Small Knife Recommendation

J

jday2727

Joined
Jul 8, 2015
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564
Hey everybody, so I am looking for a new small blade to EDC. Here are the requirements:
-Must be a folder
-Blade length anywhere from 1.5-2.5 inches
-Locking would be nice
-Also would like a pocket clip

I will be carrying this at school around people who don't know that we are allowed to have knives. Think Boker Subcom, Spyderco Clipitool/Bug series kind of things. Thanks everyone!
 
Dragonfly and delica are hard to beat in that size range. The delica is a beast.
 
Spyderco Kiwi 4 is my favorite little knife right now, The cutting edge is 2.5". It would make a good "college knife".
 
The Spyderco Dragonfly (2.25") and the Spyderco Cat (2.45") fit your needs.
 
jday,

I have carried at least one knife for as long as I can remember, but I am old and things were different. We were lucky - everyone had a knife then.

You say that you would be legal - but you are probably wrong. You get caught and you are probably out of school ...and with a record. Do you want to schooled by your parent/parents or by the state facilities?

Zero tolerance is the law of the land these days, sadly. Keep your affection for sharp things to yourself for the time being - don't post, don't buy online, but learn the history, practice sharpening what you have.

Above all - don't let anyone stop you from going to school!
 
I'd also take a look a Rough Rider and Colt knives. Am sure you woud find several that fit your specs and pocketbook. Made in China, but really good knives.
Rich
 
jday2727 said:
Hey everybody, so I am looking for a new small blade to EDC. Here are the requirements:
-Must be a folder
-Blade length anywhere from 1.5-2.5 inches
-Locking would be nice
-Also would like a pocket clip

I will be carrying this at school around people who don't know that we are allowed to have knives. Think Boker Subcom, Spyderco Clipitool/Bug series kind of things. Thanks everyone!
Click to expand...
What state are you in? And what type of school are you attending (junior high, high school, college)? People giving recommendations might want to confirm that they are making recommendations that are legal for your state and your school. I'm not saying that you don't know what is or is not permitted for you to carry, just that other members here might want to confirm such information for themselves.

Here in California, it is illegal to carry ANY locking folder on school grounds k-12. It is however legal to carry a slipjoint with a blade no longer than 2.5" on school grounds k-12.

As far as college campuses are concerned, here in California it is legal to carry any size of folder, locking or not.

Such information can be found in statute 626.10 of the California penal code.

Of course, any school can impose their own rules that may be stricter than the law. And although you cannot be arrested for violating school rules, you can be expelled.

On a different note- If you are going to be carrying a knife on school grounds, and if other people at school (like maybe staff and/or security) are not aware that you are allowed to carry a knife, you might want to reconsider using a pocket clip. Why advertise the fact that you are carrying a knife and possibly invite trouble. Although you might be allowed to carry a knife, you might miss a class or two sitting in an office or security shack trying to explain that it's allowed and waiting for someone to check. Carrying "deep pocket" or in a backpack seems like it would be a lot less likely to cause you problems.
 
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I would go with a Spyderco Native or Dragonfly. I prefer the native because of the steel and ergos as I have bigger hands
 
Spyderco Squeek, super light, nice wide blade, one hand opening... an awesome blade.
Meets all your requirements except for the lock, I feel for small knives locks are not needed.

Spyderco_Squeek_01.jpg


I you can live without a clip (clips on small knives just make the uncomfortable in the hand for me)
An Opinel #6, get sharp like a lightsaber, weight next to nothing.

Opinel_31.JPG


No lock or clip but great knives:
An alox sak, Pioneer (pictured below) or Farmer, very much accepted by non knife people and super useful.
If these are to big for your taste get a Cadet.

SAK%252520Soldier.JPG


I realize none of my suggestion meet all of your requirements, but they're not very expensive so you could check them out and see if you like 'm.
In a school I'd try to avoid anything looking too 'aggresive' or 'weaponlike' in non knife peoples eyes.... Victorinox knives are champions in this area imho.
 
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I'd agree with knoefz about the SAK. If you did need to use it around other people you're less likely to have someone freak out. In the PC, anti everything world we live in now I'd look at something that stays in your pocket like a Cadet (one of my favorites).
 
killgar said:
What state are you in? And what type of school are you attending (junior high, high school, college)? People giving recommendations might want to confirm that they are making recommendations that are legal for your state and your school. I'm not saying that you don't know what is or is not permitted for you to carry, just that other members here might want to confirm such information for themselves.

Here in California, it is illegal to carry ANY locking folder on school grounds k-12. It is however legal to carry a slipjoint with a blade no longer than 2.5" on school grounds k-12.

As far as college campuses are concerned, here in California it is legal to carry any size of folder, locking or not.

