Sog Mini-Aegis Like Knife Recommendation

bikerector

bikerector

Joined
Nov 16, 2016
Messages
6,760
So I had a SOG mini-aegis for a short period. As all of the reviews had mentioned, it was a perfect carrying knife. Great clip, lightweight, and small in the pocket. The blade profile was nice as well, a nice thin slicer. What I didn't like, at all, was the locking mechanism and the action. I thought it would loosen up with use but after I had it a week I couldn't wait to get rid of it. The thumb stud really bit into my finger and the lock wasn't nearly as friendly for me to close the knife.

With that, is there something out there that is similar in regards to great pocket feel but with a better action lock? I prefer one-hand operation but I don't have any problems if I need to close it on my leg (common with assisted or back-locks for me).

Knife needs to be 3" or less, preferably have a deep pocket clip, and be under 3 oz, and have a thin handle. I have a dragonfly that's kinda there but is quite a bit smaller so my initial thought was delica but wanted to know if there was something else out there. I personally find many spydercos to look pretty awful but they function so nice that I can overlook that for their ability to be an awesome knife. I plan to carry this in a back pocket as I already have a rat 2 in my front pocket and just want another option for carry location for different situations. I found the aegis perfect for such a carry even though that wasn't my initial intentions but that damn thumb-stud and lock design didn't work out after some pocket time. I really wanted to like it.
 
I'm not much of a 3" blade guy. I usually go >=3.5". The delica really is the premier folder in that size. Another option would be the Native. Both great knives and both would be an upgrade over the Aegis. The native has lots of different flavors in steel and materials.
 
craytab said:
Budget?
Click to expand...

I'm thinking something in the $100 and under category with $50 being more preferred if the design is good but steel is crappier? I don't suspect it will see a lot of use but who knows. I'm also starting to consider getting a serrated blade since I don't have any and just seems like something to expand the selection some.

I really prefer EDC knives in the 3.5" range but 3.0" works well too and the city I work in has a 3" blade limit ordinance. I can carry bigger in the rest of the places I frequent but since I want the additional option for work carry 3" is the limit.

I forgot about the native, I almost grabbed one as my first "serious/nice" knife in a while but went with a manix 2 since it was different and should be a hard user I can have for a very long time.
 
What about something from Benchmade? The mini Grip is a classic. A step up in materials is the HK Knives 14716BK Black Mini Axis. It is discontinued but you can still find it some places for around $100.
 
I that size and price point, I would look the Delica and Native from Spyderco or maybe BM Mini Grip? All three are great knives.
 
The mini-grip was a consideration but I thought the handles might be too thick/wide. I really like the modified sheepsfoot design, which I'll probably get eventually, but I don't think it would fit this useage. I know the local shop had some in stock so I could probably ask to walk around with one for a little bit but I really do feel it's a bit thicker than the aegis was. I thought about stopping by after work and using that Christmas bonus. I've been keeping my eye out for a used one but they seem to sell for almost new prices and at that point I would rather give my business to the army surplus store.

My price range can go higher, like $150, but knowing what I can get a delica for it makes it hard to justify something that high since I'm not looking for a fancy blade but something prettier for a little more wouldn't hurt (maybe where the mini-grip falls in?). $50 more might be too much more for just looks though.

Edit: I feel like this is the kind of thing I might pony up the extra dough for, if it were a little bit shorter. So pretty
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1450798-New-3-3-quot-flipper-s35vn-with-G10-scales
 
Last edited:
If you can go up to $150, I would look at the Syderco Sage Series. I think their blades are right at 3". Beautifully made knives and a great smaller EDC size. Great slicers. I love my Sage 1.

Also, it's a small little brut of a knife but, the DPX Heat is a lot of knife for the money.
 
I'm a big fan of the Kershaw Leek. The Skyline from Kershaw is also very popular. Both fit the bill I think.
 
Can't go wrong with a Sage 1. wonderful knife. Also, I have been using a Kershaw Cryo G 10 for about two weeks now and it has really caught me off guard how much l like this knife. It is heavy, but is nice in the pocket and I don't even notice it. I am not a fan of assisted opening, but on this knife it just feels right. The knife is cheap, sturdy, and cuts well. I added a finger choil. I had a ZT 562 a while back and loved it. I sold it because it was a bit large and I didn't think it sliced well. This little knife cuts much better. Apparently you can remove the thumb studs too if you like. I use them though and plan to keep them.
Here are pics:
View attachment 679186
View attachment 679187
 
There is a Spydie, discontinued now, for an amazing price at Knife Center.
It is the Chubby. Full Ti frame lock that is nothing short of amazing!! For $139 it is a bargain!!
Definitely worth a quick look!!

PS.....just checked out that link you posted for the custom flipper......will be ordering one very soon!! That is a lot of knife for that price!!
Good luck!
Joe
 
NorthernSouthpaw said:
Unless you wear skinny jeans you won't notice a Mini Grip in pocket.
Click to expand...

Good to know on the mini-grip. I do have sequoia stumps for legs, as my football teammates used to call them, so I can make most jeans look like skinny jeans but point taken.

So far it seems like these have been recommended (all-great options, thanks):
Delica
Sage
Leek
Mini-grip
native
HK mini axis
Chubby
skyline
cryo

I'm going to remove the cryo (too heavy), chubby (heavy) and kershaw skyline (3.1" vs 3.0" or under per local laws) from consideration to cull the options some. I may add the spyderco PM3 that is available for pre-order at knifecenter but I kind of like the other options people have shared better so far. I only see black g10 with satin blade which isn't doing it for me either (and I know more options will be available).

Delica
Sage
Leek
Mini-grip
native
HK mini axis
 
Last edited:
craytab said:
Oh! I forgot about the PM3! I'd get that one for sure.
Click to expand...

Curious if anyone has any info on the availability time line for this?

Not gonna lie, the sage 5 is growing on me quickly for looks.

Fitting post from the spyderco forum about the sage and para 3 (is it okay to post a link to a different forum here?) near the top of their general discussion. Title starts with "new models dropped"
 
We should all be ashamed of ourselves! Nobody mentioned the Spyderco Chaparral.

C152CFP.jpg


Carbon Fibre, CTS-XHP steel, slim, sleek, svelte even! Under 3" and impeccable build quality for much, much less than you could pay for many inferior knives.
 
I was going to suggest a Rat 2 folder for $30ish. If the pocket clip isn't good enough, plenty of room in the budget for a custom one.

Or a ESEE Zancudo for $40ish in D2 (although it weighs 3.3 oz). Again, you could get a custom clip if you wanted too.
 
gazz98 said:
I was going to suggest a Rat 2 folder for $30ish. If the pocket clip isn't good enough, plenty of room in the budget for a custom one.

Or a ESEE Zancudo for $40ish in D2 (although it weighs 3.3 oz). Again, you could get a custom clip if you wanted too.
Click to expand...

He says in the OP he already owns a rat 2.
 
If I didn't already have the Sage 1, I'd be all over the Sage 5. Really the only significant difference is the lock. Liner vs. Compression.

The Sage 1 is one of my favorite knives period.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top