What are my options for a tough folder with sub 8cm bladelength?

[RF11]

Looking for a new EDC and want something a bit more overbuilt (tank like) and durable with a tough lock (frame lock or axis etc) and good steel.

Main concern is that local laws don't allow for anything longer than a 8cm (3.14'') blade from tip to handle.

I have Delicas which are great but the back lock flexes under harder use. My mini griptillian has a great axis lock but handle is small for my hands allowing for 3.5 finger grip making it a tad unstable/uncontrollable especially if wearing gloves.

So What are my options?

I was looking at the DPX HEST with Sleipner steel and HEAT but keep finding different blade dimensions online, could anyone who owns one confirm that they both fall under 8cm of length.

The Emerson bulldog, Lion steel SR2, Lion steel TRE all seem to be contenders too but would like some input and opinions especially on the SR2 as I think the aluminum would be slippery.

I am based in Europe so prices would differ but something up to roughly USD 250 would be what I could spend.

Thanks for any input and experience any of you can provide.

ETA: Due to price differences between the USA and Europe have listed prices below to act a reference so I can get your opinions on what is a waste of money and what is best value

Lion steel SR2 €150 http://www.wolfster.de/index.php?disp=shop&show=426/0/01LS023

Lion steel TRE €180 http://www.wolfster.de/index.php?dis...=426/1/01LS088

Viper Odino €180 http://http://wolfster.de/index.php?...=358/0/01VP167

Nemesis Manx €152 http://www.wolfster.de/index.php?dis...ow=350/0/NE15B

DPX HEST3F Milspec €292 http://http://www.wolfster.de/index....62/0/DPXHSF007
If some one could confirm that the HEST really is under 8cm blade length that would be great.

DPX HEAT F €234 http://http://www.wolfster.de/index....62/1/DPXHTF001

Emerson Bulldog €288 http://http://www.heinnie.com/emerson-bulldog

Zero Tolerance 0900 €360 http://www.toolshop.de/Knives/Foldin...900::5665.html too expensive but in as a price reference

Zero Tolerance 0566 €176 http://www.wolfster.de/index.php?disp=shop&show=576/0/ZT0566 too long but but in as a price reference

Spyderco Paramilitary 2 190 http://www.wolfster.de/index.php?disp=shop&show=36/5/01SP674 too long but but in as a price reference

All knives seem to be tough and fall just under 8cm blade length.

 

[r redden]

Take a look at the Spyderco Lil'' Lionspy. http://www.knifeworks.com/search.aspx?find=spyderco+lil''+lionspy

 

[RF11]

Was looking at the lil lion spy but then I saw the price £ 272 which translates to EUR 370 over here in Europe, way too much for me.

 

[Jesse B.]

Would have suggested the Zero Tolerance 0350 or 0566, but they're assisted-openers which I understand are prohibited in Malta. (The blades are also slightly longer than what is allowed--2-3 millimeters--which seems trivial but I don't know if Maltese law enforcement are more Bob Marley or more KGB.)

The Cold Steel Mini Recon 1 fits your requirements; you might consider this one in addition to the ones you already mentioned.

 

[RF11]

Thanks, will take a look at the cold steel.

Not really wanting to find out how strict the courts are over here it would depend on the officer of the day I suppose.

I have a ZT 0350 and was able to remove the spring to get rid of the assisted opening feature, and use it when I am on duty as a volunteer Firefighter where the 8cm rule doesn't apply (I am excused by law and allowed to carry it as it falls under permitted for work clause). The rest of the time rather not take the risk.

 

[EChoil]

The three you named will be hard to beat.

The DPx's are very good knives.
An Emerson micro-Commander makes an excellent EDC.
Lionsteel also manufactures the DPx lines.

 

[Sonnydaze]

My first choice is a Spyderco Techno....as are my second and third choices.

 

[HuntBomb]

The Benchmade MPR is one of my favorite "tough" knives and it sports a 3" blade with a nice, thick tip and cost around $200 U.S. about 7 years ago. I think they are disco'd now but you can still find them if you look.

 

[RF11]

The three you named will be hard to beat.

The DPx's are very good knives.
An Emerson micro-Commander makes an excellent EDC.
Lionsteel also manufactures the DPx lines.

Can't find an Emerson micro commander over here other wise would be looking at it. Only the bulldog is available ( at least online through Heinnie Haynes).

Dpx fit the bill but need a confirmation of blade length first on The HEST 2. The DPX HEAT may not fill the hand well enough.

The SR2 seems ideal except for the slippery grip.

 

[RF11]

My first choice is a Spyderco Techno....as are my second and third choices.

Not sure if it would be too small to comfortable fit the hand, same issue with my mini grip. That and it is very expensive €350 over here.

