Small folders

Buji · May 1, 1999

Hello everybody, I just registered with this forum. I'm thinking of buying a small folding knife of similar size to the Spyderco Delica 98 I currently own. It would be for everyday carry and all the little things I use my Delica for.

So far, I like the looks of the Benchmade Ascent 820 and Mini-AFCK, the Spyderco Native, Wayne Goddard Jr., and Michael Walker Lightweight, and the G-10 Rookie. Does anyone have any suggestions or experience with these knives?

-Buji

Corduroy · May 1, 1999

My girlfriend owns a Steel Rookie and a mini-AFCK (and I have the full-sized models), and I've at least handled the others, so here goes.

The Walker really is a small, lightweight knife. I don't trust its liner as much as I do heavier Spyderco linerlocks; just my feeling, not any serious problems I've observed. Also, AUS-8 is "good, not great."

The Ascent series doesn't thrill me for two reasons: their weight is very far forward (at least compared to their AFCK cousins), and their look is very aggresive for a utility piece. They're a good steel and great quality in a fairly inexpensive package, though.

The mini-AFCK is a gem, though again a bit on the aggressive side. My only gripe with this knife is that the blade hole is smallish and yet still gives a slight "hump" to the blade. This is also an expensive choice.

The Rookie is in my opinion ill-suited to utility because its blade shape lacks belly and has a very shallow grind. It is, however, as classic as the Police Model that spawned it; a well-made knife in a unique and very hand-friendly shape.

The Native is a great design, all-around. I'd rather see it fully flat-ground and do away with the useless but attractive swedge, but even with this grind it has good geometry. The steels used on this knife seem to get better and better, so maybe wait a bit.

The Goddard Jr. is a lot like a toned-down mini-AFCK to me in appearance: not as aggresive and thus better for utility when others are around. The micarta construction isn't super-strong, but I think it's plenty tough for this size range and the GIN-1 steel is still my favorite for easy sharpening and good edge-retention. This knife is classy, too.

You might also check out the Calypso Jr. Just got one in the mail and it's a real treat. Same construction as the Goddard (or steel) and a design that's ergonomic as well as gorgeous. I don't care for the AUS-8, but the blade geometry is excellent. You don't have to look far on these boards to see someone praising this knife. I hated to pass it on to my sweetheart, but my Calypso Sr. is due any day.

I can't say much about the Ken Onion Random Task, but it looked ideal for the exact situation you describe when I picked it for myself (though it was still a surprise when my girlfriend ordered it behind my back!) Unfortunately, mine was delayed and I decided that I'd rather keep my collection to blade-holes. But if you feel otherwise, check this one out.

Finally, for sheer bang-for-the-buck I still like Gerber ATS-34 EZ-Outs. They're not high-class, but they're solid enough and in a good steel, for under $35. I carried a 420M EZ-Out for a long time and loved it though I was always sharpening it; I figure the steel upgrade fixes that gripe (too bad I have a Pro-Grip now, hehehe).

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-Corduroy
(Why else would a bear want a pocket?)

Buji · May 1, 1999

Hi Corduroy,

Thanks for the reply! I've never seen any of these knives in person, so I really need to go to a store and handle some.

The Calypso Jr. looks interesting. One question I have- what exactly is micarta? Is it a polymer like zytel or G-10?

Thanks again!

-Buji

Corduroy · May 1, 1999

Micarta is a composite of loosely similar construction to G-10. It consists of layers of paper, linen, or canvas filled with a phenolic resin. The resin is the primary material while the weave provides a support sructure that enhances the strength, much the way steel tubing reinforces concrete. G-10 (Spauldite) is a much stronger material that uses a fiberglass weave instead of paper or cloth. This makes it more dangerous to work and it can't take as nice a finish, but it is extremely durable (though micarta already beats woods and such hands-down). True Micarta (TM) is a product of Westinghouse. Both G-10 and Micarta are sold in sheet and rod form and worked like wood or metal, by cutting and grinding away parts of this.

Zytel is glass-reinforced nylon that is poured into a form and hardens to a final shape. It contains a certain amount of glass-fiber to reinforce the strucure but it is not organized like G-10 or Micarta and in my experience is nowhere near as durable (though I have no problems carrying most Zytel folders). I believe Zytel is a Dupont trademark (?) and other glass-reinforced nylons of various compositions are sold by different companies with roughly similar properties.

