Recommendation? Searching for the one

[D4v30]

Hi Everyone,

I've been looking for a new knife for weeks but just can't seem to find 'the one'. I'm from Canada and with how vague the knife laws here are it mostly boils down to the mood of the police officer and how much they like you. I'm trying to find something that is still functional but doesn't have a high chnace of being objectionable.

These are my criteria:

~3" blade from good stock
No auto or assisted openers
No locks that turn the knife into a gravity knife when pressed (Button, cross-bar etc)
No flipper tabs
No agro design
Open to slip joints but no "old man" knives
Something functional and beautiful
Budget ~300 CAD but less would be better.

Currently the MKM Fara and Root are high on my list, like the Pena X Apache but can't seem to find one in Canada, Fox Vox Tur was a contender, also Boker Model 10. and M4 also really nice but a little too expensive.

I would really appreciate any reccomendations you guys may have, all tehse knives are great but none are jumping out at me as "the one".

Thank you guys so much.

 

[Dergyll]

Civivi Imperium, Civivi Exarch, Civivi Rustic Gent...alot of WE knives fit the bill too.

Certain MKM knives, Kizers, Artisan (like the centauri, Ria, feldspar, centros mini...)

Spyderco Para 3, although spydercos can be viewed as slightly tactical. Native 5, Delica...

Benchmade minis such as Bugout, Presidio, Freek...

Too many to list! Just remember everyone has their own definition of "agro design". I think non of my suggestions are, but my mom would think otherwise...

 

[Alberta Ed]

GB2. I reviewed it a few months back.

 

[D4v30]

g

GB2. I reviewed it a few months back.

Thanks Ed, is that the Spyderco Gayle Bradley 2?

Civivi Imperium, Civivi Exarch, Civivi Rustic Gent...alot of WE knives fit the bill too.

Certain MKM knives, Kizers, Artisan (like the centauri, Ria, feldspar, centros mini...)

Spyderco Para 3, although spydercos can be viewed as slightly tactical. Native 5, Delica...

Benchmade minis such as Bugout, Presidio, Freek...

Too many to list! Just remember everyone has their own definition of "agro design". I think non of my suggestions are, but my mom would think otherwise...

Hi Dergyll, thank you very much for the reccomendations.

Theres a couple MKM knives on my list, Root and Fara are near the top.

I don't know what it is but I just don't care for Civivi.

The thing with many of the Benchmade knives is the axis lock, turns the knife into a gravity knife,

 

[Blues]

I think the GB 2 may be more knife than you will be wanting.

 

[D4v30]

I think the GB 2 may be more knife than you will be wanting.

Was just looking at it, indeed a bit on the large side.

 

[Sharp & Fiery]

D D4v30

You are stressing too much. Tighten the pivot on the BM axis and it’s no longer a “gravity” knife. Loose term.
And don’t give the authorities a reason to confiscate your knife and you are good.

 

[D4v30]

D D4v30

You are stressing too much. Tighten the pivot on the BM axis and it’s no longer a “gravity” knife. Loose term.
And don’t give the authorities a reason to confiscate your knife and you are good.

If I'm being honest thy're not really my favorite knives in terms of appearance. I'm sure they're great but meh.

 

[gazz98]

Welcome to the forums! We like to help people spend their money!

How about a Buck? They are classy, have the look of an old time slipjoint knife but with modern materials and well under your budget. Granted, they do have nail nicks for opening.
Linked from DLT trading for easy reference.

2.75" of S35VN. Too small?
https://www.dlttrading.com/buck-501-squire-s35vn

3" of S30V.
https://www.dlttrading.com/buck-112-ranger-pro

 

[D4v30]

Welcome to the forums! We like to help people spend their money!

How about a Buck? They are classy, have the look of an old time slipjoint knife but with modern materials and well under your budget. Granted, they do have nail nicks for opening.
Linked from DLT trading for easy reference.

2.75" of S35VN. Too small?
https://www.dlttrading.com/buck-501-squire-s35vn

3" of S30V.
https://www.dlttrading.com/buck-112-ranger-pro

Thank you so much! Great to be here, been a knie guy for a while but not comfortable carrying most of what I have anymore, maybe I'm getting sfot lol.

The Buck's aren't bad but there's other knives I like much more, like a lot of Boker's knives (wish I could find one cheaper). Good to see they are finally starting to use a good steel though.

 

[Barman1]

Giantmouse has a couple of models with M390 steel well below your price goal that fit your criteria.
The Iona comes to mind...

