Seeking advice on an EDC knife

[SpartanZeroOne]

Hello folks - I'm looking for a quality EDC blade with a long handle (4.25 inches or more) but a shorter blade (3 inches or less). The only option I've found that roughly meets this criteria is the Spyderco Delica 4 - the Kahr arms edition especially, since the blade is shorter than the regular Delicas. Due to my local knife laws, we cannot have a large blade... but it seems like most knives with shorter blades also have a very short handle.

I did a Google search which did not turn up many options. I don't know much about knives, so I figured this would be the perfect place to post this question since I've gotten so much useful help and suggestions here over the years. Thanks in advance!

 

[ContinentalOp]

I'll start off by saying that I'm a big fan of the Spyderco Delica, and have 2 of them. I've been wanting to get the Kahr model for the 2.5" blade, or possibly having the blade on one of my Delicas shortened and reshaped to 2.5". I don't think you can go wrong with the Delica.

I don't know if it's still available, but I know Emerson made a knife with a sub-3" blade and a full size handle. I think it was called the Snubby. Emerson's can be pricey, though.

Do you have a budget in mind? What kind of tasks do you think you'll need it for? That can help refine the search.

 

[buckyjames1]

Yeap...budget is pretty much determining facto in blades:

1. for an inexpensive no frills edc, I have carried the CRKT M16 for quite a while, does everything a smaller folder is meant to do and is pretty inexpensive. M16 line comes in all kinds of configurations.

2. I would argue its hard to beat a spyderco for cost vs quality. Inexpensive, descent quality, lots of configurations and a blade size for about every state. For a smaller blade, check out the dragonfly line.

3. I bought a Zero Tolerance 301 a while back. Big, Heavy, Strong. but surprisingly, I find that it doesn't hold an edge very well.

 

[Flattop5]

You'd be surprised how many knives: 1) won't hold an edge very well; or 2) are way too hard to sharpen.

A high-carbon steel (not stainless steel) blade is, in my opinion, the best blade. I base that opinion on years of experience. Easy to sharpen, yet holds an edge very well. (Granted, I own stainless knives also, but my preference is high-carbon blades).



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[Mister X]

No need to go with Janich/Kahr Delica since the standard model has a blade under 3". I would think it would be fine unless you have really big hands. The Kahr model was designed for areas with laws mandating a blade under 2.5" like Chicago.

A shortened Endura is another option. The Janich Endura is 3.5", but you could always just grind your own.

 

[kwselke]

I have several Delica 4s. The blades are a bit under 3" on all of mine. I believe the handles are right at 4.25". The Delica is a light weight well made knife, and is not overly expensive. The one I'm carrying today and most days was bought in December 2009 and just got back from Spyderco for a free complementary sharpening. I have removed the pocket clip and let it ride in my pocket with my keys and coins. I like the combo edge for utility, but also have the fully serrated Spyderedge model, a full flat grind VG-10, and a full flat grind ZDP-189 model. The more I carry a Delica the more I like the model.

 

[Mister X]

The standard Delica actually does meet your requirements perfectly... Delica(R) 4 Lightweight Black - Spyderco, Inc.

Blade length: 2.875"

Closed length(handle length): 4.25"

 

[BAM-BAM]

Got a Benchmade North Fork......about 6 months ago blade is a <3 and the handle is 4.2...... drop point and wood scales so really non-tactical look.

 

[Mexican Kerry]

I've never owned a Spyderco but have only heard good things about them. If you want other suggestions before you buy, I've got a couple Benchmade folders that serve me well. I've mentioned them both here before, and they continue to impress me. One is the Volli, an assisted opener with a closed length of 4.5" and a blade length of 3". The other is a Grizzly Creek, manual opener of roughly the same size but a 3.25" blade. Both have an s30V blade which I'm really happy with. I use one or the other daily, and sharpening is rarely necessary.

 

[Flattop5]

Here is a great old carbon steel knife: a Schrade Sharpfinger, made in USA (but now they might be made overseas). I carried one for years.

Vintage Old Timer 7 1/8 Schrade Usa 152 Fixed Blade Sharpfinger Knife + Sheath! | What's it worth



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[BAM-BAM]

The other is a Grizzly Creek, manual opener of roughly the same size but a 3.25" blade. Both have an s30V blade which I'm really happy with. I use one or the other daily, and sharpening is rarely necessary.

The North fork is a shorter version 2.9" blade of the Grizzly Creek pictured...^^^^^^

sorry typo ...... not 3.9...2.9"

 

[Mexican Kerry]

Ahh, that may be more appropriate if blade legality is a concern. I just looked at the Benchmade site, I need to check my facts before posting in the future.

The Volli is listed with a 3.26" blade, and the GC is a 3.5".

 

[garddogg56]

Delicate 4 put 20degree edge on the VG-10 you'll have a great and hair shaving sharp knife

 

[mauser9]

Usually pack a Sog Trident Tanto with a blade about 3.75 inches. Spring assist with Aus-8 steel. Other is a rugged Buck Alpha folder with a 3.5 inch blade. Great too for hunting/ skinning. Just a suggestion

 

[jimmyj]

A Barlow four blade boy scout knife. (none of the four blades are sharp as I might cut myself)

 

[Kanewpadle]

I'm partial to Benchmade. I've owned several.
Benchmade Mini-Barrage Family

Four inches closed. 2.91 inch blade. Assisted opening. Strongest lock made.

Have one in my pocket now with an S30V blade. I have large hands and there is plenty to hold on too.

 

[Marshwheeling]

The knife that first comes to mind is a Case seahorse whittler. Handle is 4.0", a little under your spec. The main blade is a nifty 2 3/8" Wharncliffe with a 1 1/2" coping blade on the other, and a similarly sized pen blade.

My photo fu is weak tonight, but I gave Conchita one of these in smooth persimmon orange bone. It is stunning. She reciprocated by giving me the same pattern in walnut jigged bone with lined bolsters. Here is a stock picture which doesn't do the knife justice, but at least you can see what it looks like:

This is a slipjoint knife with no tactical application whatever, but it is more than up to the demands of an EDC knife.

For a modern one-hand opener, I am partial to the Mini Barrage as well.

 

[mustangman]

I carry an Ontario RAT2. 3 inch flat ground drop point AUS-8 blade, with 4 inch linerlock handle.
Won't win any beauty pageants, but a really nice knife in the 20-30 dollar range.

 

[Farmer17]

I have around 25 knives of all shapes and sizes but for an EDC knife its pretty hard to beat a Kershaw to me. An OSO Sweet or a Brawler fits your descripition though they might be a hair big, they are pretty slim and easy to carry and I like assisted opening. Best of all they are cheap at around 25 bucks. I have had about every kind of knife including Spydercos and admit that they and especially Benchmade, might have a tiny bit better steel but they will still need to be sharpened occasionally just like any other knife.

 

[crem1n0le]

Smith and Wesson makes some nice knives