EDC pocket folder suggestions

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cluttonfred

cluttonfred

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My everyday carry knife is currently a beat-up Opinel. I'd like to get a good one-hand opening, locking folder under 4" long folded for everyday carry. I prefer Made in USA, as light and thin as possible, but I also want a relatively thick blade that can shrug off rough treatment. Any suggestions? Thanks!

P.S.--I should also mention that I tend to lose things so I don't want to spend over $50 and preferably substantially less.
 
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I don't know about the $50 limit - this one was a gift. Mine is a CZ-USA marked Benchmade Resistor, great knife. I also carry a Leatherman, indispensable tool.

tools.jpg
 
Light, thin, one hand opener with a tough thick blade made in the USA for under $50? That's going to be a challenge if you insist on USA manufacture.

Tell us what you use your EDC for.
 
Kershaw does make value-priced USA knives (though I seem to recall they now sell a few made overseas).

Spyderco offers two Spydie-badged, made in China knives that are great bargains, the Tenacious and Persistence. Not made in USA, but tough, inexpensive knives. Also, pretty much all of their Byrd line will (again, except for country of origin) meets your needs.

The Benchmade Resistor is around 3x as much as the OP wants to spend.

John
 
Yep, Kershaw or Spyderco. Thin with a thick blade is sort of hard. If you can ease the USA requirement, I've been pleased with the Benchmade Vex knives.
 
Thanks all for the suggestions, keep 'em coming! In response to the question, this is not about defending the homestead or anything like that, just an all purpose tool to have on me for all the myriad little tasks that a good knife can do. At home and on weekends I often have a Leatherman or the like. During the week, I generally wear a suit to work in an office, so belt carry is out. I'd like something small, light and thin that can take a beating. And I prefer made in USA or at least made somewhere other than China (hence the Opinel).
 
Kershaw sounds like your best bet if you want a small, very sharp, US-made knife for under $50.

I would suggest the Persistence (linked above) if you want a slightly larger, tough general purpose knife that won't break the bank. It's made in China, but Spyderco has ensured Spyderco quality.

J
 
SOG

I have decided I need a "budget" folder also and have decided on the SOG Aegis, will be my next one.

yourcornerstore.com seems to have a good price.

There is a gent on youtube that does some excellent reviews, user name nutnfancy.

Good luck.
 
I have a Spyderco Delica 4 and a Kershaw Leek that alternate pocket duty. Love both but it wouldn't bring me to tears if I lost one. I'd just replace it!
 
A bit out of your price range, but you can get a Benchmade Mini-Griptilian at A.G. Russell's site for $65+shipping. link

You might be able to find one a bit cheaper than that, but I really like my mini-grips.
 
Ah, I forgot. Bikerdoc makes an excellent suggestion: you may be able to find the US-made Spyderco Native for no more than $50. It's an excellent size and shape, quite sturdy, sharp, and in fact is one of my favorite all-time folders, and the one I've carried more than any other in the last 10 years! I have even used one during fire missions in Afghanistan.

John
 
Thanks, all!

I think I've decided to go with the Spyderco Dragonfly, which is small but should suit my needs. $36 from Amazon.com for the serrated model, $10 more for the plain blade, free shipping in either case.

Thoughts on/experience with the Spyderco Dragonfly, or strong feelings on plain vs. serrated?
 
The Dragonfly is an EXCELLENT, perhaps even superior choice. It's big enough to handle any reasonable daily tasks, but not too big. Great choice.

If you wanted to give a very nice, useful daily knife to someone, the Dragonfly should be one of the first to consider.

John
 
Yes

As tempting as it is to offer up another selection, I have to go with John on this one: the Dragonfly is a great little knife.

I have a Leek that fits pretty much all your requirements, except that I don't know how much punishment it would take, since I've never really abused it. Also, finding one for <$50 requires a bit of looking.

I don't currently own any of Spyderco's offerings, but my first two (when I get to it) will be the Native and Dragonfly. I really like how they feel in my hand, and the fit & finish is superb. Really solid pieces.

 
I'd recommend the Kershaw Skyline. I picked mine up for about $25. Mine rides in my pocket everyday.

http://www.kershawknives.com/productdetails.php?id=430&brand=kershaw

* Model Number: 1760
* SpeedSafe....No
* Index Opening....Yes
* Flipper....Yes
* Country Of Origin: United States
* Steel: Sandvik 14C28N stainless-steel w/stone-washed finish
* Handle: Textured G-10
* Blade Length: 3 1/8 in. (7.9 cm)
* Closed Length: 4 1/4 in. (10.8 cm)
* Weight: 2.3 oz.
* Lock...Locking Liner
* Includes a Reversible Pocket Clip
 
1660CB_2.jpg

My EDC is a Kershaw KO Leek composite. I must confess to using knives extremely hard (farmer) and this knife has been very rugged and, because of the composite blade structure, maintains a scary sharp edge. I really recommend this for EDC highly.
 
Dairy, how much is the composite?

unloved, read the replies. We have love for the Native (I have two, one of which I used in Afghanistan).

J
 
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