I am ‘casually’ looking for a 3” knife with assisted opening and am turning to the expertise fellow BLFers.
Why BLF and not a knife forum? I don’t know a ton about knives and from some of the threads I have read they have the ‘feel’ of some other flashlight forums when it comes to brand names… That and I’ve come to understand and trust many BLFers when it comes to quality…
So I am looking for suggestions for something with the look of a gentlemen’s folder, but not so gentlemanly…
I was looking at the CRKT delegate, but am not sure of the quality from what I have read… (CRKT apparently used to make great knives? the newer stuff not so good?)
If I didn’t have to choose and just could… The Benchmade Emissary is stunning!!
I also love the look of damascus (assisted (doubt it) or not) though it may not be as functional, but would like any suggestions for this as well….
CRKT Ignitor is a good solid assisted blade. The tortion bar assist is really strong and fast. Very EDC-able looking. It comes in several versions Green/Black grips, all black grips, satin or black blade and partial Veff serrations. If you look around, you can find them pretty cheap. I have quite a few assisted openers in many price ranges. I'm not really sure what your parameters are. Nice knif though. I have two of them.
CRKT Hissatsu 2 folder. A little different. Fast as lightning and wicked sharp. An unusual tanto style blade that come halfway down the length of the knife. The grips are micarta (which I love). Quite compact for the pocket. I was really surprised when CRKT came out with this folder. It is über cool. I might pick up another with partial Veff serrations. I'm not big on partially serrated blades, but the Veffs in combo with this blade look absolutely wicked.
Chloe! How do you know about a Volcan Coronado? Another little beauty that is a well kept secret. Another knife I liked so much, I bought two. I would call it an “assisted scalpel”.
You would love my Bob Lum Chinese Folder. A special 200 piece run with pink G10 scales auctioned for breast cancer. My blade is No.2 of 200. I can’t believe I got it
Oh, they look lovely! Have you heard of the Shilin Cutter, a traditional Chinese folding knife with the leaf blade that inspired many Spyderco knives? I would love to get one!!
Those are beautiful. Those blade shapes are why Bob Lum (Rest his soul) has been one of my favorite knife designers. If I could only keep one of my knives, it would be the “mini dejavoo”.
Thanks for all the great suggestions and ideas! This gives me some ‘other ideas’…. lol!
All the Kershaw’s are great… I keep gravitating towards the Leek… I really like the sleek shape
@Chloe - the ‘gentlemanly’ look is exactly what I am looking for (for the moment)… and the idea of them being ‘objects of beauty’ is also how I see them…
I’ve started to drift over to looking at Mcusta’s as well, though none are budget (that I know of).
The Shilin knives are kinda neat… do they come from the Shilin area in China? I went there a few years ago… had a chance to see the Stone Forest… amazing!
Keep the ideas coming!! (Anyway wood/damascus suggestions?… maybe not as ‘budget’ anymore, but my b-days coming up in a few months… lol!)
I just picked up a kershaw leek. The speedsafe is absolutely awesome, the knife comes hair splitting sharp, it is light and slim for pocket carry and is probably my new favourite edc. Highly recommended. And it comes in a few different colours too!
It’s not really a flipper. It’s spring assisted. Just barely touch the ” flipper” and the spring takes over and the blade comes flying out. It’s fast, it’s sharp, it’s small and very sweet.
