Suggest a pocket knife 3 to 3.5ish inches

D

db

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Oct 3, 1998
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What is your favorite pocket knife that is around 3 to 3.5 inches closed? Right now I'm looking for something either single bladed or double bladed in tool or carbin steel, no stainless. Currently I have a Case SBJ, a Russel barlow, and a Schrade in this size and find it works perfectly for me.
 
In no particular order but here are some of my favorites:
3" - GEC #25
3 3/8" - GEC #33
3.5" - Case Mini Trapper, GEC #66, Queen Mini Trapper/Dogleg Jack
 
The first one that comes to my mind is the Texas Jack. Then the mini trapper. Then a canoe. Of those I am somewhat partial to the canoes, but the others are really sweet as well.

Ed J
 
Reading the post title the GEC 25s came to mind. I've many knives I EDC, but keep coming back to the 25 patterns. They're overbuilt and available in SS & 1095 carbon steel.
 
db said:
I'm looking for something either single bladed or double bladed in tool or carbin steel, no stainless. Currently I have a Case SBJ, a Russel barlow, and a Schrade in this size and find it works perfectly for me.
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If your price range goes up into the $70-$100 range, I'd definitely recommend something from Great Eastern.

By the way, since you mention single bladers as an option, maybe consider adding an Opinel no. 6. They come in a great grade of carbon steel and are so inexpensive (I didn't say "cheap") that there's really no reason not to try one. I have a no. 8 and it's a great knife.

-- Mark
 
I really like the Case pen pattern. You can get yourself a yella one in CV for around 20.00. Also, not a single blader or carbon steel, but any of the alox Victorinox knives are great everyday knives, especially for the money. I'm partial to the Soldier, but there are a ton of great offerings from them. Lastley, the GEC conductors look awesome. I don't have one, but only because finances don't allow for it.
 
One more I forgot, you may consider the recently released Schatt & Morgan Heritage Jack. Its listed as being 3 3/8" and having 1095 blades. I have one but haven't used it yet as I'm still doing the June challenge.
 
I would add the Case small Texas Toothpick to the list meeting the OP's criteria. (Additionally, the Sodbuster Jr. is just outside the mark at 3 5/8"). I really like knives that 3 - 3 5/8" in length. The Case Mini-Trapper is one of my favorite patterns.
 
You mentioned tool steel, and if you don't have a queen in D2 tool steel I recommend trying it out. My personal favorites are the Mini Trapper, and the Canoe. I think the Canoe is more like 3.75" but the Mini Trapper is 3.5" and the one I carry most.
The Queen D2 can be a little challenging to sharpen, but the reward is am extremely sharp and durable edge. Worth the extra effort if you ask me.

The top one is the Mini Trapper in Honey Amber Stag Bone
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Canoe in Birdseye Maple. This one has a single backspring with a catchbit. The main blade is stout while the secondary is wicked thin.
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Case 3 5/8" CV Sodbuster with 2 7/8" blade and Yellow Delrin handles -- Pattern # 3137

casesodbusterjryellowco.jpg


Case 3 1/2" CV Mini-Trapper with 2 11/16" clip blade and Yellow Delrin handles -- Pattern # 3207

casecvminitrapperyellow.jpg


Case 3 5/8" CV Stockman with 2 1/2" clip blade and Yellow Delrin handles -- Pattern # 3318

casecvyellowdelrinstock.jpg


Although the Stockman knife above has three blades, it is just as easy carrying as the other two knives.
 
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mnblade said:
If your price range goes up into the $70-$100 range, I'd definitely recommend something from Great Eastern.

By the way, since you mention single bladers as an option, maybe consider adding an Opinel no. 6. They come in a great grade of carbon steel and are so inexpensive (I didn't say "cheap") that there's really no reason not to try one. I have a no. 8 and it's a great knife.

-- Mark
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Thanks everyone for alot of great suggestions. The GEC 25 and the Case Sodbuster are the two knives I was looking at when I started this thread, and are at the top of the list. I'm not worried about Queen's D2 in fact I think that is the best Steel easily available in the current group of factory trad knives. I do have an Opinel #6 and it is a great knife. One of the best cutting knives I've ever used. I'm not sure why but it doesn't really carry very comfortablely in a front pocket for me. Too thick or round maybe. Again thanks everyone there are a few knives that I didn't even think of and I need to take a look at.
 
db said:
I do have an Opinel #6 and it is a great knife. One of the best cutting knives I've ever used. I'm not sure why but it doesn't really carry very comfortablely in a front pocket for me. Too thick or round maybe.
Click to expand...

Agreed. As much as I enjoy using my no. 8, it mostly sees picnic duty as, even with its light weight, it just doesn't carry that comfortably.

-- Mark
 
Gunstock in Amber bone by Queen. Like it soo much that I decided to invest in it and have sent it away to get engraved bolsters.
 
How about the Queen #2 Jack. A hair smaller than the Case TJ but with nicer bone and D2 steel.

qu2acsb.jpg
 
Man o man there are a few knives you all suggested that are must haves. I am going with a GEC #25 Barlow. First GEC and first time ordering from this web sight. Thanks everyone for the great suggestions
 
C Case small Trapper would be my c oice if stuck with two blades otherwise a Case Medium Stockman.
 
Look into the case pen knife, i've carried mine for a few months now and it is an absolutely amazing knife. Very light, very thin, very sharp, very durable! $30!
 
Let's not forget to mention the Case Peanut in CV,easily one of the most comftorable packing EDCs around.
 
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