 

[RF11]

The Benchmade MPR is one of my favorite "tough" knives and it sports a 3" blade with a nice, thick tip and cost around $200 U.S. about 7 years ago. I think they are disco'd now but you can still find them if you look.

Should of bought one when I had the chance years ago, and yeah it is discontinued.

 

[Insipid Moniker]

I'll second the Mini Recon 1, but if it doesn't trip your trigger check out the H&K 14716.

 

[Constant Gardener]

Small buck vantage pro. Mini recon. Small hinderer.

 

[RF11]

Took a look at the Recon and Buck vantage pro didn't really float my boat.

The hinderer is way too expensive.

The Hk looks good and had not heard of it before.

 

[Comeuppance]

All of the following are very sturdy knives of good quality with blades between 2-3" that can be found for under $250 USD, most being in the $100-175 range.

All pictures are from BladeHQ, and I found them on there using their search filters. They are pictured in the order they are named. Some have varieties that are more or less pricy than the example pictured.

Cold Steel Mini Lawman, Hold Out III, Tuff Lite

Boker Vox F3 II

Zero Tolerance 0900

Benchmade Valet, 903, 904 (Tanto variation of 903)

Kizer 3404

Spyderco Burch Chubby, Battlestation, Native

Nemesis Manx

 

[Hackenslash]

I have an SR2 and a TRE G10 and like them both. I don't find the SR2 slippery, but prefer the TRE of the two.

Check out the Kizer Ki3416. Its a liner lock, but real "tanky" with good ergos and grip for a 2.5" knife. It comes in below most of the other options on price too.

 

[RF11]

I have an SR2 and a TRE G10 and like them both. I don't find the SR2 slippery, but prefer the TRE of the two.

Check out the Kizer Ki3416. Its a liner lock, but real "tanky" with good ergos and grip for a 2.5" knife. It comes in below most of the other options on price too.

Thanks for the input on the SR2 and TRE. Took a look at the Kizers weren't familiar with them but will do a bit or research and see if they are available her in Europe.

 

[RF11]

All of the following are very sturdy knives of good quality with blades between 2-3" that can be found for under $250 USD, most being in the $100-175 range.

All pictures are from BladeHQ, and I found them on there using their search filters. They are pictured in the order they are named. Some have varieties that are more or less pricy than the example pictured.

Cold Steel Mini Lawman, Hold Out III, Tuff Lite

Boker Vox F3 II

Zero Tolerance 0900

Benchmade Valet, 903, 904 (Tanto variation of 903)

Kizer 3404

Spyderco Burch Chubby, Battlestation, Native

Nemesis Manx

Many thanks for the post with images and all I appreciate it.

I am seeing an issue with price variations though between the USA and Europe. Take Blade HQ and wolfster.de.

Blade HQ has the lion steel sr2 and Spyderco chubby at the same price, $189 but over here on wolfster.dethe SR2 goes for about €150 and the chubby €350 a massive difference in price. Usually I but from Heinnie Haynes in the Uk so I have to factor in exchange rate to Euro as well.

I also have to consider extra taxes on US made knives vs Euro built ones making lion steel more or less great value.

I am really liking that nemesis manx blade shape.

I am going to list some of the knives with prices over here and see what you all think is most bang for my buck.

 

[RF11]

So gents the contenders are.

Lion steel SR2 €150 http://www.wolfster.de/index.php?disp=shop&show=426/0/01LS023

Lion steel TRE €180 http://www.wolfster.de/index.php?disp=shop&show=426/1/01LS088

Nemesis Manx €152 http://www.wolfster.de/index.php?disp=shop&show=350/0/NE15B

Zero Tolerance 0900 €360 http://www.toolshop.de/Knives/Folding-Knives/Zero-Tolerance-0900::5665.html

DPX HEST3F Milspec €292 http://http://www.wolfster.de/index.php?disp=shop&show=562/0/DPXHSF007
If some one could confirm that the HEST really is under 8cm blade length that would be great.

DPX HEAT F €234 http://http://www.wolfster.de/index.php?disp=shop&show=562/1/DPXHTF001

Emerson Bulldog €288 http://http://www.heinnie.com/emerson-bulldog

Viper Odino EUR EUR180 http://http://wolfster.de/index.php?disp=shop&show=358/0/01VP167

Couldn't find prices for Benchmade HK mini axis

All knives seem to be tough and fall just under 8cm blade length. The Zero tolerance is a bit too expensive but it is in for reference sake.

 

[orezona]

Check out the Benchmade AXIS 300 Flipper.

http://www.knifecenter.com/item/BM300SN/Benchmade-300SN-AXIS-Flipper-Plain-Blade

Love mine and it is DEFINITELY a tough folder.