Yet Another EDC Request with Specific Requirements

Lenny

Lenny

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Oct 15, 1998
Messages
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Yeah, I know you're all tired of these threads but I could use some help. I've been away from the forums for quite a while and my knife interest has again picked up. I'm just not up on what the good blades are any more.
I'm looking for a relatively small knife with blade length from approx 2.5" - 3" max. Price should be below $200. I don't mind pre-owned if it gets me something nicer for the same price. Of importance to me is ergonomics in the hand, along with a nice blade shape for daily tasks. It should be a slicer, not a sharpened pry bar. Obviously, it needs to have a great locking system too. Lately, I'm drawn to sheepsfoot and wharncliff blades, but that's not super important. Just show me the best knives in this class.
Thank you.
 
Check out Benchmade’s mini Griptilians. I personally carry a mini Ritter, but if I were to buy a new one I’d get one of the -1 models with G10 and 20CV. With your budget you could buy it new, or if you’d want to save some cash they can get unbelievably cheap. I’ve seen multiple examples sell for around $125. $125 for 20CV and Benchmade’s warranty has to be one of the best buys out there. They do have a modified sheepsfoot model as well. And if you’re after something a little more personalized you can build one on their site exactly the way you want it.
 
Nice suggestions so far gents.
I should've mentioned that I'd really prefer all metal handles (preferably Ti) on this knife.
Is that even possible in this price range?
 
The Spyderco PM2 has a really good locking system,and great blade. around $150 depending on blade material.
 
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Kizer Gemini. Available for $170, or for less if you look around. .12” thick, full flat ground S35VN blade, beautifully contoured ti handles, ceramic ball bearing pivot. Blade is 3.125”, if that’s acceptable. Handle affords a full grip in my large hands, but without excessive handle length sticking out. It manages to feel palm-filling in use, but carries very small. Get the milled ti clip instead of the version with the bent spring clip, and you’ve got an absolutely ridiculous value and a knife that is both a beast in use and a classy looking carry piece.
 
Lenny said:
I should've mentioned that I'd really prefer all metal handles (preferably Ti) on this knife.Is that even possible in this price range?
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Yeah, they're out there if you stay small (like you have). Do you like front flippers? Take a look at the Kizer Feist.
 
The Kizer looks great. Is the Milled Ti clip an option with the knife or an aftermarket thing?
As for the PM2 suggestion above, I already have one. Probably my favorite knife that I've ever owned.
 
SpySmasher said:
Yeah, they're out there if you stay small (like you have). Do you like front flippers? Take a look at the Kizer Feist.
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Love the look of that knife but I never used a front flipper. Looks like it'd be a pain in the ass and puts the knife in your hand upside down. I just don't see what it offers.
 
I know the blade is a little longer at 3.25 inches but I would look at the ZT 0808. Great wharncliff style blade and good slicer. Amazing action. Will fall shut easily if that's your thing. If not. tighten the pivot up a bit.

I would also look into a Spydero Sage 2. The Sage is a great design and the Sage 2 is all Ti.

That being said, if you can, stretch your budget up to about $300 and look to get a plain jane Small CRK Sebenza Drop Point or Insingo and be done. You can usually find them a little under $300 for a good user with minimal wear.
 
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Lenny said:
Love the look of that knife but I never used a front flipper. Looks like it'd be a pain in the ass and puts the knife in your hand upside down. I just don't see what it offers.
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You use your thumb to open it. (At least many of us do. Some people flip them by "reaching" their index finger over the top.) Front flippers are not as natural to open as conventional flippers but are easy to get used to. The advantage, as you have noticed, is their clean look. No protruding flipper tab. They have become pretty popular for that reason plus their novelty. :)
 
Lenny said:
The Kizer looks great. Is the Milled Ti clip an option with the knife or an aftermarket thing?
As for the PM2 suggestion above, I already have one. Probably my favorite knife that I've ever owned.
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The Gemini was originally released with the spring clip, so those are still out there at some dealers. The milled clip is now standard, after Kizer responded to feedback. The new clip is good looking, perfectly user friendly, and extremely comfortable in hand.

Here’s a closed view. Gemini is far left.

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Just looked at the Kizer in depth and watched the Nick Shabazz review. I'm sorry, but I just can't support the Chinese economy. Plus there are things that Nick said (warranty, lame clip) that really turn me off to this knife.
The Sage 2 is a nice knife, but I'm selling a Sage 1 to buy this next knife. And I want something different.
Any comments on the Spyderco Techno? Looks like a great little knife.
Finally, I'd love a small Sebenza with the Insingo blade. Just a little out of my price range. I've owned a large original Sebenza a while back and I loved it. Can anybody comment on the ergonomics of the small vs large Sebenzas?
 
The Techno is NOT a slicer IMO. Short, stout and thick blade. It slices but it was way to thick IMO.

The Small Sebenza fits the hand nicely. It's definitely smaller than the Large but it's still plenty big for 99% of typical daily tasks. If you had the Sage 1, it's similar in length. Just not as tall of course. I have Large and Small Sebenzas and I prefer the Small for normal EDC. The ergonomics IMO are excellent. Just long enough to allow a good grip. It disappears in your pocket. If you do end up stretching the budget a bit for a CRK, you can always resell it for what you paid assuming to buy it used and find it too small. There is also the Small Inkosi but it's smaller than the Sebenza. To small for me.

Comparison shot of a Small Sebenza with a ZT 4050 and Sage 1 included.

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If you really like your PM2 ... and are looking for a small blade you may like the PM3 offerings ...

other than that to meet your Ti scales the above mentioned knives would be on the list I could think of ... for a bit more the Small Inkosi or Sebenza still check the boxes in that list of requirements but at a bit higher pricetag ... but stand out also.
 
Lenny said:
Just looked at the Kizer in depth and watched the Nick Shabazz review. I'm sorry, but I just can't support the Chinese economy. Plus there are things that Nick said (warranty, lame clip) that really turn me off to this knife.
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You’re turned off by the clip it used to come with?

It’s your money, and your choice, as it should be. That particular piece confuses me. The other... well, that’s a different conversation, for a different time.
 
Yes, don't like the old clip. But, as stated above, the new ones come with the newer milled clips which I much prefer. There is still the Chinese thing, though. I may have to overlook that, however. Still, the warranty seems to be a nebulous affair at best.
Anybody ever had a warranty claim on a Kizer before?


RBid said:
You’re turned off by the clip it used to come with?

It’s your money, and your choice, as it should be. That particular piece confuses me. The other... well, that’s a different conversation, for a different time.
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