Opinions - sub-$100 under 2" locking folders?

baraqyal

baraqyal

Joined
Nov 30, 2000
Messages
860
I'm looking for peoples opinions on 2" or smaller folding knives that are under $100. The knife must be locking, though the mechanism is not important.

What I'm looking for specifically is use for utility, combined with ease of opening (and deployement in general), looks, steel quality, value for the money.

Some knives that fit into this category: Spyderco Ladybug, Kershaw Chive, Gerber chameleon, etc..

What do you think? Is 2" too small? I'm looking for something very light and compact that is easy to deploy, has good edge holding, and can do such things as: food preparation, opening/breaking down boxes, opening mail, cutting rope/cords/other, and just in general a light weight utility knife. Looks are important, but as long as it's fairly sheeple friendly, I'll be happy. Thanks!
-- Rob
 
I think the Chive is an excellent candidate. I have one, and it is very nice. I just saw one in the local shop in all black as well. It looks very cool. Kind of like a mini tactical folder.
 
My favorite really small locking knife is the Spyderco Mouse. It is not real light, being about 2.5oz. but it is ultra solid. The blade is VG-10 and it is sharp beyond words. The knife is not cheap, running around $85-100, but it should last forever even if you use it pretty hard. The only down side is that some people cannot open it one handed. I don't know why though because I have pretty big hands and it's not hard for me.
 
crkt small navajo! nobody really pays much attention to this knife, although it's very nice. the larger version is dandy as well.
peace.
aleX.
 
The Mouse is great! I've bought four Spydercos in the last few weeks: the Mouse, Calypso Jr. lightweight, Native II lightweight, and Spydercard. They were all worth every penny; I carry the Native and Calypso Jr. more often because they're easier to pull out and use (the Mouse clip and opening action are a bit stiffer and the blade is shorter). But there's no question the Mouse is the nicest feeling and looking of the bunch. It a beautiful little knife, you won't be disappointed. :D

For food preparation, though, you might be better off with a Calypso Jr. lightweight (plain edge). It has a thin, flat ground blade which is a great slicer. It's not "cute" like the Mouse and is not quite as sheeple-friendly, but its still small and lightweight, and the thinner, longer blade will be much more useful for food.
 
Hi Rob,

Our Sculptura just started shipping over the past couple of days.



The production handle color will be a translucent medium-dark green. Very beautiful.

  • Steel: AUS8
  • Blade Length: 2.0"
  • Lock: Arc-Lock
  • MSRP: $39.95

More info right here.
 
Ron says:

Our Sculptura just started shipping
Click to expand...

That's cute! I'll be looking for a pic of the production handle. It looks like it might be worth picking up a few for presents, etc. :)

Paul
 
Spyderco:
Mouse
Cricket
Dragonfly
Pegasus
Co-Pilot
Navigator
Meerkat(soon, very soon I hope)

Kershaw:
Ken Onion Chive

CRKT:
Kiss
Peck
 
I would go for the Spyderco Mouse. Although I haven't checked one out yet, the Kershaw Chive is becoming a popular little knife, so that may be another option.
 
Yep, another vote for the mouse.

My wife will occasionally ask if I have a "mouse in my pocket" when I saw WE will do something.

Showed her the Spyderco Mouse recently. She liked it and didn't give me hell for buying another knife.

Mike
 
Add one more to the Spyderco Mouse vote. One of the guys I work with has been using one for a couple of months, and it has held up very well.
 
Another vote for the Mouse for all the reasons mentioned above. It works like a moose.
 
I'll throw a vote in for the Spyderco/Wegner designed Mouse. BladeArt has them for $77.97.

Also, while your at it, check out the Mike Sastre Mousetraps at the same dealer for $23.95. You can get both a Mouse & Mousetrap for under $100.00.:)

For further info & pics perform a search over at the Spydie forum.

--The Raptor--
 
Originally posted by Michael_Aos
Showed her the Spyderco Mouse recently. She liked it and didn't give me hell for buying another knife.
Click to expand...

You were doubly lucky. My wife loved the Mouse too... ...so much that I never got it back. :rolleyes:

I got her one of Mike Sastre's Mousetraps for it and immediately became her first ever EDC.

--Bob Q
 
Originally posted by bquinlan
I got her one of Mike Sastre's Mousetraps for it and immediately became her first ever EDC.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I bought mine from BladeArt with the neck sheath as well.

The sheath is really cool -- just wish I could figure out what to do with it! Also wish it allowed me to attach a fob to the mouse, but it goes into the sheath upside down.

Mike
 
As many have mentioned before me, the Mouse is seemingly an awesome knife. I have coming in the mail hopefully some time next week. But also don't overlook the 330 and Toad. Both are great designs and look extra classy to boot!
Matt
 
I've considered the toad. How does it compare to the mouse?

Also, about the chive - From what I can tell, the steel is listed as "420" - which 420? How is the edge retention? Is a bad steel?

I'd like to get a mouse. I'd also like a toad and a chive. The new sog looks really nice - but no thumb stud? That would slow down that whole deployement thing - I want to be able to open it one handed.
-- Rob
 
Originally posted by Michael_Aos


Yeah, I bought mine from BladeArt with the neck sheath as well.

The sheath is really cool -- just wish I could figure out what to do with it! Also wish it allowed me to attach a fob to the mouse, but it goes into the sheath upside down.

Mike
Click to expand...

Mike,
I only wish that I could put a tail on my wife's "Mouse", but as you've already stated, if you're going to use the sheath then you can't have a tail.:(
That would sure make this one hell of an all around system.
Oh well, nothing's perfect.;)

--The Raptor--
 
Originally posted by Michael_Aos



The sheath is really cool -- just wish I could figure out what to do with it! Also wish it allowed me to attach a fob to the mouse, but it goes into the sheath upside down.

Mike
Click to expand...
That is really the only thing I don't like about the sheath. I put a tail on my Mouse, but cant use the sheath. The ideal neck sheath would hold the knife so you can use the tail. That way you could also use the fob to assist in the draw.
 
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