Tiny Knives, Whatcha’ Got?

The Daily Kiri and Spyderco ARK are my two favorite small knives, though the Minimalist is also an old favorite. The CRKT SPEW is an updated version of the Minimalist, slightly enlarged to fit a belt sheath.

Here is a picture of a Bug-Out Bag I set up recently, in case of civil unrest.

A couple Gerber silver knights in wood and abalone. Good steel from the pre-Fiskars era.

Two of my favorite small knives are the Spyderco Salsa and Polliwog. They are about the same size, lightweight, and extremely sturdy. The Polliwog was one of the first Ball Bearing Lock Spydercos, and it was originally in all steel.



I loved the knife, but didn't get it because of the weight and inherent slipperiness of an all-steel knife. When a G10 version was offered, I jumped at it. I've had this one for 9 years. Despite the small size, the 'Wog really locks into your hand in a way that would make holding onto it during an emergency much easier.




The Salsa is another small but disproportionately useful knife. It has a wide blade, "Cobra hood" for extra quick and secure opening, and a sturdy Compression Lock.

Each does have its disadvantages. The aluminum handle of the Salsa can be slippery, and the Polliwog can work itself out of a pocket, if you're not careful. And the original BBL isn't quite as user friendly as the later "caged" BBL with plastic tabs, as on the Manix 2s. Neither one is currently offered, though I'd especially love a G10 handled Salsa.



Shown for scale with the Spyderco ARK ("SpyderEdge" is the preferred version, but I gave my last one away to a female Soldier in Germany), Polliwog, Salsa, THR knife, old favorite Native 3 LW (replaced by Native 5 LW), and new favorite Manix 2 LW Black. (Amazon only has Translucent Blue in stock, but Jeff at Cutlery Shoppe has them, and he's a great guy )

John

Speedo66 said:

Have an original Manix in the box, I never carried or used it. It's a brute; thick blade, positive lock, very smooth action, but it's a little too heavy for pocket carry, at least for me.

Must have been originally bought by a Spyderco collector because it's serial numbered. Doesn't look like it was ever used.

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The Manix and the Manix 2 XL are the same size. The big differences are in the weight (much heavier on the Manix) and lock styles.

(Edit) I went looking for my Manixes. I found both 2 LWs and my original, but don't see my Manix 2 XL. Hopefully it'll turn up- it's my favorite hard use folder!