letter opener / small edc

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kssmith3448

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Sep 8, 2011
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Im looking for suggestions on a small, thin secondary knife to edc. I was look at the SOG flash 1 but have heard things about blade play. I currently edc a gerber paraframe and a spyderco tenacious. i dont want to break the bank either; maybe something in the 20$ range. thanks in advance for anyones help.
 
I wouldn't recommend the sog, it had HORRIBLE blade play in my example and I couldn't get rid of it, shame too, it had a lot going for it with the fast opening, easy to use lock, flat ground edge, flat ground blade, ergonomic handle, etc. But that blade play was just horrible, especially in a $40 knife. Something like a Buck Vantage Avid small might be good for you. Small enough to fit in a watch pocket with a decent steel that you can get REALLY sharp.
 
First off, welcome to the forum. You'll like it here :).

I'm in the same boat as you are actually. I actually EDC a paraframe, but I've been looking for something that is "business friendly", and a bit smaller and more formal looking.

Some of the best options I've found are these:

CRKT Drifter 2.88in blade, ~$20, the SS version is a bit thinner, although it is heavier.
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CRKT Padoza. 2.625in blade, ~$15-20, nice and thin.
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Spyderco Persistence. 2.75in blade ~$30.
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Boker Trance. 2.75in blade ~$30
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Kershaw Chill. 3.1in blade ~$15-20
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Kershaw Skyline 3.1in blade ~$35
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Kershaw Zing 3.1in blade ~$30
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Those are some of the better finds that I have found that fit what you are looking for, but you might also consider the Buck Vantage Select Avid small and a few others. Hope that helps (sorry, I hope this isn't overwhelming, its just what I've been looking at tonight :)).

Good luck!
 
Does it have to lock? Id reccomend checking out some different SAK configurations
 
I just picked up a Victorinox Classic, which has a small blade, scissors, file/screwdriver, tweezers, toothpoick for a song. They get confiscated by the TSA and sold at auction. Other popular models in this size are the Rambler and Manager.
 
crunky said:
Does it have to lock? Id reccomend checking out some different SAK configurations
Click to expand...
+1 on this. If you don't already carry a SAK of some sort, IMHO that's the clear answer to the question of what to carry as your second knife.
 
I've got a Victorinox Classic in a limited Alox edition, which has a small blade, a file/screw driver and a pair of scissors. Very small and much thinner than the regular Classic. Doesn't come with the toothpick and the tweezer of the original Vic Classic but still incredibly useful and more solid. Another option could be a Spyderco Grasshopper. Perfect for opening letters because of the pointy, thin blade. But still a nice size for other cutting tasks, too.
 
all of the chinese kershaws. they all have gotten glowing reviews and will work just fine for occasional use.
 
crkt stubby folding razel...it doesnt have a point but a nice wide blade and its small...very unintimidating
 
CRKT Ripple $40 @ Wal-mart, nice and slim, easy opening and nicely sharp from the factory, and it is a Ken Onion design. I bought one on a whim the other day and it goes everywhere with me now. I also have the Spyderco Tenacious, also nice and flat , but it FEELS like a much larger knife due to handle size and blade width. For the stated purposes, I'd pick either the Kershaw Leek, or the CRKT Ripple over the Spyderco, however if you plan to do any heavier work with your EDC knife then the Spyderco might be a better choice for you. I compromised and carry all 3 of the above knives, the Spydie for heavy cutting, the CRKT for delicate work, and the Kershaw for general cutting.

edit* to clarify the preference of the leek and ripple for lighter work, I feel that the tips of the blades are more subject to damage due to their thin proflies where the Spyderco is much thicker, and more damage resistant. It was also the cheapest of the bunch.
 
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A.G. Russell 3.0 Titanium Lockback Folder. You get a very gent-like folder with titanium scales , razor sharp VG10 in a nice little leather pouch , all for about 30 clams.
This knife is very classy looking as well as non-threatening to those weak hearts out there. VG10 is a wonderful steel and one of my all time favorites. It is ridiculously lighter and slimmer than any of the aforementioned knives while still being able to slice with the best of them.

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Tostig
 
It's not made in the US, so it might not fit your requirements...but, for the purpose and needs you described, one knife came to my mind, and the more I think about it, the more I think it's the right knife for you.
A Victorinox (Alox) Bantam.
:cool:
 
Free2game said:
Something like a Buck Vantage Avid small might be good for you. Small enough to fit in a watch pocket with a decent steel that you can get REALLY sharp.
Click to expand...

I'll second the Buck Vantage Small. I have the Select with 420HC and its a fine little US Made knife for $20~$25.
 
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