tactical folder recommendations (under 3" blade)

tf8s

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I need a smaller (3" blade or under) folder due to local restrictions. I'm looking to spend around $150, but would probably pay a small amount if necessary.does anyone have good recommendations?

I'm a lefty. I can quickly deploy knives with my off-hand, but would prefer a blade that has a swappable clip. I have no preference with regard to tip-up/tip-down carry.
 
If you like slipjoints go for one of the spyderco UKPK designs.
 
Take a look at spyderco caly 3, comes in regular version or souped up zdp189/carbon fiber version.

+1, I'd go with the G-10 handle, awesome grip. I hear the carbon fiber is slippery when wet
 
im a fan of the emerson snubby. its a 2.7" blade with a full size handle. very very nice feel to it and you can find it with google for about $130

the emerson mini a100 is also a very nice knife. it s a 3" blade and can be found for around $105

both are built like tanks
 
The Spyderco Caly 3 is an excellent choice. It has a ambidexterois clip and the lock can be unlocked easily with either hand.
 
Not sure if the OP is still around, but the Benchmade Mini-Griptilian is a pretty good small knife. I also have a Benchmade 707 Sequel which I quite like. It's like a more refined Mini-Griptilian with a slightly thinner profile, Al handles, and doesn't rip up your jeans. I'm not sure if these are considered "tactical", but I think the Mini-Griptilian has a tanto version and the 707 comes in black. As in black ops.
 
i agree with the emerson w/ "wave". great tactical knife, plus fastest opener from pocket
 
Caly3/UK Pen Knife are some of my favorites but I wouldn't consider them to be tactical blades as much as the Sage 1 or 2, Military or Paramilitary. All made by Spyderco and all are great choices with the caly and uk being better slicers due to their thinness. The others mentioned have thicker blades and more robust designs that I associate more with a tactical knife. Hell I prefer the UK or Caly3 myself. I have a UK in my pocket right now along with a small sebenza.
 
im a fan of the emerson snubby. its a 2.7" blade with a full size handle. very very nice feel to it and you can find it with google for about $130

the emerson mini a100 is also a very nice knife. it s a 3" blade and can be found for around $105

both are built like tanks

This would be my choice as well. I believe you can send in a righty mini CQC-7 and they can make it a lefty for something like $20-$25.
 
I'd recommend the Spyderco Sage. It has a 3" blade, its Spyderhole makes it an ambi opener, and it has an ambi clip. It is a liner lock, so you may have to close it with your off hand, but if that is not a problem, it is in the price range that you are looking for (about $110 street price).
 
+1, I'd go with the G-10 handle, awesome grip. I hear the carbon fiber is slippery when wet

+3 on that. I have a caly 3 zdp189 carbon fiber and it's the best folder I've ever had for overall useability. It's beat all the benchmades, striders, and everything else I've had. And the carbon fiber scales aren't sliick when wet.
 
I need a smaller (3" blade or under) folder due to local restrictions. I'm looking to spend around $150, but would probably pay a small amount if necessary.does anyone have good recommendations?

I'm a lefty. I can quickly deploy knives with my off-hand, but would prefer a blade that has a swappable clip. I have no preference with regard to tip-up/tip-down carry.

The 3" blade or Under for me will be an EDC knife, i will vote for Benchmade 585 Mini Barrage or Mini-Nitrous Stryker
 
+3 on that. I have a caly 3 zdp189 carbon fiber and it's the best folder I've ever had for overall useability. It's beat all the benchmades, striders, and everything else I've had. And the carbon fiber scales aren't sliick when wet.

I have to agree that the caly3/ukpk are the best performance cutters I have seen. I just don't know id they're tough enough to be considered "Tactical". If if it were up to me I would chose a Caly 3 over the Sage knives ,but then again my needs usually don't require anything tougher than the Caly3.
 
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