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-Corduroy
(Why else would a bear want a pocket?)

Sal Glesser · May 1, 1999

Corduroy - Very nice explanation.
sal

Buji · May 1, 1999

Yeah, thanks Corduroy!

-Buji

Corduroy · May 1, 1999

Happy to oblige

Folks have been so helpful to me here, glad I could return a little bit.

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-Corduroy
(Why else would a bear want a pocket?)

Kodiak PA · May 1, 1999

Corduroy,
That was the best explanation of handle materials I have seen. Thanks.

Buji: Take a look at Benchmade's Mini-Stryker. I have its big brother and love it. Take a look:
http://www.knifecenter.com/knifecenter/bnchmd/strykjr.html

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~Greg~

Clay Kesting · May 1, 1999

Buji,

Have you looked at the Spydie Wegner Jr? It really is a big knife in a small package and IMHO is one of the best small folders. The handle ergonomics are excellent as is the blade shape for general utility, with a robust spine almost the full length of the blade and lots of belly. It loses out to the flat grind of the Calypso Jr. but has a much more solid feel due to its single stainless liner and full length stainless steel spacer. I have had mine for over a year and I always come back to it for daily carry (might change with the BF Native

).

Of course YMMV.

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Take care,
Clay

"A witty saying proves nothing." Voltaire

[This message has been edited by Clay Kesting (edited 01 May 1999).]

Donald · May 2, 1999

Buji,
I do not have time to thoroughly research this reply, so take it with a grain of salt. Just don't get the salt on your knives.

Check out a similar, prior posted thread here or in knifeforums.com for many suggestions.
I recall (perhaps wrongly) of Gerber EZ-outs having lock problems.
Small & light: Cold Steel has a sharp key chain model.
Light & extreme cutting power: Boye Cobalt 2 oz with Zytel handle. Not necessarily small. About 4" closed. www.DiscountKnives.com above has them, as do others.
Gerber Paul knife, medium size, 3 3/4" closed. Newer model somewhat heavy, but reasonably compact. My lock has never failed me, but I never performed any tests. Modest steel 425M, but neat/cool knife. One handed opening and closing with a button (even if the instructions show it as 2 handed). Discontinued, but you might find one, and I saw a couple for sale on one of the forums. (I love mine, although I am carrying a Chris Reeve Sebenza/or Small Sebenza and Boye at the moment.)
A very pricey alternative might be the Cris Reeve Small Sebenza, or smaller yet the Umfaan).
Spyderco's already mentioned. If you go for the Native, I would get the Bladeforum version.
The Axis lock may be available on some smaller version Benchmades?? I am sure someone else can chime in on that.

Donald.

Buji · May 2, 1999

Hmm. All very interesting suggestions, thanks guys!

Although... I'm trying to narrow the field, not widen it!

Anybody have information on the small Axis lock?

-Buji

Corduroy · May 2, 1999

Oh, you want our picks? Just my opinion, but I'd go with the Goddard Jr.

It's got the hole, which is supreme

.

It's in a great steel (GIN-1) that holds its edge really well but isn't brittle like ATS-34 and is darn easy to sharpen, and has a "best of both worlds" combo edge..

It's tough enough to handle the utility tasks that your Delica did, but it's a really nice, high-end type of knife, too.

It's classy without being aggressive. It looks like a gent's knive and I know I'd get an ego boost from having one in my pocket, yet I wouldn't worry about taking it out in most situations.

Dang, now I want one! Well, the full-size Goddard is on my list...right after the Starmate

.

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-Corduroy
(Why else would a bear want a pocket?)

shanereynolds · May 2, 1999

The Benchmade 705 should be out any day now though some people claim to have one now; blade length is 2.9" and I will be purchasing one ASAP. I love SpyderCo but please do not consider the Michael Walker lightweight unless you want a pricey letter opener, as the lock is very weak; I have yet to draw blood but I have had several close encounters and now it sits in my kitchen drawer as a general knife. The Native is a fine knife for the money.

David Rock · May 3, 1999

It's a shame no one has mentioned the Benchmade Leopard Cub yet. Flat ground drop-point (my favorite), sturdy no-nonsense construction, textured aluminum handle gives a good grip and solid feel but not too heavy. You can peel apples with this one, because the handle is fairly straight.

