"Thin is in!" Please recommend a HIGH QUALITY "THIN" folder.

H

HARDBALL

Joined
May 6, 2001
Messages
930
Hi all,

Here's the scoup. This weekend while hitting the Antique Shops/Flea Markets/Yard Sales etc.
I found a (inexpensive/maybe even cheap) old (very thin) folding FISH KNIFE. I can not read the name of maker but, I found some pictures on line that makes me believe it is a vintage USA IMPERIAL FISH KNIFE. As cheap as this knife is, I am LOVING the fact that it is so darn thin (1/4") total thick blade and handles. This knife measures nine inches OAL with a five inch handle and a four inch blade. This old knife is a "slip joint". Bottom line, I am all about buying a new 1/4" "thin" total blade-handles, folding LOCK back knife of higher quality. The OAL does not have to be 9 inch OAL nor does the blade have to be four inches (just Ball Park). For instance, a four inch handle with a three inch blade would be fine. I've never had a "thin knife" before and I'm thinking thin for EDC. I sure would appreciate recommendations/pictures for a knife of this type. Thanks so much.

Regards,

HARDBALL
 
Opinel ! For sure.
AG Russel also makes a few very nice, thin folders for decent prices.
 
You need a Douk-Douk. Everyone needs a Douk-Douk.

Or if you want something fancy: http://www.cutleryshoppe.com/almare...cales-zdp-189lamintedtalonplainedgeblade.aspx

A lot of the back-lock spydercos, if run clipless, are also very thin. The Salt series are great examples (Salt 1: a hair under 3/8").

Lately I've been EDCing a Victoriox Bantam SAK with a sheathed fixed blade in my man-purse as a utility/emergency backup. The Bantam is a light, super cheap, thin, terrific knife. 10mm but feels thinner due to the completely rounded edges and extremely low weight (31g on my scale). I don't think you'll find anyone here who thinks the Victorinox knives are anything but quality.

Also, HuntBomb is right about those little AG Russell folders. Great handle ergos and blade geometry. See especially the One Hand Knife, and especially the lightweight FRN version of that knife.
 
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Can't beat the CRKT Eros K455TXP with an extremely sharp 3" blade and titanium handle. It's a marvel of thinness and weighs a scant 1.4 ounces! There's also an even smaller K450TXP with a 2" blade weighing in at 0.8 ounces. Both use the premium Acuto+ stainless steel for the blade.

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its not a lock back but benchmades 530 pardue is probably the thinnest and lightest knife I own. there is a carbonfiber version that is stronger its limited to REI and costs a fair bit more but its still super thin
 
Thin and inexpensive: the Mercator K55K... not exactly 'high-end' but certainly good enough to get the job done. For something a little more 'top-drawer" I agree with HuntBomb and would suggest looking at some AG Russell's.

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Good luck, OP! :)

-Timber
 
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Blade-fiend said:
its not a lock back but benchmades 530 pardue is probably the thinnest and lightest knife I own. there is a carbonfiber version that is stronger its limited to REI and costs a fair bit more but its still super thin
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Yes, the REI Benchmade 530 Limited Edition with CF scales is amazingly thin and light. They'll be all gone soon.
 
Another vote for Al Mar. I love the thinness of the Eagle and Falcon. They are smaller blades, and I don't have a measurement on the overall thickness, but they are definitely among the thinnest modern folders I have.
 
I also found this in my collection. A Solo #2. 3 3/8" blade 1/16" thick. Micarta scales, liner lock. 5/16" thick.



 
My friend, it looks like the new Code 4 by Cold Steel is exactly what you're looking for.

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It's one of my new favorite folders. Not only is it thin, it's super light weight at 4.3 ounces. To top it all off it features the Tri-Ad lock, the strongest folding knife lock around. Beautiful satin finish. The steel on that broad, 3.5" long blade is Japanese AUS8A, which doesn't do any one thing especially well, but it is a good all around performing stainless steel which does everything more than adequately. Those scales? Hard anodized aircraft grade 6061 aluminum. Slick, but the finger grooves keep you where you need to be.

If you don't like the spear point, it also comes in clip and tanto point. And if you like serrations, you can get it half serrated, too (I really like Cold Steel's serrations, some don't, but that's okay).

I love my Code 4. Came wicked sharp out of the box.
 
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The Kershaw Knockout is very thin in the pocket, but a substantial knife in the hand.
 
I think my only folder that thickness is the leek, but I don't like it in hand at all. the next up is my spyderco centofante 4 at about 3/8" thick. much better feel in hand. classy designed frn handles and very lightweight.
the 2mm thick, hollow ground blade is a slicer from the factory, knock it down to an almost zero ground, blended edge and it's a light saber.
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The Spyderco Lum Chinese folder is super thin, there are several variants. I've been using the ZDP189 version for a while and I'm happy with it.

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