Smaller Drop Point Folder Recommendation

[Lenny]

Yeah, sorry folks, another one of those "I need a knife recommendation" threads.
As the title says, I'm looking for a smaller drop point folder
Here are my requirements:
- $300 give or take
- 3" (give or take) blade length
- High end stainless steel blade that cuts like crazy and holds an edge; no sharpened pry bars
- Liner lock or frame lock preferred but I'll consider other locks if the knife as a whole is killer
- No flippers (unless it's the kind of flipper that doesn't stick out from the back of the knife); hole or thumb stud preferred
- Ti, Micarta, or REALLY NICE G10 handles
- I like simple, elegant, designs with minimal frills

PIx and where to purchase get you bonus points.
Thanks all!

 

[mmyron1]

First thing that comes to mind is the Bugout. Either build your own with S90 blade or buy an exclusive and customize it yourself. There is also a version with M390 blade and aluminum scales out there

 

[Ironbut]

I don't have a Bugout, but it sounds a good choice. Whenever I want to carry a smaller knife, I go with one of my Native 5's. It's not technically a drop point, but they're available in a variety of steel & handle choices. I had a Mini-Grip that I liked, but my wife decided it was the perfect knife for her, so she's had it for about 15 years now.

 

[K.O.D.]

Southern Grind Spider Monkey.
TRM Neutron
Giant mouse Ace Clyde

 

[mmyron1]

The Bugout is my favorite "smaller" EDC. I don't have the mini version but those are an option too with all the same options in blade steels and handle materials. You could also look at the Hogue Mini Ritter RSK. Standard 20cv steel is pretty nice if you ask me.

 

[marchone]

WE Knife Company Justin Lundquist Eidolon Front Flipper Knife 2.86" CPM-20CV Drop Point Blade, Integral Gray G10 Handle​

https://www.knifecenter.com/item/WEKWE19074AA/we-knife-company-justin-lundquist-eidolon-front-flipper-knife-cpm-20cv-drop-point-blade-integral-gray-g10-handle

About $200.

 

[Corton93]

I 2nd the TRM Neutron. It is my most carried knife for the last 2 years straight for good reason. Probably the best overall edc knife I own imo..

 

[Lenny]

Good suggestions!
Already had a Neutron.
I just couldn't get on with those skinny handles.
It just didn't feel comfortable when using.
I'll check out all the others though.
Keep 'em coming!

 

[jstrange]

I don't know what a brand new one costs, but a Bob Dozier folder instantly came to mid with most of your description (except the steel). I had one that was a beautiful knife, but I traded into it so wasn't sure of the cost.

 

[J. Doyle]

I don't know what a brand new one costs, but a Bob Dozier folder instantly came to mid with most of your description (except the steel). I had one that was a beautiful knife, but I traded into it so wasn't sure of the cost.

I used to have one as well. Great knife....wish I still had it. Back when I bought it, it was sub-$300......but that was 20 years ago.

 

[NDGuy]

.

 

[OrangeBlueOrangeBlue]

Another vote for the TRM Neutron. Awesome knife. The Ti scales, if you can get them, put it over the top.

 

[Hackenslash]

Tactile Rockwall Thumbstud
View attachment 2041883

 

[gooeytek]

Sage 2

 

[gooeytek]

TRM Neutron

 

[nhobo]

WeKnife Banter, 2.9”. Ceramic bearing liner lock with options for G10, Micarta, CF, or wood scales and CPM SVN35 or CPM 20CV.

Simple design, good reviews, light weight, lanyard hole, competitive cost.

 

[Lenny]

Tactile Rockwall Thumbstud
View attachment 2041883

I like this.
Can anybody tell me the differences, pros/cons between Magnacut and 20CV?

 

[Slice O Life]

Pay more and get a small inkosi or sebenza in drop point if you want a 3 inch knife. Best shaped drop point out there. Get an S45VN version, or a Magnacut if you want super steels.

 

[SCTorrero]

Finding well heat treated stainless steel can be challenging. Quiet Carry Drift is a nice knife in Vanax (g10 and TI available). I don't know that I would consider Spydercos "drop point," but they would have a few knives that fit the bill.

Hogue did a folder recently in "harder" Magnacut, which may be an option. Tactile Knife is a good choice too (as mentioned above), I would just say that if the steel is important to you, you may want to do some digging to see which is best. My recollection is that their magnacut is a little soft, but is well treated otherwise (I don't recall where I may have seen that info).

Good luck.

 

[Lenny]

Pay more and get a small inkosi or sebenza in drop point if you want a 3 inch knife. Best shaped drop point out there. Get an S45VN version, or a Magnacut if you want super steels.

I've had quite a few Sebenzas in both sizes.
The thumb stud is awful, and awfully painful, the action never broke in completely (always a very slow roll) and the steel is nothing to write home about. In the end, I thought they were well made, just way overpriced for what you get. And I really wanted to love them.