Which 3" or less folder?

Joined
May 7, 2000
Messages
121
I am looking for a carry knife that is on the smaller side. I don't mind carrying one of my larger folders when I wear jeans, but other pants and shorts just don't go as well with the 3 1/2 to 4" blades I own. I want a pocket clip positioned for deep pocket carry preferable tip down. I'm not looking to spend Sebenza money so I would prefer a knife that sells for less than $150. Any ideas?

Kevin
 
Interesting, there have been a lot of questions recently about small daily carry knives. My usual answers and daily carry knives are:

Spyderco small Centofante, 2 7/8 inch wharncliffe. Very strong knife for something so slim and light. Price is around $90.

Kershaw Ken Onion minitask. 2 7/8 inch wharncliffe. Cool knife. Cost about $100

Benchmade Mel Pardue 850. Great knife. nice blade shape, size, and weight. Maybe a little Too pretty. No clip. approx. $150

Happy shopping! There are lot of great small folders out there.
 
I'm in your same dillema. I don't like carrying big folders either. Even on-duty I like having a small folder as opposed to a large one. Let me suggest one of the MT mini SOCOM's or a Kestral. Both can be had for under $150.00 especially the mini SOCOM tanto. I orderd the Kestral because I like the utility/defensive possibilities of the modified wharncliff/hawk bill style blade. It'll probably become my daily carry. The mini SOCOM blade is about 3.1" and the Kestral is about 2.9".. Both great knives IMHO
 
I will reccomend the Spyderco native. If you want a little fancy they are about to make a limited run with a pearl inlay or something to that effect. It is tip down and one of the few knives I have never heard anything negative about.

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Brian
AKTI# A000991
What's the best folk dance for my monkey?
 
Take a look at the BM705. IMO it makes a great, sheeple friendly, general purpose, daily carry knife. It's built tough yet 'disappears' when clipped to the pocket.
Just my $ .02
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Brent...
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Second the 705.Great knife for under $100.00
My .02

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have a"knife"day
 
Check out some of the smaller manual Microtechs (M-Socom, Kestrel). They're pretty nice. Donald.

[This message has been edited by nowhere fast (edited 10-29-2000).]
 
I'll second the Kestral.If the moneys a little high go with the old Gerber LST.There are some places you can buy it for less then $20.
 
I really don't mind carrying a big knife when my attire allows for it. My current carry knife at work is a MT Socom Elite, but my DR med Apogee will be here this week and will take the Elite's spot. I just want a smaller knife to carry on the weekends and such. I have a Keith Coleman TAC-1 on order that will fit the bill nicely when it arrives sometime next March, but I want something to carry in the mean time. What abou the Spyderco Wegner Jr?

Kevin

[This message has been edited by Kevin Deaton (edited 10-29-2000).]
 
The Wegner Jr. is a great knife. My dad really likes his, although he has the opposite problem you do. Small knife during the week, large knife on weekends.

Me...I'm a strong believer in the Sebenza. I don't think you could go wrong with a small Sebbie. If you're looking for a less expensive knife, the Kershaw mini or random Task knives are great, as is the mini-AFCK (I have a lefty on the way, so I can retire me righty one.
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)

~Mitch

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My Hobby Page
 
Can't go wrong with the small Centofante.

The Wegner Jr. and BM 705 are also very good knives, but they don't give you tip-down, deep pocket carry.

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Dave

Let no one ever from henceforth say one word in any way countenancing war. It is dangerous even to speak of how here and there the individual may gain some hardship of soul by it. For war is hell, and those who institute it are criminals. Siegfried Loraine Sassoon
 
I second bteel on the Spyderco Native. However, I must correct him in that it is tip-up, not tip-down as he states. It does not carry as low as other knives I've seen, but it feels very comfy and doesn't attract too much attention.

Reasons for picking this knife (once again spreading the Native gospel!):

1) Blade is EXACTLY 3", which is legal-limit in most places. This assures you have the bigget you can get, but not too big.

2) Perfect balance betwen tactical and utility purposes. Blade is spear-point, hollow ground, which is great for thrusting and slashing techniques. Also great to cut a myriad of stuff.

