The best small knives-- loose or clipped?

pud

pud

Joined
Aug 16, 2002
Messages
39
While too small for many, I'm looking for good knives with blades less than 2.5-inches. (General Federal workplace rules :rolleyes: ) I'm disappointed that Benchmade and others don't have a lot to offer in this area.
I also like a knife of this size because it can be comfortably (and legally) carried loose in-pocket after removing the clip. I'm wondering how many of you prefer this mode of carry?

I now have a CRKT S-2, which is very nice (esp. at $35 :) ) ATS-34 blade, Ti handle, frame-lock, very light. Probably discontinued for being so nice.
Spyderco makes a few nice small ones-- I might get a Navigator VG-10-- but what else is out there that people like?

Thanks
 
I like the Sypdie Meerkat, Its one of the few I own of that size and its a great little knife with a wild Locking mech.
 
I you can find one, pick up a Benchmade 330 designed by Mel Pardue. This is one of my absolute favorite Benchmades of all time. It is a very slim knife with a 2.3" blade and an overall length of under 6". It has titanium liners and partial G-10 scales. There is also a limited edition with pearl scales. It is a wonderfully thin knife that cuts like a champ. It was one of favorite flying knives before 9/11.

Another great clipless knife is the new Spyderco Kiwi. It has bone scales and double steel bolsters with a modified wharncliffe blade of VG-10 steel. I haven't used it much, but I believe that this will be a great cutter.

A wonderful high end small clipless folder is the Chris Reeve Umfaan. It is built like a tank and has everything that everyone loves about the Sebenza on a much smaller scale. It also comes in a nice leather sheath with a nice retrieval lanyard. Very expensive at $300, but a good investment if you can afford it.

For smaller knives with clips, try out The Spyderco Salsa. Really, I should call it a shorter knife, not a smaller knife. This knife has a blade of about 2.25" inches of ATS-34 that is a great wide flat grind. It is a heck of a slicing design. The knife has solid titanium handles and an integral compression lock. I know I may make some enemies, but it is not that far short of a Sebenza when it comes to sturdiness. At roughly $100, it is one of the best buys at any size among high end or high performance knives.

Finally, if you don't mind going high dollar, I can recommend a Bob Lum Mini-Stalker and a Tom Mayo small baby hawkbill TNT. Both of these are great knives but very high dollar. As you can tell, I am quite fond of small knives.
 
The Victorinox Swiss "Mini Champ" I picked up this weekend is a sweet little piece! A few strokes on my Crock Sticks, and away we go.

It rides in my watch pocket and has cut cardboard and chip bags so far. The scissors are cool, and have snipped a twist tie in two with no apparent damage.

I also don't see how even the most strident 'Anti' could not say "that is so neat! Where do I get one?"
 
I will second Mr. Cheeseboro's suggestion of the Ti Salsa. I did not think I liked ATS-34 steel until I used it in a Spydie (maybe it is the grind?). It has become my EDC. I work as an adjunct history instructor at a local university (liberal faculty) and it has yet to raise an eyebrow.
 
At the lower end of the price spectrum, you could try a Spyderco Jester for pocket carry.

I also enjoy the Spyderco Navigator. I prefer the clip, but you could just remove it.
 
The Al Mar SLB (Stout Little Blade) looks like a really neat little folder. Blade length 1 7/8". If the action is anything like the SERE it's a great knife at great price.
 
The Ti Salsa is a great little tool, but a decent pocketfull. Solid and sharp, the cobra hood adds a lot of control opening and cutting.
 
I love my little Umfaam. Since I too work at a Govt. facility, I am under those same blade length guidelines. My Umfaam also has a swedge ground on the top, which makes it double pointy. Perfect for a splinter picker/newspaper article cutter outer. Probably best that I got it on a trade, so I dont really realize exactly how much I have into it.
 
Like to second what Anthony said about the Benchmade Mel Pardue 330...great little "gents" folder in 154CM and not threatening to sheeple or Feds ;)
 
How about a Chive, or some of the limited edition William Henry knives? (bigger bucks, but very classy and definitely worth it).

- Mark
 
I know it's been discontinued, but you can still get it online... the Spyderco Walker lightweight was my EDC until I changed for a Native.
Small versatile fella, just 6cm blade and do not afraid sheeple.

Only bad thing (according to your desires) is that the clip in integrated on teh Zytel handle, but it so lightweight that you can carry on your pocket without noticing :-)

My 1c

NSB
 
I'd like to forth Mr Cheeseboro's & Mr wpc37203's & Mr StJames' recommendation of the Spyderco Ti Salsa. It is everything Mr Mr Cheeseboro describes.

As also pointed out above, the Meercat, Navigator and Mouse are all great too, albeit in a smaller class than the Salsa.
 
I just opened a 12 pack of that Brisk lemonade with my Spydero Dragonfly (ATS55). Just flicked some cuts it the box real quick pulled the carboard off. The cuts I had aparently made in the cans however wer so thin they didnt start leeking all over me untill I grabbed em to put em in the fridge. Just its way of reminding me it is a lot of sharp in a small shiney package. I had a sorta distant respect for Spydies untill I got one..now I got full blown admiration for em...particularly for small knives......oooO! and sharpeners! :)
 
I like the CRKT 7011LE Apache (small) - also discontinued for being too nice. It is the only knife that I have taken the pocket clip off so it can be carried in the pocket - which is where it is right now, and every day.
 
Umfaan in my slick new G2 sheath, with soft leather lanyard. Before I got the sheath I just carried it loose in the slip sheath. I don't like the idea of a clip on a very small knife. Looks too big and obtrusive.
 
I'd have to agree with Danbo and Elvislives. I really love the Chris Reeve Umfaan. Costly, but IMHO well worth it.

Jason
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top