[wjv]

I have several knives. . . Nothing really fancy. Have a Spyderco delica 4, a Kershaw Cryo and a Ember, a Gerber Frisco Shiv, and a few others. Just picked up a Ontario Rat II (with a D2 blade). Someday I'd like to get a ZT 350.

I was in Cabelas a few days ago and wandered past their knife section. and I saw this knife.

Gerber Kettlebell

I really liked the design of the knife, but when I looked up the reviews on Amazon it was obvious that that this was not one of Gerber's better efforts and I was better off not buying it. As I mentioned, I have a Kershaw Ember, which is a good knife, but the handle is just too short to get any leverage when cutting. The Gerber seemed to have a better handle.

Can anybody here recommend a small knife with a wide ~2 inch blade that is also thick with a bit better/longer of a handle than the Ember. Also I'd like the blade to be D2 steel or BETTER. No AUS8.

A brief look using google/Amazon I found these:
CRKT Batum Compact/EDC
Cold Steel Tuff Lite
CRKT Pilar EDC

Any opinions on any of the above? Any other similar knives I should look at? I don't mind paying more and would be willing to go to $100 or even a bit over. I saw the Spyderco Burch Chubby but it's discontinued and the few that are available are $200+!! But if it was available I'd be tempted!

 

[glock1097]

Personally I like my ZT 350. But it’s kind of heavy and medium priced. Also economical and small is Kershaw Kryo.

 

[sciolist]

Modified GW in 0.178 INFI

 

[BC42]

Both Cold Steel Tuff Lite and CRKT Pilar are well regarded by most knife nuts. The Pilar can be had in various steels but I think the D2 version would be the best for the size, shape and usage (and price).

 

[elde]

Kizer Mini Sheepdog

 

[bdcochran]

Take a look at the Ontario Rat3 and Esee 3 knives. Also the Esee
IZULAH Izula

 

[syntaxerrorsix]

LT Wright's Lil Muk is about as close as I could find. It's not a folder however.

I've got the Camp Muk and this one that I use in the kitchen. Mine were made back when he was Blind Horse Knives.

https://www.dlttrading.com/lt-wright-lil-muk-3v-brown-burlap-micarta-matte-finish-226

 

[GlockPride]

Boker Ridgeback might be something to look at:
https://www.knifecenter.com/item/BO02BO060/boker-plus-ridgeback-fixed-blade-g10-handles

 

[wally1]

I have a Pilar and it is nice, but I have been spoiled by the various assisted opening knives.

 

[Krav Maglock]

Emerson Cqc14 is a good choice for a small blade/ full sized handle.

 

[cheygriz]

Look at the Syderco Manix2.
https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=418

 

[PatinAz]

Fixed blade? ESEE IZULA 2.

 

[BC42]

I think some of you guys missed the $100 max budget.

Another option would be a Ganzo knife. Very inexpensive (most under $30 on Amazon) and a wide variety. Most are 440C which isn't a bad steel but some of their newer offerings are in D2.

I have a Pilar and it is nice, but I have been spoiled by the various assisted opening knives.

I used to like assisted knives until I tried a Benchmade with Axis Lock.

 

[newglocker10mm]

Buck also makes one called a BuckLite. Skeletonized but it carries well. I carry mine when I just don’t feel like carrying a folder

 

[NAZG26]

izula

 

[syntaxerrorsix]

I didn't think the Izula really matched what the OP wanted but I'm gonna +1 it. I carry one every single day without fail.

 

[wjv]

Thanks for all the input!
Several of the knives I looked at had issues (inferior steel, poor locking mech).

Looking at a couple of the Spyderco options. .
But that Benchmade - Micro 756 looks REALLY nice. . But it's a bit over my $100 mark. . . By about $240!!!


Looking at the Spyderco Lil' Native, Chicago, Cat, and the Dragonfly II.

Thanks!

 

[hurley842002]

I really think the ZT0350 is your best bet, I’ve owned 2 and not paid over $100 for either, the key is buying used. My first 350 I paid $100 for, and it was NIB from a member of a local forum. I regretfully sold my first one, and recently picked up a well used but fully serviceable 350 for $80, the blade was dull, assisted opening weak, and the knife was dirty and gummed up, but knowing how tough these knives are, I knew it wouldn’t take much to get it back to full potential. I disassembled the knife and cleaned everything up, as well as had a professional put an edge back on it, really all I need to do is get a new spring for the assisted opening, but it still functions reasonably well. I really don’t think a nicer more durable knife can be bought for the price of a ZT especially the 350.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[wjv]

hurley, Thanks for the idea. That's not a bad approach.
One thing I like about Kershaws/ZT is that I live ~15 miles from the factory service center and can walk in and have them sharpen or fix any of their knives for free.

Have an older Kershaw Scallion that had the safety lock on it. Eventually the lock broke. Walked into the service center and walked out 30 minutes later with a fixed and sharpened knife!

 

[tuica]

Wish I could help, but my other addiction is “rather expensive” Bussekin blades. You don’t know of Busse Combat Knives in Waseon, Ohio? Then do your wallet, credit card, and future financial health a favor and forget you ever heard of Busse Combat.

From someone way past the point of no return. PS - The GW pictured above stands for the Busse Game Warden.