Knife of my dreams -- does it exist?

I

itsafire

Joined
Aug 18, 2022
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Hi experts,

I've carried a few knifes in my time and doing so I learned what I like and what I don't like.

In terms of size, the Benchmade Bugout is pretty much perfect.

In terms of build quality, I like CRK a lot more.

Here's what I envision:

-Deep carry pocket clip. The best one I ever had was on the Kizer Zipslip.
-Blade length just about 3".
-Blade shape more or less spearpoint - not too thin towards the front. The Bugout Blade shape is great. I want to be able to spread peanut butter and jelly if I have to.
-Opening system: Thumb stud (or hole). I don't need to flick it and I don't really like flippers.
-Locking system: Framelock - or something equivalent. Something that moves in place with a satisfying audible click.
-Handle material: Titanium. I don't like titanium framelock knifes that have a different front and back like Hinderer does with the G10 front and titanium back.
-Knife shape: More or less straight, less is more.
-Overall look: More in the direction of a gentleman folder than a tactical one. Something that works in an office.
-Build quality: CRK equivalent. Something that comes with no frills, but perfect function ... with tolerances as close to zero as possible.
-Origin: "Western Hemisphere"


The obvious solution would be to get a CRK Small Sebenza and an aftermarket pocket clip.
I bought one and quickly learned that the knife feels a lot smaller in the hand than the measurements suggest. I can only get a three finger grip on the Handle and the blade height is a little bit less than I would have wished.
Due to the small size, the ergonomics suffer - my hands are too big to operate it with comfort and fun.

I returned it and thought to myself "If the Small Sebenza is just right in theory, but actually feels smaller than it is; and the Large Sebenza is a little too big on paper, it might be the same and it could be just right".
So I got a large one. My theory did not work out, though. The large Sebenza is too large for my taste.
The ergonomics are perfect, opening and closing it works like a breeze - but it's just that tiny bit too much for my taste. I'd buy a medium Sebenza in a heartbeat and I understand that I'm not alone with that statement - but now I'm looking for alternatives.
Sub $700, if possible.

When I compare the Benchmade (I have the one with S90V blade and carbon fiber scales) to the Sebenza, it's not even fair. The tolerances, the workmanship .. it's not even in the same league.
Is there something that has the measurements of the Bugout but the style and quality of a CRK?
 
REK Knives Sparrow MT. A touch over $700 I believe and it’s a front flipper.

Or

Pena Mula?
 
Sharp & Fiery said:
REK Knives Sparrow MT. A touch over $700 I believe and it’s a front flipper.

Or

Pena Mula?
Click to expand...

Railsplitter said:
If not for the 3 5/8” blade and the Taiwan manufacture, the A.G. Russell Acies might check your boxes.
View attachment 2641626
Click to expand...
The Sparrow is a flipper, over budget and has no deep carry clip.
The Pena is not bad in terms of size, but again, no deep carry clip and I don't really like the inlays on the handle.
The A.G. Russel is about the same size as the Sebenza. If it was a little bit smaller, it surely looks like a nice knife!
 
itsafire said:
The Sparrow is a flipper, over budget and has no deep carry clip.
The Pena is not bad in terms of size, but again, no deep carry clip and I don't really like the inlays on the handle.
The A.G. Russel is about the same size as the Sebenza. If it was a little bit smaller, it surely looks like a nice knife!
Click to expand...

🤦‍♂️ I forgot about the deep carry clip. My apologies.
 
The following by William Henry just about tick all of your boxes:

- Golden Arch;
- Titan IV; and
- Saturn II.

The only serious deviation from your requirements is that they all use a button lock, which I wouldn't mind but your preferences are what matter.
 
I probably missed something, but your description made me think of the Tactile Turn Rockwall.

Made in the USA. 3" blade and similar in size overall to the Bugout. Titanium no frills design that I would consider straight/gentlemanly. Deep carry clip. Thumb stud deployment. Drop point blade that approaches spear point.

A couple variations (you can have designs milled in to the scales) but around $330.
 
I'll be interested to see more of the replies, because I honestly don't think I've ever had a knife that meets those criteria.

-Full Ti frame
-3"ish
-Thumb-stud or hole
-Decent blade height
-4 finger grip
-Bugout dimensions (very slim). I can think of very few knives that actually have a design similar to the Bugout in the way that it gives you a full 4-finger grip, index finger close to cutting edge, decent blade height, etc, in a package that is that small, and doesn't feel like a mini-knife. IMO, it's a great balance of design for what they were trying to achieve.
-US mfg
-Framelock

I think it's the framelock part that's going to be difficult. I can think of some liner locks that would fit well (like a TRM Neutron II in Ti), but not framelocks.
 
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Yup, was going to suggest a non-flipper, full Ti AB iMamba. About the closest you can get to a “medium Sebenza”. It’s about a 3.35” blade though.

The Tactile Rockwall is another great choice, but the blade isn’t very tall. Very similar height as a small Sebenza.

Maybe a full Ti TRM Neutron 2? I think it ticks all of your boxes. Great knife too.

Another under-loved but great knife is the DLT exclusive full Ti Demko Shark Cub. I love the Shark Lock.
 
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Closest I was finding after narrowing down with most of your criteria was a Toor Merchant 2.0.

Then I got to the blade shape, a pretty thin towards the tip clip point. Or tanto.
 
The one thing I could come up with myself is the GiantMouse GM11.

GM11-Lifestyle-Sq-2_1160x.jpg
 
I've never cared for CRK knives from a style and ergo POV but I know they are loved by many (most?). I will say that after returning the original Bugout (with the blue scales) a few years ago, shortly after buying it, I got the 535BK 2 as a replacement and it's been great. This style knife gets light use vs. the little SAK Executive or Ambassador I also carry daily but the 535BK 2 is a Goldilocks knife for me of that size and style. I also have their Mini-Presidio, and a small assortment of Mini-Grips. All great and functional knives for my interests. I'm not a collector, and I don't look at knives as artwork so my take is probably quite different than many here.
 
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