Best knives for the city?

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MSGH045

Joined
Aug 22, 2021
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Hello. I am searching for knives to have in a backpack while out and about the city where I live in case I need one for emergencies.
Not too big but not too small. Suggestions on both folding and fixed blades would be welcomed.
 
For fixed a Buck 102 is a nice smaller size. As is the 117.

For folding I’d carry a Sebenza or GB2.

In all reality since it’s an “in the backpack for emergency only” knife, I’m sure you’d be fine picking a favorite SAK and tossing it in there.
 
I always EDC a Swisscard Lite or a Cadet / Pioneer / Pioneer X. That's the bare minimum. And most of the time I will have any of these small, but still four finger folders:
Dragonfly, Chaparral, Para 3 Maxamet, Sage 1 Maxamet, Native 5, Small Sebenza, Buck/Mayo TNT and a couple of small Ti framelock Bökers. If I eat out I might have a small traditional folder.
At last, when I commute miles away from home I will have a tough, mid-sized, full tang knife in my backpack.
 
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MSGH045 said:
Hello. I am searching for knives to have in a backpack while out and about the city where I live in case I need one for emergencies.
Not too big but not too small. Suggestions on both folding and fixed blades would be welcomed.
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Mister Coffee said:
The good Outlaw is pointing you to the most important first consideration: What are the city, county and state ordinances for knife carry and concealed weapons in your location?
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There are very few cities in which a Swiss Army Knife is prohibited, especially something like the "Small Tinker" or the "Tourist". Unfailingly handy and will help with all sorts of minor emergencies.
 
knarfeng said:
There are very few cities in which a Swiss Army Knife is prohibited, especially something like the "Small Tinker" or the "Tourist". Unfailingly handy and will help with all sorts of minor emergencies.
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Duly noted. But where I live, the law stipulates by a) size and b) fixed or folder.

EDIT: I forgot c) concealed or open carry.
 
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Mister Coffee said:
Duly noted. But where I live, the law stipulates by a) size and b) fixed or folder.
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Agree. There are some very restrictive cities. However, the Tourist and Small Tinker are smaller models. The main blade on each is 2.5" long.
I'm not aware of any cities in which a non-locking folding knife with a 2.5" blade is prohibited.
 
If it is legal then how about a small Sebenza or Mnandi? A Spyderco Dragonfly 2 would also make a nice small city knife.
 
I really like Opinel #7 for general carry. It's cheap ($15) in case you lose it or have to leave it behind/dispose of it when entering public buildings. I actually forgot I had mine until after waiting in a long line to enter a well attended political rally in a nearby city. I reluctantly threw it in the trash as I was approaching the checkpoint. The Opinel 7 a good length for doing some actual cutting of things like fruit, packaging, etc. And as a bonus, it is very light. Throw it in a pocket and you won't even know it's there. It isn't for heavy work, but it is a great slicer. Also; the design is simple and pretty un-threatening to look at, especially since you have to go through a couple of steps to unlock and lock the blade. If all you need is basic utility and nothing more, it pushes a lot of the right buttons. Did I mention that you can choose carbon or stainless for the blade?
 
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MSGH045 said:
in case I need one for emergencies
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What kinds of emergencies?

That plus the actual city, as other folks have noted, will help us point you in a good direction. :)

I don't like asking more questions in response to a request for recommendations without actually providing a recommendation, so on the fixed blade front I will suggest something small but capable: the White River Backpacker Pro. If fixed blades are legal in your city, then that one should be. It's small without being dainty, and it gives you a great grip and plenty of blade to work with -- while also being well-made, reasonably priced, and lightweight.

There are few emergencies for which I'd prefer a folder to a fixed blade. ;)

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