Quality 2.5" locking folder?

J

joema

Joined
Jun 29, 2010
Messages
8
I have a SOG Flash I which I really like, and some slightly larger folders (Griptilian, Delica 4, Sebenza) which are higher quality.

I'm looking for a folder the approx. size of a Flash I, but with the quality of the other knives. I don't care if it's manual or assisted opening, or what the lock mechanism is.

Any suggestions?
 
Ritter Mini Griptilian s30v steel stonewash finish 2.88 blade (a little bigger but worth it) axis lock garnered by many to best the best EDC knife (inc me) aftermarket grips can be purchased by wilkinsgrip in g10 and cuscadi who will make carbon fiber or anything under the sun

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I always liked my old Mini Mojo for that size. I disabled the AO and it's been great ever since.

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I don't think it's the best value though. I just think it's very unique and looks and feels great.
 
Well thats a bit of a difference in quality between a production knife and a custom made, and a price difference of $300. or so bucks. EDC i love Kershaw Knives, Ken Onion patterns, great quality for the price and a real conversation starter with the assisted opening feature. Higher end, maybe Emerson Commander? What kind of price range are you working with and what kind of use are you looking to fulfill?
 
neuron said:
Check out the Spyderco Dragonfly.
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Agree with Neuron. I just ordered the Dragonfly G10 Foliage Green version. Exact size you are looking for, great wire pocket clip, VG10 steel and solid lock up, FFG blade at same spine thickness as the Delica. Can't really go wrong.:D
 
May I suggest the three sisters forge cc it's a small handmade titanium frame lock with s30 v blade. It small but very well made and runs 200. Got one it was solid as a rock.
 
Thanks for the comments. I have the Dragonfly but for me it's too small. A little tough to open one-handed (for me).

I have both Ritter Grip and regular Grip -- I love the Axis lock. They are great -- high quality, wonderful feel, good utility -- but I wanted something slightly smaller.

Ideally I'd like a Griptilian about the size of a Sog Flash I. I like the Flash I, it's just a little cheap feeling.

It seems when you drop below about 2.8" blade length, the manufacturers don't offer premium products. Surely there must be a market for a high quality locking folder with about 2.5" blade length.

My goal is a lightweight, pocketable, high quality EDC knife in the roughly 2.5" blade length class. A clip is OK, too. From a size/weight standpoint, my Sog Flash I is perfect.

If Benchmade or somebody would make higher-quality Flash I "clone" for less than $100, I'd buy it instantly. Is there nothing close to this?

Edit/add: OK, I just saw the three sisters forge cc. That's closer to what I want....
 
Mini American Lawman. Just picked one up and boy does it lock up well. The g10 is aggressive but that can be sanded down. YMMV
 
Absolutely agree about the unfortunate shortage of quality folders in the 2.5 inch blade range.

Here's a few more suggestions:

For under $200, the Buck Mayo 171 is a Ti framelock gentleman's folder with a 2 5/8 inch blade -- and it is sharp!

For under $50, the small Vantage Pro has BOS heated S30V steel and a deep pocket clip that makes it fun to EDC this little jewel of a folder.

The discontinued Spyderco CAT has S30V steel, a wire clip and the blade is exactly 2.5 inches.

Thanks for starting this thread. I hope others will continue adding to it -- and that it shows designers there is a market for quality, sub-3-inch folders.
 
Have you considered a CRKT Ripple 2? It's a good-looking, light-duty folder with decent steel that is nice and slim in the pocket. The IKBS is super-smooth...
 
kershaw scallion. if you spend more money, then it can get extremely nice looking. it is fun to fire, and it is just really nice. check out the camo scallion and the damascus scallion. both would make fun little knives.
 
I REALLY like my Benchmade Mini-Barrage...You might want to take a look at one.
 
glockman99 said:
I REALLY like my Benchmade Mini-Barrage...You might want to take a look at one.
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Thanks; but I have three Mini-Griptilians. Sorry if I mis-stated that in earlier posts. All my Grips are the mini variety. They're great but I wanted something a little smaller and the Mini-Barage is essentially the same size.

The CRKT Ripple 2 looks closer, likewise the Buck Mayo 171, and LeafStorm.

The Scallion looks pretty good from a size standpoint. I'm sure it's a fine knife, but I was looking for something a little more up market.

Thanks to Sep for that list; I'll go through those.
 
You want something smaller than a mini grip? Man, I was just thinking how mine is a hair too small for me.
 
Actually, I'm changing my opinion on this. I'm thinking 480-1 Shoki. I just ordered one, so I can let you know how that goes if you want. Probably be here Thursday since there's another blizzard visiting Oklahoma Wednesday...

480-1ShokiCF.jpg
 
Artfully Martial said:
...I'm thinking 480-1 Shoki. I just ordered one, so I can let you know how that goes if you want...
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Now THAT's what I'm talking about. That's in the size/weight/style/cost range I was considering. Please post your experience.

However, I finally decided to get a Strider PT instead. It's not really 2.5", but I always wanted one. I might get the the Shoki later.
 
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