barr321
Inaccurately accurate
- Sep 22, 2018
- 63
As other have said, Spyderco is my go to. My other one, which doesn’t really work for a lot of people, is the Benchmade Infidel. The OTF knifes are amazing.
looking at getting a new folding pocket knife. I’ve had the typical kershaws and Gerbers. Any one here have skiff or used them before? I like several of their knives and hear good things about them. Looking to keep price at $50 or less. ThanksLimited to that small of a blade, I would opt for one of the newer compact multi-tools, a Skeletool CX has a good 2.5" blade with pliers, a bottle opener/carabiner, and interchangeable bit driver with 2 double sided bits, and a pocket clip, the Juice, style and squirt models are also small enough. You get a larger handle for more control of the blade, and a lot more functionality for about the same weight as a larger folder. Even a Swiss army knife may add some features like scissors or a bottle opener that can be useful to you, and there are a ton of models under 2.5"
If you want a blade only, then it depends quite a bit on what you want it for, light EDC tasks like opening mail and cutting tape would lend itself to a simple thin drop point knife. Trimming nails, grooming, or delicate trimming work need a fine tip, a clip point or perhaps a narrow reverse tanto. Cutting thicker material like fiber straps and cardboard would require a broader leaf point or fat wharncliffe probably serrated. Blade design and quality are everything, a thick steep grind won't last and has to push a lot of material aside to cut, a delicate and thin full flat grind in cheap steel will slide well, but chip or break with hard use. With small knives, traction is key, you don't have a lot to hold onto, so smooth scales like Kershaw's steel scales can slip, textured G10 or FRN(fiberglass reinforced nylon) would be ideal, Spyderco has some of the best handle designs, you also need a nice sure grip, more jimping(textured finger rest areas) and a deeper choil(cutout underneath for inxed finger) will give a better grip, on a larger knife these are still important, espacially for a "tactical" knife, but you have a lot more handle to hold.
The lock is mostly a matter of prefference, there are some differences in strength and operation, but most that are well made will hold up to anything a small knife will encounter, a quality knife locks up smooth and solid with no play. Clip position and carry mode may matter to you, many prefer tip up, some tip down, others use a belt sheath, neck sheath, keychain, or even loose in a pocket, you may also like to use a paracord lanyard(requiring a lanyard hole), they can help control small knives site, give your pinkie something to hold onto, and makes it easier to draw. Steel also makes a difference, although less than design, quality, and geometry, a softer 420, 8cr13MoV or AUS8A is easy to sharpen, tough, and inexpensive, mid-grade VG-10, 154CM, or S30V add toughness, abrasion reisitance, and edge retension in varyng capacities, ZDP-189, M4, or M390 offer the pinnacle of quality, best edge retension, and a tough steel at high hardness, might take a long time to sharpen, but they hold an edge for a long time.
There aren't many decent knife shops with a big selection around, places like Dick's and Bass pro may have a few, but are expensive compared to Amazon or BladeHQ. With less expensive EDCs you can take a chance, find one that looks appealing, has the features you like, and then order one to try out, but for a better knife it is best to hold it in your hand before purchasing.
some decent suggestions posted already, the CS tufflite, Spydt cat, KAI scallion w/polymer handles. I would add the Spidy Ambitious, Spidy Dragonfly, Spidy Gale Bradley, SOG flash 1, and CS mini Lawman, decent range of 2.5" and smaller, the Ambitious is probably the most knife for the money. There may be others that could work, or some 2.5" that won't depending on how they measure 2.5", most measure them diffently, some to the handle, some measure edge length, some pick a spot in between.
buck 835looking at getting a new folding pocket knife. I’ve had the typical kershaws and Gerbers. Any one here have skiff or used them before? I like several of their knives and hear good things about them. Looking to keep price at $50 or less. Thanks
These guys?looking at getting a new folding pocket knife. I’ve had the typical kershaws and Gerbers. Any one here have skiff or used them before? I like several of their knives and hear good things about them. Looking to keep price at $50 or less. Thanks
Steven Skiff makes some great stuff, I have a couple of his bearings in other things. Guessing they are not what Marcwells is talking about though, usually priced around a Grand, and with knives at that level most buyers are knowledgeable fanatics.These guys?
