Highest quality mini keychain folding knife you know?

[TCGB]

Hi everyone,

Looking for a folding knife to put on my keys - I dont know alot about knives but I need to get one because I think it will come in handy.

Obviously im looking for something very high quality and to be honest I dont know where to start so if you could give me some ideas that would be great

Idealy the smaller the better as it doesnt need to be big, prefer to it to be as small as my keys if possible and extremely durable to bumps and knocks.

(cost isnt an issue so hit me with the best!)

[ari6126]

I would guess one of the Spyderco Ladybugs. There are different version depending on blade steel and scale material.

[thebullfrog]

^^ my first thought as well^^

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Yeah the Ladybird is probably your best bet, having said that I used to edc a Gerber Ultralight LST Knife and that thing was bloody bombproof

[nuphoria]

If you want something even smaller you could try the Spydie Bug

[TCGB]

thanks, I really like the Spyderco Bug and Ladybug

[Grey Wolf]

Spyderco Ladybug
 and
Boker Keycom (framelock+clip)

[Threeme2189]

^^ my first thought as well^^

mine too!

[rp252]

If you want something even smaller you could try the Spydie Bug

The Bug is a great little (really tiny!) knife.  I'd go with Spyderco mate for really high quality.

A different approach would be something like a Gerber Artifact - its got the replaceable scalpel blade which cuts really well and then can be swapped out when dull.  Useful array of other uses too.

[Benner]

If you are wanting "Highest quality" I'd avoid the Artifact like the plague.

[Gareth]

This thread's got me thinking that I really don't know of another maker (other than Spyderco) that does high quality keychain sized knives.  There must be others, surely?

For myself I carry either a LM Micra or Squirt, or a smaller Vic; Executive, Ambassador, Rambler, Classic etc.  Might not be as expensive as you want, but the quality is there.

[Sazabi]

What about the discontinued Benchmade Benchmite II?  Likewise, for highest quality, there's the Al Mar Osprey, or the AG Russell Titanium penknives, Spyderco Bug/Honeybee/Ladybug, any of the 58 to 74mm sized Victorinox knives, and so on.

[Sparky415]

If you are wanting "Highest quality" I'd avoid the Artifact like the plague.

 


Although to be honest its a scalpel  not a knife 

[Lasse Eskildsen]

http://www.knifecenter.com/knifecenter/almar/
Check out the Osprey key ring folders and hawk folders.
I havent tried a Al mar personally but have only heard good stuff about them.
If money isnt a problem you could also always get a custom, I dont have any experience with that though.

[Sazabi]

http://www.knifecenter.com/knifecenter/almar/
Check out the Osprey key ring folders and hawk folders.
I havent tried a Al mar personally but have only heard good stuff about them.
If money isnt a problem you could also always get a custom, I dont have any experience with that though.

I can attest firsthand as to the quality that oozes from any Al Mar piece. 

[TCGB]

Thanks for all the examples - I had a look at them all and I think I would be silly to go past the Spyderco Bud, so a decision has been made!

: )

[jekostas]

Thanks for all the examples - I had a look at them all and I think I would be silly to go past the Spyderco Bud, so a decision has been made!

: )

I would really consider a Ladybug instead... the Bug/Honeybee/Grasshopper knives are good, but they aren't "highest quality".  They also don't lock, which the Ladybugs do.  The Ladybugs also have much, MUCH better steel.

[shecky]

AG Russell Ultimate Pen knife is pretty classy and tiny, VG-10 blade, titanium handle.

Rough Rider, of all brands, makes a real damascus bladed tiny lockback that's nice. About 2.25" closed.

[Jmora]

the SOG micron II would be another possibility.

[Vladimir]

Boker Plus Subcom is a nice little folder.

[Gareth]

Thanks for all the examples - I had a look at them all and I think I would be silly to go past the Spyderco Bud, so a decision has been made!

: )

I would really consider a Ladybug instead... the Bug/Honeybee/Grasshopper knives are good, but they aren't "highest quality".  They also don't lock, which the Ladybugs do.  The Ladybugs also have much, MUCH better steel.

Much as I like my Grasshopper (and it's the only practical sized one of the three IMO) I've go to agree with Jekostas.  They're very good, excellent considering the price, but might fall short of "highest quality".

[TCGB]

I think your right, im going to have to have to re-consider my options.

Where would I go to buy a knife like this little Demascus/titanium one above???

Thanks

[Shorty66]

+1 for the Böker Keycom!
I LOVE that pocket tool

[Silentsniper441]

+1 vote for the spyderco ladybug, mine is near perfect except for just a hair of side to side play, but its because of the frns flexibility, not bad f&f.

[rlocock]

+1 for a Bug.I've had one on since they came out.
By the way,I don't know where you are,but in the UK if you go for a locker don't forget that this is one case where size does not matter

[mashguy4077]

Definitely go with the spyderco ladybug.
Make sure you get the newest version with the VG10 blade. It also has a bigger thumb hole which makes it much easier to open than the old style ladybug.
You can get one with the FRN (plastic) handles, which is very light weight.
Or you can get one with stainless steel handles which would obviously be tougher, but also heavier.

[edcgear]

Opinel #2

Just to add options.... 

[sergemaster]

Amici,
I have to chime in and agree with anything from the Leatherman squirt series, especially if worn on a keychain. Reason being is it cuts down on the "spooky" factor when you need to take out and place your keys down somewhere in public.

Another route is a neck knife. for example, the Kabar last ditch neck knife is about the size of a key, and as thick as a credit card. That could be a very useful tool to have depending on your situation.

Cheers,
Serge
   

[TCGB]

Still haven't made my mind up (if you haven't already noticed im fussy with these things)

I like a few of the ideas you guys have presented and I thought I made my mind up untill I saw the Leatherman Style which is small, Leather quality as we all know is great, and has a few little extras.

at this stage im thinking eigher the LM Style, LM Micra, LM P4/PS4 or the Spyderco Bug...

[Gareth]

All good choices I'd say.  The only thing to consider with the Micra is that the blade opens from the inside making it a bit more of a fiddle to get to than the others.  I'm not knocking the Micra in any way, it's one of my favourite tools, but it might be worth keeping in mind if the blade is your top priority.