Need assistance selecting small, durable EDC folder

I might be moving more towards a Benchmade now. Both the Extrema and Emerson’s seem a little on the bulky side to me. The main emphasis on both is a “combat” knife and neither strike me as a compact EDC working knife.
I really like the Spyderco’s but I can’t seem to find one with a blade/handle combo that I like. I like the Caly3 a lot but I don’t like the fact the G10 scales are riveted onto the liners. JUST INCASE I ever feel like disassembling it and cleaning that won’t be option with the Caly3. I also like the Para-Military but would not want to purchase one if a newer improved model is coming out this year. And all the other model’s I like such as the Endura or Delica only offer plastic, carbon fiber (which I don’t like at all) or foliage green G10 scales. I’d really like to just find a knife with black G10 scales.
I have not given up completely on the Spyderco’s tho. The ergonomics of the handles seem the best to me out of all the brands I’ve looked at and the VG-10 they use is really appealing and there’s something I like a lot about the blade shapes. Might just have to compromise with getting one in foliage green G10.. hmm..
So besides that I’ve been looking closer at the Mini-Griptilian (despite the plastic scales) which is cheaper than any of the Spyderco’s by a lot. I also like the Bone Collector a lot which has a very cool G10 handle but dumb logo on the blade. I’d really like to see a picture of the black/green G10 version whenever a photo of it becomes available. There are a lot of other Benchmade models I’m going to take a good look at too the like Mini-Presidio. All with Axis locks ofcourse because at the end of the day that’s probably my favorite lock out of all the different brands.
 
I just got my BM Sequel today and it is very nice. I had a mini-grip and I have to say I like the Sequel better probably because of the handle material and thinner profile. I love playing with the axis lock. Really great for hands that need to be kept busy. Good luck on making your decision.
 
my favorite two edc blades are spyderco delica an sog twitch 2. I'm gonna have to get me one of thoes mini griptilian
 
I have several BMs and the Mini-Griptilian was one of my last BM purchases. The only reason I didn't get one sooner was because of the "plastic" scales. Now that I have one, I have to say it has become one of my favorite knives to carry. It's nice and compact, yet the texture on the scales allows me to have a solid grip on the knife. Coming from experience, don't let the "plastic" scales deter you.
 
Now I think I'm digging the Stretch... :)
After looking harder at the Mini-Grip I noticed you can't choke up much on the blade but you can with the Stretch. There's always the offhand chance I might do a little deer skinning with my EDC on a hunting trip so the blade profile on the Stretch looks effective for that too. I also noticed the carbon fiber version has a texture to it kind of like G10 unlike the glossy carbon they use on the Caly3's, Sage etc.
However I'm still really stuck on the Axis lock so we'll see. Tough decision..
 
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The CF used on the Sage is textured, not smooth like on the Native4.

Stretch and Mini-grip are both great options. For an EDC user, I would rather have the FRN/VG10 Stretch than the ZDP. I think VG10 is more user friendly steel for EDC.
 
Kenix said:
The CF used on the Sage is textured, not smooth like on the Native4.

Stretch and Mini-grip are both great options. For an EDC user, I would rather have the FRN/VG10 Stretch than the ZDP. I think VG10 is more user friendly steel for EDC.
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The CF on the Sage looks shiny on the youtube videos but unlike the Stretch the Sage's blade is exactly 3" which is what I'm looking for. Good point about the VG-10 steel too.
I just have to take one last look to see if there's any Kershaw folders with 3" blades that I can choke up on then I should be ready to make a purchase.
 
I will second my kershaw RAM recommendation. You can also choke up on it as it has a choil. The AXIS lock is my favorite lock and the lock on the RAM is very similar. You also said you like VG-10 which is the steel that I said it reminded me of.

My EDC is a 950 Rift which is always in my pocket and I will carry a knife (or 3) to supplement it so I actually carry some of my other knives. The handle is about the same size as the stretch but packs a lot of blade into it at around 4". I always recommend it but it seems like the RAM would fit your wants better.
 
Sage's CF is "twill". There was a post over in the Spyderco sub forum showing the texture (macro photos) of the Gayle Bradley with the same textured-yet-smoothlooking CF.

Peel ply CF is really grippy-even more so than G10 I feel.
 
I ended up purchasing a Caly3 G10.
I know the steel was better on the CF version but I like the way the G10 looks better.
Should be here sometime next week. This will be my first Spyderco, can't wait to check it out.
Thanks for the help everyone :thumbup:
 
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