New/First true EDC -- Full sized AK or Mini AK?

S

samzy

Joined
Jul 31, 2009
Messages
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Hi, I asked this in the General section but no one seems to be forthcoming with advice.

Anyway, I created a thread asking about my next EDC knife here: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/sh...-New-EDC-knife

Long story short, I lost my True Utility Smart Knife and was looking for a new EDC, and was deciding between the CS Spartan, Rajah II and AK47.

Now, I've decided on the AK-47 family but I cant decide if I should get the Mini or the Full sized.

I'm mainly looking for ergonomics and size, both deployed and in my pocket, since build quality is around the same for both.

Pros and cons of each IMO:

MINI AK: More EDC in terms of size, less obtrusive, appeals to me more in terms of overall length but when I tried it at a local knife shop the finger groove area on the grip was a bit on the snug side, and not entirely in a good way. I was slightly more comfortable with my pinky outside the groove area. The Mini is just right in terms of overall size for me, but in terms of grip fit its only adequate; looks like this: [http://i.imgur.com/JD0yL.png]. Also, I'm not sure if the smaller blade size makes it less suited for outdoor work.

FULL-SIZED AK: Unfortunately, the store I visited did not carry the full sized AK, but from my calculations based on photos and the dimensions given, theoretically the full-sized AK should "fit" and "fall into my hand" better, and the angle at the back of the blade plus that small "hook" should make it a lot more pleasant to hold. However, I've heard that its a pretty large folder, and less suited for EDCing as compared to the Mini.

Just to save people the trouble of revisiting my old thread, here is some info drawn from it:

I live in Singapore:
-Mostly urban, not much bushcrafting stuff to be done, though I am interested in joining an outdoor adventure club in university
-Strict knife laws; if you pull a knife in self-defense, YOU could be sent to jail for carrying a knife AND using it. This is according to my friend in the police force though, I haven't been able to find the exact wording of the law.
-Asked around, a few people said that if you're FOUND CARRYING knife but did not use it, you will be sent to jail immediately, However, more people (including my police friend) have said that if you have an explanation (fishing, maybe self-defense training/lesson), you can get away with it.
-Apparently blade length under 6 inches (not a problem)

Quote from previous thread about the area my grip covers: "If it helps, I prefer to grip like this: [http://i.imgur.com/JD0yL.png] as compared to this: [http://i.imgur.com/p2Q6p.png] and when gripping like the second (less-preferred grip) picture, my hand covers <10 centimetres (<4 inches) from pinky to index finger and around 11 cm (<4.5 inches) from pinky to thumb for the first (more preferred grip) picture."

Photos were taken from this old review of the Mini AK: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/sh...eel-Mini-AK-47

Also, I saw these knives from Amazon, and was thinking of getting them from there until I saw the price. Can someone explain to me why the prices are so cheap? Is it because the knives are "factory seconds", as described on this webpage? http://www.survivalblog.com/2011/04/...cold-stee.html

I heard that the only issues factory seconds have are cosmetic, but I've also heard that Cold Steel doesn't accept warranty claims on such knives.

Thanks a lot and once again sorry for making multithreads.
 
I have felt the full size in hand. It melts in your hand, waves from the pocket nicely and cold steels aus8 is beautiful. In my opinion id go with the full size.
 
spyderco_freak said:
I have felt the full size in hand. It melts in your hand, waves from the pocket nicely and cold steels aus8 is beautiful. In my opinion id go with the full size.
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Does it sit well in the pocket? My main problem is that the mini fits snugly in my pocket, but by my calculations the full sized ak will give a better grip
 
I would go with the full size...as far as Amazon being cheaper i assume its because they search for the lowest price but they also will give you a list of stores and prices the knives would come from...? I guess it could be a factory 2nd but im sure it would advertise it as such !!
 
samzy said:
looking for a new EDC, and was deciding between the CS Spartan, Rajah II and AK47. I live in Singapore: -Strict knife laws;
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That should certainly provide for an interesting situation when peeling an apple in public.
 
NetshadeX said:
That should certainly provide for an interesting situation when peeling an apple in public.
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Yeah well, what can I say. I thought it was slightly bigger than the Rajah III. Boy, was I wrong when i held it in person. Instantly struck off my list.

Im still on the fence though, because the Mini definitely has a better overall size (I'm not a fan of big blades). Can someone tell me what's the width of the full-sized AK when folded?
 
ursamajor said:
psst...Code 4
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Naaah, the AK 47 family appeals to me more. Call me crazy.

Just wondering though, if I'm going to be using it more in urban settings as an EDC would the full-sized be too big? Or is it solely personal preference?
 
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Knife choice is always personal preference. All we can tell you is what works for us individually. Best thing to do is get one in your hand and see if it suits you.
 
Mike Sastre said:
Knife choice is always personal preference. All we can tell you is what works for us individually. Best thing to do is get one in your hand and see if it suits you.
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I would LOVE to try out the full sized AK. However, the shop I frequent doesn't have stock, and I don't want to be the A-hole who just goes in, fondles knives and then goes out.
 
samzy said:
Naaah, the AK 47 family appeals to me more. Call me crazy.

Just wondering though, if I'm going to be using it more in urban settings as an EDC would the full-sized be too big? Or is it solely personal preference?
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I don't think the full sized is too big. But the AK47 is more of a tactical folder to me. Being that it waves, and looks more aggressive, I would not carry it on the streets of Singapore, if they have strict knife laws. Don't they cane people there?
 
ursamajor said:
I don't think the full sized is too big. But the AK47 is more of a tactical folder to me. Being that it waves, and looks more aggressive, I would not carry it on the streets of Singapore, if they have strict knife laws. Don't they cane people there?
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Yeah, but not for carrying knives lol. I'm thinking of going with the Mini as it seems more EDC to me. Is anyone able to draw a comparison between the Full and the Mini for me?
 
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