whats the best tactical folder with blade less than 2.5 inches

B

Brother Methias

Joined
Aug 16, 2000
Messages
48
As mentioned previously, this is the limit to knife carry in chicago city limits. so far the best i've seen is Chris Reeve's Umfaan, though it's 280$ which is a trifle steep. More agreeable pricewise would be benchmade's mel pardue gentleman's folder, for around 100$. Oh the crkt mirage Ti i like also, whomever suggested it though both the latter knives lack pocket clips, i'm sure they'd fall out of mine.
 
I saw an ad in Blade for a NICA exclusive version of the BM 330 with a clip but no scales. You might try contacting Becks or Plaza Cutlery about them.
 
The Spyderco Dragonfly is great. You might also try the Mouse by Spyderco. The small CKRT S-2 is good but some people say that it opens easily in the pocket. Don't forget the C0-Pilot and the Navigator by Spyderco.
 
How about the MOD Lady Hawk? Very high quality and a wicked hawksbill shape.
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CRKT Ti Mirage is a good choice (it does have a clip, but you have to be careful when clipping the knife to your pocket or the thumbstud can catch on the seam and open the blade slightly -- I took the clip off of mine). The Dragonfly and Navigator are also good choices.

However, in that size range, my choice would probably be the Cricket. Think of it as the Civilian's itty-bitty brother. Meerkat when it comes out will be an even better choice.

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Dave

Let no one ever from henceforth say one word in any way countenancing war. It is dangerous even to speak of how here and there the individual may gain some hardship of soul by it. For war is hell, and those who institute it are criminals. Siegfried Loraine Sassoon

[This message has been edited by dsvirsky (edited 01-14-2001).]
 
The only folder I ever owned with that blade size is the Benchmade Pardue design 330 with a 2.3" blade. Slick design, no clip, very flat, lightweight and a really nice blade shape. However, it doesn't feel good in the hand and i found it difficult to open but bear in mind that it may just be me - you may have better luck. I use mine as a (very expensive) letter opener at the office. Best price I saw for this was about $65. I bought mine from Roger at Bayou Lafourche.

Red

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"Praise not the day until evening has come;a sword until it is tried; ice until it has been crossed; beer until it has been drunk" - Viking proverb
 
I'd go for the Cricket and/or Ladyhawk mentioned above. Or break the law. If I was going into dangerous territory, I would want more than 2.5" If you do carry something that small, I really hope you don't ever need it.

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Jason aka medusaoblongata
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"Paradise lies in the shadow of swords." - Nietzsche
 
The CRKT Mirage catches on the thumb stud in your pocket and has been reported to cause injuries. The Umfaan does not have a pocket clip and Reeve will not put one on. I have a Warren Thomas with 2.5" blade for chicago carry on order and will report on the knife when it is recieved. In the meantime when in the city I carry the CRKT 2.5" Urban Shark which is an excellent little folder. When traveling through the city I carry a SARK.
 
I disagree with Anthony Cheeseboro (and Paul Work who agreed with him) when he mentioned that the Spyderco Mouse, Co-Pilot and Navigator were good below 2.5 inches tactical knives. Their blade design and shape really serves best for cutting materials such as cardboard boxes, and the mouse looks more like a skinner. I am more partial to blades which are spearpoint or similar, and a little larger than the knives mentioned above.

I agree with their selection of the Spyderco Dragonfly. This knife looks like it packs as much blade as possible on a little knife, and also looks like it can do substantial damage when thrusting. Also, it looks unobtrusive when closed, since the handle is small yet ergonomical. Once you deploy the blade, you feel like you hace a Calypso Jr. on your hand! If I go to clubs or anywhere else where they (incompetently) check for weapons (except federal buildings or other high security areas, of course), I always carry mine in my back-pocket, hidden by my wallet in front of it (in case the bouncers pat me down). I've never been caught with it.

If I'd pick another Spyderco around this size, it would be the C37 FRN Michael Walker lightweight. This little knife really packs a nice, big-looking 2.5-inch blade, and also looks like it could thrust/slash very effectively.

Both these knives are very inexpensive at $30-$40 from internet dealers, yet are high-quality pieces. Blade is AUS-8, which might not be top-of-the-line, but isn't too shabby for a small folder.

-Flood
 
Yup, you can't beat Spyderco, but one wasn't mentioned I believe. The D' Alton Holder Toad is a liner lock Spyderco with a clip. It's not really tactical though....
 
I have one of the Benchmade/Pardue Dec. 2000 KOTM, and it has the "money clip" clip on it. Very nice and light little piece, although I wouldn't call it very tactical.

Perhaps you could locate one of them?
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Doesn't show the clip though.

However, if the cost weren't such an issue- I'd definitely recommend an Umfaan.


Firebat

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Name's Ash......Housewares.

[This message has been edited by Firebat (edited 01-15-2001).]
 
Thanks for the good response everybod...

In reviewing all your recommendations, two knives stand out, the ladyhawk and the walker lightweight, quite different in price. I'll buy one or the other, thanks.
 
IMHO the Walker Lightweight isn't a viable tactical choice. The ergonomics are poor and the liner lock is FRN. This is one of the few Spydies I haven't liked or would trust for extreme use.

The Dragonfly is one of the better small blades that could be used as a tactical tool.

Joel
 
Flood, I agree wiyh you on the Dragonfly. It is, IMO, the best of the small Spydies. The others mentioned may not be ideal, but are better than nothing. As for the Walker, I just can't make myself trust a "liner-lock". I would like it much more if it were a lock-back.

Paul
 
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