ISO High Quality Small Pocket Knife <2 1/2" blade

[Tawn]

I have had it with Made in China, won't stay sharp, pocket knives.

I carry one everyday but it has to have a blade less than about 2 1/2" to be legal in the Federal Building I work in. There is a little bit of wiggle room with the 2 1/2" as well. Security has told me I am good as long as it is "close to 2 1/2"".

Currently carrying a $25 Gerber Kettlebell Compact. I have had it repeatedly professionally sharpened by the knife shop that maintains my businesses filet knifes but it just won't stay sharp. All I am using it for is cutting packing tape on a few boxes and opening mail.

I am now looking for a price is no object, high quality pocket knife - I really don't care what it costs as long as it is nice and holds an edge.

Must have a pocket clip.

Any recommendations would be appreciated.

 

[M6erfan]

I'm assuming you need a folding knife?

I'd browse the Benchmade, Spyderco, and Al Mar websites. Lot's of options, all those makers offer really nice knives.

For fixed blade take a look at ESEE knives too

 

[JBradley500]

Spyderco dragonfly 2 is awesome. I have big hands and it’s still super comfortable. It’s also really light. I have the g10 and zdp189 versions. I want the serrated h1 version too.

 

[neophyte]

Have you considered a Swiss army knife?
Victorinox doesn’t use any of the new specialty steels, but
the knives sharpen easily,
are relatively affordable,
are made in Switzerland,
And pretty much a world standard.

Also, most Victorinox knives are seen as generic utility pocket knives rather than weapons, so there’s likely to be less of a problem with that issue.
Some knives currently have pocket clips.

 

[M6erfan]

Spyderco dragonfly 2 is awesome. I have big hands and it’s still super comfortable. It’s also really light. I have the g10 and zdp189 versions. I want the serrated h1 version too.

+1, and their V-Toku2 steel is very nice

 

[nelstomlinson]

My family has several Benchmades. They're good.

 

[alexb2000]

+2 on the Spyderco Dragonfly. I have the HAP40 (steel) version with a burnt orange handle that I had to get from Italy. It has been the best knife I've ever had by far.

 

[Tawn]

Thanks guys - just ordered a Spyderco Drgaonfly 2 Saltwater in yellow and allegedly rust-proof.

2 1/4" blade so it is legal to carry at work.

I got it with the Spyderedge (serrated edge). Figured it would hold up better for cutting up the wife's endless stream of Amazon boxes which is what I will end up using it for the most.

I got the yellow for the same reason I buy Dewalt tools - I can find it easier when I lay it down.

I really wanted made in the USA - this model is made in Japan, but I figured when it comes to knives, Japanese wasn't a bad thing.

Amazon had it cheaper but there was feedback about people receiving fakes - I paid extra, ordered it directly from Spyderco but I won't have to worry about getting a knock-off.

 

[M6erfan]

I have that H1 steel in a Spyderco serrated Salt. I don'EDC it but it's a nice blade.

 

[Lucid Moments]

I am a big fan of Columbia River Knife and Tool (CRKT). Have had a couple of good knives from there.

 

[ken w.]

Cardboard is pretty harsh on a blade and put some tape glue in with it and they can get dull quickly. I haven't found any blade that keeps a good edge with cardboard. I carry a carton cutter and replace the blade @ once a week.

 

[mdog892001]

Sog twitch 2 I love them but I always seem to lose them


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[AmericanBlood]

The Kershaw Launch 4 might be a good way to go, if you are allowed autos. I've never used one myself, but I've read good things. The cpm-154 steel is a reliable USA made steel, and I personally prefer it. USA made and reliable knife and materials.

 

[AmericanBlood]

I would also like to mention that blade forums would be a good place to ask for advice as well.

 

[Danglerb]

For your use Ace and others sell a mini box cutter, right tool for the job, and they cost about $59 cents from time to time.

 

[Bubba Fett]

Cardboard is pretty harsh on a blade and put some tape glue in with it and they can get dull quickly. I haven't found any blade that keeps a good edge with cardboard. I carry a carton cutter and replace the blade @ once a week.

Yep. For cardboard boxes, it is better to use a utility knife with replaceable or break-away blades. A good one will work better than any folding knife.

 

[Tawn]

I guess I misspoke. Not cutting up boxes so much as cutting the tape so I can fold them up and get them in the trash can. I do have a utility knife handy in the garage as well. This knife is for everyday / everywhere carry.

 

[Danglerb]

49 cents before 20% off coupon, and you get a free item.

 

[BlackLS2]

I went on a mega search a few years back.

SOG Salute Mini is a great knife, and was my winner, 3.1 blade, excellent clip, spine lock, $25 on Amazon.

Second was the Benchmade Mini Griptillian, which is way nice, but $100, and the side covers have a strange hollow feel. I bought 4 of the SOGs instead.

