Small but Quality Everyday Carry

The right answer has been posted multiple times (Kershaw Leek), I'll just point out that you can get a blem (factory second) from Kershaw Guy for around $40.
Made in USA, great assisted opener, small (3" blade), well made, well priced - checks all the boxes!

If you're looking for something that feels a bit chunkier, the Benchmade Mini Barrage is probably your best choice, although it's a lot more $ than the Leek. Pick one up soon if you want one though, because the upcoming "new" version costs almost DOUBLE what the "old" Mini Barrage costs. Because, Benchmade.
 
I dont know what your budget is, but I'd also recommend a Kershaw Scallion for an a nice little assisted american made knife, and a Leek if you like them a little longer. I've had many a knife from most different price points and categories, and still love to carry a Scallion in my watch pocket. I have it today in fact. Non-assisted knives will be a little more reliable as I've had one torsion spring break on me before and had to wait to get a new one (free from kershaw and took a week). However I believe that's the only spring I've ever had break and I've had a lot of Kershaws.
 
gentleman_edc said:
Kershaw leek and scallion are a good choice if you can find one in the steel and blade shape you like.

They are a bit pricey for an inexpensive knife, but I haven't heard of any quality issues.

Benchmade is a step up.

But I would consider a manual opener, in either a Benchmade or Spyderco.

The assist doesn't buy you much compared to a pm3 or bugout.
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If the OP doesn’t mind spending that kind of dough, he could go with a ZT 0357. It’s basically a Kershaw Link, with better fit and finish, and a little more refined as well. Grippy G10 on both sides, a thicker liner lock, and slightly better ergos compared to the Link. It’s a 3.25” knife, so still not a
big knife, more like small-medium sized.

I often see it compared to the Link, and folks say the extra $ isn’t worth it, but I doubt anyone would prefer the Link over a ZT 0357 if they didn’t know there was a price difference. If you have the chance to handle both in person, (and the dough for the ZT) go for it!
 
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