Questions from a neophyte

A

antikythera

Joined
Feb 13, 2009
Messages
74
Hey all,

I'm a longtime lurker here at BF, and finally decided to ask a question. Yay!

Anyway, I currently own a Delica 4 and love it (the somewhat blunt tip excepted), having chosen that over a number of other knives (the BM Mini-Grip comes to mind) due to its solid feel in the hand (best way I can describe it).

However, for 'sheeple,' it is undoubtedly a scary looking knife. Incredible utility of the geometry aside, it looks intimidating for a non-knife person.

So, I started carrying a Vic SwissCard Lite as a compact multitool for EDC purposes. It works well enough, having a multitude of uses, but there is more to come!

I started to EDC my new Ra Clicky 140E (an amazing semi-custom flashlight, for the uninitiated), and started to carry a SwissTech set of screwdrivers on my keys. As such, only the the blade on the SwissCard was necessary.


Now for the recommendation part! (Finally, right?) I feel that the 1" blade of the SwissCard is a touch small for many tasks that I find myself doing, so I am looking for a small sub-$50 folder that (in order of importance):

1) Is small enough to easily carry without being noticeable in a pair of jeans (including a lot of sitting and standing and whatnot)
2) Is very utilitarian in terms of blade geometry and size:capability ratio.
3) Has one-handed opening and (preferred) a lock of some kind
4) Looks very innocuous, and will not cause any sort of alarm, provided of course that it is used in a casual manner (take it out, use it, put it away, you know)


So, I was considering the Kershaw OD-2 for the task (especially considering how inexpensive it is), but the flipper concerns me a bit, both because it looks like it will catch on clothing and that the rapid deployment may be a little noticeable.

So, any suggestions?

(EDIT: Title magically changed itself to "Photos," corrected)
 
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Try the Byrd line of knives from Spyderco.
 
Maybe a Spyderco Dragonfly? It's similar to the Delica but with a blade about half an inch smaller. The blade is also leaf-shaped, which non-knife people might find less threatening than the slightly more angular/elongated Delica blade.

There's also the Spyderco Ladybug, which is even smaller. It comes in some non-traditional colors (yellow, purple, green), which, combined with its small size, should make it about as non-knife-people-friendly as a quality lockback can be.
 
Well, I tend to carry a tacticool folder, a multitool, and a normal EDC knife. For some it seems like a lot, but I manage.

If you don't mind them, Opinels are the most sheeple friendly knife ever.

However, you can just get locking Victorinox knives, like the Fireman and Sentinel. You can also get them one-handed. They're swiss army knives, so most people won't even bother questioning it.
 
Okay, I looked at the suggestions, and here's what I think:

Byrd: I've tried them before, and they are nice, but I don't think they fit the application.

Dragonfly: Interesting, is the lack of ramp jimping really noticeable?

Ladybug: I honestly have no idea. It might actually be too small... the D4 as it is is a bit small for my hand as it is, so this scaled-down version might be too small.

Cricket: It's a little too expensive, and it looks hard to sharpen. Other than that, it is really nice.

Opinels: They don't look like they lend themselves to easy unnoticeable carrying

Locking Vics: They are alright and might fit the purpose, but it doesn't look like there is much in the way of bang for buck, in that for what they are, they are rather expensive.


Thanks for the suggestions so far!
 
antikythera said:
Dragonfly: Interesting, is the lack of ramp jimping really noticeable?
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why do you need jimping on a light duty knife? If you want the dragonfly with jimping there's always the g-10 dragonfly. I own both a g-10 dragonfly and an FRN dragonfly and the g-10 sees more use it's like a minitank.

Ladybug: I honestly have no idea. It might actually be too small... the D4 as it is is a bit small for my hand as it is, so this scaled-down version might be too small.
Click to expand...
the ladybug is a keychain knife yes but it's very comfortable to hold. If you need a longer handle use a lanyard on it.

Opinels: They don't look like they lend themselves to easy unnoticeable carrying
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get a 6 or 7 it will dissapear in your pocket unless you wear extremely tight jeans.

What about a SOG Flash 1?
 
freedoom said:
why do you need jimping on a light duty knife?
Click to expand...

No real reason, I'm just used to it on the D4, that's all. I'll take a look at the G10 version, thanks.

I'll take a look at the Opinels as well.

And I really don't like AO knives. I've tried a few, from BMs to Kershaws, to a SOG or two, and I just don't like them. That's why I suggested an OD-2 instead of a Chive.
 
If it is important to provide an illusion of benevolence, I would suggest a standard, run-of-the-mill SAK. It's one of the most widely recognized knives on the planet, if not #1 in the catagory. 99.9% of people are not frightened by it's appearance either. If that does not work, maybe a classy Case trapper style knife would be more appropriate, even a simple box cutter would suffice?

Your comment on people finding the minigrip having a menacing appearance is interesting. In my work environment (administrative offices), I find quite the opposite. A Delica/MiniGrip is not looked upon as a "weapon", people are quite a bit more oblivious to what people have in their pockets. Of course, I don't walk the hallways with an open knife in a reverse grip either. I carry a Leatherman at all times, and when I suspect that someone might be scared of a knife, I use that rather than the Gayle Bradley or Military I also carry.

