Recommendation? Thoughts on the Mini Lawman and Mini AK-47?

[DangerZone98]

I’ve been considering these options for more compact EDC, particularly the Mini Lawman since I’ve already got the full size 47. Any experience with these knives? Thanks folks.

 

[jlauffer]

I’ve been considering these options for more compact EDC, particularly the Mini Lawman since I’ve already got the full size 47. Any experience with these knives? Thanks folks.

I carried the Mini Lawman for a couple years, before switching to the Mini Recon 1 (little longer blade), then the Tuff Lite (less tactical/scary looking) and now the Grik (perfect blend). So it's been a while, but don't remember any issues, other than wanting a bit more blade, and an uncoated blade.

 

[DangerZone98]

I carried the Mini Lawman for a couple years, before switching to the Mini Recon 1 (little longer blade), then the Tuff Lite (less tactical/scary looking) and now the Grik (perfect blend). So it's been a while, but don't remember any issues, other than wanting a bit more blade, and an uncoated blade.

Appreciate the input, man. How’s the deployment on the Grik? I’ve been kinda skeptical about the plastic hole. Does your thumb deploy it reliably?

 

[DocJD]

Mini AK-47 is definitely compact and light .

It's very thin and the grip is a bit cramped compared to bigger CS folders .

It would be fine for for regular light duty and would be a very easy carry .

But for any hard , extended work , I'd want a more generous handle .

 

[jlauffer]

Appreciate the input, man. How’s the deployment on the Grik? I’ve been kinda skeptical about the plastic hole. Does your thumb deploy it reliably?

When I first got it, I actually didn't like the ramp stud on it, but yet the one on the Night Force I had worked fine, so I was confused. Just didn't seem like it wanted to open "naturally" if you know what I mean. At first I rotated the ramp stud a bit to change how my thumb engaged it (had to drill a new indent in it for the set screw), and that improved it a bit, but still wasn't great. So I ended up removing it entirely and just using the hole. That was better.

But then later on I got another one as a back-up, and when I first opened it I was like "this is fine, why did I remove it?". So I put it back on. I think it was more that I just needed to get used to opening it in general, rather than the stud itself. And I think what I needed to get used to was the location of the stud on the blade. When closed, the stud isn't really where your thumb naturally falls...it's like you have to reach back a bit for it. If they moved the stud back a bit (closer to the handle), I think it would be better, at least for me. Minor issue to me, as I like everything else about it.

 

[Jdubb]

I had an AUS8 Mini AK-47 which I lost and still have an XHP version. The mini has a thin and shallow hollow grind with a nice point. Great blade shape. The ergonomics take some getting used to. If I spread out my fingers a bit, the pattern works for me with my pinky on the end. Works great when I choke up with my index finger on the tab. The G10 on the XHP version is paper thin, not to my taste.

Never tried the Mini Lawman. It has a high ride and I can’t imagine the ergonomics are better than the Mini Recon 1 or the Mini AK47. If the blade were under 2.5” then I’d be interested.

Go with the Mini Recon 1! Better 3” folder IMHO. Unless you really want the wave.

 

[Jdubb]

I’m excited about the 2021 re-release of the Mini Recon 1. Barring any horrible changes to it, I will pick up a couple.

However, a heavily revised Mini Lawman could be pretty cool also... Under 2.5” blade so it can fill a different role than 3” folders, clip positioned to ride lower in the pocket, and a longer handle with less than 5 finger grooves.