Need Suggestions on good locking folder under 3"

[Cypher]

Hey guys, I'm looking for a good locking folder with a blade under 3" that could be used as a self defense blade if needed so it needs a thumb stud or a hole to assist with opening, but not something spring assisted.

I'm trying to keep the price around $30 but could get closer to $50 if needed.

I am looking at some Spyderco's and have never owned one but how does the thumb hole work and are they loose enough to flip open with out using the thumb hole?

I probably prefer a plain blade to make it easier to sharpen or is there a big benefit to a serrated edge?

[Integratedj]

Benchmade mini griptillian. I refuse to carry a folder without their axis lock system on it. It's the best and safest lock I've found. I beat the hell out of one trying to make it fail and couldn't.
You can occasionally find them on amazon.com in your price range.
My wife carries one and I steal it all the time.

Other than that, look at kershaw.

In a knife that small there is no need for serrations.
I personally don't like how spyderco's feel in my hand, though they are decent quality for the money. I've had that style lock fail so many times and have cut the hell out of myself in the process that I won't buy liner or spine locked blades anymore.

[cevulirn]

http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=SP136GP

Closest I could think of to what you are looking for.

[Cypher]

What type of failures did you have? Was is because the mechanism failed or your hand released it as you were gripping the knife. The Mini Griptillian looks pretty good too.

[Richard Simmons]

Spyderco, Kershaw, Benchmade and Buck are brands that I would suggest. The Benchmade Axis lock will/can allow you to flip open the blade without using the thumbstuds. A liner lock generally won't unless the pivot is loose and then you'll probably have blade play.

IMHO, in any given situation, you're better off opening a folder postively and fully, regardless of the lock type to ensure full engagment the way in which it was designed to opened. In a lot of instances "flicking" a knife open can accelerate wear on the locking mechanism, more so with some lock designs than others.

As far as what you're looking for as mentioned the Spyderco Persistence and Benchmade Mini-Griptilian are both good, solid performers.

The Buck Vantage series is one you might consider as well. They offer a cuople of different steel and handle options at various price points and of coure come with a lifetime warranty. You can probably find the two below from WalMart or online dealers for a good bit less then the retail price listed on Buck's website.

http://www.buckknives.com/index.cfm?event=product.detail&productID=3732

http://www.buckknives.com/index.cfm?event=product.detail&productID=3733

[Cypher]

Thanks, these all look like good options. One reason I am looking for something like this is for when I travel to cities with more strict laws. Could something like the Axis Lock be a problem in a state with more strict laws regarding assisted opening and that type of thing?

[Richard Simmons]

It's really hard to pin down specific knife laws to individual states since some are kind of vague or open to interpretation by law enforcement. I would suggest using this as a guide as well as checking laws and or codes or specific states and cities prior to traveling through or visiting.

http://home.netcom.com/~brlevine/sta-law.htm

Here's more options.
http://handgunlaw.us/documents/USKnife.pdf

http://www.knifelawsonline.com/knifehome/

http://www.scribd.com/doc/46700767/United-States-Knife-Laws

[Cypher]

I ended up getting a plain edge tanto style Mini Griptilian. I got it on sale at a local store so I'm happy with it. It seems really well made.

One thing I wonder though is do you have to use the special Benchmade bit to move the pocket clip or has anyone used a small hex or star bit to get it working? I'm at work now so I can't really test out my bits but I may pick one up at Home Depot or something if another size will fit.

[Richard Simmons]

Should be a Torx T6 bit for the clip screws and I think a T8 for the pivot.

Benchmade just says it's a "six lobe" torx in either 6, 8 or 10

http://www.benchmade.com/company/faq.aspx#p6