Such information can be found in statute 626.10 of the California penal code.

Of course, any school can impose their own rules that may be stricter than the law. And although you cannot be arrested for violating school rules, you can be expelled.

On a different note- If you are going to be carrying a knife on school grounds, and if other people at school (like maybe staff and/or security) are not aware that you are allowed to carry a knife, you might want to reconsider using a pocket clip. Why advertise the fact that you are carrying a knife and possibly invite trouble. Although you might be allowed to carry a knife, you might miss a class or two sitting in an office or security shack trying to explain that it's allowed and waiting for someone to check. Carrying "deep pocket" or in a backpack seems like it would be a lot less likely to cause you problems.
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I am in Colorado, so it's fine for me to have a knife under 3.5. I am in high school, where the same rule applies, but I want something smaller and more sheeple friendly. I would be clipping it inside my waistband, so no one would see.
 
jday2727 said:
I am in Colorado, so it's fine for me to have a knife under 3.5. I am in high school, where the same rule applies, but I want something smaller and more sheeple friendly. I would be clipping it inside my waistband, so no one would see.
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How about the Kershaw Shuffle? You can get it in assorted colours, it doesn't look intimidating at all, and it's still quite capable.
 
If legal for you, the Dragonfly is perfect. It cuts like a big knife and drops in the small watch/coin pocket of your jeans and will go totally unnoticed. This one has G10 scales and is rock solid.

20150824_173914_zpssvovbbfo.jpg
 
I'd say Dragonfly all the way.
I have the Salt one, it really is a featherweight pocket chainsaw that lends itself to be carried comfortably and nicely.
 
Adding pics of this beauty. Zucchini, red pepper and pumpkin are no rivals to this beast!

20150916_192620_zpsol6muiqo.jpg


Don't know how much it weighs, but it disappears in the pocket and you really forget it's on you.
Sometimes that even presents a problem, actually. Washed it three times already, but that's why I got the Salt Version!

20150916_192646_zpsmtuof6zj.jpg


20150916_192700_zpsee5vrcol.jpg
 
MaximIsayev said:
How about the Kershaw Shuffle? You can get it in assorted colours, it doesn't look intimidating at all, and it's still quite capable.
Click to expand...

You're either going to get grounded by your parents or expelled from your school.

No weapons on campus generally is pretty strictly enforced. Why roll the dice and jeopardize your education? Bad idea.

In 1991 I got suspended for bringing a knife to my middle school... Things were WAY different back then.

Remember that just because your STATE laws say it's okay, public school districts have different rules and regulations and you are not exempt from those. Good luck and stay out of trouble.
 
Concur about dumping the pocket clip idea; I've personally had really bad luck carrying clipped knives IWB so I don't recommend that either. My favorite for this role would be a Cold Steel Mini Tuff Lite, which Knifeworks happens to have on sale, even in the discontinued sheeple-friendly colors. The MTL gives a full four-finger grip when the choil is used, is lightweight, and is perfectly safe for unclipped in-pocket carry.

A dark horse would be the Boker Keycom at 1.5" blade length. This one has a strong enough ball detent that it's safe for unclipped in-pocket carry. One caveat: do NOT carry loose change in the same pocket. I did this with mine and a dime wedged itself into the frame and destroyed the lock. The Boker Subcom (1-7/8") would also work in this role, again with the proviso against loose change carry in the same pocket.

Much as I like Spydercos, I don't find much tension on the backsprings of Ladybugs, Manbugs, or Dragonflies, and would worry about carrying loose in the pocket. I wouldn't be comfortable unless carrying a Ladybug or Manbug in a kydex keychain sheath, and I would only carry a Dragonfly clipped. A Squeak ought to be fine, and if you're on a budget try the Sanrenmu H03, which gives you Spyderco styling, a bottle opener, full flat grind, good ergos, and a backspring stiff enough for pocket carry (no clip) but easy to open one-handed, unlike most of the lower-priced Spyderco slipjoints.

legato1 said:
Dragonfly and delica are hard to beat in that size range. The delica is a beast.
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The Delica is also over the 2.5" maximum the OP gave. Excellent knife though; I own several of them.
 
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orezona said:
You're either going to get grounded by your parents or expelled from your school.

No weapons on campus generally is pretty strictly enforced. Why roll the dice and jeopardize your education? Bad idea.

In 1991 I got suspended for bringing a knife to my middle school... Things were WAY different back then.

Remember that just because your STATE laws say it's okay, public school districts have different rules and regulations and you are not exempt from those. Good luck and stay out of trouble.
Click to expand...

That's a good point, I'd find the most reasonable member of the school administration and casually ask them about the rules. A SAK or something else traditional and non-locking may be more appropriate for that.
 
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