Single Bladed Traditional Folder under $35

Another vote here for the Case Sodbuster Jr. The Opinel is another great choice & depending on ehat your plans for the knife are one might work better than the other. Sodbuster is more durable with a thicker blade but nothing out slices an Opinel. Opinel is so cheap too & you can easily modify the handle to fit better in your pocket with some sandpaper. You could probably get both for $35 if you shop around. :)
 
Alox Vic Cadet or Pioneer until you find one you really want. SAKs used to be sold at a long standing music store (that also had a hardware store) on Park Row right across the street from City Hall (until they closed earlier this year). Traditional wise, what about a Case Pen Knife in Yellow Delrin. As thin as a single blade knife but you also get a secondary pen blade.

The knife has to be completely concealed. No pocket clips - you'll get stopped if they see it. I'd avoid a lanyard too.

Edit: If you increase your limit by $20 you can get a GEC #71 Bullnose (sodbuster) in O-1 steel or even a #15 Boy's knife (single blade, nifebrite (glow in the dark) acrylic, single 1095 clip blade)).

Edit #2: As to the laws, remember, the knife is always a tool and never for self defense. Anything you're carrying for "self defense" will be viewed as a "weapon with intent to use the same unlawfully against another" and therefore illegal.
 
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IanShane said:
I was leaning towards an Opinel #7, but I read that they can sometimes be flicked open one handed(gravity knife?), especially when the handles dry out a bit. I'm currently favoring the idea of a Sodbuster Jr. CV. Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated.
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I've never had an Opinel do that, even in New Mexico. Although it's certainly possibly, given the humidity in New York I think it's quite unlikely.

If you can find one for sale, the Victorinox Solo with red nylon handles is very nice. :thumbup:

AG Russell has a single blade Barlow lockback in your price range. They look nice, but I haven't personally fondled one yet.
 
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IanShane said:
I've been thinking about the Vic Solo. Your mentioning the thickness of the Opinel handle does make me think it might not be ideal for what I'm looking for. Thanks.
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Don't be put off by the thickness of the Opinel handle so long as you aren't wearing close fitting pants or dress slacks that imprint. They are so incredibly light weight that up to a #9 in jeans is no problem. An 8 is very easy to carry. Pick whichever fits your hand the best. Also, Opinels can be flattened with a sanding block and about 15 minutes. But they don't need to be flattened.

A Buck 500 or a smaller Buck 501 would also carry very, very well, owing to their thin profile. I find them better to carry than any double or triple spring knife like a camper/sak. To stay in your price range, you may need to look in the used market.

Bear & Sons also makes some Buck 500 series type knives that may be cheaper.

The old Schrade USA LB5 and 5OT can be found on the auction sites in your price range often. I would definitely stick with the USA made ones for the better steel.
 
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Case MIni Copperlock can be had for a couple of dollars more than your budget, if you look around.
 
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Bob W said:
I've never had an Opinel do that, even in New Mexico. Although it's certainly possibly, given the humidity in New York, I think it's quite unlikely.

If you can find one for sale, the Victorinox Solo with red nylon handles is very nice. :thumbup:

AG Russell has a single blade Barlow lockback in your price range. They look nice, but I haven't personally fondled one yet.
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I like the looks of that Barlow.
 
Ag russell rancher is a good pick
I second that vote, really like the way it
rides in my pocket better than the case.
The lockback barlow from them is nice.
Been eyeing one for awhile.
Happy hunting.
 
I'd advise against a lockback. I've never had a lockback that couldn't lock via "gravity" using the spydy-drop. Guess how they test if a knife is a "gravity" knife in NYC...

I believe there's video of officers swing knives like maniacs, holding the blade, trying to get the handle to swing out and lock open.
 
2Dead said:
I'd advise against a lockback. I've never had a lockback that couldn't lock via "gravity" using the spydy-drop. Guess how they test if a knife is a "gravity" knife in NYC...

I believe there's video of officers swing knives like maniacs, holding the blade, trying to get the handle to swing out and lock open.
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Good to know. I just tried it with a couple of lockbacks, and they flicked open with relative ease.
 
Same thing could be said of Opinels. Many can be opened with a "Spidy-drop".

