Suggestions needed: smallish lockback

baraqyal

baraqyal

Joined
Nov 30, 2000
Messages
860
It's been a few years since I bought a knife. I used to have mostly big tactical knives (Benchmade 710, Spyderco Military, etc). Eventually that wore off and I've been mostly carrying a frn Spyderco Calypso for the last few years.

Recently that's become too big for me to carry too. I guess mostly the problem is the width. I generally carry my knife in my back pocket next to my wallet - never clipped to anything. The Spyderco is just sort of wide and also kind of big in appearance. I find I'm using it less and less.

What I really want is something that is thin, flat and not too wide. It doesn't need to be one hand opening, but it does have to have a lock. No pocket clip required. I'm not a big fan of slipjoints (though today I'm carrying a SAK). I want it to be big enough to be useful but not big enough to the point that it scares people in an office environment.

I want it to be a lock back. I don't want G10/Frn. Micarta/wood/metal would all be fine. I'm thinking it should be in the 3-4" closed range with a blade in the 2.5-3" range. I'd prefer a nice solid construction, but it doesn't need to be a tricked out gentlemans knife. I don't really care about the blade steel, it won't be used for anything too heavy duty. Needs to be a single blade, I never use anything else.

Knives I've been looking at: Buck Prince/Squire. Kershaw Black Gulch/Corral Creek. AG Russell Lockback.

I'm quasi considering the Fallkniven U2, but I think it might be too thick and work-like for what I want.

What else should I be looking at? Price range matters less than getting something that works for me. Thanks!
 
My choice for an EDC would be a t-10 William Henry with Carbon Fiber handles, most models come with clip, but the torque screws come out pretty easy, I carry mine in a thin leather sheath, You said price was NOT that big a deal, so that is my 2cents.
 
James Todd said:
My choice for an EDC would be a t-10 William Henry with Carbon Fiber handles, most models come with clip, but the torque screws come out pretty easy, I carry mine in a thin leather sheath, You said price was NOT that big a deal, so that is my 2cents.
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Nice knives, but I don't want a liner lock.
 
I own some slim line bucks and there realy nice and rugged knives for their size,and in my opinion there plain old 420hc is a great steel for a edc knife.
For the type of use and carry you described I'd be tempted to cary a gerber lst.Real handy little knife,the blade steel isn't perfect but holds an edge suprisingly well in normal use.And overal the knife is much more durable-sturdy than one would think just by looking at it.

Good luck,
lotto
 
Howdy baraqyal,
One of my knives that I have always liked has been my Klein model 44034. Klein is THE manufacturer of electrician's tools. They make and sell premium hand tools. Klein has these made in Japan.

These Klein lockbacks:
are available in 3 sizes
have stainless steel handles with wood inlay
are VERY thin
Are not expensive.

Mine has a solid lockup that matches any of my Spydercos or Benchmades
Mine has excellent fit and finish. Equal to my Benchmades
Mine has unlabeled steel, but edge holding properties similar to that of AUS8 IMO. Way better than "400 series stainless" that you read about so often. I won't say it's the equal of VG-10 because I've never run it head-to-head. But I'm reasonably fussy about edge holding and this works for me when I don't want to carry a blade with a pocket clip.


Look here to see if one of these might work for you
http://www.mytoolstore.com/klein/44032.html
 
How about something like this?
AUS8, great value for money, around $20-$25 US

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EDCeeker said:
What's that on the upper right, stevekt?
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That is a Benchmade NRA Mini Steigerwalt. It has micarta scales, and a 440C blade (now available in D2). Handle is about 3 1/2", blade is 2 5/8", pocket clip is reversable/removable. The lock is a a "springless lockback" where the liner itself acts as the spring.
 
the new delica 4 is awesome. theres always the spyderco salt 1 as well if you want older style.
 
baraqyal said:
I don't want G10/Frn.
I'm quasi considering the Fallkniven U2, but I think it might be too thick and work-like for what I want.
Click to expand...

U2 handle is Zytel (i suspect knidda FRN :confused: ) otherwise it's a nice little knife.
i have got one, and i love it (but more as 2nd blade solution).
I think if you get it, you won't regret it...:thumbup:
 
I realize you said cost was not a problem, but I don't see how you could do any better for your needs than a Mercator "cat knife." Made in Solingen, Germany, and having a very effective lock back design with a spear point blade, these fine knives have been made since at least the World War One era, and have been used by German soldiers in both wars from what I've read. The Mercator design has been made by at least a couple of different companies, but have always in Solingen. The one I just took out of my pocket has these markings etched on the blade: Messer, Solingen, Handmade in Germany, with a small otter trademark on it. The tang is stamped Mercator, and the back of the handle is stamped Mercator-Germany. The knife is of a simple, sturdy, tried and true design, and is about a quarter of an inch thick and four inches long closed. The handle is made of folded steel with a shackle on the end. When you see this model in a picture you may think the location of the lock release (midway down the handle) might be a problem. Trust me, it's not. It's very comfortable to use. You seem inclined to spend a lot more than these Mercators cost, but I don't think you can meet your needs any better, unless you just want some art in your pocket. I've bought two Mercators. I think one (the Messer) came from Garrett Wade Tools, and the other (a slightly older Linder) came from Blade Matrix. They are virtually identical, though, and only cost about $20. Try one and I bet you'll like it. You won't even know it's in your pocket. :thumbup:
 
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