Newbie needs advice on small utility-type folder

D

Drivie

Joined
Jan 31, 2003
Messages
31
Hi Guys,

New to the site and knives in general. I'm looking for a small (blade length less than 3") pocket-type utility knife of good quality. So far, I'm interested in the Emerson Mini CQC7, Benchmade Stryker 905, Microtech UDT (although I'm not sure I want an auto), CRKT M16 series.

I kind of like the looks of the tanto blades and with the halfway serrated edges but am not sure as to the general practicality of such a blade. I will be using this to open boxes and the like. I can't stop thinking about having to open those dump sealed plastic packages that everything seems to come in nowadays and are extremely difficult to open.

I'm also not fond of the liner locks but would appreciate something that locks the blade open AND closed.

As far as blade cut, all I've heard is that chisel cut can be difficult to use.

Any advice or opinions is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Drivie
 
Drivie, welcome to Bladeforums!

For a small utility knife, a tanto is probably not the most general purpose blade shape you could get.

Take a look at a relatively inexpensive Benchmade, the Mini-Griptilian. The axis lock is fun to operate, strong, and reliable. If you like serrations, you can get a combo edge.

The Camillus EDC (Every Day Carry) with its framelock is another tough, reliable knife, with a comfortable handle and great recurved blade shape.

Spyderco specializes in small serrated (and plain edge) utility knives.
 
Esav,

Thanks a bunch for the advice. I had not considered those knives. I kind of ruled out the Spyderco knives because a buddy of mine has a pair and they don't seem to compare to his Emerson Commander in fit, finish and the ease at which the blade deploys (excluding the wave factor). I do like the Griptillian and may give that a try.

Thanks again. Anyone else have any comments?

Drivie
 
My advise would be that you look at the Spyderco Delica. It can be found with either FRN (Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon) or Stainless Steel handles. You can get it in either plain edge, serrated edge or combo edge. It fits your needs in several ways: it is less than three inches, the lock-back keeps the blade safely open and it cuts like nobodies business. To me the two best features are it's ergonomically perfect (IMO) handle and the Spydie hole. The hole (again IMO) provides the best level of purchase, much better than a stud, disc or what have you when you are opening the blade. I think that you would be very pleased with the Delica. I hope that this is helpful.
 
Welcome to the forums, Drivie!

Maybe your buddy had bad Spydercos. Spydies are usually great working knives at an affordable price (most of them are much cheaper than Emersons).

It was already mentioned, the tanto blade shape isn't very practical. I generally dislike serrations, but if you have to cut lots of fibrous materials (like rope) they make a nice addition. Wouldn't get a fully serrated one though.

If you don't mind resharpening from time to time, the CRKT M16-03Z with Zytel scales, Aus-6 spearpoint blade is a very useful and inexpensive knife. Quite well-made, too. Plus the flipper is a great addition in order to open the knife quickly and with even greater ease than by using the thumbstuds.

If you don't mind spending more money, the Mini-Griptilian Esav Benyamin mentioned is a great suggestion. I'd buy the full sized one instead though.
 
I started to recommend the Griptilian itself but remembered he wanted to stay under 3" and that meant the Mini.

I just thought of another good one, the Ka-Bar Dozier Folding Hunter. I got one just to see how well they did it and I was impressed. Simple, extremely inexpensive, good materials, great design, and locks up like a vault.
 
If your looking for a utillty knife go with the Swiss Army Knife it's inexspensive & a good tool.
 
Thanks for the many informative replies guys (with the exception of the Opinel...)

Appreciate the feedback and comments. I'm liking the features of the mini Griptilian (mainly the AXIS lock) so far. Any other suggestions are welcome and appreciated.

Drivie
 
Benchmade mini griptilians are FANTASTIC.
Easiest to use knife I own by far.
 
i just ordered a mini grip with a plain drop point blade...just liked the looks of it...

but for your situation i guess a combo edge would be best since if you are opening tough packaging the serrated edge will come in handy to break through the material...

it's just the right size for an EDC...and it comes in different colours...so you can have a knife that is functional and not boring...

the axis lock is great...
 
Mate, For a newbie I'd say the best place to start
is the basics of pocket cutlery. NOT with a one
hand wonder knife of some kind.

By basics I mean a good ol' stockman or trapper.

Yep, these simple knives will help you learn how
to use differnt kinds of blades while being very
friendly to all you meet.

All you get with a single blade is ......a single
blade. Sometimes dressed up to open one hand....
so what:rolleyes:
 
My 3 top choices are


1. Spydero Delica FRN VG10 (enough said)
2. BM Mini-Grip (strong and sturdy)
3. Spyderco Native (Ergos and strong)


I wouldn't mind any of the 3 above.
 
Thanks for the wealth of info guys!

At this point, I think the BM Griptilian is at the top of my list and then the Spyderco Delica. I'm going to go find these and handle them, then decide. I think I will like the AXIS lock on the BM over the lockback of the Spyderco. If I go for the BM, I'll have to decide if I like the thumbstud or the cut-out (not sure of the proper term here) better.

Drivie
 
Hi, I just got my griptilian today. I like the oval/spyderco hole. You can open the blade with gloves, and is quicker to open. It is kinda awkward to use at first, but then you will like the sheephead blade. It is good field/utility knife. I really like the design.
 
I agree with Tightwad, you don´t seem like you want a traditional knife, but really, for general use a stockman is hard to beat. If you want a locking blade a simple lockback such as the Schrade 3OT or 5OT are inexpensive and very good. And sorry, but I also wouldn´t mind recommending the SAK or the Opinel.

Anyway, choose as you best feel and use and enjoy your knife.
 
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