Skiff Workshop | High Quality Knife Cage Bearings
Awesome knives should have the best bearings. We offer the highest quality knife cage bearings in a wide range of sizes. Our bearings are machined from phosphor bronze and feature precision ceramic bearing balls.www.skiffmadeblades.com
IMO most anything in that price range is a cheap beater knife and not all that good. Cheap materials, mediocre design, no real warranty, poor fit, and sometimes things like cheap thin linerlocks can be prone to fail. Major brands with a retail presence like Kershaw and Spyderco at least have decent designs and customer service though. In most cases you can get a quality knife for between $100-$200, MUCH better design and materials, better lock, better steel, better coatings, and the list goes on. Spydercos with S30V or better steel, ZT, some Kershaw, Benchmade, Hogue, and others. Going up from there higher end production like Microtech, Heretic, Benchmade, Reate, Rike, or production models from custom Makers like Hindered, Begg or CRK have perfect fit and finish, the best design and materials, and often cool features or some artistic flair from inlays or patterned Damascus. Over that, you are paying for exclusivity and a peice of art.looking at getting a new folding pocket knife. I’ve had the typical kershaws and Gerbers. Any one here have skiff or used them before? I like several of their knives and hear good things about them. Looking to keep price at $50 or less. Thanks
This.Steven Skiff makes some great stuff, I have a couple of his bearings in other things. Guessing they are not what Marcwells is talking about though, usually priced around a Grand, and with knives at that level most buyers are knowledgeable fanatics.
Guessing this:https://skif-knives.com/en/
IMO most anything in that price range is a cheap beater knife and not all that good. Cheap materials, mediocre design, no real warranty, poor fit, and sometimes things like cheap thin linerlocks can be prone to fail. Major brands with a retail presence like Kershaw and Spyderco at least have decent designs and customer service though. In most cases you can get a quality knife for between $100-$200, MUCH better design and materials, better lock, better steel, better coatings, and the list goes on. Spydercos with S30V or better steel, ZT, some Kershaw, Benchmade, Hogue, and others. Going up from there higher end production like Microtech, Heretic, Benchmade, Reate, Rike, or production models from custom Makers like Hindered, Begg or CRK have perfect fit and finish, the best design and materials, and often cool features or some artistic flair from inlays or patterned Damascus. Over that, you are paying for exclusivity and a peice of art.
If you have never owned a knife over $100, the usual suggestions under $200 typically are the Benchmade 940 or Bugout, Spyderco Para 2 or 3, Hogue Deka or RSK, We framelocks, or anything from Zero Tolerence. Once you carry one for a while you probably won't want anything less. Even if you get into $1K collectibles, you will still probably carry these $200ish production knives daily.
Ah, that makes a lot more sense.Steven Skiff makes some great stuff, I have a couple of his bearings in other things. Guessing they are not what Marcwells is talking about though, usually priced around a Grand, and with knives at that level most buyers are knowledgeable fanatics.
Guessing this:https://skif-knives.com/en/
+1 Way less negative attention when you've got that in a tool bag than trying to appendix carry an Izula or pocket carry a spyderco. Plus far easier to work with than a 2.5" handle folder.View attachment 417380 View attachment 417381
After giving it thought and carrying a variety of <2.5" knives, this is the correct answer. If it's under 2.5", its likely related to something like a government building or other non-permissive environment for bigger knives. A simple folding utility knife screams "tool" instead of "weapon", especially if it's in a bag with screwdrivers and such going in to the building. However, it is literally made for heavy work, so the handle is great for grabbing, it's easy to carry, the lock is strong, and the blade cuts well. You get the added bonus that they are cheap. You can buy them in a 3-pack if you want. That means if you get caught at a checkpoint that doesn't allow them, simply ditch it in the trash.
I'm not a Spyderco fanatic, though I do have a handful of their knives.
I just picked up one of their Karahawks, an early example, for $165 shipped. The blade is 2.3". It's pretty neat, and you can rig it to pop the blade open with your choice of presentations, either the traditional karambit bottom of the fist disemboweler, or opening in the more usual configuration, with your little finger in the loop, and the blade out front. The Emerson "wave" allows opening the knife as it comes out of your pocket; it's smooth and foolproof, with none of the hassles of an automatic knife.
Examination of the construction shows that it is a solid, well-conceived and well-executed mechanism. You get a full handful of grip, the finger ring ensures its retention, and the back lock mechanism is a thing of beauty. Even though it's generally not my favorite, I'm impressed by it.