Small folder/ big time edge retention?

Popsickle

Popsickle

Joined
Jul 25, 2010
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I've been so caught up with full size folders lately(3 1/2- 4") that ive forgotten all about the little guys out there. What is out there in a small package in a steel with high edge retention? Just as a size reference, the Spyderco Delica is a great size. Something Sub 3". Any help would be great!!! steel wise, s90v would be amazing but something similar would do just fine!
 
The Benchmade MPR and Kershaw Speedform 2 are the ones that come immediately to mind. There are others with slightly less super steels, like the Spyderco Leafstorm and Kershaw Leek in CPM-D2 or S30V.
 
Spyderco Gayle Bradley w/ M4
Spyderco Delica w/ ZDP189
Spyderco Stretch w/ ZDP189
Kershaw Blur w/ S30V, ZDP189, D2
Benchmade Mini Bone Collector w/ D2
Benchmade 960 w/ D2
Benchmade 32 w/ D2

Hmm I wasn't thinking of blade length sorry, I was just thinking of knives with overall small stature. For example a Benchmade 530 and Zero Tolerance 0350 are NOWHERE near the same carry size haha!
 
There are some ZDP-189 Spydercos in the 3" (or less) blade range. There's a FFG ZDP-189 Delica, a saber-ground ZDP-189 Delica, a FFG ZDP-189 Dragonfly 2, a FFG ZDP-189 Ladybug. I think the recently discontinued Michael Walker was ZDP-189. The new Native 5 is S35VN (edge retention should be about the same as S30V, so maybe not quite the level you're looking for?).

I really like my ZDP Ladybug :)
 
I have a Kershaw Mini Cyclone with a 3" ZDP-189 blade and titanium handle. It was a limited run though.
 
i didnt see a price limit , IM SUPER happy with my YUNA EQ2, mines a lil older so its the laminated ats34/zdp189 version, but now yun makes all zdp189 blades... anyways im super happy with mine ! SO SHARP and i EDC it and i havnt had to touch it yet ! a lil pricey but its full Ti handle, super nice steels all hand made... price is actually fair i think but for a 2" +/- 1/8" its amazing !
 
Falkniven makes several small folders in SGPS @ rc 62 It's a nice powder steel that takes fine, sharp edges. Several people who I trust have gotten pretty low scores on wear resistance on their tests. Despite that it is a premium powder steel that will take very fine edges.

Rockstead ZDP 189 ( often laminated with ATS 34), and YXR7, a HSS alloy ( non stainless). These are very expensive, well made knives that need special sharpening equipment and technique. It's got the best out of the box edge you will find on a production folder. ZDP, and YXR7 are both run well into the RC 60's, and are both wear resistant. I have no experience with YXR7.

Strider SNG production and Dwyer customs in steels like S110V, and really highly alloyed specialty steels like Rex 20 ( M62), and even Rex 121. Some of these ( rex 121) I have no experience with. Pretty expensive for the Dwyer customs of course.

Fantoni folder in S125V. Very, very rare folder specially imported by forumite Hardheart. Remains to this day the only production S125V folder I'm aware of. Ran @ rc 62.5 and very well built by Fantoni, which is no surprise coming from them. Thanks Hardheart!
 
The Mastiff said:
Falkniven makes several small folders in SGPS @ rc 62 It's a nice powder steel that takes fine, sharp edges. Several people who I trust have gotten pretty low scores on wear resistance on their tests. Despite that it is a premium powder steel that will take very fine edges.

Rockstead ZDP 189 ( often laminated with ATS 34), and YXR7, a HSS alloy ( non stainless). These are very expensive, well made knives that need special sharpening equipment and technique. It's got the best out of the box edge you will find on a production folder. ZDP, and YXR7 are both run well into the RC 60's, and are both wear resistant. I have no experience with YXR7.

Strider SNG production and Dwyer customs in steels like S110V, and really highly alloyed specialty steels like Rex 20 ( M62), and even Rex 121. Some of these ( rex 121) I have no experience with. Pretty expensive for the Dwyer customs of course.

Fantoni folder in S125V. Very, very rare folder specially imported by forumite Hardheart. Remains to this day the only production S125V folder I'm aware of. Ran @ rc 62.5 and very well built by Fantoni, which is no surprise coming from them. Thanks Hardheart!
Click to expand...


Pretty much have to get into customs to really get that kind of edge retention since steels like S125V, S110V, 10V, 15V, Rex 121 ect aren't readily avaible.

Even then there aren't many makers that are willing to work with those steels for various reasons.
 
Some I Haven't Seen Posted Yet Is:
Spyderco UKPK G-10, Carbon Fiber, Titanium In s30v Steel.
Spyderco Des Horn - The Blade Is 3.11" In s30v.
Benchmade Blue LE 530 - 3.25" In s30v.
Benchmade 530 - 3.25" In 154cm.
Buck Lux Pro - 2.5" In s30v.
Spyderco Chaparral - 2 13/16" In s30v.
Spyderco Zulu - 3 1/32" In s30v.
Benchmade Mini Griptilian - 2.88" in 154cm.
Benchmade Mini Ritter Grip - 2.88" In s30v.
Spyderco PPT - 3 5/32" In s30v.
Spyderco Sage 1, Sage 2, Sage 3. - 3" Blades In s30v.
Benchmade Shoki - 2.89" In s30v.
Spyderco Native - 3" In s30v.
Spyderco T-mag - 2 15/16" In s30v.
Bradley Alias 2 - 2.95" In s30v.
 
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