BEST Small EDC Folding Knife

I use a small EDC Knife for as many purposes as we can name from opening boxes to slitting corn sacks to fill feeders. I want something that is lightweight, durable and can keep a sharp edge meaning decent steel I suppose.

I carried a Spyderco Ladybug for a good year and it served my purpose pretty well. The downside is I consider it a bit expensive and the size is perhaps a bit small while in use. I did like the featherweight feel and could rarely even feel it in my pocket which was a good thing until I lost it.

I can always buy another Ladybug and know what I'll be getting. But I wonder what else is out there that may be as good or even better. Any suggestions are welcomed and appreciated.

JeffG said:

Kershaw 1830 OSO Sweet Pocket Knife is a nice lightweight knife.

Kershaw 1630blkst Cyclone Knife with Assisted Opening is a little more substantial, it might be discontinued.

Regardless, I would get the partial serrations, they come in handy.

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I like Kershaw knives....glad you pointed out a specific model, Jeff. Thanks!

CZ9shooter said:

Spyderco Dragonfly. It is more user friendly than a Ladybug sizewise, IMO. Still super lightweight too with no steel liners. It has a pocket clip but it can be removed if you like bottom-of-the-pocket carry. VG10 steel is generally better than the cheap Kershaws. I imagine it was the same on the Ladybug.

However, the Dragonfly is still too small for my tastes. I just thought it met your criteria pretty well. What I would really recommend is a Delica (yes, I am a bit of a Spyderco nerd). It is sturdy, ergonomic and economical. Plus it is finally getting into the size range of what I would call a "capable" knife.

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I agree with your analysis of a capable knife, and I'd also say a capable knife will have some size and beef to it. I have several larger pocket and sheath knives that I take when I go hunting or know I'll be in more or less demanding situations. But I should have said my small EDC knife will be in the pocket of my dress slacks which typically wont be forced into a hard use situation. But I think you have given me a tip regarding the Dragonfly. I was under the impression the pocket clip was fixed/riveted, but if I can remove it, that's a potential game changer.

All of your good help and suggestions led me to make a choice and I ordered a knife to replace my lost Ladybug this evening. I was familiar with Spyderco, and for the sake of argument, brand loyalty does have its way of creeping back in to sway a buying opinion. Even though I carried the Ladybug when I wore dress slacks (I call it my city knife), the knife was a bit small in my hand when tasked with work situations. The plus side it was lightweight and discrete in my pocket.

After evaluating your collective inputs, budget, size and general usage, I ordered the Spyderco Dragonfly. Thank you all for the good help.