Recommendation for a traditional newbie...

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danseifert

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Mar 22, 2011
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I'm looking for a small, single bladed traditional for daily carry. I've researched all the patterns and such but I can't seem to many that have just a single blade. I want the knife to be around or less than 3" closed. I'm open to any kind of handle material. Would like to spend $35 or less.

Any insights would be great.
 
I have a Case Swayback Gent (not the Swayback Jack) that is just over your limit at 3 1/8" in length.
 
Kissing Crane makes a small "Mule" sodbuster with a single carbon steel blade. I've seen them sold for as little as $15 new. But the problem is that it's 3.5" closed.

If you can bring yourself to have 2 blades, a Case Peanut would be a good choice. It's under 3" closed. I have a yellow CV Peanut and like it a lot. I think mine cost about $25 new.
 
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Is my price range going to be a significant barrier to getting something relatively high quality? Not sure how far money goes with traditionals.
 
No, 3" single-bladed is more limiting. At 3 1/2 - 5/8" and longer you will find more options. There other options like the Peanuts, or SAK Cadets but they are multi-bladed. You might want to consider multi-blades as they are very pocketable. I happen to have a SAK Cadet and my Swayback Gent in my desk drawer and the Swayback Gent is actually very slightly thicker because of the jigged bone scales.
 
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Only other pattern I can think of off the top of my head is the Tiny Toothpick. A Queen City Mini Toothpick is 3 1/8" and fits your price requirement as long as you don't want one in stag. If you were willing to go bigger, a sodbuster from Case or Queen would work. The other single bladed knives in that size are GEC's #25 pattern, but they are definitely more than what you want to spend.


Bear & Son makes a single blade peanut, but I've read enough bad things here about their QC that I wouldn't buy one without being able to handle it in person first.
 
Yes, getting a single bladed traditional at the 3" closed point is somewhat challenging -- personally, I don't like carrying single bladed/single spring knives that small. I find them uncomfortably small in the hand in use, and I have to fish around to find them in my pocket, since they tend to get lost amongst whatever else I have in my pocket. I do like double blade, two spring knives in that size range. If you'd be open to such, I'd recommend a Buck 309 at 3" closed - especially their yellow Comfortcraft version -- the 309 has two blades, with two springs and no center liner - which makes it slim, but not too slim -- and it comes in under your price point (though your price point does eliminate some good contenders - like the Case/Bose Swayback Jack).
 
Another one that I forgot about is a Schrade 12OT. You can still find some of the US made ones on a certain auction site at times. Honestly, I think I would go with one of those over any of the ones I recommended in my first post.
 
I was thinking Victorinox Solo with alox scales but now that I check on the length I see that they're 3 1/2" closed. If that extra 1/2" can be tolerated though it's a really solid choice and can be had for under $20.
 
Slightly above your price limit but these Case Pocket Hunters (61165) can be found for about ten dollars more if you look around. Available in stainless or chrome vanadium.

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PocketHunter.jpg
 
My 6120... I like single blades but having that extra pen blade has grown on me. I'd say to just get a regular peanut in delrin or bone and it will still be plenty thin but a little easier to grip.
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If you can double your budget, I think you'd be happy with a GEC #25
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I forgot the Victorinox Alox Bantam--3.25" closed, single blade and capliter/flat screwdriver. Very thin.
 
The Buck 302 may be just what you're looking for,it's a single blade Stockman.Made in USA with forever warranty.
 
skyhorse said:
The Buck 302 may be just what you're looking for...
Click to expand...

The 302 looks like a great knife, but the OP wants a knife that is around or less than 3" closed.

I'd second the idea of scouring online auction sites to find a U.S.-made Schrade 12OT Old Timer.

'Course you can't go wrong with any Case peanut, one or two blades.

-- Mark
 
How 'bout a Boker pen knife? While it does have two blades they share a single backspring. Super thin. I've seen 'em with delrin scales for around $30. If you want pretty bone you might check out Rough Rider. They offer a bewildering choice of patterns, sizes and scales.

Frank
 
Within your $35 limit I think a Case pocket hunter or peanut are your best bets. Both are available as single blade knives. That said, I echo those that say raise your limit to approx $60 and take a hard look at a GEC 25 pattern. The quality of the GEC is more than worth the price difference. Here's a pic of a Case single blade p'nut.
IMG_0682.jpg
 
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