Under 3” folding knife for EDC?

JShirley said:

The Cryo is a good value, and a strong knife. Unfortunately, it can only be opened safely with the flipper. Also, it's somewhat slippery.

John

Click to expand...

Yeah. I missed the non-assisted part.

jmr40 said:

Based on your updated criteria and apparent willingness to go $100+ I'd recommend either a Benchmade Mini-
Griptilian or Spyderco Native. They make 2 versions of the Mini-Grip. I like the hole in blade version better. That design is also on the Spyderco's and is the fastest to deploy manual open knife.

Benchmade Knives: 555-S30V Mini-Griptilian - Sheepsfoot - CPM-S30V - AXIS Lock | All Knives Ship Free

Spyderco: Native 5 Lightweight - Cobalt Blue FRN - Lockback - CPM-SPY27 - C41PCBL5 | All Knives Ship Free

The Benchmade uses the axis lock and comes closest to meeting all of your criteria. And that is a good price in the link I provided.

Click to expand...

I think my Mini Griptilian with the hole and partially serrated blade is the near-perfect knife....YMMV

tomrkba said:

The rest of this thread is for future readers.

Yes, I'm cruising bladehq.com.

I reviewed the law again. Any spring assisted opening folding knife is HIGHLY LIKELY considered a "switchblade" and may not be carried in Maryland. Fixed blades are likely out too (I have a little Wolfpup that I like). The Spyderco knives exceed 3" if you move the ruler around. While they are technically 2 3/4" or so, a creative cop looking to make a criminal charge could likely do it just to see if it sticks. Dangit.

So, the requirements are:

1) Less than 3" blade IN ALL DIMENSIONS (in other words...a cop cannot move the ruler around and meet or exceed 3")
2) Manual open only
3) Ambidextrous pocket clip
4) Prefer AXIS lock or similar
5) Grippy grips

I do have a CRKT Pineapple. I'll use that while I switch things up.

Click to expand...

I'm curious, what's wrong with your Crkt? I think they are good knives, the Pineapple seems to be cool with the legal stipulations, and at $50.00, if you lose or break it, you're not out much.

I can also recommend the Benchmade Bugout. It is very light and has a nice slicey blade. I would not consider it for hard use situations.


You might need the mini version to meet blade length requirements.

I have a hard time considering a edc pocket knife thats only function is cutting. There are so much more you can do with a SAK or multitool.

I use the tools about as often as the blade.
I suppose it's whatever you get accustomed to.

hso said:

Just a reminder, not all flippers are AOs. Many forego springs and just balance detent pressure against force of opening.

Click to expand...

I tried an AO flipper from ZT. Hated it.
Personally I don’t think a properly made flipper needs assistance at all.

But everyone is different.

Buck small Vantage Pro, or 112 SlimPro. USA made, S30V steel, ambidextrous clip, and Buck's "Forever Warranty"...what's not to love? Just reread your original post. The 112 Slim Pro is a 3" blade, but the small Vantage Pro is sub 3".

This is really an interesting question. Here in California you can carry (both openly and concealed) any folding knife of any size -- so long as it's folded. All fixed blade knives must be openly carried, suspended from one's waist.

HOWEVER my city (and a great many others) have stricter laws. In my city's case, it's "under 3 inches" for any knife, with a lot of legalize words pertaining to cooks, sportsmen, tradesmen, etc., which is left open to local interpretation. There is a question whether these local laws can supersede state laws. In any event, I have no fear about carrying any sized knife in most cases.

ALL THAT SAID HOWEVER, if I actually had to use a knife in a last-ditch defensive situation, from a legal standpoint, I'd want it to be under 3".

My choice? A CS Counter Point 2. Triad lock, 2.97" blade (per my calipers), about $40. I carry this knife often in addition to larger knives.

Boker Tree Brand knives out of Germany are very inexpensive, take and hold a very sharp edge and come in styles to fit everyone from a locked back to a sod buster or a simple stockman's knife.

