Under 2.5" folder advice please!!!!

S

Slvgx

Joined
Oct 11, 2004
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I live near Chicago, but I will possibly be moving within the city limits soon. To my understanding it would be illegal to carry a folder over 2.5" blade in the city. I have been searched before while in the city and had my Spyderco Paramilitary on me and the cops did not care, but I would like to have a knife that is legal for carry.

The only knives I own right now that would be legal are the FRN Jester and a SS Cricket. The Jester I love, but no clip. The Cricket I like as well, but the blade shape makes it somewhat limited.

I've been looking at the Spyderco Dragonfly SS, but I've never used or heard much about ATS-55, and the SS handles bother me because I get my dirty fingerprints all over it, but the Dragonfly is still one of my top candidates right now. I am also looking at the Kopa, which has the SS bolsters which I will get my fingerprints all over, but I like the inlays, VG-10, and pocket clip, but it is still rather pricey, and I think it might be too dressy for EDC in the city.

What I am looking for:

-must, Must, MUST have less than 2.5" blade
-must allow for one hand opening (I'd like one hand closing as well, but I can use two if needed)
-must have a clip (prefer it to ride low for discreet carry)
-no autos or assisted open (trying to keep it friendly enough to use anywhere w/o getting too much attention)
-must be a locking folder
-good steel, I'd like to stay away from "junk steel" (VG-10 is my fav)
-conventional blade shape for EDC in a city
-prefer tip-down, but I will still consider tip-up
-looking to keep it at or under $100 street price

I hope I did not set too many requirements. Thanks in advance for the help!
 
Grey Calypso Jr would be my first choice looking at your criteria, blade is about 2.5", one handed opening etc.
It is my most used knife, can't fault it as a user, scalpel sharp and easy to maintain - You can pick them up around the traps for about $40.00
 
I own a Caly Jr. already, but the blade is 2 7/8 according to the Spyderco site, so that would too big for the folks in Chicago.

Otherwise the Calypso Jr. would be a great choice, but the good people of Chicago want under 2.5". I don't like the rules, but thems' the rules. :grumpy:
 
I am curious how the law measures blade length, when you measure the Caly Jr, the cutting edge is bang on 2.5" but the overall length is closer to the manufacturers spec.
 
Good point. The cutting edge would be exactly 2.5" but if they count the coil it would put it over....hrmm....interesting.

Anyone know for sure how the law works for this? :confused:
 
Hay people,

Im my experience blade length is usualy different from effective edge, the blade is measured from hilt to tip and the effective edge is the sharp bit, whitch is clearly going to be shorter, the police etc. measure the "blade" length
You could have a 10 inch blade with a 3 inch edge and it would still go right through someone !!!!! ;)

take care
 
Spyderco is still closing out the Salsa (blue or cranberry) on their website for $42.95 delivered. Blade steel is AUS8, which may not be the latest and greatest, but it sharpens easily, takes a terrific edge, and holds it reasonably well. IIRC, the Salsa was developed specifically for under 2.5" EDC.
 
CF Dragonfly

or.......grind the blade of a Caly Jr or ParaMili on a coarse sharpening stone to get it under 2.5".... :o

or.....get the Kopa and stop being so picky on finger-prints ;)
 
IMO two of my favorite sub 2.5" folders are the Meerkat and the Dyad Jr. The Meerkat gets carried more places than any other folder I own. The wire clip is very low carry ( I am a fan of Spyderco's wire clip) and I can open and close it simply by disengaging the lock. The Dyad Jr. is super versatile as you get two blades in one piece and is possibly one of the most sheeple friendly knives I own.
 
During my Spydie fetish days I owned the Dragonfly, Meerkat and Navigator. Of those knives I enjoyed the Meerkat the most. The locking system works very well, the handle ergos make for a very comfortable cutting experience and as Marcelo pointed out the clip is excellent. Or you could always get a CRK Umfaan. :D ;)
 
trane fan said:
Or you could always get a CRK Umfaan. :D ;)
Click to expand...
No clip; way over $100.

There's the Al Mar SLB. 1.80 in. AUS 8 steel blade. Handle made of Black linen Micarta scales. Overall length of 4.60 in.

And the SOG Sculptura.
Blade 2", Overall Length 5", Steel AUS 8.
 
In addition to the great suggestions already made have you considered a
Mouse II from tim Wegner? How about a small slipjoint?
 
I have a SS Dragonfly. It's a great little knife. I also carry it in a building where the knife has to be UNDER 2.5." With it's leaf shaped, flat gorund blade, think of it as a small Calypso, Jr. Really good ergos that make for a great grip considering it's SS.

Another knife I enjoy carrying is a limited edition Benchmade Big Spender with Ti handles and D2 blade. You might be able to get the limited edition or the regular Big Spender on the forum or eBay, certainly for less than $100. The blade is about 2 3/8"

Good luck!
 
spyderco ss cricket!
2" blade of VG-10
integral lock

or the ss dragonfly, also great, in ats-55 :D
 
If you were not against the assisted opening, I'd recommend the Kershaw Scallion. Small, useful, one handed, American-made quality. And it is easy to open discreetly without a loud "click" if you should be so inclined.
 
trane fan said:
Or you could always get a CRK Umfaan. :D ;)
Click to expand...

I was looking at those, they look awesome. It looks like the are not make anymore, and pretty hard to get, not to mention really pricey.

I think Dennis hit it on the head. PE CF Dragonfly would be probably be it. I did not realize that it was tip down until recently. That would solve my stupid fingerprint problem, and it being tip up.

So far all the suggestions have been great! Keep 'em coming!
 
This is interesting.

http://www.chicityclerk.com/legislation/codes/chapter8_24.html#021

Based on Slvgx's question, I thought I should refresh my reading on Chicago's muni codes.

If you read 8-24-020, there is indeed a prohibition on 2.5" blades (historically, Chicago's finest won't bother you on a pocket folder unless it's over 3", since 2.5" is too hard to field measure...they just use the width of the palm trick...after all, if your blade is 2-5/8" long, that's hardly intention to break the law).

But reading carefully, I noticed for the first time: "No person shall carry concealed on or about his person..." and then a whole bunch of weapons.

There's no prohibition about carrying one non-concealed (unless you're under 19 years old)!

All the same, I wouldn't advise it...but that surprised me.
 
But reading carefully, I noticed for the first time: "No person shall carry concealed on or about his person..." and then a whole bunch of weapons.
Click to expand...

Interestingly, in NYC a knife as long as it is within size restraints and is non-gravity, has to be concealed.
 
SS Dragonfly and Cricket are GREAT, but I'd like to recommend a few slipjoints. A Canoe, Congress, Peanut, small/med stockman or trapper would easily fit your requirements and be well under 100 bucks. My personal fav is a Large Stockman (over your blade requirement though) I personally think you'd find a Canoe or Congress more useful than a 'Fly or Cricket. Good brands to consider are Case in CV, Queen, and Schatt and Morgan. BTW a SAK Soldier or Camillus Boyscout knife is usually considered a tool, very inoffensive an I believe the knife blade on them is barely over 2.5in. If you must have a lockback look at the Buck 503 "Prince."
 
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