I guess it all depends on how sensitive the environment you work in is and how much you are willing to do to accomodate others. Personally, I do not really concern myself with what non-knife enthusiasts perceive. I try to carry myself in a calm and professional manner at all times when in public. I think the Glock 30 I carry freaks more people out than anything else. ;)
 
RevDevil said:
If it is important to provide an illusion of benevolence, I would suggest a standard, run-of-the-mill SAK. It's one of the most widely recognized knives on the planet, if not #1 in the catagory. 99.9% of people are not frightened by it's appearance either. If that does not work, maybe a classy Case trapper style knife would be more appropriate, even a simple box cutter would suffice?

Your comment on people finding the minigrip having a menacing appearance is interesting. In my work environment (administrative offices), I find quite the opposite. A Delica/MiniGrip is not looked upon as a "weapon", people are quite a bit more oblivious to what people have in their pockets. Of course, I don't walk the hallways with an open knife in a reverse grip either. I carry a Leatherman at all times, and when I suspect that someone might be scared of a knife, I use that rather than the Gayle Bradley or Military I also carry.

I guess it all depends on how sensitive the environment you work in is and how much you are willing to do to accomodate others. Personally, I do not really concern myself with what non-knife enthusiasts perceive. I try to carry myself in a calm and professional manner at all times when in public. I think the Glock 30 I carry freaks more people out than anything else. ;)
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Fair enough, although I said the Delica looked threatening, and that I didn't like the feel of the Mini Grip when I tried it out at a B&M store.

I'll give the Vics more thought, although I still think they are overpriced.

Really, the issue of benevolence is not my first concern (as I stated in the list) but it is somewhat important. I would rather carry something small and practical than something small and nice looking, that isn't as practical.

And of course, a calm and professional manner is the first thing that must be present when one carries a knife. That much is a given.
 
antikythera said:
Fair enough, although I said the Delica looked threatening, and that I didn't like the feel of the Mini Grip when I tried it out at a B&M store.

I'll give the Vics more thought, although I still think they are overpriced.

Really, the issue of benevolence is not my first concern (as I stated in the list) but it is somewhat important. I would rather carry something small and practical than something small and nice looking, that isn't as practical.

And of course, a calm and professional manner is the first thing that must be present when one carries a knife. That much is a given.
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Maybe it's 'cause I like big knives, but if you're self-conscious about the Delica looking threatening, the knives that I know that are smaller than that take on a smaller, cuter, non-tool quality- not to say they AREN'T useful tools, but the jimping, ergonomic handle that fills the hand for long and strenuous cutting chores, will most likely be absent. Has anyone said anything about the delica being threatening? I recommend carrying a loaf of bread and cheese nearby, if anyone asks, point to the baguette! Otherwise, best of luck, but if you're self-conscious about a delica...

On the other hand, if you're in a nice place, going for a gentleman's knife (more $$ though) would let you get away with "tactical" features like one hand opening. I personally have a delica wave; if anyone asks it's my bottle opener, and for aforementioned bread.

Zero
 
Zero_Time said:
Maybe it's 'cause I like big knives, but if you're self-conscious about the Delica looking threatening, the knives that I know that are smaller than that take on a smaller, cuter, non-tool quality- not to say they AREN'T useful tools, but the jimping, ergonomic handle that fills the hand for long and strenuous cutting chores, will most likely be absent. Has anyone said anything about the delica being threatening? I recommend carrying a loaf of bread and cheese nearby, if anyone asks, point to the baguette! Otherwise, best of luck, but if you're self-conscious about a delica...

On the other hand, if you're in a nice place, going for a gentleman's knife (more $$ though) would let you get away with "tactical" features like one hand opening. I personally have a delica wave; if anyone asks it's my bottle opener, and for aforementioned bread.

Zero
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Well, it won't be used for strenuous tasks, just lots of little things.

Hmm... EDC baguettes... :D

Yeah, I guess I *am* kinda asking for a sub-$50 gentleman's folder... sort of.
 
antikythera said:
Well, it won't be used for strenuous tasks, just lots of little things.

Hmm... EDC baguettes... :D

Yeah, I guess I *am* kinda asking for a sub-$50 gentleman's folder... sort of.
Click to expand...

Can't go wrong with a case barehead slimline trapper in chrome vanadium. it's my favorite single bladed slipjoint.

caseBareheadtrapperopenfull.jpg
 
Despite it not having one handed opening or a lock, I really like that slippie. It's very elegant, especially in some of the "nicer" handle scale materials.

Do you know of anything like that in style, but with those two qualities (OHO more than the lock)?
 
Case does have their trapper lock knives. Thumb stud and liner lock. they don't come in chrome vanadium though.

ca5525.jpg
 
freedoom said:
Case does have their trapper lock knives. Thumb stud and liner lock. they don't come in chrome vanadium though.

ca5525.jpg
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Ooh. That's nice.

Actually, there are some CV versions available. Hmm... a little out of my price range, but they look really nice. How do they perform?
 
antikythera said:
Ooh. That's nice.

Actually, there are some CV versions available. Hmm... a little out of my price range, but they look really nice. How do they perform?
Click to expand...

Case knives cut like a laser. I don't own this model but if it's anything like the slimline trapper it's a fantastic cutter. plus chrome vanadium is just so shiny and easy to sharpen.
 
Actually, I am reading some reviews that the knife is *too* smooth, in that it tends to open in the pocket. Is it missing a ball detent or something? I really wouldn't want to carry a knife that had that "feature"...
 
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