Boxcutter for significant cardboard as others have said. Walmart sells a very nice Sheffield folding box cutter with replaceable blades, and wood sides, for about $12. The Workpro folding wood boxcutter is $17, but very nice on Amazon.

Gerber makes a decent micro lockblade that works when loose in the pocket with coins; they have one in their regular line, or the Bear Grylls Compact Scout is psudo rubberized with spine lock so easy to hang onto...they both require sharpening right out of the box.

 

[thebeekeeper1]

This is what I carry--and love:

https://www.americanedgeknives.com/kershaw-4350-whiskey-river-folder-rosewood/

 

[exmaxima1]

Thanks guys - just ordered a Spyderco Drgaonfly 2 Saltwater in yellow and allegedly rust-proof.

You found a really nice knife that is very handy to use---the "Spydie hole" will quickly grow on you. That said, I think you will find H1 steel to be very low for edge retention. It will sharpen to a razor edge, but will dull quicker than most other steels that Spyderco offers. That knife has a ZDP-189 option which will hold a good working edge for MUCH longer.

 

[welder4956]

I am a big fan of Columbia River Knife and Tool (CRKT). Have had a couple of good knives from there.

Ditto. A good selection of different styles and very good quality.

https://www.crkt.com/

 

[JBradley500]

You found a really nice knife that is very handy to use---the "Spydie hole" will quickly grow on you. That said, I think you will find H1 steel to be very low for edge retention. It will sharpen to a razor edge, but will dull quicker than most other steels that Spyderco offers. That knife has a ZDP-189 option which will hold a good working edge for MUCH longer.

The serrated h1 is a lot harder than plain edge due to what most people refer to as work hardened from the grinders that puts the teeth in. It is pretty good for edge retention.

 

[byoungblood]

I love my Kershaws for EDC. Better quality knives at a price where you’re not going to kick yourself in the *** if you lose it. As much as I’d love a Benchmade I’ve had enough knives disappear on me in the past that I just don’t trust myself with a $200 knife, regardless of how nice it is.

 

[M6erfan]

You found a really nice knife that is very handy to use---the "Spydie hole" will quickly grow on you. That said, I think you will find H1 steel to be very low for edge retention. It will sharpen to a razor edge, but will dull quicker than most other steels that Spyderco offers. That knife has a ZDP-189 option which will hold a good working edge for MUCH longer.

Is that much of a concern in the serrated Spyder Edge? I've had a Salt H1 serrated for over 5 years and I've never sharpened it. Still very very sharp. Of course, like I said earlier, I don't EDC my Salt or use it all that often. It's specifically my fishing knife.

 

[Retroman]

Look for something with S90V, M390, S35VN, S110V These are a few of the newer super steels all have excellent edge retention. There are lots of great companies making knifes with the super steels including some highly respected Chinese companies. Look at ZT, WE, Reate, Spyderco and yes Bladeforums will be a great resource. You will also need to learn to sharpen your knife and that will require a system and or diamond plates regular stones won't touch these steels. Be careful you are getting ready to head down a Rabbit hole.

 

[exmaxima1]

The serrated h1 is a lot harder than plain edge due to what most people refer to as work hardened from the grinders that puts the teeth in. It is pretty good for edge retention.

That would surprise me since the teeth would have been ground under coolant so no heat buildup. And several videos have tried to duplicate that "work hardening" on H1 steel (using plain blades) but could not verify that effect.

But even if it did get a tad harder ("alot" would be a stretch), the H1 alloy has low carbides so it still wears very easily. Its forte is being non-corrosive in saltwater. There are numerous high-carbide steels that would go far longer between sharpenings, but I believe that the Dragonfly only has a ZDP-189 option for that type. I have a Stretch in ZDP, and it goes 3-4 longer for me than VG-10 (Spydie), 154CM (Benchmade), or even S30V (Spydie, although Buck makes a better S30V). Best would be M4 or M390 steels for edge retention in my experience.

 

[Ledaku]

I've been carrying a Kershaw Scallion for years. 2.25 inch blade. I love that knife.

Sent from my XT1030 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Robinson1]

Opinel #5 has a 2 3/8" blade costs $12. Very easy to sharpen and will take a razor edge. Also very non threatening. It would be among my top choices for an environment like you describe and if for some reason the guards decide you don't need it you're not out much money.

 

[jfleisher]

Kershaw Reverb. 2.5", been EDC one at work for about 2 years. Sharpen it every month or so.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XQRXM8M/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Tawn]

Showed up today.

Overall I am happy with it - its as sharp as ****!!!

It is a little smaller and a lot lighter than I was expecting.
I can't complain about the size - I am limited to 2 1/2" blade due to restrictions of the building I work in.

Im not really a fan of the wire pocket clip - I'd prefer a solid piece like my Gerber knife but I may get used to it.

I may end up ordering a Salt 1 or Pacific Salt, both of which are just a little bigger and have a blade a little over my 2 1/2" limit.