Yeah yeah, I know, you want me to pick one from your list

. Of the knives you've mentioned, I'd get the Native (I have the Bladeforums Blue Native on order).

Good luck, and let us know what you bought and how you like it. Making the Big Decision is half the fun.

David Rock

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Never carry a knife shorter than your schnoz.

Alan · May 3, 1999

I second the choice of a Leopard Cub (even though it's not on Buji's list). It's one of my all time favorites and the blade is very useful for small cutting tasks.

Alan

Buji · May 4, 1999

Well, I can add things to my list

The Leopard Cub looks neat, although I don't like aluminum handles that much.

I've eliminated the MW lightweight based on comments here.

I'm starting to lean toward the Native... it looks like a great knife, and the price fits my current economic situation. Later, I might spend a little more on a 'designer' folder, but probably a full-size.

Thanks to everybody for the advice, and I'll be sure to post here after I get my new knife.

-Buji

sing · May 4, 1999

Buji,

You won't be disappointed with Native if you go with it. GO NATIVE! There is SpyderCo Military Man club. Should be one for the Native.

Of the knives you mentioned, I have the Native and BM 820. The prices for these two are about the same. While the blade length is about the same, the Native's handle is far more comfortable and fills out the hand better (and I have small hand). I use the Native daily and the 820 stays home now. The 820 has ATS24 steel which seems to hold the edge longer than the Native GIN1 but it's hasn't been a problem since I routinely give the Native a few swipes on the honer every three days or so because I use it daily.

I ordered the Walker Lightweight and sent it right back for the same reasons Shane mentioned. It's also more expensive than the Native of which I think is a much better knife.

The Goddard Jr is also a nice knife and comfortable in the grip. I like the blade geometry but didn't purchase it because it doesn't have a plain edge option. The serrations are a problem at airports and government buildings. No big deal but it's an inconvenience I rather avoid. The Goddard has better handle material -- Micarta and the price is higher.

I have the big AFCK and like it. The mini is probably good too. But the AFCK is an "aggressive" looking knife and freaks people (but actually so is the Native.) THe mini AFCK is also more expensive than the Native. It's also a linerlock which I have had "hits and misses" with. I have not had problems with lockbacks yet. Sal said the Native lock is tested up to 500 pounds near the end of the blade. That more than enough strong for this knife. (Just keep the lock notch clean.)

As someone already mentioned, the Rookie is also an aggressive looking knife. It also lacks the belly of the Native. I personally like knives with some belly. I find it slices better with a little curve.

Corduroy,

You posts were great. But, I like the current, "attractive" swedge on the Native. A flat grind might make a better cutting blade but the Native does just fine. And it looks GREAT doing it.

Sal mentioned a concept 4" Native with G10 handle to be shown at Blade. That knive would be awesome for a large folder if it ever gets produced.

sing

Outlaw_Dogboy · May 5, 1999

Sing, I gotta go with your recommendation on the Native. I have it, and I have 2 BM 710's (I LIKE the lock design, what can I say). But, having said all that, I carry, use, and LIKE my Native better, which makes me feel really stupid sometimes. How could I like this Native better than the 710. But, it just FEELS better in the hand.

Buji, consider the Native well....

Sal mentioned a concept 4" Native with G10 handle to be shown at Blade. That knive would be awesome for a large folder if it ever gets produced.

Please, oh please, let this one make it past "concept" status!!!

O_D

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Live fast, die young, and leave a good looking corpse, it's the only way to win.

Stompy · May 6, 1999

For a good, no nonsense, low-cost

knife, the BM Leopard Cub

solid construction, simplicity, strength, configurations, ease of opening and closing...the list goes on

Corduroy · May 6, 1999

I agree that the Leopard Cub is a nice one, but want to caution that it's a real splinter-picker and the slender blade might be too light for some utility tasks. I haven't personally seen this happen to a Cub, but I've seen a full-sized Leopard and several Spikes and Mini-Spikes (very similar blade) that snapped their tips in what I would not consider abusive use. My girlfriend owns four Leopard Cubs in different colors, but she no longer carries them for this reason; for utility she uses a Cricket, S&W SWAT, or a Rookie.

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-Corduroy
(Why else would a bear want a pocket?)