Single Bladed Traditional Folder under $35

I'd look into a Schrade USA 12OT or an 18OT for a little smaller one with a liner lock. None of the ones I have can be opened other than with 2 hands.
 
I would pick a USA made schrade 12OT, its a small single clip point bladed peanut but it fits 3 fingers comfortably. 1095 of course will take a wicked edge and patina will give it character, im not sure what the blade length limit in N.Y. is but no matter what it is people will get nervous around any knife so a small one is a safer bet. I like the 12OT for it clean and simple design, for a small knife it is very useable, and the aesthetics just look great too. The only problem is that you have to search for one since they arent made in the US anymore.
 
TheChunk91 said:
The only problem is that you have to search for one since they arent made in the US anymore.
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The new imports are stainless. For an original in 1095, just look for "USA" on the tang stamp. They are rather common on the secondary markets, and the smaller common models sell for reasonable prices, even NIB.
 
Victorinox Alox solo, Buck 302, Opinel (your choice of size), Queen country cousin, Case sodbuster jr :)
I know nothing of the NYC laws, but these seem "safe" options.

Fausto
:cool:
 
IanShane said:
Good to know. I just tried it with a couple of lockbacks, and they flicked open with relative ease.
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Don't get me wrong, you can have all the lockbacks you want but it can be an issue if you're ever stopped. You're not likely to ever be stopped but it is possible.

NYC's laws state the knife must be concealed. It also has to have a blade less than 4". "Gravity knives", lockbacks, even autos are technically legal to carry with a valid hunting/fishing license when you are going to/coming from/ or doing said activity. A slipjoint with a max ~3" blade is safest to carry the rest of the time.

Also, technically a <4" fixed blade is legal but you do run into the possibility of it still being considered a "dangerous weapon" depending on the officer.

With regards to the Opinel, it's probably best asked in the Knife Laws section and there they'll probably say its safest to ask a lawyer but they should be ok, even if they lock. I don't have an Opinel but I understand that they only lock open by turning the ring? If so, that'll probably be considered a separate action from opening the knife and so not a gravity knife (there is case law regarding a balisong not being a gravity knife because a separate motion is required to move a latch to lock the knife open. Balisongs still fall in the "other dangerous knife" category though.)
 
Kutmaster 1142801 is the best EDC for NYC. Still made in the USA. Non-locking, generally thought of as just a work knife, ugly as sin so it won't be confiscated, carbon steel that sharpens up and holds an edge like in the good old days (you can get stainless), steel bolsters, delrin handles. And cheap enough to replace if need be without shedding a tear.
 
Be aware of officer discretion used in its broadest sense in the City, it is not like upstate or Long Island. Shiny and pointy can get you detained, especially at night. Just saying.
 
2Dead said:
I don't have an Opinel but I understand that they only lock open by turning the ring?
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The modern Opinel knives lock closed as well as open. It would be impossible to turn the ring and open the knife one-handed.
 
IanShane said:
Howdy All,

Getting ready to move to New York from rural Oregon, and want a knife that's NYC legal. Most of the knives that I currently own, cherish, and carry daily, seem like they could be categorized as "gravity knives".

-strong preference to single blade, nothing too thin or delicate
-under $35
-limited play
-that it gets wicked sharp
A locking mechanism beyond your standard slipjoint, though not sure of legality.

Thanks.
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My thoughts:
The Victorinox Alox - very nice knife, but you said you did not want anything too thin. That might move the Vic down a bit on your list.
Case Sodbuster - meets all of your criteria except for a lock, but the spring is strong enough it should not be a problem.
A.G. Russell Medium Lockback Barlow - meets all of your criteria, so it would appear to be the most appropriate of the three, although I think they are all excellent knives.
 
I was thinking Buck Solitaire.
I'd forget the Sodbuster, if I were you, much as I love it. I just opened mine with one hand.
 
knarfeng said:
Same thing could be said of Opinels. Many can be opened with a "Spidy-drop".
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Same thing could be said about some Opinels, but not all Opinels. It depends on how they are adjusted.

IME, a loose Opinel is like a switch blade in that with one hand you can flick open the blade with your wrist, only more dangerous in that the blade may rebound off of the tang and back closed again.:eek:

But, a normally stiff Opinel is like a normal slip joint. A spidy drop isn't enough to open it.


Bob W said:
The modern Opinel knives lock closed as well as open. It would be impossible to turn the ring and open the knife one-handed.
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This is true is by "one-handed" you mean without the assistance of your hip or thigh. You can one open an Opinel like you can one hand open a slip joint or lock back. If you can pinch the spine of the blade a bit, you can hook the butt end of the handle on your thigh to open it.


For the OP, my experience in traveling in Boston, which has a local ordinance mandating a 3" blade max is that as long as the clip is not showing and the knife is not visibly and noticeably imprinting on your pants, you'll never be bothered. Of course, my bro-in-law Mikie's advice applies here. "Never break more than one law at a time." So if you get busted for, say, drunk and disorderly and one of Boston's finest pats you down while you contemplate whether or not their cruiser needs its windshield wipers replaced and they find that Buck 110 in your pocket... :D

Carry something that you like, pick something that is "people friendly", use discretion on when you use it, pick a knife that doesn't cost you much should it get confiscated or lost and be polite and play apologetic and dumb with the cops should be an issue.
 
OP, if you are still interested in a Sodbuster Jr. CV/yellow, send me a message. I have a used one (I'm the original owner) that I'd be happy to give you.
 
I work in the city daily and go through the daily random checks at the path and subway stations. I carry what they sell in the city at places like EMS and REI which are leathermans and fixed blades under 3". I edc a leatherman skeletool and a Tops Ferret. I leave the leatherman clipped and never get bothered the Ferret is great because it doesn't print in pocket
 
My brother lives in the city and has carried an Opinel Walnut #6 for a while now. Nobody notices and nobody cares. Don't wave the knife around in front of strangers or in restaurants, and nobody will care. I've had a modern folder clipped to my pocket on several visits. Had pictures taken with mounted cops and they never said anything. They're not looking to bust someone who is minding his business and enjoying the city. They would probably find a way to bust you for a Victorinox Classic SD if you're doing something illegal though. Just my .02 though.
 
Here's something I like. Well under your 35 USD price tag but looks and feels decent. Rough Rider's small 3.5" closed Dirtbuster in smooth caramel bone and linerlock. It arrives amazingly sharp and it keeps it. Don't be misled by the linerlock aspect, it has a full and sturdy slipjoint backspring as well. So not even the most athletic copper... ;) will be able to flip this one open, their arm would drop off first:D

Thanks, Will

IMG_1075.jpg
 
If it's any help I live and work in NYC. It's UN week and I performed a project for the President of Ghana. I had to go through secret service inspection. They let me buy with alox cadet in my bag. I would not have dared do that with a single bladed knife. I do edc a UKPK from time to time but I really try to stick with peanut sized knives around NYC.

I would dare carry a medium stockman, sod Jr. Gec 66 etc... Etc... If you want to go slightly bigger.
 
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willgoy said:
Here's something I like. Well under your 35 USD price tag but looks and feels decent. Rough Rider's small 3.5" closed Dirtbuster in smooth caramel bone and linerlock. It arrives amazingly sharp and it keeps it. Don't be misled by the linerlock aspect, it has a full and sturdy slipjoint backspring as well. So not even the most athletic copper... ;) will be able to flip this one open, their arm would drop off first:D

Thanks, Will

IMG_1075.jpg
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I ordered one of these in jigged bone about a week ago, it ran me just over $10. Peoples' take on the brand seems fairly divided, so I'll have to come to my own opinion once it arrives.
 
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