Small, sturdy, edc.

K

Kennykid

Joined
Jul 19, 2011
Messages
264
I typically carry a small Doug Ritter RSK, I like the blade shape, love the axis lock, but like all griptilians it just doesn't feel sturdy, has a tiny bit of play when closed if I keep the pivot loose enough to flick with just the axis lock, which granted is probably looser than most would make it. I removed the thumb studs because of this preference as well.

So here's my query...


I want suggestions to fit this bill:

Small (BM Grips are perfect sized)

Single thumb stud or hole

Sturdy

High quality, reputation for solid lockup, good centering, etc.

No lock back

Carbon fiber is a plus

Isn't a small Sebenza.

Price ceiling is $400.or much lower :D
 
Why not go with a set of custom grips for your Ritter? Kevin Wilkins and Cuscadi make them and it would save you quite a bit of cash.
 
Do you attend knife shows? Get lucky at the Hinderer lottery and pick up a 3" XM-18 for $395. It's as sturdy as you can get - even more so than a small sebenza. Feels GREAT in the hand. You could pick up a carbon finer scale later as there are many different scale choices.
 
I've considered it, does adding those custom scales strengthen the knife(minimize play) ? Also where can you buy Cuscadi? I've only seen their sites and it's in German.
 
spyderco sage 1

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Kennykid said:
I've considered it, does adding those custom scales strengthen the knife(minimize play) ? Also where can you buy Cuscadi? I've only seen their sites and it's in German.
Click to expand...

Cuscadi will respond to you in English and they were very easy to do business with, based on my experience. I've also had a Wilkins Mini Grip and I found both to make the Mini Grip more solid feeling, but I kept mine tight enough to keep blade play out(at the expense of flicking it open). The Techno is an amazing knife and, in my opinion, on par with the 3"XM and more stout than the Small Sebenza at a much more affordable price. It's a new knife, though, so only time will tell if it holds up like either the Hinderer or Sebenza. You might want to consider a Strider PT, but I found it to be behind both the Hinderer and Sm. Sebenza, as it really felt small to me. While the Techno is shorter than the Mini Grip, it fills the hand quite well despite its size.
Maybe you should consider something fully custom, like a Yuna?
 
Small Sebenza, Strider SnG or PT.

A more affordable exceptional option, I think, would be an ESEE Izula fixed blade.. I love em for an EDC..
 
Less expensive: BM 707. Only issue with your list is the 707 has dual thumb studs. You can even get S30V and CF inserts if you buy from overseas.

Mid range: A G Russell's Acies2 Ti framelock, ZDP189 blade steel, about the size of a small Sebenza for less $. Again, though, dual thumb studs.

More expensive: There are a couple of Ti framelock makers in the custom section here on BF that make very nice looking folders. If you scout around in that subforum you'll see a couple of pictures. They can do what you want probably for less than your top budget amount.
 
Either that Spyderco Sage 1 posted above, or if you want something a bit beefier the Gayle Bradley by Spyderco is very popular. CPM M4 blade, heavy duty liner lock, carbon fiber scales, and the exemplary fit and finish from Spyderco's Taichung, Taiwan maker. The only problem would be if you wanted stainless, but M4 is held with very high regard for it's edge retention.
 
Another one that is worth looking at if you don't mind giving up the carbon fiber is the soon to be released Spyderco Brad Southard folder: CTS 204P blade, opening hole and flipper, Brad Southard design, titanium frame lock, new ball bearing type pivot for smooth flipping.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71DBFEnuhSw
 
Wow, if that Spyderco prototype is very 0560ish, and looks niceeee. CF scale would be gorgeous, but the G10 lock stopper would make me hope they just do sprints.
 
Check out the benchmade 530 if you don't have one or haven't tried one; it carries really well due to how lightweight it is, axis lock awesomeness, and over 3" cutting edge, it's superb!

It's kicked many expensive folders out my edc rotation. :thumbup:
 
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