3) CPM440V blade and comfortable FRN handle for only $43!!! (www.discountknives.com) You get the best of both worlds: premium-quality steel for unbealievably low price.

4) Handle is comfortable with at least two grip positions. Grip long by putting index finger and middle finger in extended handle choil, or short by putting index finger in natural steel choil (located just below the blade) and middle finger in handle choil. Gives you great cutting, stabbing and slashing control. Also it features a web-pattern to eliminate slippery conditions.

5) Spydie hole assures easy opening and closing of blade. It is bar-none the best system to open a knife, beating the thumb stud and disk IMNSHO. It is also excellent to do the "drop opening" technique.

6) Tip-up carry great for drawing at lightning speed, plus handle does not stick out in a "treatening" position, IMHO.

6) Knife is very lightweight. Great for carrying clipped in shorts or jeans.

You CANNOT go wrong with this knife!!!

Good luck,

-Flood, Grandmaster preacher of the Spyderco Native



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HERMES: "The Applegate Fairbarn is not bad...but for both offense and defense, the Randall 14 is good."
HERMES: (Admiring the Joe Kious Sub-hilt dagger) "I'll take the Joe Kious for a friend."
KNIFE-SELLER: "Excellent choice."
 
But...if you MUST have a tip-down low riding carry, the Spyderco Calypso Jr. is your knife. It is one of the deepest carry knives out there, has a 2 7/8" flat-ground blade made of VG-10 which cuts like a demon, and is one of the most lightweight knives ever designed. I prefer the Native because of its versatility, but this knife is great also, mostly for utility purposes (i.e. cutting not stabbing).

-Flood
 
I am really interested in the Native. Is Discountknives.com the only place that has then in 440V? Also, I have not bought from them before and would like feedback on other experiences with this firm. I agree that the Small Sebie is a wonderful knife, I used to have one. I sold it to help finance some custom folders.

Kevin
 
You might also check out www.knifeworks.com
Roger is a real gentleman. I have had very good customer service from him, and his price is right on par with the one quoted above.

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Chris Turner
Arkansas

"It's only a flesh wound!!!" - the Black Knight

"Well, they wouldn't hang a man for an accident, not even in Arkansas." - Captain Woodrow F. Call
 
Originally posted by Flood:
I second bteel on the Spyderco Native. However, I must correct him in that it is tip-up, not tip-down as he states. It does not carry as low as other knives I've seen, but it feels very comfy and doesn't attract too much attention.

Reasons for picking this knife (once again spreading the Native gospel!):

1) Blade is EXACTLY 3", which is legal-limit in most places. This assures you have the bigget you can get, but not too big.

I keep seeing the Natives Blade Length listed as 3 1/8" actually......

I would recommend the 2 7/8" Bladed Delica instead.


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-Marine, Peace Officer, Gunsite EW1 Graduate.
 
Kevin: I had a similar dilemma when I moved to the DC area (3" limit in DC). I went with the Colombia river M-1603. It is very well made and goes for under $40.00. Give it a look before you decide.

Doug
 
Kevin:

Discountknives.com is NOT the only place that carries them, or at this price. There are many other places that do at similar, lower or higher prices. I just mentioned him because I have bought all my knives there and have always had excellent service. Plus, if you look in the forums, he has earned a top-notch reputation.

The FRN Native (not steel) is always sold with a CPM 440V blade. The steel handle version is not. Most places carry both. I suggest you get the FRN Native.

AR15fan:

You're right! My mistake! I always regarded the Native as a 3" folder, since I considered the extra 1/8" negligible. However, the difference is there. I also took the trouble of measuring it...if you measure from blade spine to tip, it comes to 3 1/8". If you measure only the edge, it comes, of course, to much less (blade must allow for steel finger choil richt below edge). The difference MIGHT be important, but I, for one, am not so worried, and carry it daily without concern.

Hope this helps and clarifies,

-Flood
 
Mini AFCK M2
Benchmade 855 ATS-34

Both exellent both under 150

W.A.

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"To strive to seek to find and not to yield"
Tenneson
Ranger motto
 
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