Sub 3" blade shopping...

madcap_magician

madcap_magician

Farts rainbows.
Platinum Member
Joined
Feb 27, 2005
Messages
8,340
I need to replace my EDC knives on campus so that the blade is under 3". I'd like to stick with a Spyderco or a Benchmade, and get as much knife out of it as possible.

I've been looking at the Mini-Manix at Newgraham, the Poliwog (Dunno how utilitarian it is, but I really love that design), the Snody Activator, the MiniGrip RSK, and the 707.

What do you think?
 
I really like my BM Mini-Grip in D2 steel from Cabela's. Just a great size and a very good steel.
 
tim8557 said:
I really like my BM Mini-Grip in D2 steel from Cabela's. Just a great size and a very good steel.
Click to expand...

I just received a Cabela's D2 Mini-Grip today (ordered it Saturday). Very nice little knife, with an extremely sharp edge. This makes an excellent sub-3" EDC for those instances where length really does matter.

By the way, the ParaMilitary (which I also have), although a great knife, measures just over 3", if measured from the handle. Could present a problem, depending on who is doing the measuring.

Edited to correct - the original poster mentioned the Mini-Manix, not the ParaMilitary. The Mini-Manix, at 80mm, is also over 3".
 
I owned a mini-Grip for a while; it was a nice nice but I was leery of the Axis lock and thought I could get better steel for the money.

I'm a graduate student and I often EDC a Spyderco Meerkat to campus - it's blade had a lot of heft anc can handle serious cutting even though it's just over 2" long.

If you can find one, I also like Cold Steel's medium Trail Guide - Carbon V blade about 2.5" long, but with a thumbhole for quick opening and a nice pocket clip. About the only CS knife I've ever owned I would've paid MORE for if I had to...
 
I'd go with the Native or the Mini-RSK Mk1 - both are excellent knives. Here is a comparative test I did of the Mini-RSK Mk1 and the Native.
 
I'm going to have to say go with the Native.

S30V steel and a great 3" blade. If you can find them at your local Walmart they are $40. If not they are still only $60 at most internet knife places.

 
How 'bout a Fallkniven U2?? It is an excellent little knife. I have one, and love it completely. You will not be disappointed in it.
 
Why does everyone rave about the Falkniven U2? You cannot open it one handed. Doesn't it have a thumb nick?
 
What just because you can't open it one handed, makes it a bad knife? Do say that too loud around us SAK fans!!! The U2 is a fantastic knife. Those who know, know.
 
Of your choices, The MiniGrip and 707 are great. Of those two, I prefer the Mini RSK. I carried one for about 3 months and it was top notch the wntire time. If your university is sheeple prone, you may want to check out the yellow handled version of the RSK. BTW, the regular grips are just a good as the RSK and within your size suggestions.

The 707 is fine, but I always liked the thinck handles of the 705, that's just me.

Others that may fit the bill are the Spyderco Delica & BM Monochrome
 
In order of preference:

CS Medium Trailguide (great steel and ergonomics)
Spyderco Calypso Jr.
Spyderco Delica
 
The Delica is 3" so it is too long.
The Native is over 3" so is also too long.
I am not sure about the Calypso but I think it is a shade under 3".

Consider the Spyderdo Dragonfly, Navigater or Salsa. All have blades around 2.5" but full size comfortable handles.

Will
 
To put in a thought-

I carry a Dodo at work for a sheeple friendly use knife. It has pleasantly suprised me in its use. Light in weight. Good, handfilling handle. A good, secure clip. Very useful blade shape for opening bags, sacks, and boxes; for cutting rope, paper, plastic, carpet, tubing. The lock is O.K., though fine grit debrie can "lock" it up (just clean it out like any other knife lock, should it occur). And, most importantly for use, the blade is obviously shorter than the imposed 3-inch limit (as stated where I work, a university) from a distance.
 
Another Spydie along the lines of the DoDo blade is the original, the Cricket. Even the name is non-threatening! :)

I always liked the Crickets, and found the stainless steel framelock Cricket is a most unobtrusive little shiny jellybean of a knife. It is also formidably effective on packaging, plastic, tape, and cord.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top