Small and light but tough folder?

You should really look into the Cold Steel American Lawman or the Mini Lawman. It sounds like the mini Lawman would be too small for your needs. I don't think you'll find a stronger locking mechanism and for the size knife it is, it's pretty light. It is kind of wide in the pocket, but it's super tough. Came super sharp out of the box. It's got a goofy coating on it, but if you're looking for toughness, cost, and lock strength I don't think you'll do better than the Lawman.
 
Buck 110 or 112 (smaller) - probably the single most popular, reliable folding knives on the market (given history, etc.). The only downsides are two-handed operation (nail nick & back-lock).

Did someone already mention the Rat-1 folder? I don't own one but everything I've read makes it very tempting...
 
For ultralight carry and state of the art you cant beat a Knives of Alaska featherlight folder in d2 . I have many other choices but during hunting season mine is in my pocket all season . Teamed with a carbon fiber millitary the 2 wieght nothing and skin and debone many animals with little maintanence.
 
The smaller dozier ka bar and the mini lawman are good suggestions, but I'm not really wanting an aus8 blade. I have heard a lot of good things about the lawmen though. The buck 112 is good but definitely not a light folder and I want a clip. I was thinking about picking up a 110 in the cpm 154 just to try out that steel.
 
I can recommend the Fällkniven TK4. It's a very light and compact knife, but durable and very versatile. I carried it on a number of hiking trips now and like it. It isn't a heavy duty folder that takes a lot of abuse, but for 'normal' outdoor use it's great.
 
All great suggestions so far. I would also recommend the Spyderco Superleaf which is vg10, compression lock, thick blade, and very light for its size. I have owned all the knives recommended so far and I really like the Superleaf.
 
I have Benchmade mini-griptilian and I love it. Axis lock is solid.
The blade doesen't look too tactical and 154cm steel is awsome.

You cant go wrong with spyderco delica/endura either.

If you wanna see some knives in use there is hard use tests on youtube done by jankerson1.
 
I would consider the Para 2. S30v only is a bit harder to sharpen than VG-10 but you get a lightweight folder with G-10 scales and nested steel liners plus a very strong lock. Blade length fits your needs too.

Delica is great but I want a bit more blade length on a medium duty knife.
 
I guess your definition of "small and light but tough" is different than mine. When I saw the phrase, the first thing that came to mind was the Spyderco Leafstorm. That is one small but tough little bugger. A thick solid piece of G10, with titanium frame lock, and bushing pivot. It has a super tight lock up. That is one tough little bugger.

For a something little larger, I would probably go with a Spyderco Paramilitary. There is nothing at all wrong with the Delica. I have the G10 version with FFG. I just consider the Delica a medium use knife. As far as the Benchmade recommendations, I have a mini Bone Collector. It's a stout knife. Although, I prefer the Spyderco offerings better.
 
i vote again for the Ritter mini griptilian full stainless liners rock solid axis lock and a full flat grind s30v beautiful blade easily the best knife for the $$

Blade Material CPM S30V hardened to 58-60 HRC

Blade Length 2.88 in. (7.32 cm)

Blade Thickness 0.100 in. (2.54 mm)

Blade Shape Wide-Chord Drop Point

Blade Grind High Flat grind

Blade Finish Stonewashed

Closed Length 3.87 in. (9.82 cm)

Open Length 6.74 in. (17.12 cm)

Weight 2.68 oz. (76 g)

Handle Material Glass-filled Noryl GTX

Liners 410 Stainless Steel
P1040116.jpg
 
I agree with Furfmonkey. The Ritter Grips are one of the toughest knives made.
 
I picked up a Griptilian for very similar tasks. I've got a Mini Grip that I carry as its more sheeple friendly during the day.

Weekends and after work the full sized comes out. Just ordered another of each because I liked them so much....
 
I also love the griptilians, even though I don't currently own one, which BTW I regret.

The only thing to watch out for is that they can be considered gravity knives by LEO's.
 
I just picked up a Tops CQT - Thunder Hawke for a $100.00 on ebay NIB


Blade is stamped with N690Co-Italy (colbolt) not sure what that translate's to for US

Titanium one side and G-10 grip on other super light weight awsome lock up Blade just flys with a flick of the wrist and very Sharp right out of the box. I know they retail for a lot more
but they are not worth any more than $100. in my opinion.

Blade is almost 4" and 5" handle everything lines up the way it should.
 
Last edited:
chiral.grolim said:
Buck 110 or 112 (smaller) - probably the single most popular, reliable folding knives on the market (given history, etc.). The only downsides are two-handed operation (nail nick & back-lock).

Did someone already mention the Rat-1 folder? I don't own one but everything I've read makes it very tempting...
Click to expand...

The Buck is truly a classic design, but it is the absolute anthesis of light!

Another vote for the Delica here. You hardly know the FRN ones are in your pocket, but I've yet to encounter a task they can't handle.
 
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