Hello, I am just learning more about pocket knives as I suddenly developed an interest in them recently after trying to get one and finding it fell very short of expectations (some cheap Gerber?). I replaced it with a civivi element 2 and have been loving it, but the original buy was meant for my wife and I don't think that the element will fit their needs. Here are their list of needs:
- The main usage of the knife would be related to their ecological research, so mostly removing bark or cutting twigs for analysis. They also camp, but we do that together so we have the element 2 on hand for anything "heavier", but something to cut through paracord or other fine material. I don't know how this would impact the blade metal type, but expect saps and other organic stickies)
- She has small, weak little hands, so tall knives (>0.75") seem to be out of the question for comfortable handling
- 3" seems huge and unweildy to them. I'd think something in the 1-2 range would be more than enough I think?
- They are still uncomfortable with blades (again, bad experience with their first getting stuck open because of lack of hand strength), so something where their thumb isnt in the way of the blade while closing is a requirement of theirs (slide locks and buttons were okayed, back lock was acceptable). One handed opening is also preferred, as they may only have one hand to work with and, again, weak hands.
And, the kicker, they don't want to spend a lot of money on it (<$100 pretax).
What options could we be looking at?
PS were in VA, so I'm unsure if they can have an automatic (or assisted?) knife, but if it is an option I'd be down to get one/ask more questions about those.
Kershaw, Ken Onion Leek is a great knife for the money, and I think it perfectly fits your criteria.
Edit: I just saw your comment about the locking mechanism. In that case you're going to want a Benchmade Mini Griptilian, for their axis-lock, but it's $50 over your budget, instead of being $50 under. I'd suggest just teaching them how to use a thumb lock, since that is the most common type of lock on good knives.
Edit 2: if you're cool with it being a belt knife instead of a folding knife, then the Morakniv Carbon is an amazing knife considering it only costs $15.
Seconding the Leek. It and the Chive are great little knives.
Re: The Morakniv Carbon. Incoming obligatory "aktchully..."
I generally recommend the Cold Steel Finn Hawk to people over the basic Moraknivs, despite the mall ninja connotations of the brand. I own one and have extensively handled both -- The Hawk is actually better built with in my opinion an nicer handle shape and feel, and it is 4116 stainless steel which should be effectively maintenance free which is important especially for people who are knife newbies.
It is, however, $10 more.
That seems like a solid choice.
I second the mini griptilian. You can’t beat Benchmade quality until you get to $500 Chris Reeves or similar. It will last a lifetime with proper care and Benchmade after-care and customer service is incredible
You can find mini grips for $110 for less popular colors/blade profiles, and if you keep your eyes peeled, they go for under $100 multiple times a year.
I think you can beat Benchmade quality with ZeroTolerance, which is less than the Chris Reeves, but that's still adding yet another Benjamin on top of the already over-budget price tag. That's why I didn't recommend a ZT knife, which I think is the perfect balance of outstanding quality, at a reasonable price. Benchmade makes great knives, but their QC isn't the best. A lot of people recommend you only buy Benchmade in person, so that you can verify the build is correct. It's not uncommon for their blades to be off-center when closed and a few other minor QC issues. But when you get a good one, it's a super solid knife for the price