Some of the constabulary measure blades incorrectly. They have been known to measure the length of the edge including the curve up to the tip instead the linear length from the end of the handle to the tip of the blade.

I would recommend only slip joint knives with no pocket clip and a blade length well under 3". There are any number of those around.

Edited to add: in the Under $35 range I would heartily recommend a Buck 303.
 
knarfeng said:
Same thing could be said of Opinels. Many can be opened with a "Spidy-drop".

Some of the constabulary measure blades incorrectly. They have been known to measure the length of the edge including the curve up to the tip instead the linear length from the end of the handle to the tip of the blade.

I would recommend only slip joint knives with no pocket clip and a blade length well under 3". There are any number of those around.

Edited to add: in the Under $35 range I would heartily recommend a Buck 303.
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That's what I was initially worried about with the Opinels; thanks for confirming. I still want to add at least one to my collection, but maybe not right now.
As for the Buck 303, it's not really what I'm looking for. I really just want a knife with one sturdy utility blade. Thanks for the input.
 
The Alox SAK solo single blade is very slim and traditional. The Sodbuster Jr is a great one but not as slim. The Case SlimLine Trapper is a very sleek/thin pocketknife but it's a bit longer in OAL than the first two listed.
 
Woodrow F Call said:
Sodbuster Jr, is a great knife. I prefer CV and Yeller.
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It's definitely on my list of knives to buy, and still might be my next purchase. I love the simple styling and the contrast between that soft yellow handle and a good patina'd high carbon blade. Plus, even I can sharpen high carbon blades.
 
I often go to our corporate offices in NYC, and I carry one of these:
15315451286_45288cf575_b.jpg


The bottom drawer of traditionals are:
Fallkniven U2 (lockback)
Northwoods Fremont
Northwoods Hawthorne
GEC #47 Viper

I carry them in a pocket slip to minimize lint pickup.

I also pick from the upper drawer of Spydercos (Cat, Dragonfly, Air) and I carry them unclipped except for the Air which also fits in a pocket slip.

The other knife I carry sometimes which is not pictured, is a Sanrenmu 702. Also carried unclipped and fits in a pocket slip.

The Spydercos and SRM can obviously be opened one-handed or flicked open, but generally the cops don't bother you for carrying a knife as long as no part of it is visible. I just limit my NYC carry to this selection of smaller knives because they're the least intimidating ones I have, and it is after all, a corporate environment.
 
IanShane said:
Kinda like it. Does it come in any other handle materials?
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A large Case dealer's website shows that pattern available with 27 different handle variations with prices ranging from $45 - $200. You will find different variations at different dealers because many handles are exclusives to certain stores.
My favorite is the "smooth chestnut bone."

28704.jpg
 
gooeytek said:
I often go to our corporate offices in NYC, and I carry one of these:
15315451286_45288cf575_b.jpg


The bottom drawer of traditionals are:
Fallkniven U2 (lockback)
Northwoods Fremont

Northwoods Hawthorne
GEC #47 Viper

I carry them in a pocket slip to minimize lint pickup.

I also pick from the upper drawer of Spydercos (Cat, Dragonfly, Air) and I carry them unclipped except for the Air which also fits in a pocket slip.

The other knife I carry sometimes which is not pictured, is a Sanrenmu 702. Also carried unclipped and fits in a pocket slip.

The Spydercos and SRM can obviously be opened one-handed or flicked open, but generally the cops don't bother you for carrying a knife as long as no part of it is visible. I just limit my NYC carry to this selection of smaller knives because they're the least intimidating ones I have, and it is after all, a corporate environment.
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Beautiful collection. Unfortunately for me... Way out of my price range. I actually own several SRMs, including the 702( sadly the only one with blade play). But, again... The one handed opening issue. I really want something that overcomes vagueness in NYC knife laws. Thanks.
 
Bob W said:
A large Case dealer's website shows that pattern available with 27 different handle variations with prices ranging from $45 - $200. You will find different variations at different dealers because many handles are exclusives to certain stores.
My favorite is the "smooth chestnut bone."

28704.jpg
Click to expand...

I much prefer that to the jigged bone.
 
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