What are some good sub 2 inch folders?

Spyderco Squeak. I am in a similar boat. As far as modern knives go, you can't get any less scary than the Squeak. It is still, however, super capable. Good steel, great ergonomics, good blade shape, great opening/closing, great warranty, and a relatively low price. It doesnt lock, but it has a great notched back spring and a 50/50 choil which pretty much rules closing on your fingers out. Do it.
 
The Victorinox classic isn't all tough looking, but it packs a ton of functionality Ina small package.
 
How bout one of these http://www.agrussell.com/ag-russell-25-titanium-lockback-folder/p/RUShhhP6CQ/ they don't have pocket clips bwut the do come with a little leather sheath to keep them from getting scratched up in your pocket. They are absolutely beautiful little knives and very people freindly. I have the 3in version with the 2.5in blade and the lack of pocket clip doesn't really bother me because it fits perfectly in the watch pocket of my jeans. Here's a few pics
Open
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Closed
IMG_1520_zps1b5f4adc.jpg

Sheath
IMG_1516_zps5f651bcb.jpg

Size comparison(Kershaw Leek, Indian Ford, AG Russell 3in, Squaw Creek)
IMG_1549_zps4278affb.jpg
 
Spyderco Dragonfly, with FRN handles. I have one in orange. Very sharp and strong for a little knife.
 
I second taking a look at the A G Russell knives as well as perhaps the Al Mar Osprey as well.
 
Spyderco Squeak
Boker Plus Nano - Green handle is recommended - Looks more friendly.
Boker Plus Subcom Titan - Titanium Frame Lock, 440C steel, all for around $35.
 
When I am on campus I carry a case peanut, because our campus limit is 2 1/2" but at 2 1/8" is it slightly over your limit. OTH, the peanut is so friendly--especially the yellow delrin--that non-knife people think it is cute and/or old fashioned. It is more like walking a puppy in the park than "pulling a knife." Also, without making this a peanut appreciation thread, it does disappear in the pocket and punches way above it's weight (1.2 Oz).

Staying below 2" I would suggest looking at a SAK manager or midnight manager (1 1/2" blade). The Manager is one of my all time favorites for high functionality in a small friendly lightweight package (1 Oz). The surprising thing is that the tools work so well and I actually used all the tools within a short time of getting it (well maybe not the tweezers, but that pen came in handy almost immediately). No matter what else I am carrying, I have this one with me.

Another friendly option if you are willing to go up in bulk and weight (2 Oz), is a Leatherman Squirt PS4. You get needle nose pliers along with most of the functionality of the Manager except pen (and/or light) and a little longer blade (1 5/8").
 
alevin said:
When I am on campus I carry a case peanut, because our campus limit is 2 1/2" but at 2 1/8" is it slightly over your limit. OTH, the peanut is so friendly--especially the yellow delrin--that non-knife people think it is cute and/or old fashioned. It is more like walking a puppy in the park than "pulling a knife." Also, without making this a peanut appreciation thread, it does disappear in the pocket and punches way above it's weight (1.2 Oz).

Staying below 2" I would suggest looking at a SAK manager or midnight manager (1 1/2" blade). The Manager is one of my all time favorites for high functionality in a small friendly lightweight package (1 Oz). The surprising thing is that the tools work so well and I actually used all the tools within a short time of getting it (well maybe not the tweezers, but that pen came in handy almost immediately). No matter what else I am carrying, I have this one with me.

Another friendly option if you are willing to go up in bulk and weight (2 Oz), is a Leatherman Squirt PS4. You get needle nose pliers along with most of the functionality of the Manager except pen (and/or light) and a little longer blade (1 5/8").
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A case peanut would be just about the most tame and unassuming thing I could carry. Too bad it's over the blade limit, think I'm just gonna go with a victorinox on my keychain. It's not like I'm going to use whatever blade I pick very often anyways. At the community college I used to go to they let you carry whatever the heck you wanted as far as knives go. One time somebody pulled out a 4 inch hawkbill folder to scrape some residue out of something in the chemistry lab and nobody blinked.
 
Check out the CRKT Eros 2. It is a sweet little flipper with IKBS so it is super smooth.
 
The second batch of G10 handled Spyderco Lavas just hit the stores, it's likely your last chance to pick one up for a while/ever. It's been years since they sold the original SS handled Lavas and the current batch is the end of a "sprint run".

If you can afford the $140 price tag, the Lava is the coolest sub 2" knife I've ever seen. It draws very little attention, is legal everywhere (even in DC) and you can get a full grip on it.
 
+1 on the Spyderco Squeak. Carried one when I worked in a pretty restrictive "No Weapons" office. Never had anyone freak out by the appearance of it. More capable than one would think. Spyderco knows how to make a little knife functional.
 
arrowhd said:
+1 on the Spyderco Squeak. Carried one when I worked in a pretty restrictive "No Weapons" office. Never had anyone freak out by the appearance of it. More capable than one would think. Spyderco knows how to make a little knife functional.
Click to expand...

They sure do "little big knife" or is it the other way around? Or both?
 
When I go small, outside of a Traditional, I find the Kershaw Chive and Scallion to be top performers. Speed Assist, awesome warranty and Kershaw will send our parts if needed. I have one of each clipped to my various rucks.
 
Subscribed... learning some from this thread.

I actually have a Kershaw Scallion for similar reasons to the OP but it doesn't meet his requirements - blade still over 2" (I'm limiting myself to 2.5" because of federal buildings.) I also don't like the way it carries (would prefer tip up, right pocket) and I personally don't feel that I need the assist. Finally I don't think the look is particularly unassuming... mine is all black and opens with a decided *snick* - not what you want in a non-knife-friendly environment.

I like the look of that AG Russell folder; too bad the wood is not available! I don't prefer lockbacks but I think I could deal.

Unfortunately I don't have any suggestions for the OP; even the few traditionals that I have have larger blades than his requirements...
 
If your budget is tight, try the Bladetech Mouse or Ratel is a fine little knife. AUS-8 steel, blade 1 15/16 inches, G10 handles (pink, blue, black) and a MSRP under $25.
 
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