Please recommend 3" blade max length, tactical-appearing knife, $150-200

Sonnydaze

Sonnydaze

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I'm trying to purchase a 3"-max blade-length knife for a younger relative. I wanted to gift a ZT 0350TS, but the 3.25" blade is illegal in Michigan. The young man is question would have loved this knife, and I know ZT quality. I'd really like to find something similar, heavy-duty, good quality. I had a HEST 2.0 some time ago, but sold it. Perhaps I should have kept it; it was a decent knife.

And also a similar (but cheaper) knife for a much younger grandson, in the $50-$100 range for Colorado, which has a 3.5" blade-length limitation.

Sonnydaze
 
Well the more expensive knife you could get a emerson cqc 14 snubby for around 200. As for a grandson in the 50-100$ range and 3.5 inch limit how about a benchmade griptilian? Regular grip with 154cm steel is around 80 bucks and is 3.45 inch blade.
 
Grip is good. Also one of the CS Recons. Mini-Recon blade is right at 3", and regular Recon a little above. Well below your price point, and hard enough to take what less experienced knife knuts will throw at them.

If those don't do it, then maybe something from the CRKT Carson M-16 or M-21 series. Many size and handle color/material options.

The Crawford/Kasper, also from CRKT is a very sturdy option with plenty of notches and whatnot for that tactical look. The difference between this and some of the other knives out there is that it actually feels good in your hand.

Similar to this is the CRKT Hammond Cruiser, although the blade on this (and the Crawford) may be a little big for Michigan.

Finally, all three of these knives are available with the LAWKS system, which works very well.
 
I believe the yojimbo II is more than 3.25" Maybe the Spyderco Techno?

Sorry, spyderco yojimbo is 3 1/8", so it'd be a valid option.
 
Yeah I agree that the Spyderco Techno would be a great choice. It is a tank in a small package with great steel.
 
Bradley alias II or an emerson mini a100. Both 3" and great little knives. Tactical but still friendly enough looking to non knife people.
 
Emerson CqC 7 or a CqC-14 stubby, Any of the Sage knives from Spyderco, How about a Kershaw Leek 1660CKT its the black on black with speed safe, 3"s and very affordable. and for your grandson a Para Mili 2 from Spyderco or a Kershaw Blur in S30v
 
Spyderco Para-Military (ver1) would fit the bill very well if you can find a newish one. Fast, function, fun to handle. They came in right at 3" and would be plenty "tacticool" especially in Black. Benchmade 755MPR for something very heavy duty....Benchmade Mini-Presido 535..The Surefire Dart is quality and has a unique look.
Or get 2 mini-grips. One plane jane in a bright color for the younger grandson, and one with customized scales from Cuscadi or Wilkins, would make it very cool. Other good options for the youngest might be something like a Spyderco Delica, Dragonfly or Manbug. But, I'd be tempted to start him with an SAK folder.
 
750.226 Firearm or dangerous weapon; carrying with unlawful intent.

Sec. 226.

Carrying firearm or dangerous weapon with unlawful intent—Any person who, with intent to use the same unlawfully against the person of another, goes armed with a pistol or other firearm or dagger, dirk, razor, stiletto, or knife having a blade over 3 inches in length, or any other dangerous or deadly weapon or instrument, shall be guilty of a felony, punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than 5 years or by a fine of not more than 2,500 dollars.


History: 1931, Act 328, Eff. Sept. 18, 1931 ;-- CL 1948, 750.226
Former Law: See section 4 of Act 372 of 1927, being CL 1929, § 16752.
Michigan Compiled Laws Complete Through PA 300 of 2012



According to this, I believe as long as your relative does not have intent to harm someone else, he can carry something larger than 3"
 
Sonnydaze said:
, but the 3.25" blade is illegal in Michigan
Click to expand...

Are you sure about that? I hope not, as I'm in MI and didn't think that was the case. Just thought you couldn't have assisted opening, balisong or double-sided blades.


res1cue said:
According to this, I believe as long as your relative does not have intent to harm someone else, he can carry something larger than 3"
Click to expand...

This is what I read and understood before buying any knives...praying there has not been any changes since then.
 
For the Mi grandson: Benchmade MPR was a good sugg, also check out the KW exclusive CPM-M4 Mini Presidio (2.97") for about the same $ as the 755 MPR

For the Co grandson: Cold Steel Mini AK-47 (2.75") or full size AK-47 (3.5") are about as "tactical looking" as they come, and well within budget.



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Thanks to all you folks for a good variety for me to look at. I called the State Police in both Mich and Pa today, but that really didn't help much. The State Police seemed to infer not to worry about blade length very much. My impression from both states is that, if you don't screw up otherwise in a manner that draws police attention to you, then a reasonable blade-length, all by itself, won't cause harm to you legally.
Google has lots of sites to look at, but there are very blurry regions within all of these laws. And the Sporting Goods departments at WalMarts in both states said that folding "hunting" knives can be longer than regular pocket knives.
I will look at your suggestions. I appreciate your help, and I suspect you've made the difference. THANKS.
Sonny
 
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Sonnydaze said:
And also a similar (but cheaper) knife for a much younger grandson, in the $50-$100 range for Colorado, which has a 3.5" blade-length limitation.

Sonnydaze
Click to expand...

I bought the Cold Steel Mini Lawman for my young grandson. He's nine now, and his dad says he has several knives already, so is not overly concerned about the safety aspects. This knife is a bit shorter than the Mini Recon 1 and the blade is still plenty thick. I watched a few videos that compared the two knives, along with the AK47, and made my choice. I'm not doing so hot on a folder for the 20-yr-old, however. There are quite a few good alternatives and I won't hurry this.
Thanks, again, to all of you for your help and suggestions.

Mini Lawman

Specifications:
Weight: 2.6 oz.
Blade Thickness: 3 mm
Blade Length: 2 1/2"
Steel: Japanese AUS 8A Stainless
Handle: 3 7/8" Long. G-10
Overall: 6 3/8"
Stainless Pocket Clip
 
Just thought you'd like to know. Just ordered a 3" black bladed, plain-edged Emerson Micro-Commander. New to their Prestige Line.
I had a CQC-7V and it was a good knife. This new one has a conventional v-grind. My 20-yr-old grandson should love it. I would.
Sonny
 
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