What are the smallest, most useful models for EDC?

4

46and2

Joined
Feb 12, 2013
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As small as Keyring size and up to 3" blades, with an emphasis on the smallest ones - which models do you prefer and why? And please denote if its uber rare since I'm actively shopping.

I'm a long time Delica owner (since '90) which I carried all through Desert Storm and College, now looking for something cooler/smaller/lighter/flatter that won't cause tears if lost.

Thank you.
 
Can't go wrong with a Balance. I have the carbon fiber version, which has been discontinued, but there is a stainless version that is currently in production.
 
I've had my Techno for two weeks now. Its my smallest blade, it's a keeper. I'll never sell it. It's gonna be my main cutter at work.

It is heavier/wider than the Delica though, if you are looking for smaller, take a serious look at the Dragonfly in G10 or FRN.
 
Check out the Meerkat for something cool. It is the only small Spyderco I have. I will be getting a Dragonfly eventually, probably the SE H1. It uses the Phantom Lock which is unlike any lock you will see.
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My ALL TIME favortie 3" spydie is the Caly 3!!

The knife is smaller than a Delica ( by a little) but has a more solid feel..cuts like a demon.
 
kiwi, air, spin, s.

kiwi kickbacks are rare, love the cf grip, steel and ergos.
air. love weight smoothness and fiber grip. not rare
spin, little rare. great grip, blade shape and small but still has a pocket clip
all wharncliffe blades.
the "S" is just cool and fun. spiderweb blade. reply hard to come by.
 
I love my dragonfly and dragonfly 2's. I've got the FRN British racing green with a ZDP-189 blade, A black FRN one with VG-10 blade and the regular dragonfly with OD green G-10 scales and steel liners which also has a VG-10 blade. All three see a fair amount of pocket time in the rotation of all my knives. Not just the spydies but ALL of my knives.

I think I prefer the ZDP-189 out of all of them. I use it a lot and just a quick strop will bring it back to hair popping sharp. The VG-10's are no slouches as shavers either. I run all of them through double wall cardboard easier than a box cutter at work. They amaze my coworkers!

If you want a "heavier duty" feeling small EDC you can't beat the G-10 with steel liners. (VG-10)


EDIT: Not rare either, and are relatively cheap for what you get.
 
Green Urban. I like slip joints. I have 7 spydies, but it's the only one I ever carry.
 
Cat for my compact small blade and Junior for my BIG small blade. The junior is cool because it seems tiny. It's so thin and light but when you open it there is a LOT of cutting edge.

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I've had a Jester on my keyring, and a Kiwi in my watch pocket, for nearly ten years. Both are great little knives, but I always have something larger with me as well. The smallest knife I'd carry as my "only knife" would be the one below, a CF Chaparral.

chaparral_09a.jpg
 
My smallest is the N5. Its compact and packs a big punch. I've tried going smaller with the dragonfly and I couldn't get it to flick properly. Could be my fault but I found it too small. I'm willing to give it a try again if the G10 ones come down a bit in pricing.
 
I'm another one for the Chaparral. It's thin, light, textured carbon fiber scales and has S30V blade steel. I like to carry a smaller blade at work and this is the one. This "little" knife is awesome!
 
I think it depends on what you think is useful. IMO, a knife needs to have a blade at least 2.5" to really be a decent general use knife and not probably much more than 3.5" to be easy to EDC.

Shorter blades can make cutting things harder, like splitting an orange/grapefruit..ect.

Too long of a blade makes for a pocketful.

Smaller blades can be useful for some things like opening a box or letter, cutting string/small rope but food prep, not so much and some other things. However, if that doesn't concern you then you can certainly go with smaller knives.
 
I can second or third the Chaparral. It has a great blade, and the handle is so small it disappears in your pocket.
I have one in my pocket right now.
 
Algonquin said:
My smallest is the N5. Its compact and packs a big punch. I've tried going smaller with the dragonfly and I couldn't get it to flick properly. Could be my fault but I found it too small. I'm willing to give it a try again if the G10 ones come down a bit in pricing.
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I believe they won't flick because of the drag from the lock back. That and the blade is so light. I did the ghetto wave mod on all 3 of mine.
 
i have really enjoyed my kershaw chive as a small useful blade. it can sit in the bottom of my pocket and turn sideways and never even feel it. i would take the pocket clip off, but it gives me a good reference by feel to be able to touch it open without having to think about it.
 
Spyderco Honey Bee. I have it on my key ring. At $10 It cuts stuff and cuts stuff well.
 
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