Tough 3" Bladed Folders?

K Williams

K Williams

Joined
Nov 17, 1998
Messages
3,295
OK...I need suggestions for a folder. Something to replaace the Spyderco Delica II that I lost and the CRKT Pointguard that I think is too small and light. Here are the requirements:

-Blade length of 3" or less(work requirement)
-One handed opening
-Pocket clip
-Something that has some weight to it(no lightweight handles...)
-Blade thickness of 1/8" or more
-Plain edge(preferred) or semi-serrated
-Cost of $65 or less

Thanks in advance! :)
 
This may seem strange, but consider the Spyderco Salsa. I just got one recently, more to check it out than any other reason, and I have been carrying it exclusively. It's amazingly solid while remaining light thanks to the aluminum grips. The blade is just a hair under 3", flat ground AUS8, and VERY sharp. It seems to keep its edge very nicely, and is easy to touch up. The hole in the blade is large and nicely enhanced by the 'cobra hood' that assists the thumb in finding its place. It's a very fast and smooth knife to open one handed. It's also very sheeple friendly. Another good knife to check out would be the Spydie Native, which was my EDC before the Salsa....
 
Sounds like if you bump up that price part just a bit, you can find what you are looking for in ....

The Buck/Strider Mini. Available in spearpoint or tanto. Take a look at it, sounds just like what you want.
 
I would have to suggest the Spyderco Native. It meets all of your requirements/preferences, except the handle weight. Although, for a heavier duty handle you can go with the SS model that has a stainless steel handle in the place of the FRN.

You can go with either the Plainedge or 50/50 combo edge for the blade, with ambidexterous right/left pocket clip placement and ease of one hand opening with the Spyderco Trademarked Round Hole. Blade steel is CPM440V(US manufacture), or VG-10 (Japanese manufacture). Blade thickness is 1/8". All in all, it's a great little workhorse.

Price? $55.99, plus shipping charges, at www.1sks.com

You can't go wrong with a Spydie. :D
 
Check out the Columbia River Knife & Tool KFF. It has a nice heft to it, a 3" blade length and can be found on the net for less than $50 most of the time.

Flinx
 
How 'bout the Spyderco Lil' Temperance? Saw it in a magazine. 3" blade, but pretty stout.
 
CRKT M-16 small. Make sure you get the SRT (police) or MIL. (Military) black teflon coated blade. Don't get the bead blast. It rusts to quickly. Got the SRT as a replacement due to my original M-16,13 rusting no matter how much I oiled it. Comes in 4" tanto, 3" tanto, and drop point (not sure of length). You can probably get it for $50-$65 if you shop around. I've carried the 4" SRT for 2 years. I've pried things open with it, and it still locks up solid. Good luck, SOX
 
I will give another vote for the Camillus EDC. Great knife in the size range you are looking for. Frame lock, stainless steel handles, and under 50.00 most places. Real good blade steel also, 154cm.
 
Another vote for the Spyderco Salsa - the Ti version in particular is rock solid. Integral compression lock - I read it was rated over 200lbs per square inch.

Flat ground ATS34 blade, with extra large Spydie hole and cobra hood.
 
My "travel EDC" for trips into locales that have 3" blade regs is a BM 905 Mini Stryker - they can be had for about $70 and have the same G10/ATS 34/Titanium construction of the larger BM linerlocks. Its bevel ground also, somewhat rare for a tanto blade.

IMO a great alternative small EDC and a great value.

:cool:
 
Benchmade Mini AFCK. I got one on Ebay for $50. You can usually get them there for around that price or on the Forums for around that. Try searching the Sale sections of the forums for AFCK.

The round hole helps you open it lickety-split by pinching your thumb and index finger through the hole and snapping your hand down.
 
K Williams: A number of good suggestions have already been given. However, what about one of those new John Greco folders found on QCQ's website? I cannot speak from any experience about Greco's folders, but if his fixed blades are any indication, you will get a lot for the money.

At $75 they are only $10 above your target. They are made to retail at $150. I am thinking about buying one today. They are completely rebuildable and look like they are built like a tank.

Check them out: http://www.cqcknives.com/ordering,_shipping_&_handling.htm
 
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