need: inexpensive, ultralight, non-serrated, thin-handled EDC folder w/ clip

B

boogar

Joined
Feb 21, 2009
Messages
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Hello all, I'm in need of suggestions. My current knife, a Spyderco Native II with stainless steel handle, I've used for nearly a decade and it's served me well. However it's time for a change.

I'm looking for a much lighter knife, my preferences:
ideally $40, in the range of $25-55, ebay is okay but I don't want to buy used
roughly 2.5-3 inch blade with no serrations
roughly 2oz in weight, the lighter the better
pocket-clip that hooks at the edge and allows the knife to sit low in the pocket
one-hand open/close, I like the idea of "assisted open" but not at the cost of excess weight
thin profile so that it lays flat in the pocket
solid lock with no play in any direction
blade hardness in the ballpark of AUS-8

If you know of a knife that resembles this criteria, I'd love to hear of it. I'm currently eyeing the CRKT Ichi as a close match, though I'd want a flatter handle (like my stainless Native II has).
 
What is wrong with a plain old Native with FRN? It would be significantly lighter than your SS version.
 
Hmmm. SOG Flash 1 may work...

SOG Flash I Knife (Zytel Handles) FSA-7 / FSA-97

The SOG flash series represent super quality at a very affordable price. Automatics not your thing? Try a spring assisted knife! As you push the blade upwards via the thumb-stud the knife takes over. The blade arcs out smootly and quickly. Zytel Handles make for a super light knife with is also durable. AUS-8 steel blade blade (available in plain or partially serrated). Safety. Ambidextrus pocket clip. New in box.
Flash I
Overall: 5.75"
Blade: 2.5"
Weight: 2 oz

Knife sinks outta sight in your pocket.
 
The new Kabar Doziers are awesome, 3" blade, AUS-8, really thin and light. Only about 25.00 shipped. I liked the 1 I picked up so much, I got a spare. One of each kind of opener. :D
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BM 530 is hard to beat for thin and ultralight, but may be a bit closer to $60 + range. But, its really a marvel of engineering, one of the thinest and coolest FRN folders on the market.
 
+1 vote for the Flash 1, you're basically describing the knife exactly with those criteria. It has everything you're asking for.

Only thing is it may have a tiny bit of bladeplay from the factory, you might have to tighten the pivot a little bit. It's not a big deal, though.

-Zigosity
 
Another vote for the Flash 1 - as I was reading through your list, at every step I was saying "Flash 1" to myself.

And as Zig said, you may have a little bit of side to side from factory, but playing with the pivot eliminates it.
 
Another vote for a Kershaw. Skyline, OD-1, Zing, you can find all of them at Walmart, and see how each feels to you. All of them fit your criteria.
 
Thanks guys, those are all really great suggestions. I like the idea of the non-SS Native, I dig the clip on the Flash, the thin handle on the 530, the backlock+price on the Doziers, the shape of the Skyline... they all have a lot going for them and I found some great video reviews to feast on.
 
boogar said:
Hello all, I'm in need of suggestions. My current knife, a Spyderco Native II with stainless steel handle, I've used for nearly a decade and it's served me well. However it's time for a change.

I'm looking for a much lighter knife, my preferences:
ideally $40, in the range of $25-55, ebay is okay but I don't want to buy used
roughly 2.5-3 inch blade with no serrations
roughly 2oz in weight, the lighter the better
pocket-clip that hooks at the edge and allows the knife to sit low in the pocket
one-hand open/close, I like the idea of "assisted open" but not at the cost of excess weight
thin profile so that it lays flat in the pocket
solid lock with no play in any direction
blade hardness in the ballpark of AUS-8

If you know of a knife that resembles this criteria, I'd love to hear of it. I'm currently eyeing the CRKT Ichi as a close match, though I'd want a flatter handle (like my stainless Native II has).
Click to expand...

The Benchmade Mini-Pika II sits REALLY low in the pocket if you set it for tip down carry, the lowest of any of my knives. The steel is a half-step down from AUS10 in edge retension, a half step up from AUS8. Lockback. FRN handles, but has liners, so it is very secure, but does weigh 2.75 oz. And the blade shape is a delight to use.

http://www.benchmade.com/products/product_detail.aspx?model=10412
 
Spyderco - Delica4
Kershaw - Needs Work
Benchmade - Mini Grip
BladeTech - Ganyana Lite
Byrd - Crow or Raven or Meadowlark
Buck - SBMF 889
These are a few of my choices ;)
the Spyderco & BladeTech are my favs !:thumbup:
 
It may be to thick and heavy for you (even though I think it's pretty comfortable), I'll suggest the Spyderco Tenacious.

Or go with a Spyderco Delica4, or Kershaw Leek.
 
Byrd Meadowlark or Robin with FRN handles. VERY light, and super blades. You should get out for under $25 for sure.

Do it!

Beckerhead
 
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