Have about three and all are very worth while like they were 60 years ago now the blades are stainless not blue steel

Been carrying my Dad's old Case Sodbuster Jr every day for about 10 years now. Cant even hardly read sodbuster on the blade.

The only criteria of the OP it fills is its blade is 2.75". No AO, no lock, no traction on the grips, and no clip. It does have a stainless blade!

tomrkba said:

Yes, I am in Baltimorgue, MD. Blade length must be under 3" (not exactly 3" dangit) to avoid being considered a "dangerous weapon".

Click to expand...

When I bought the CS Counter Point 2 with an advertised 3" blade, I figured I would re-profile it down to 2.90" or so. I measured it several times and so have others with both calipers and micrometers. 2.97" is the largest measurement we've recorded. I left it alone. If I ever found myself in trouble, I can always get a note from the metrology department.

tomrkba said:

I found this:

https://govt.westlaw.com/mdc/Docume...ype=CategoryPageItem&contextData=(sc.Default)

Concealed carry permit holders are exempt! Now I am sort of confused; does knife carry under this statute get overridden by any local law?

Click to expand...

That would depend on whether or not that statute and the handgun permit statutes in Maryland state laws have a clause preempting local ordinances. You're treading into an area where you really need to hire an attorney who specializes in 2A laws and is licensed to practice in Maryland to get a definitive answer.

I adore my Benchmade bugout, but it has a blade length of just over three inches. The mini bugout had a length just under three, and if it’s as fast and handy as the full size bugout, it would be hard to pass up. Barring that, one of the shorter spyderco blades would get my pick.

tomrkba said:

Yes, I am in Baltimorgue, MD. I just read that blade length must be under 3" (not exactly 3" dangit) to avoid being considered a "dangerous weapon". Of course, I cannot find it now. Looking around.

What are the general guidelines then? Is there a good summary online somewhere?

Click to expand...

Yes there is. I wrote it myself, with full citations and attributions for both statutory law and case law:
http://weaponlaws.wikidot.com/maryland-knife-laws

Baltimore City has just two knife-related ordinances, under Article 19. They make possession of switchblades and assisted-openers illegal (§ 59-22), due to having a different definition of switchblade than the state. And they regulate sale of most knives (§ 59-23). This last statute is likely where you got the 3 inch limit, but I hasten to add, that's a misinterpretation. This law only prohibits selling 3"+ knives to people under 21 or for stores to keep them in an "exterior window or glass display case." This law in no way prevents you from owning, carrying or purchasing a manual folding knife with a blade greater than 3 inches. This law does not prohibit ordering knives over the internet either.

tomrkba said:

I am confused. What is the definition of "assisted opener"?

Click to expand...

Most regular switchblade definitions at the federal and state level require there be a switch or button of some kind in the handle that is separate from the blade. Assisted openers get around this by requiring pressure to the blade itself to open.

However, Baltimore's statute doesn't name assisted openers separately, but rather uses an over-inclusive definition of "switchblade," which they say is "any knife with an automatic spring or other device for opening or closing the blade." This definition would include assisted openers solely on the fact that they have a spring. Note that Freddie Gray was arrested under this ordinance because he had an assisted opener. While the SA initially charged the officers with false arrest with the understanding that he had not violated state law, this particular charge was later quietly dropped from the indictment after the city ordinance was pointed out.

The NYS Court of Appeals, their highest court, has also ruled that assisted openers fall into the same category as switchblades, which are illegal.

JShirley said:

The aluminum-handled Leeks are extremely slippery. If you have limited funds, it would not be a suggestion of mine.

John

Click to expand...

There are several options to an aluminum handle on a Kershaw Leek. Blade HQ offers bead blasted and composite finishes which run $60 - $90: The AO feature is easily disabled. There is also a safety.

Kershaw Leek Knives - Assisted Opening Pocket Knives | Blade HQ