With these wants – What’s My Knife?

TripleB67

TripleB67

Joined
Jan 28, 2016
Messages
183
After putting my Kershaw Cryo, Ontario Rat II, Byrd Robin II, and CKRT Pazoda II through all kinds of knife ‘exercises’, opening/closing each hundreds of times, and carrying them in all of my various wardrobes, I’ve narrowed down my wants in my next knife.

At work I plan on carrying it in the pocket of my khakis (leaving the clip on...want it to have a clip) and away from work I plan on using the clip. At one time I felt like I wanted to make sure my next knife offered deep pocket carry but since I’ve decided that I’m just going to put it in my pocket at work this is no longer a need.

So, here are my wants in my next EDC folding knife:

- 3.6 inches or less closed length (for me, the Rat II is just too large to carry discreetly in my khakis)

- 3.0 ounces or less (the Cryo is a bit too heavy to feel comfortable in my khakis)

- $40 to $100 price tag

- Opening system: this is the one spec I’m not 100% sure of yet…the flipper is awesome on my Cryo and exciting to use, but at times it just seems like an extra protrusion on the knife I really don’t need; I get my Rat II (thumbstuds) open fully a higher percentage of the time than any method except the flipper; but I love opening the Robin II (hole); to be honest, I think I’ll be fine with whichever system as long as I’ve got a quality knife

- Locking system: really don’t have a huge preference here. The Robin II (back) is definitely the easiest for me to close one handed; the Cryo (frame) and Pazoda II (frame) are easy to close as well; the only one I have a problem with is the Rat II (liner) because the liner lock seems to be so ‘deep’ into the knife

- Handle material…as long as it’s not very slick I’m fine with it; I much prefer the handle on my Robin II to the handles on the Rat II, Cryo, and Pazoda II

So, in looking at these specs, what knife/knives would you recommend?

Thank you for your help and advice!

TripleB67
 
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Spyderco Chaparral. Great cutting geometry and better ergos than most for such a small knife. It's also quite handsome and less likely to raise eyebrows and blood pressures than some blades. The carbon fiber version comes in at just under $100.
 
I ran the requirements, not a lot of results on this one:

1. Spyderco Manbug (I Like the ZDP-189 Version)
2. Spyderco Ladybug
3. Blade-Tech Mouse-Lite Lockback
4. Blade-Tech Ratel
5. Kershaw Scallion
6. Kershaw Shuffle
7. Boker Nano
8. Sog Flash I
9. Spyderco Chicago
10. Spyderco Cat
11. Maserin Dolphin
12. Spyderco Dragonfly (FRN)
13. Spyderco SPin
14. Spyderco Cricket

There might be some byrds that also meet your requirements but I haven't loaded that catalog into the database yet.
 
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His requirements are that the handle length is 3.6" or less
 
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pathwinder14 said:
Spyderco Delica 4 FFG
Click to expand...

This so much.

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EDIT: Just realized the Delica fits your weight constraints but is just a little too big. Perhaps a Dragonfly?
 
The plot thickens!

For your intended use of carrying dropped down in your pocket while at work, the thickness of the handle will also come into play. Even though it meets your length requirements, if it isn't fairly thin the knife will be sort of a "pocket lump". Here are some suggestions that tick most of your boxes...These are all knives that I own in some form or another...

The H&K Mini Axis folder hits all your sweet spots and comes with drop point or tanto blade, black or sand G10 scales. These knives are made by Benchmade, so they're well built and have great support from Benchmade The handle thickness is probably pushing the limits at 0.44"...http://www.bladehq.com/item--HK-Mini-AXIS-Knife-Folder-Sand-G-10--27100

The Cold Steel Micro Recon 1 hits all your points also. One caution about this knife; it's REALLY small. The cutting length is less than 2" and shorter than any of the other knives I'm suggesting. But, they're built like a tank with a great lock. Cold Steel uses a very aggressive texture G10, so keep that in mind...http://www.bladehq.com/item--Cold-Steel-Micro-Recon-1-Spear--11233

I've looked at Kershaws and they don't really have any "nicer" knives that meet your parameters. Things like the Shuffle are the same quality as the knives you're already using. There are some older models, like the OD2, but you may have a hard time even finding them. There is one exception; the Kershaw Emerson CQC-2K actually covers all your bases. Unfortunately, I'm not sure about suggesting a wave opening knife at this point in time for you. I assume you want in-pocket carry at work for the sake of discretion. A waved knife is designed to deploy as you pull it out of your pocket, so this one may be a non-starter. The Kershaw-Emerson collabs are really well built for the price, however...http://www.bladehq.com/item--Kershaw-6024-CQC-2K-Emerson-Knife--21416

