I'd like one that's in line with my sense of knife aesthetics and not with the European knife law. One to wear wherever I can. Here's a list of absolutely mandatory things it must fulfill: 1. Blade length about 3"-3,5" - it should sit comfortably within a jeans pocket. 2. Deep Deep Carry clip. One of those where only the clip sticks out (if that's available in the aftermarket, I'd be happy to purchase knife and clip seperately). 3. Front and back must be made of the same material. I can't abide a titanium back and a G10 front. 4. Opening must be a smooth operation. Some kind of flipper would be nice. 5. It must be 'Use a hammer to drive it into a tree and then stand on it' sturdy. 6. Some nice steel for the blade - something equal to or better than S35V. 7. I don't really care about the nature of the locking mechanism - it must be well made. Please do not recommend anything that's not in line with these seven points. My budget is not exactly limited, but I don't want to spend crazy money.
Giantmouse Sonoma version 1. They just came out with a deep carry clip for it from my S-A-M-S-U-N-G S9+ via T-A-P-A-T-A-L-K
A Zero Tolerance 0562TI It would be at the large limit of your size range, so it does feel a little big in the pocket, but it meets all of your criteria.
Not a big fan of flippers, but knives can be smooth still. Spyderco Shaman Spyderco Manix 2 CRK Sebenza / Umnumzaan Benchmade Adamas Blade length - check Deep carry - checkish. Aftermarket deep carry clips readily available for all models Steel - check. If S30V isn’t nice enough, both Spyderco’s regularly have sprints in fancy steels Same material front and back - check my Manix 2 in Rex45 with MXG clip My Sebenza with Lynch clip
^^^ This was the first knife that popped into my mind, but it is over 3.5" in blade length. ^^^ There may be an Emerson or two that meets the criteria. Emersons are very tough. Not much else I like about them, but the ones I've had have been durable. ZT's are tough, the 350 could be a 3.25" workhorse with a flip feature, but you'd need to source a deep carry clip. The guys at Cold Steel seem to like to stand on their knives--they probably make something in the 3" - 3.5" range. I wouldn't hammer my Umnumzaan into a tree. Nor would I hammer my Manix 2 into a tree (Even though I'm not crazy about the Manix 2.). If I needed to hammer a knife into a tree, it would be whatever my soon-to-be-ex-buddy was carrying.
Sorry, it was late. I meant the mini adamas, of course. https://www.benchmade.com/mini-adamas-family.html
I would have suggested Cold Steel for you but their thumb studs are usually bigger than the blade length you're seeking.
yeah, both ZT and Demko came to mind when reading the requirements, but both fall short on a point or two. I haven’t seen a lot of deep carry clips for either. And the only Demko in the size range (AD20.5) doesn’t really come in a nice steel.
I was looking around a bit myself and I really like the Looks of the Civivi Elementum flipper, but that only comes in D2.
Throwing in Buck Vantage Pro, I wanted it a couple of years ago but never got around to handling one in person, so can't vouch it meets your requirement no. 5.
5. It must be 'Use a hammer to drive it into a tree and then stand on it' sturdy. I've never hammered a knife in a tree so I can't recommend anything.
As a value choice I would throw in a Benchmade Griptillian in D2 which sharpens up wicked sharp easily and holds an edge nicely. I prefer it now to S30V for most things. if you want blade toughness choose the sheepsfoot pattern rather than the traditional drop point. they sell a deep carry clip separately as you require.
