Question from A Rookie

One Folding Kinfe with A 3" or Smaller Blade for Life

  • CRK Impinda

    Votes: 1 3.3%

  • CRK Inkosi

    Votes: 9 30.0%

  • CRK Mnandi

    Votes: 4 13.3%

  • Something else

    Votes: 16 53.3%
  • Total voters
    30
  • Poll closed .
pikers88

pikers88

Joined
Dec 31, 2019
Messages
82
Hi all,

I'm new to the forum and I'm hoping to get some help/insight/feedback from those of you that are much more experienced than I am in this realm.

While I've always had some sort of pocket knife over the years, I'm by no means a collector of knives (and I don't plan to be, we'll see what happens) but I'd like to get one really nice knife that could be passed down when the time comes. Something that will be a pleasure to use now and will be for generations. I'm not overly hard on my gear but I want something I don't have to baby.

I'm looking for a basic folder, preferably under 3", as I live in Massachusetts and some towns have 2.5" blade limits. I don't want anything that looks too tactical or "weapon like" as it's just not my style. I'd like to keep it under $500 as well.

I've done a fair bit of research and I'm leaning towards the CRK Mnandi, CRK Impinda and CRK Inkosi Small Tanto. I like the clean and simple design and, from what I've read, the quality/craftsmanship is stellar. The Inkosi seems like the better "deal" and I prefer the smaller blade but I believe there are laws about locking blades in Massachusetts so I'm a bit iffy on this model. The Mnandi looks great and has the smallest blade but I feel like the Impinda and Inkosi align more with CRK's DNA.

Thoughts? I'm not set on CRK, I simply like their designs, craftsmanship and warranty. Should I be looking elsewhere? If you could have one folding knife under $500 with a 3" or less blade, what would you go for?

Thanks for your time!
 
You can't really go wrong with CRK. And if you don't like it you can easily resell with little loss. Still, they are all locking blades and if this is a legal issue in your state, I would look elsewhere.
 
herisson said:
You can't really go wrong with CRK. And if you don't like it you can easily resell with little loss. Still, they are all locking blades and if this is a legal issue in your state, I would look elsewhere.
Click to expand...

Thanks, herisson. I'm not 100% sure about the limit on locking knives. I believe the Impinda is a slip joint which is part of the draw for me. Is a slip joint considered a lock?
 
No, a slipjoint cannot be considered a lock. I just looked up the Impinda. That's a sweet knife ! In addition, it looks so plain and simple (so absolutely non-tactical) that I don't see it getting flak from the police. However, don't forget that the legality of carrying a knife is vastly left to the judgment of the LEO (situation, intent, behavior,....).
 
herisson said:
No, a slipjoint cannot be considered a lock. I just looked up the Impinda. That's a sweet knife ! In addition, it looks so plain and simple (so absolutely non-tactical) that I don't see it getting flak from the police. However, don't forget that the legality of carrying a knife is vastly left to the judgment of the LEO (situation, intent, behavior,....).
Click to expand...

I know, right!? Such a good looking piece.

Right. From what I've read and heard, it's largely situational and left to the officer's judgement. I'm not someone to get into trouble, I'm a by the book kind of guy so I don't anticipate running into any issues. I will use it respectfully and responsibly.
 
I agree on all points. My experience with knives and police officers is that if I dont look like I'm causing a problem, they dont have a problem.

I've been collecting knives for over 30 years, and I just got my first CRK. I opted for the large Inkosi because there is no blade limit in my state and I prefer a larger blade.

The fit is impeccable. The ceramic lock up is completely positive. The detent when it closes is musical. I can't recommend it enough.
 
Seems you're about to treat you to a fine piece of cutlery ! I'd love to handle one, for sure.
 
Thanks Steely_gunz!

The Inkosi was the first CRK that grabbed my attention. It's a great looking piece. Congrats!
 
Case, Buck, GEC, Queen, A.G. Russell, or other good name* slipjoint of a pattern/style you like.
Slipjoints have been handed down from father to son or grandson/great grandson for generations.

*Good name brands would also include the Schrade family of brands, Colonial, Rough Rider, and other quality "economy" brands.

(Note I specified "quality".
That eliminates most gas station specials and Frost.)

I would suggest something along the lines of a Barlow (with pen blade secondary), a canoe, or "medium" stockman like the Buck 303 (sorry, I don't know the Case numbers) given the blade length restriction you mentioned. I'm not sure, but I think the Buck 301 will fall under that blade length limit.

A 92/93mm Victorinox/SAK such as the Farmer, Recruit, Cadet, Huntsman, Hiker ... would also be a viable option.
 
All are fantastic knives and you can't go wrong with those choices. The Impinda is a neat little knife with a unique deign, but I prefer one handed opening.
I'll add the small 21 to the list, and I prefer the micarta inlay.-very good all around blade.
Welcome to the forum and hope you enjoy that new knife
 
The impinda is great but it is over 3”

I voted small Inkosi but it is very small and not everyone will enjoy it

min general the small sebenza is generally more consensual


Not limiting the option to CRK, you can look at spyderco (para 3 for exemple) or the Alox line from Victorinox are also very good options
 
I've never seen that Impinda before, what an excellent example of a modern slip joint. The clip really sets it apart, I think if I ever get another modern slip joint it's going to be that one. And if the knives you listed, I would suggest that one

I'm a big spyderco fan so I would also recommend a Delica for size and practicality. You just can't go wrong with that as a small handy knife, and it would definitely make for a hand-me-down piece.
 
I would go for a small inkosi, I have the large one and its a great knife, if you’re not into collecting then that knife would be meet your expectations
 
If you want a high-quality knife that will do what you want it to do, your choices are massive. Certainly, CRK will do that.

The thing is, you're going to want a knife that speaks to you. CRK makes excellent knives, but they are not for everyone. We all have different tastes. Make your own choice. We really can't help because we don't know you.

As for passing it down, forget it. You are not likely to know the knife tastes of your heir. And knives in the future will probably offer a lot of new choices. I would not want to carry my father's or my grandfather's knives (actually, none of them carried a knife) because for me a pocket clip and a one-handed opening is critically important -- things not available to my father and grandfathers.
 
Whomever said your choices are massive is under stated. CRKs are a given. So is a Shirogorov. A few unicorns are a Ray Laconico, Trevor Burger or Gareth Bull. Have fun learning about them.
 
I doubt if many here could choose any one knife for life unless they plan to have the life span of a fruit-fly.;)
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afishhunter said:
Case, Buck, GEC, Queen, A.G. Russell, or other good name* slipjoint of a pattern/style you like.
Slipjoints have been handed down from father to son or grandson/great grandson for generations.

*Good name brands would also include the Schrade family of brands, Colonial, Rough Rider, and other quality "economy" brands.

(Note I specified "quality".
That eliminates most gas station specials and Frost.)

I would suggest something along the lines of a Barlow (with pen blade secondary), a canoe, or "medium" stockman like the Buck 303 (sorry, I don't know the Case numbers) given the blade length restriction you mentioned. I'm not sure, but I think the Buck 301 will fall under that blade length limit.

A 92/93mm Victorinox/SAK such as the Farmer, Recruit, Cadet, Huntsman, Hiker ... would also be a viable option.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the feedback. I'll definitely check these out.
 
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