next "Little Big Knife"...

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bryan123

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Feb 7, 2017
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I'm looking for a "little big knife" that I define as a folder with a blade length under 2.5 inches with a four finger grip.

I have a Spyderco Dragonfly and a Cold Steel Tuff Lite but I'd like one or two that are more "formal" with high end materials (titanium, carbon fiber etc) and a premium blade steel.

The following seven models have caught my eye: Bestech Engine and Goblin, Olamic Busker Semper, Giant Mouse Ace Riv, Quiet Carry Eddy and TRM Holy Nerd (which is never available).

Any impressions of these little gems? Thanks.

EDIT: I am interested in first hand experiences with the 7 knives listed above but am NOT interested in the suggestions of other models. Thank you.
 
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one of the best 'little big knives' in my opinion is the zt Galyean 0022. Only three finger grip but is amazingly filling in hand and comfortable.
Now in copper/titanium but original is titanium/carbon fiber... steel is 20cv
 

Spyderco Lil' Native Knife - Compression Lock | Black G-10 | Blade HQ

Shop the Spyderco Lil' Native knife. This knife features a compression lock, black G-10 handle, S30V blade, and all the EDC qualities you look for in a knife.
www.bladehq.com

They are great and preform way above there size.
Been done with many different blade steel and scale colors.
There is aftermarket support for customizing.
 
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You could also buy a knife with a blade that’s to long, but you like everything else and have someone do a regrind.
 
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amunderdog said:

Spyderco Lil' Native Knife - Compression Lock | Black G-10 | Blade HQ

Shop the Spyderco Lil' Native knife. This knife features a compression lock, black G-10 handle, S30V blade, and all the EDC qualities you look for in a knife.
www.bladehq.com

They are great and preform way above there size.
Been done with many different blade steel and scale colors.
There is aftermarket support for customizing.
Click to expand...
In terms of sliciness I think the Lil Native would be a step back from the extremely slicy Dragonfly.
Drop bear said:
The qsp penguin in about every material that exists.
Click to expand...
blade lenght of 3.06 inches is a deal breaker. Thanks
 
OP here. So far we have suggestions of other knives but not what I was hoping for which are impressions of the knives that I am actually considering. Not giving up hope though.
 
shane45-1911 said:
If you are willing to go up to 2.63", I have found nothing that beats the ESEE Izula II when looking for a "small" knife with a four-finger grip.

I do understand that you are looking for something a bit more "fancy", however. But if function > form, you need to look at the Izula II. :)
Click to expand...
not willing to do 2.63. Thanks
 
DrHarmony said:
one of the best 'little big knives' in my opinion is the zt Galyean 0022. Only three finger grip but is amazingly filling in hand and comfortable.
Now in copper/titanium but original is titanium/carbon fiber... steel is 20cv
Click to expand...
I want a true 4 finger grip thanks for the suggestion.
 
bryan123 said:
I'm looking for a "little big knife" that I define as blade length under 2.5 inches with a four finger grip.

I have a Spyderco Dragonfly and a Cold Steel Tuff Lite but I'd like one or two that are more "formal" with high end materials (titanium, carbon fiber etc) and a premium blade steel.

The following have caught my eye: Bestech Engine and Goblin, Olamic Busker Semper,, Giant Mouse Ace Riv, Quiet Carry Eddy and TRM Holy Nerd (which is never available).

Any impressions of these little gems? Thanks.

EDIT: I am interested in first hand experiences with the knives listed above but am NOT interested in the suggestions of other models. Thank you.
Click to expand...
This may be it.
IMG_20230301_140713277.jpg
Built by David Mary David Mary inexpensive and based on the Tuff liteIMG_20230301_143628600.jpg
 
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bryan123 said:
OP here. So far we have suggestions of other knives but not what I was hoping for which are impressions of the knives that I am actually considering. Not giving up hope though.
Click to expand...
It sounds like it would be easier if you just picked one and let us know how it works out
 
pholder said:
It sounds like it would be easier if you just picked one and let us know how it works out
Click to expand...
Funny you should say that considering that so far I've received not a single impression on any of my candidate knives. I'm a consumer, not a knife reviewer. The chances that no one out there owns any of them would be zero I would think. I don't want to invest over 100 dollars, or even more, without some first hand information, call me crazy.
 
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I have an Ace Riv. It’s extremely well constructed and a good looking knife. I can get a four finger grip on it and I have XL hands but skinny fingers. The grip is very comparable to that on the Spyderco Dragonfly.
 
The Riv is a nice piece if you prefer a flipper in this size range.
It is less easy to open manually.

The Olamic Buskers are a fine choice at the high end of your options.

At the other end, you may want to check out the Baby Banter.

The TRM Holy Nerd is one of my favorite folders of any size.
I have .....well, a bunch, in Micarta, G-10 and Ti.
They are more available now. Get on the TRM list and you should be able to find one without too much trouble.
 
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