a knife for EDC in WA. In Seattle it's 3 1/2 inches. http://pweb.netcom.com/~brlevine/wa.txt

 

[Vivi]

Trance, Subcom, Wharcom, Native, Leek, Mini Cyclone, Meadowlark....

 

[fishface5]

Fordf250 you beat me to it!

 

[cereedy]

Benchmade mini griptilion is a perfict knife for what you want to use it for.

 

[65535]

http://www.benchmade.com/products/product_detail.aspx?model=705

I found one place selling them, it's a little pricey for it, but you can feel free to search for a better price if you find one PM me, I am looking for one too.

http://www.jtknives.com/benchmade705.htm

 

[Tyrannosaur]

Thanks for the help guys. About the 3" thing... I found a site earlier that said that 3" was the limit for washington...

I checked out the benchmades when I was browsing today and I just didn't like them at all. However, I really liked the Al Mars and Emersons. They just felt right, and I do not mind spending over 150 bucks to get something that I really like that and of high quality. I would say 180 is my limit.

 

[Tyrannosaur]

Oh and I don't like serrated edges or tantos, and I go to seattle all the time.

 

[carrot]

Boker Trance and the upcoming Spyderco Urban...

 

[znode]

Thanks for the help guys. About the 3" thing... I found a site earlier that said that 3" was the limit for washington...

Washington the state has some of the best knife laws in the country. No restrictions on open or concealed carry of blades of any size, fixed or folder!

It's D.C. that has the 3" problem.

Edit: Seattle Municipal Code though, has a 3.5" restriction for fixed blades, but none for folders.

 

[UFMetalEng]

Look at

Buck Mayo Waimea and Spyderco Lava, they are alot of knife in a small package.

 

[fishface5]

Correction r.e. Seattle blade length - per the Seattle muni code a prohibited "'Dangerous knife' means [1] ANY any fixed-blade knife and
[2] any other knife having a blade more than three and one-half inches (3 1/2") in length."
so you can't carry ANY fixed blade, nor ANY folder with a blade over 3.5". Other than that you're fine.

Other WA municipalities may have other restrictions in their codes, although I doubt they would be more restrictive than in Seattle (although possibly in Tacoma).

Have you checked out the Ti/ZDP Kershaw mini-cyclone? That's a pretty sweet EDC!

 

[Tyrannosaur]

I ordered the Emerson Commander Karambit, satin/plain edge for 140 I went and looked at it again at the store and it really just felt right.