Need recommendation for small EDC tanto folder

S

ScrawnyKayaker

Joined
Apr 1, 2010
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Total newbie here. I have a CRKT folding tanto, roughly 3.5 to 4" blade, that I bought over 10 years ago, and like pretty well: it's easy to sharpen well enough to shave my arm (but not my beard, which seems to be made of tougher stuff), it holds the edge well enough that I can use it a few times before I notice it dulling (in other words, not very well, but acceptably *for me*) and it's surprisingly comfortable for pocket carry considering its size. However, it's not legal for carry where I live, so I'd like something smaller and about as good or a bit better.

So, I need a folder with a blade under 3.5" (well under, so there's no doubt about trying to skirt the law). I'm devoted to the tanto blade shape because I find curved edges so much more difficult to sharpen. A couple of years ago, I did a quick search and the first thing I turned up was some $10 Kabars. I figured I had nothing to lose but my self-respect at that price, so I got one. I'm not sure what the blade is made of, maybe pewter? ;-) but it makes my CRKT look *really* good. Makes a nice butch-looking paperweight, though.

So, still looking. I ordered a CRKT KISS which should be in the mail now, thinking they'd done OK before, but I just noticed a thread here from 5 years ago maligning their downward trend. I'm prepared to be unimpressed if it's ANY worse than the one I have in edge-holding.

Anyone have a suggestion for a folding tanto with a 2.5 to 3" blade that is better but affordable? By which I mean under $100, if possible.
 
The Emerson minicqc7 is a great knife, but it is a bit more than 100 bucks.
 
1735t_large.png

Zing Tanto 1735T

Steel: Sandvik 14C28N stainless-steel
Handle: Injection-molded
Blade Length: 3 in.
Closed Length: 3-7/8 in.

I grabbed one from kershawguy for $39 Shipped a few weeks ago, love it, also it has the same thumbstuds as the blur.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=667747
 
Benchmade 907 tanto Nitrous Stryker

D2 steel, G10 handles with titanium liners, assisted opening, liner lock.

3" blade, 4 1/4" closed.

The D2 stays sharp for a long time and the knife is really light and has an open backspacer design so it's easy to clean. You can find them for about $80 and they come with a plain edge or part serrated.

Pretty sweet.
 
Also the Benchmade Mini Griptillian Tanto is pretty nice.

154CM steel which is my fave. 2.9" blade, plastic handles with stainless liners, and the awsome AXIS lock. Pretty cheap too at about $65. I have the hollow ground sheepsfoot version and the build and ergonomics are pretty nice.
 
emerson cqc 7
emerson mini cqc 15 (high recommended)
benchmade grip tanto
cold steel medium voyager tanto
 
Thanks for all the suggestions. The Benchmade Mini sounds like it might hit the sweet spot. What is the Axis lock like? Safe WRT accidental closures?
 
ScrawnyKayaker said:
Thanks for all the suggestions. The Benchmade Mini sounds like it might hit the sweet spot. What is the Axis lock like? Safe WRT accidental closures?
Click to expand...

Once you try out an Axis lock you might never want any other kind. You can close the blade just as fast as you can open it, which makes it fun to open and close when you are bored.

And it is a very strong lock. I have EDCed a benchmade axis lock for a year and I have never had an accidental closure. As long as you aren't doing dumb things like repeatedly doing full force spine whack tests (never a good idea with any folder) the lock should never fail you.
 
Caffeinepirate said:
Once you try out an Axis lock you might never want any other kind. You can close the blade just as fast as you can open it, which makes it fun to open and close when you are bored.

And it is a very strong lock. I have EDCed a benchmade axis lock for a year and I have never had an accidental closure. As long as you aren't doing dumb things like repeatedly doing full force spine whack tests (never a good idea with any folder) the lock should never fail you.
Click to expand...

I feel the same way about the axis. You may never go back to another lock, and I open and close it alot a work to pass the time too lol. Also I have never had any problems with them, or any accidental closures. The omega springs in the axis lock are prone to wear though after extended use. Some will say they need replacing after a year but I don't agree with that. I have edc'd a mini grip for about a year and have not had a single problem
 
DaPro said:
1735t_large.png

Zing Tanto 1735T

Steel: Sandvik 14C28N stainless-steel
Handle: Injection-molded
Blade Length: 3 in.
Closed Length: 3-7/8 in.

I grabbed one from kershawguy for $39 Shipped a few weeks ago, love it, also it has the same thumbstuds as the blur.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=667747
Click to expand...

That is nice, I only wish it was in 154CM or better. I found a Kershaw Leek G-10 tanto for $45, it uses S30V. I was happy to bid on it and ....Still waiting to see if I won.
 
RevDevil said:
That is nice, I only wish it was in 154CM or better. I found a Kershaw Leek G-10 tanto for $45, it uses S30V. I was happy to bid on it and ....Still waiting to see if I won.
Click to expand...

If you didn't win it, check out Kershawguy's blem sale thread. I think he's got some of those for a good price.
 
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