Super Thin & Small EDC, narrowing it down

A

Abouna

Joined
Aug 12, 2006
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OK, I finally had a chance to see a couple knives today at a semi-decent store. Based on another thread I looked at these:

Benchmade Benchmite
Kershaw Chive

I liked the Chive for the Assisted open, which I now know I must have. However I much preferred the feel of the Benchmite.

My dilemma now is that I want assisted opening, but I can't spend $130 on the auto Benchmite and I wasn't crazy about the Kershaw (it was nice but didn't feel right to me).

I also have yet to see or try any of the SOGs. I am interested in either the Blink or the Twitch 1, but not being able to see them makes it hard.

Any advice?
 
Oh, look on the bay and an auto benchmite can be had for $80-90. They show up every so often.

Can't help with the AO knives. Just don't trip my trigger.
 
AO ain't what its all cracked up to be--sure its kinda neat---I have 4 AO knives---and always seem to go back to my old tried and true Spyderco Endura which has pretty much my main EDC for going on 5 years now.

Funny thing ---the Endura was a gift from my mom---I never really paid attention to this model in the store----I had (still have) a plain edge Delica--and wanted to try a spyderedge Delica---when she presented me with this combo edge monster I was a little taken aback---started carrying it figuring I could always go back to the Delica---I never did and the Delica has sat neglected in the drawer for years now.
 
i liked the auto Benchmite as well, the base Benchmite is kinda cool, but not really what i was expecting

i have a Twitch II, it's a lot smaller than i thought it would be, but not bad

i still wouldn't recommend it though, lots of lateral blade play and it barely wants to lock open, it's kinda labored.

i like the blade profile though, has a thin, flat grind
 
it's not super thin, but i liked the Spyderco Jester the most out of the smaller knives i've tried out. i think it's a hair bigger than the Ladybug, and opens easier with one hand

i got the one with the LED it goes great on the keys
 
Don't ignore the Spyderco KIWI. Pricier than what you are looking at, but a great little knife.
 

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I take it this store does not sell Spyderco. I am blown away by my Spyderco Cricket and would highly recommend it to anybody. I also have several Kershaw Leeks and the Chive is a good knife. To be honest though I would rather have a Spyderco in my pocket. Cricket, Delica, Native..... something along those lines.
 
I am really surprised by the popularity of the Spyderco knives. They just don't do much for me (admittedly from pictures only). The blade designs seems to be not very practical, especially the Crickett. I am probably wrong.

I'm not set on AO, but I do need easy one hand opening, super thin, not more than 3" closed and no less than 1.8" blade. Plus in the $30-40 range.

Maybe I'm asking too much. Again, I really liked the Benchmite but opening was not one handed.
 
Abouna said:
I am really surprised by the popularity of the Spyderco knives. They just don't do much for me (admittedly from pictures only). The blade designs seems to be not very practical, especially the Crickett. I am probably wrong.

I'm not set on AO, but I do need easy one hand opening, super thin, not more than 3" closed and no less than 1.8" blade. Plus in the $30-40 range.

Maybe I'm asking too much. Again, I really liked the Benchmite but opening was not one handed.
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Pick up a Delica 3. Some online dealers still have them, and they are available on flea bay. But they are disappearing fast!
It fills your requirements perfectly.
Very slim and light, 2-7/8 VG-10 blade, about 30-35 bucks, really well made.
 
OK, at the risk of being shunned here and sounding superficial, I'm nixing any Spyderco's. I just don't like the design of any I have seen. I'm sure I may be making a mistake as they are so highly regarded, I just can't get into them.
 
Look at the Kershaw Scallion its just like the Chive but bigger.

STR
 
Abouna said:
OK, at the risk of being shunned here and sounding superficial, I'm nixing any Spyderco's. I just don't like the design of any I have seen. I'm sure I may be making a mistake as they are so highly regarded, I just can't get into them.
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I fought the Spyder bite for a long time too , my best bud had one and raved about it , I just thought it looked wierd , being used to more traditional folders ala Buck110 , etc.
When I finally got my Byrd , I hated it at first , then I found myself carrying it daily , now I love it ! lol Then I bought a Meerkat and loved it the moment it got into my hands via mail , those are the only two I own and I'm glad I bought them both , plus I will buy another model when my funds get deeper.
 
Joshua J. said:
(Pssst… tim8557, that’s a Kopa.)
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Damn Brain Farts....that's what I get for trying to cut down on the Caffeine.

Here's a KIWI for around $ 50
 

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A slightly upgraded Kiwi is also nice, especially the new (regular production) Red Bone Kiwi.

kiwi_rb_closed_small.jpg


kiwi_rb_2_small.jpg


Wouter
 
I have a Cricket, it's pretty good, but I could never get into Spyderco also. I have the SOG Blink which sits in my pocket most days. If you like the Benchmite try the Benchmite II I have the all black one which is pretty unobtrusive, it's not auto but still nice. If you are looking for super thin, the Boker SubCom F is getting a lot of rave reviews in the forum, I plan on ordering one soon.
 
OK, since you say you are no longer considering Spyderco, I very highly recommend that you check out the Benchmade 530.

Ridiculously light and thin, blade about 3 inches, (a touch over I think), solid build, made in USA by Benchmade, Axis lock...

You can buy one for about 60-65 bucks street price, try gpknives.com, knivesplus.com, 1sks.com, knifecenter.com, newgraham.com

It's a great knife and really a light and slim carry
 
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