Need a small EDC

A

AlexB-C

Joined
Apr 20, 2011
Messages
7
Hi guys,
I have always had a fascination with pocketknives and folders. I have currently a Spyderco Native (not sure which version), which I really wish that I could carry around however, it is simply too broad and bulky for my pockets. I like the quality of the lock and the steel but I think that I am ready to get something a little more slender and I need your advice.

My daily use is city-slicker type stuff like slicing paper, cardboard, string, tape, etc. but I do need something that can be a little adventurous sometimes. The number one request is that it is small. I’d like the closed length to be under roughly four inches and a fairly standard drop point, not serrated or tanto. I also plan to buy the Spyderco Sharpmaker but I am very new so I don’t want intense recurve or anything “tricky.” As far as the build is concerned, I don’t like stainless steel scales, or any metal for that matter. I want something that I can grip, not something metal and slippery that will slice open my foot when I drop it. I also don’t mind too much where the metal is made but I do want something quality. Something that holds an edge well and takes to sharpening. I'm not looking to break the bank for this one but would probably go up to 120 for something really good.

I’ve done a bit of research and it seems like people really like the Benchmade Mini Griptillian and the Spyderco Sage, so they are high on my list. Also, the Paramilitary 2. It’s a little bigger than I would like but it looks like a thinner profile that would slip well into a pocket. I've overlooked many important brands, I know.

What other possible knives have I missed? Anyone have any other suggestions?

Sorry for the barrage of questions.

Much thanks!
-Alex
 
The Spyderco Sage knives are my favorite smaller (~3") EDCs -- they're really superb. However, if you found the Native too wide when closed you may have the same issue with the Sage series (as well as pretty much every other Spyderco, due to the width added by the hole opener).

Another smaller knife I really like is the Kershaw OD-1. It's a cool little knife and much slimmer than the Spydies. A couple other Kershaws you might check out are the Speedform II and RAM.

Yet another brand to check out is Mcusta: pretty much any of their folders would be a good choice for a slim city EDC.
 
Sage 1 is my favorite Spyderco knife period......everything just works together to make a perfect design. Actually the Sage is always the knife I recommend to people who don'y want to spend over $100 on a EDC knife. Love it!
 
Benchmade 2550 any mini grip, or sae some money and get a kershaw skyline, or go with a delica,or native
 
Welcome to BladeForums! Sounds to me like you're after a Kershaw Skyline. Granted, it's closed length is 4.25", but it is narrow and slender in the pocket (I wear size 29 jeans and the Skyline carries extremely well), has good blade steel and profile (hollow-ground Sandvik 14C28N), has textured G-10 scales, and can be had for around $35 if you do your homework. http://www.kershawknives.com/productdetails.php?id=430&brand=kershaw
 
check out the buck vantage select small.

good steel
excellent blade design
3.75" long, closed
2.3oz
 
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A knife I've carried on me everyday for 12 years and has done just about everything from tear down boxes to skinning in a pinch, cut seat belts and air bags to get people out of cars, is my Puma Lieutenant , which you can still get off eBay for a very decent price . And I agree with midnightreport the Skyline is also excellent .



Just a quick edit, I have had both my hands and knife soaked in blood and it did not slip in my hand one bit while cutting a patient out of a vehicle.
 
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if you want something smaller then the native, then the only knife that I can think of that I actually own is the SOG Twitch 2 (take a look at the Flash too)
Super small & light weight and only cost $40
I've done a video review for the SOG twitch 2 so you can check it out if you want my personal opition.
but just to let you know, it is a $40 knife so you won't get everything
 
Couple of other suggestions... If you can go to about $160, the Spyderco Leafstorm would be a good choice. The lock side is Ti but the scale is G10 or G11 (I forget which).

Another choice on the other end of the price scale is one of the Dozier designed Kabar folders. They will carry smaller and lighter than the Native, but they are fully capable of keeping up with many larger folders in performance. Their AUS-8 is a great EDC steel.

You may also find a smaller Al Mar in AUS-8 and a non-metal handle in your price range if you look around online. It'll be a backlock similar to the Native.

A G Russell also has some very good quality smaller folders for really good prices. Check out his web site.
 
I'd take a look at the benchmade 940. Very slender and quick opening. It has aluminum scales but it has good grip.
 
The small Benchmade Bone Collector would be nice. Its' specs are as follows;

Blade Length: 2.95 in.
Blade Thickness: 0.115 in.
Open: 7.08 in.
Closed: 4.13 in.
Weight: 3.46 oz.
Handle Thickness: 0.618 in.
 
Well thanks guys, I have a lot to consider. I am very interested in the Skyline and I may go see if I can find one locally tomorrow so that I can see what it looks like in real life. I think photos are a little deceptive as far as size is concerned. I really like the look of the G-10 scales and the blade seems to be a good size. The Spyderco Sage and the Paramilitary 2 are also still high on my list and maybe I could see those tomorrow too. I'm really not sure if I need something smaller than 4 inches closed, as I said, I'll know better when I can hold these in my hand.

Thanks again and I'll be sure to post the results!
-Alex
 
The Paramilitary 2 is my favorite knife, and you definitely wouldn't regret owning one. However, it isn't any smaller than your Native.

I bought a Benchmade 530 for those times when I want a really slim, light knife that will disappear in my pocket. It weighs 1.88 ounces, has a tough Axis lock, and good 154cm steel. The Skyline is a bit heavier at 2.3 oz, and it is slightly thicker because of the liner lock. The Para 2 is a much harder use knife, but obviously it's also bigger and heavier. The Skyline is a great little knife and incredible value for your dollar, but I tend to like the 530 more because I really enjoy anything with an Axis lock. It also just feels so light and you forget it's in your pocket.

Here is a comparison picture for you to see. On top is my Skyline, middle is the 530, and bottom is my Para 2.

IMG_0010.jpg

IMG_0011.jpg

IMG_0012.jpg
 
It is very hard to judge size from a picture. This is the best thing I could think of to give a proper sense of the real proportions.

Here is the 530 beside a pack of gum. You can see it's almost the same thickness.
IMG_0014.jpg

IMG_0013.jpg
 
Thanks for all your advice! Yes, I had completely forgotten to mention the Benchmade offers. I was just looking at the 530 and the 707 sequel. I know some people have a gripe with the g10 inlay on the 707 but I'm not very rough with knives so think that it will be a good fit. Despite it's size, I'm still leaning towards the paramilitary 2. I think the plastic handle of the native is more irritating that it's bulk.

Still undecided,
-Alex
 
Perhaps a SAK? They're pretty tough to beat for a well-rounded pocket knife good for EDC and camping utility. Fairly sheeple-friendly to boot. Look at some alox models if you'd like something that's a little less bulky in your pocket.

I love my Spydies, but if you find the Native too wide, you'd be no further ahead with a Sage. Or any Spyderco really. Something from Kershaw or Benchmade might suit you better.

Good luck!
 
Not sure if you need a locking folding knife, but like others have already mentioned - $120 gets you a whole lot of slipjoint knife in all different flavors and colors, especially Victorinox or Wenger. Some of those even offer a locking blade.

How about an alox Farmer? You would have money left over.
 
I will recommend a Spyderco Dragonfly, FRN version is good, G10 version is fantastic. IMO, the best small EDC you can buy.
 
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