Small Knives

Bogardan · #1

Hello from a newbie.

I've been looking around for a knife recently, and found Spyderco products to be highly reccommended. I browsed the catalogue and was all set to pick up an Endura when I decided to check out the knife laws in my home state (California).

I'm heading off to college next year, and it turns out there are some fairly Draconian laws for people on college campuses. It turns out that if I "bring or possess any dirk, dagger, ice pick, or knife having a fixed blade longer than 2 1/2 inches upon the grounds of, or within, any private university, the University of California, the California State University, or the California Community Colleges is guilty of a public offense, punishable by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year, or by imprisonment in the state prison."

I'm pretty sure that disqualifires the Endura, so what would you guys reccommend in its place? Or would the Endura still be legal?

dsvirsky · #2

The Endura is neither a dirk, dagger, ice pick, or fixed blade knife. Nor is any other Spyderco folder. You will not be breaking any state laws carrying it while on your college campus. Campus policy may be more restrictive, though.

In the old days (early '70's) I carried a Buck 110 on my belt while at SFSU. These days, I would advise a more discreet approach.

Dave

dsvirsky · #3

double post

Dave

Edited by - dsvirsky on 4/28/2001 10:01:51 PM

tortoise · #4

Search here and at bladeforums' Spyderco forum for threads on the Mouse. My all-time, absolute, hands-down, no apologies favorite small knife. You shouldn't raise any eyebrows with one of these, and you won't come up short in the matter separation department.

#5

Hi Bogarden. Welcome to the Spyderco forum.

Schools are pretty serious about "weapons" these days so I would not recommend an Endura.

The length of 2.5" would be measured from the "hilt" or end of the handle to the tip of the opened blade.

I would suggest one of the smaller models.

Navigator, Mouse (available from Tim Wegner), Cricket, CoPilot, Dragonfly, Dyad jr, Ladybug, Toad.

sal

vampyrewolf · #6

I was suspended last easter for having my Delica at school. I searched for a knife I could use at work for boxes, and still use all day at school... I got a Ladybug.
The same design as the endura/delica line, only smaller.

copilotboy · #7

Take it from another newbie, spyderco's arew awesome!! My question was similar to yours, but i'm not in college. My first and only spyderco knife is a copilot which just arrived about two weeks ago. It's my new favorite knife. If you have the money, you might want to spring for the Mouse knife. However, I'm assuming you'll have the average college budget, so the copilot if definitely a great buy for the money!!Buy one and you'll see the difference.

mundele · #8

Hey... I'd like to recommend the new Navigator with the slotted Almite gunmetal blue scales. It is such a nice little knife! You'll find yourself forgetting that it's little...

--Matt

Tom Percy · #9

The G10 navigator and Pegasus are great little knives, but are both on the endangered (discontinued) list.
I have not been disappointed by any of Spyderco's small knives. They may be small in size but big in performance.

mrb · #10

I have an Endura II serated edge - a great knife, but too much "presence" for me to feel comfortable using it "in public" - great for camping etc.

My Dragonfly II is almost perfect for my daily needs - the stainless body has ample weight to open with a quick wrist flick. It is discreet and classy looking, IMHO.

I would LOVE it if it were a tip down knife.
(How about another option Sal ;-))

Bogardan · #11

I think I'm going to end up getting a navigator, but I have one question. I have fairly large hands, and I'm a bit afraid of these big old meathooks not being able to control a knife that small.

Anyone out there have any experiences with this knife and big hands?

mrb · #12

I'm 6'2", probably bigger than average hands - the Dragonfly felt a bit small to open initially, compared to my Delica and Hunter (now obselete - but was a bit like a stainless body Pro Venator), but I became accustomed to the smaller size very quickly, and am very comfortable with it now.

Clay Kesting · #13

Bogarden,

I have fairly large hands and have no problems with the Navigator. The handle is designed in such a way that it really locks into your hand. I'm always surprised at how "big" it feels.

Clay

Don't worry that the world might end tomorrow, in Australia it's tomorrow already.

Edited by - Clay Kesting on 5/2/2001 8:09:24 PM

#14

Hi MRB. Welcome to the Spyderco forum.

sal

copilotboy · #15

My huge hands have no problems finding a hold on the copilot. I'm only about 5" 9', but my hands are about 9 inches long. I would recommend the copilot to any large-handed person.

Jazzman · #16

I just bought an almite navigator this morn. this little knife just rocks. no contest!
Good luck,
Matt

Blades · #17

PEGASUS!! get one while you can!! <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
The Calypso Jr.'s are nice little knives also.

Blades

Bogardan · #18

Just one more question. What are your guys opinions of almite vs. G-10 handles?

vampyrewolf · #19

Almite is better for show and *wow*, but G-10 is a better all-around material.

For an EDC, I would get another Almite, but for utility and camping, I'd get a g-10 military.

Jazzman · #20

Hmm. I think that on a heavy duty knife, G10 is best. I have two almite knives, the Toad and the Navigator. Almite is extremely light and looks cool to boot. Some people complain that it is too slippery, but with the Navigator, the slots in the handle help alot.
Good Luck,
Matt