Ranger Little Bird, Al Mar SLB, Gerber Mini Covert, or ?

Eric H

Eric H

Joined
Jul 15, 1999
Messages
541
I'm trying to decide on a new EDC small pocket carry knife, and I've narrowed my focus down to these three (but I'm open to suggestions).

I like the big belly blade design of the Little Bird and SLB.

I like the looks, handle material and slimness of the Covert--but I prefer non-serated blades.

I've bought & sold many neck knives, including an Emerson La Griffe, but I'm wondering how well the Little Bird would ride in a front pocket (maybe with some simple mod to the sheath to hold it in the pocket as I draw)--anyone have any experience with something like this?

Self defense isn't an issue--I usually carry a .45 for the life or death situations.

I just need a GOOD small usable knife.

Oh--although the price of the 3 I mentioned isn't really a factor, can anyone tell me if the quality of the Al Mar warrants the extra $20-30 more than the other two?

Thanks!
 
Maybe a Wolf Pup? Sort of in the same vein as the Little Bird. I'm going to get a Micarta SPOT tomorrow... so maybe that might work for you too. If I may, what exactly do you plan to do with this knife? Will it require the strength of a fixed blade? Fine cutting/slicing? Piercing and prying?

Also, have you determined a range for size and how it looks (i.e. tactical, utilitarian, hunting, etc.)
 
It will serve as a basic utilitarian knife in a (very) small office setting--everything from openning letters to cutting string, plastic straps, etc. So no, it doesn't necessarily need the strength of a fixed blade--I was just immediately struck and interested in the Little Bird when I saw it in the new Brigade Quartermaster catalog for the 1st time.

As far as size--I think the three examples I gave give the range--with the Little Bird at the small end and the Mini Covert actually pushing the limit for what I'd like on the long side.

Also one more VERY important thing--I HATE plastic/Zytel scales. (I guess that's why I was drawn to the SLB & Little Bird--Micarta, as well as descriptions I've read about the Gerber--"fiberglass filled nylon".
 
I'd go with the Little Bird.

David Brown should be able to make you a pocket clip kydex sheath (By Brown Holsters).
 
I agree with senoBDEC, I have a wolf pup made by tops and am very
pleased with its size and function both at home and work

Zoo
 
ZOO said:
I agree with senoBDEC, I have a wolf pup made by tops and am very
pleased with its size and function both at home and work

Zoo
Click to expand...
That was my first idea for a small utility knife... it's a sweet blade. And the grip is pretty ergonomic (from single handling).

Never really used it, so take it with a grain of salt. The Little Bird is also a very nice looking blade...... too many choices ;)

BTW, if you don't mind skeletonized handles, a Bitteroot might be an idea...
 
I hadn't seen the Wolf Pup before, but my first impression after looking at it is that it is nearly identical to the Little Bird, and for that price, I could pick up the Little Bird and the Mini Covert (which, as everyone knows, is probably what I--or most of you if caught in this dilema--would probably do!)

Thanks for the suggestions--keep them coming!
 
I've never really been a fan of Spyderco, and I'm not fond of lockbacks (like the Mouse II)

Thanks for the suggestions though.
 
Bummer, I was going to reccomend the Mouse. I have the original, it's nothing but a straight rough and tumble user, just happens to be in a small package.

I don't think the SLB is worth the price. Al Mar is nice, but often a little pricey, and the micarta handles don't hold up to torquing and other abuse all that well like Zytel will, or metal handles. At least IMO.



Spyderco makes a good tough little knife if you'd give lockbacks a try. Otherwise, check out the custom world. At the bottom of this page is a super little knife, if you've got the funds (one of my favorites). Also, in the FB world there are several makers, even right here that turn out great stuff.

http://geneingramknives.blademakers.com/

Check out his example knives, several pages include some really cool small FBs.

Anyway, hope you find what you're looking for.

_z
 
Well I just got the SPOT today... bloody small with a neat sheath (which is too tight by far).
Good grip, but I think the Wolf Pup or the Little Bird would fill the hands better.
 
z537z,

Those are some great knives--out of my price range though.

I went ahead and picked up the Mini Covert at Wal Mart yesterday--I figured for the price and the fact that I could handle it first, I might as well try it out. Besides, if I decide I don't like it, I can always include it in a trade here later on.

I'm also going to order the Little Bird--I do like the Wolf Pup, but I don't really see much of a difference between the two to justify the difference in price, and the Little Bird is about an inch shorter, which might make it carry easier in my front pocket.

Since I'm just getting the hang of posting pictures, maybe I'll post a review after I get it...

Thanks for all the help--it's greatly appreciated!
 
It looks to be a handy blade. I carry a TOPS Prairie Fox (about the same size) and it's a great low profile fixed blade. Very handy.

Frank
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top