what would you recommend..small folder

deltablade

deltablade

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I am shopping for a small folder for a friend for Christmas. He has arthritis, so I thought a flip open or even auto open knife with a 2 1/2" blade would be handy for him. I have never looked for anything like this, so could you recommend one? Price point $60 or less would be ideal.
 
Smaller knives are generally harder for arthritis, but let's try.

The spyderco delica isn't too bad to open. Or maybe some of Kerahaws assisted knives, although I'm not too familiar with them.
 
If you need something available on short notice and you're okay with an assisted opener, then one of the many Kershaw Scallion models might work. Depending on the seller, they have either 2.25" or 2.50" blades. You call shell out around $35 to $70+ for one depending on blade material and handle options. If getting a good grip on the handle is a concern, then look to one of the textured polymer choices. Best thing about the Scallions is that they always seem in good supply and can be had right now.
 
i would personally recommend a kershaw leek. it has thumbstuds and a flipper while also being assisted. its people friendly and looks pretty good in my opinion. i beleive it also can be locked in the closed position which is a plus. If that's your thing, the leek comes with a rainbow color pattern that will be discontinued in december if i remember correctly.

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i would allmost consider this a gentleman's knife
 
These look good, thanks. I have also considered the Boker mini kalashnikov, and the automatic opener may be easier to close than a liner lock. Is their quality any good?
 
A little longer and chunkier than what you're looking for maybe, but the Buck Redpoint models have an easy-open action plus a closing method that doesn't endanger your fingers. Their 2.75" blades perhaps unfortunately, are only available in a combo edge. At less than $26 for most models, they do come cheap.
 
Exactly how firm are you about the blade being in the vicinity of 2.5"? If you are seriously attracted to like something like the Kershaw Leek with its 3.0" blade, then that opens up a great many more brands and options for consideration.
 
Kershaw chive, about 2 in. blade....scallion 2.25 in. blade..... or leek at 3 in. blade.

all good choices with lots of options on finishes, colors, handle material etc.
 
Straying away from all the usual recommendations listed already, a benchmade mini griptilian wouldn't be too bad. Axis lock knives are very easy to open and close, though depending how bad the arthritis is, fine motor skills like disengaging an axis lock may be troublesome. They can be gotten for $60-$70 on the buy and trade exchange quite often.
 
The CRKT ripple 2 has very smooth opening (IKBS), non smooth sides (so easier for arthritic hands to hold), frame lock (easier to work than liner) and within your size and cost parameters. I have the Ripple and Ripple 2 and really like them. :thumbup:
 
Not locked in. just wanted a good size for pocket carry.

Deltadag said:
Exactly how firm are you about the blade being in the vicinity of 2.5"? If you are seriously attracted to like something like the Kershaw Leek with its 3.0" blade, then that opens up a great many more brands and options for consideration.
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My son, a fan of the Leek and mini Grip (as am I), is currently singing the praises of the CRKT Swindle, a Ken Onion design. The one with the grooved handle has a very gentlemanly look to it.
 
Spyderco Roadie if you want a compact, easy (albeit two-handed) opener about as threatening to most people as a butterknife. Unsaid in the original post was whether self-defense was a possible consideration. If so, then something with a point would be more useful to a novice.
 
Buck Quickfire isn't a bad option.
Not a flipper, but a/o snaps open with ease, the mid/back lock is easy to maneuver to close. The deep carry clip makes it carry well, but the main reason I'd recommend it for someone arthritic is while the blade is well under 3", it does still have a nice robust and ergonomic handle, making it user friendly and easy to grip.

Many small bladed knives also have comparably smallish handles, which is nice for many folks, but could prove problematic for someone whose finer hand-motor skills and tight closed grip strength are impeded by something like arthritis.
 
I gotta agree with this. Ill go ahead and say any ken onion design is a very good choice
 
I like the mini Grip, but you might consider looking at the Spyderco slip joints as well. I would get something with enough exposed blade that he could pull it open with his thumb and index finger, or using the hole if it has one, and he wouldn't have to deal with a lock.
 
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