 

[Sharp & Fiery]

Thank you so much! Great to be here, been a knie guy for a while but not comfortable carrying most of what I have anymore, maybe I'm getting sfot lol.

The Buck's aren't bad but there's other knives I like much more, like a lot of Boker's knives (wish I could find one cheaper). Good to see they are finally starting to use a good steel though.

If the knives you have aren’t illegal...flex your rights. I’m in Canada too, and carry a lot of large knives with all sorts of locks everyday.
What about a SAK by our very talented Spikediesel ?
Or a small fixed blade by REK Knives or Redmeadow Knives or any of our knifemaking members here?

Also...WELCOME to Bladeforums!

 

[gazz98]

A few more suggestions ... linked from various BF supporting dealers for easy, one click reference.

https://www.collectorknives.net/sho...od-canvas-micarta-handles-m390-steel-mt01cvg/

I've been looking at this one myself ....
https://www.collectorknives.net/sho...sters-carbon-fiber-handles-m390-steel-ck0115/

EDIT: Barman beat me to it with the Giantmouse recommendation.
https://www.knifecenter.com/item/GM...tonewashed-blade-green-canvas-micarta-handles

Currently out of stock but you should be able to find one if you like one ...
https://www.bladehq.com/item--GiantMouse-VoxAnso-ACE-Nimbus-Liner--87337
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Three-Rivers-Manufacturing-Neutron--87262

 

[D4v30]

Giantmouse has a couple of models with M390 steel well below your price goal that fit your criteria.
The Iona comes to mind...

Nice, thank you, that wil join my list.

If the knives you have aren’t illegal...flex your rights. I’m in Canada too, and carry a lot of large knives with all sorts of locks everyday.
What about a SAK by our very talented Spikediesel ?
Or a small fixed blade by REK Knives or Redmeadow Knives or any of our knifemaking members here?

Also...WELCOME to Bladeforums!

lol I know, I know it's just a matter of comfort I guess. When I have a knife that I know could be twisted into being made sound illegal (flipper, cross-bar lock) in my pocket I'm always uncomfortable. I guess I just want a knife I can throw in my pocket and not think about.

The SAK looks like a nice knife, not huge on the Swiss Army format though. I perfer a functional blade over the little tools I'll never use.

A few more suggestions ... linked from various BF supporting dealers for easy, one click reference.

https://www.collectorknives.net/sho...od-canvas-micarta-handles-m390-steel-mt01cvg/

I've been looking at this one myself ....
https://www.collectorknives.net/sho...sters-carbon-fiber-handles-m390-steel-ck0115/

EDIT: Barman beat me to it with the Giantmouse recommendation.
https://www.knifecenter.com/item/GM...tonewashed-blade-green-canvas-micarta-handles

Currently out of stock but you should be able to find one if you like one ...
https://www.bladehq.com/item--GiantMouse-VoxAnso-ACE-Nimbus-Liner--87337
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Three-Rivers-Manufacturing-Neutron--87262

Thank you! Those Lion Steel knives look great, my list is getting longer instead of shorter lol

 

[mmyron1]

You said no flipper tabs. Is that personal preference or for legal reasons?
I don't own one yet but check out the Spyderco Smock. It is a flipper knife but has a uniquely cut blade that acts as the flipper and not anything like a conventional tab.

 

[Sharp & Fiery]

Knives with flipper tabs are NOT illegal in Canada at all.
You can carry one with confidence.

 

[mmyron1]

Knives with flipper tabs are NOT illegal in Canada at all.
You can carry one with confidence.

Well in that case the ZT 562 is also nice solid choice. For slip joints the ZT 230/235 are solid as well.

 

[gazz98]

... my list is getting longer instead of shorter lol

Yep. That tends to happen a lot around here. Good luck on your never ending quest to find the "one". I've been carrying a knife for 35 years or so and still haven't found the "one".

Let us know what you decide on and post a pic when you get it.

 

[Shorttime]

Fox Knives Livri.

 

[hhmoore]

2.75" of S35VN. Too small?
https://www.dlttrading.com/buck-501-squire-s35vn

3" of S30V.
https://www.dlttrading.com/buck-112-ranger-pro

I'll second the Buck 501. I've carried one in my lfp, almost daily, since receiving that DLT exclusive (I do carry the Dec BOTM 501, in CPM154 and burgundy burlap micarta, a good bit, as well). It may not be a "modern" knife in some respects; but mine gets used more than most of the one hand openers that get clipped in my rfp.

Just be aware that the 1/4 inch blade increase when jumping to the 112 comes with a significant jump in overall size and weight.