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ender18d
11-09-2018, 21:22
My brother was kind enough to send me an Al Mar Mini SERE for my birthday to replace a Benchmade that had served me for a long while (issued to me when I got to Group) but went missing. I was touched by the thought and research he put into choosing that particular model as he's not a military type, so the connection would not have been obvious without real research.

So now with Christmas approaching, I thought that it might be nice to return the favor and select a fine EDC for him.

He is a chef in Chicago, so the first big issue is that the city has a 2.5" limit on blade length for "concealed" knives, which limits most of the obvious contenders. He is also a city-guy, so more looking at a "gentleman's" style than an outdoor or tactical knife.

Some options I've been looking at:

-Spyderco Dragonfly 2, probably G10 as I like the feel better but understand its not as sexy a steel. Most likely candidate checking most blocks. The limited edition with zdp-189 & nishijin would be nearly perfect, but $$$ and hard to find.

-Spyderco Lil Native, which has both G10 and sexy steel, US made, but form factor and handling more controversial than Dragonfly apparently

-Spartan Nymph, a little smaller than I was hoping for but seems very nice. Wish blade was closer to 2.5"

-William Henry Pikatti Ares, just about perfect but $$$

What else is out there that I should be looking at?

Criteria:
-Gentleman's Style
-Willing to consider lock vs slip
-Good quality cutting knife, he's a chef and knows sharp knives. VG10 or better.
-Don't love Spyderco FRN, prefer either G10, wood, or metal handle
-prefer as close to 2.5" as possible without going over.

Old Dog New Trick
11-09-2018, 21:47
I know we got some great knife makers here and they can probably show some of their best products. I thought I’d have a quick look for something nice but not too expensive.

https://www.coldsteel.com/micro-recon-1-tanto.html

https://www.coldsteel.com/micro-recon-1-spear-point.html

Both have a 2” blade.

So much more in 3” and 3.5” from so many companies. I love my BM folders and long ago accepted SpyderCo as utility knives that when they get dull I bought a new one.

doctom54
11-09-2018, 22:12
I really like my Kershaw Leek but it has a 3" blade.

The Kershaw Scallion has a2.25" blade https://kershaw.kaiusaltd.com/knives/knife/scallion

The CRKT Eros Compact is 2"
https://www.crkt.com/eros-flat-handle-compact.html

The Case Slimline Trapper is one of my favorites but a little over 3"
Having said that it is a very traditional looking and the jigged bone handles just reck class
https://www.casexx.com/Details/?ProductCode=65307&Patid=187

the Case Swayback Whancliffe is a heck of a knife
https://www.casexx.com/Details/?ProductCode=7018&Patid=190

for a small using knife I like the Wharncliffe style blades

JJ_BPK
11-10-2018, 05:39
He may have given you a hint..

Al Mar - I have carried two of Al's "gentlemen's blades" for over 30 yrs.

http://www.almarknives.com/product-category/e-d-c-every-day-carry-knives/

Like many things, the earlier models, because of who & where they were manufactured are sought-after by collectors.

The smaller is a Hawk and the larger is an Eagle Talon, I believe :munchin

Bill Harsey
11-11-2018, 08:29
Spyderco and Al Mar are always good choices.

Great to see the Al Mar knives posted!

Pro tip, be sure to bring up Cold Steel around the Spartan Blades guys.

I haven't made a knife with a 2.5 inch blade since kindergarten :D

JJ_BPK
11-11-2018, 10:30
Spyderco and Al Mar are always good choices.

Great to see the Al Mar knives posted!

Pro tip, be sure to bring up Cold Steel around the Spartan Blades guys.

I haven't made a knife with a 2.5 inch blade since kindergarten :D

Bill, you might want to dust off your old drawings

Seems like slip joint and "world knife" are all the rage these days :mad:

My current "world knife" is a SOG Micron 1 :(

ender18d
11-23-2018, 19:41
Grateful for the advice!

Went with the Mar Hawk... seems a fine knife, hope he likes it!

Bill Harsey
12-19-2018, 09:47
Speaking of smaller knives, this is the one I designed for Chris Reeve Knives, 3 inch blade slip joint.
https://www.sixtysixmag.com/chris-reeve-knives/

tonyz
12-19-2018, 12:25
Speaking of smaller knives, this is the one I designed for Chris Reeve Knives, 3 inch blade slip joint.
https://www.sixtysixmag.com/chris-reeve-knives/

Beautiful knife.

Looks like what my Umnumzaan might birth if it had a baby.

ender18d
01-08-2019, 17:26
Updating y'all:

Knife was a big hit!

So much to learn about knives I'm finding... sharpening in particular seems a real art and skill. I picked myself up an EdgePro Apex kit and am working on the knives I have so when I finally save up for the Spartan Harsey I won't destroy the fine work. :D