CRKT has the Ripple 2. CRKT takes it's lumps here on the forum, but they actually have some nice designs that get plagued by poor execution. IF you can get a Ripple with good fit and finish, they're actually a pretty nice knife. Although the length is a bit longer than your target, I think a thickness of 0.33" will more than make up for it. http://www.bladehq.com/item--CRKT-Ken-Onion-Ripple-2-Gray--15381 The original Ripple is an option also if you prefer a Liner Lock.

Here's a dark horse and probably the best made knife so far...The Kizer 3416. What a great little knife these are. I used to carry mine a lot...until...well, I'm not sure why I don't carry it that much, but it's not the knife's fault :p. The materials, fit and finish on this knife are extraordinary for the price point. At 0.49" thick, this knife is almost breaking the limits of handle thickness, but it's so well made and beefy in every other way, I'm willing to give it a pass. http://www.bladehq.com/item--Kizer-Ki3416A1-Mini-Liner-Lock--27004

Finally we come to the knife that I think you'd love...The Spyderco Chaparral. This sweet little knife really hits all the points of what you're looking for. Smooth as silk, slender, short, very friendly in the hand, great steel, great blade shape...somehow it manages to avoid the "fat pocket profile" that's inherent in many Spydies. The only problem is...it breaks your price barrier by about $20. Never fear, they come up on the exchange regularly and I've had nothing but great experience buying knives here on BF. The carbon fiber scales are going to be a little smoother than any of the knives here, but still offer acceptable texture. http://www.bladehq.com/item--Spyderco-Chapparal-Carbon-Fiber--9125

Good luck and have fun!
 
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Benchmade Mini Griptilian with the sheepsfoot blade and thumb hole would be ideal for your uses but the closed length is a bit long at 3.87". Other than that, fits your needs.
 
My suggestion is look into the Benchmade 555 mini griptillian, and order a deep carry clip. Its one of my favorites in the size.
Its at the top end of your price line but I think its well worth it. I wanted a small knife for general use and to cross into Michigan with.
The knives ive used in its size are the Spyderco delica, native, Buck Rush, and a few others. I still have the native and the rush but since i got the mini grip
Its what i carry the most, it has the "spyder" hole which i like and the axis lock makes it easy to flip the blade out and in which has a fun factor and
also a very positive and durable lock mechanisim you can trust. I like the deep carry clip its very discrete and secure in the pocket.
Im sure you would be very happy with one too.
 
You know, I suggested an Axis lock knife, but I'm not sure how secure they'd carry loose in pocket...particularly a Mini Grip 555 with a hole to catch on things.

It may be nothing, but if you plan on having anything else in your pocket besides the knife, an Axis lock with a hole might not be the best option. I only carry a traditional or SAK loose in my pocket, something with a specific detent to keep it securely closed.
 
pathwinder14 said:
Spyderco Delica 4 FFG
Click to expand...

I may be looking at the wrong model, but the info I see says the Delica 4 is over 4" long....is this the case? (really wanting to stay 3.6" or below)

Thanks for everyone's input so far...making a note of all your suggestions!

TripleB67
 
Try the Spyderco Chaparral. If that is too steep try the Cat. Both great knives. Third, the Dragonfly.
 
TripleB67 said:
I may be looking at the wrong model, but the info I see says the Delica 4 is over 4" long....is this the case? (really wanting to stay 3.6" or below)

Thanks for everyone's input so far...making a note of all your suggestions!

TripleB67
Click to expand...

Yeah, the Delica is quite a bit longer than you wanted. I think some members just post their favorite knives and don't really read the OP's parameters ;).
 
I'll echo the Chaparral suggestion...with the carbon fiber scales it exudes more of a classy and elegant image than the tactical or "working man" options. And for discreet carry, Spydercos are some the thinnest and deepest carry options on the market. Plus you can easily get a gently used one for less than $100 here on the exchange, or just a smidge over that as new elsewhere. Great cutting geometry, forward finger choil design, solid S30v steel, the works.
 
The Chaparral was my work EDC for ~2.5yrs. I carried it pretty much exactly as described in the OP. I also really like the UKPK and Native LW, but the handle lengths are longer on those.
 
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