Help selecting a OHO folder

[gustophersmob]

Howdy!

I've always been more of a SAK type when it comes to knives, but I've been running into situations where it would be nice to have a decent one hand opening folder.

I'm not sure what I want, but do have some things I'd like:

1) Pocket clip.  This is what is keeping me from using my Vic OHT for this role.
2) Flat grind.  No hollow ground blades.
3) Blade length under 3in.  Preferably around 2.5".
4) Don't really care for the tacticool look, but realize it will be hard to avoid in this category.
5) Good Value.  I'd like to keep it under $50 USD, but still get decent quality.

I've been looking at these knives:

1) Spyderco Dragonfly 2 in FRN.  Not sure if I like that there are no liners, may not be as tough as others...
2) Spyderco Ambitious.  I've actually handled one of these.  Seems nice for the price, but a bit heavy.
3) Byrd Robin 2 G-10.  Seems like the best size/weight/price compromise of the three.  Not sure about the quality though, no experience with Byrd.  Don't really care for the hole shape, but thats just being picky 

Does anyone have any suggestions, either out of the three above or any others?

Thanks!

[jekostas]

FRN is an incredibly tough and flexible handle material.  The only Spyderco FRN-handled knife I've ever seen broken was run over by a tracked snow machine.

I think they'll all be fine, I've had no issues with Byrd knives in terms of quality.  I prefer as light as possible so I chose the Dragonfly, though I do have an original Byrd FRN hanging around somewhere as well.

[gustophersmob]

FRN is an incredibly tough and flexible handle material.  The only Spyderco FRN-handled knife I've ever seen broken was run over by a tracked snow machine.

I think they'll all be fine, I've had no issues with Byrd knives in terms of quality.  I prefer as light as possible so I chose the Dragonfly, though I do have an original Byrd FRN hanging around somewhere as well.

This is good to know, thanks.  I was thinking that they may develop some blade play if the FRN had too much give, but had forgotten the new ones are screwed together instead of pinned.

[Nikos]

I also have a Byrd Robin FRN (CE) and I'm quite pleased with its quality (phosphor bronze washers, solid lock-up, etc.) BTW I'm also on the look-out for a DF-II as I consider it a better knife; the lack of liners make it noticeably lighter and that's a big plus for a knife of this size (at least imo), let alone the higher quality steel and wire clip.

[jzmtl]

Your flat grind combined with non-tactical look really limits the potential  candidates, otherwise Boker makes some great ones like this: http://www.boker.de/us/pocket-knife/boker-plus/classic-pocket-knife/01BO027.html

[gustophersmob]

Your flat grind combined with non-tactical look really limits the potential  candidates, otherwise Boker makes some great ones like this: http://www.boker.de/us/pocket-knife/boker-plus/classic-pocket-knife/01BO027.html

Now thats a nice looking knife!  I might have to increase my budget a bit... 

Really the flat grind and 2.5" are the only deal-breaker requirements.  I would be okay with a tactical look if all the other things were right.

[gustophersmob]

I also have a Byrd Robin FRN (CE) and I'm quite pleased with its quality (phosphor bronze washers, solid lock-up, etc.) BTW I'm also on the look-out for a DF-II as I consider it a better knife; the lack of liners make it noticeably lighter and that's a big plus for a knife of this size (at least imo), let alone the higher quality steel and wire clip.

I don't necessarily mind a heavier knife, it sometimes lends a feel of quality.  Although if the DF-II's quality is high like I imagine it is, the weight savings would be a nice bonus.

Although, the Byrd Robin's price is still hard to beat, especially with G-10 scales... 

[jekostas]

I also have a Byrd Robin FRN (CE) and I'm quite pleased with its quality (phosphor bronze washers, solid lock-up, etc.) BTW I'm also on the look-out for a DF-II as I consider it a better knife; the lack of liners make it noticeably lighter and that's a big plus for a knife of this size (at least imo), let alone the higher quality steel and wire clip.

I don't necessarily mind a heavier knife, it sometimes lends a feel of quality.  Although if the DF-II's quality is high like I imagine it is, the weight savings would be a nice bonus.

Although, the Byrd Robin's price is still hard to beat, especially with G-10 scales... 

You'll be happy with either.  Some people like a little weight in hand, the Robyn 2 is a good choice.  If you like ultra light, the Dragonfly 2 is a good choice.  They're very similar in size and very similar in design.

Good video comparing the two:

[asupernothing]

Spyderco delica ffg. Pick your color. Meets all your criteria, though they tend to.sell just over 50. Imo its worth the extra few bucks.  Now I need to convince myself that I don't need one in every color...

The ffg delica is probably the best folder in its class. Get while you can!

[asupernothing]

Well it seems that I now have another ffg delica coming my way.

[bladechick777]

Spyderco Dragonfly 2
Spyderco Ambitious
Spyderco Chicago
Spyderco Persistence
Spyderco Cat
Byrd Robin 2 G-10
Byrd Meadowlark 2
Spyderco Squeak
Spyderco Kiwi
Spyderco Manbug

[bladechick777]

Or Pick Up A Victorinox One Hand Sentinel With Clip. 

[gustophersmob]

Spyderco delica ffg. Pick your color. Meets all your criteria, though they tend to.sell just over 50. Imo its worth the extra few bucks.  Now I need to convince myself that I don't need one in every color...

The ffg delica is probably the best folder in its class. Get while you can!

I'm glad you mentioned the delica, it forced me to go look at the specs again.  For some reason I had it in my head that the blade was longer than 3", but it looks to be just under.  Still a little longer than I would prefer, but it may work.  There is a place where I can play with one of these locally, so I'll have to go check it out.

[gustophersmob]

Or Pick Up A Victorinox One Hand Sentinel With Clip. 

Its funny you mention this.  Even though I'm looking for a folder, I keep wishing there was a way to just use my Vic OHT.  I really wish they made that with a clip, or that the scale were available so I could swap them out...

[jerseydevil]

+1 on the Delica. I was looking for a new folder recently as well, and settled on the Delica. I have no problems with the FRN handles (the knife recently fell 15 feet to a cement floor without a scratch!), and the blade is just the right size for what I need. It's become my everyday work knife. I also bought a Sage 1, also flat ground, 3" blade, great clip, awesome looking knife. Pricey sucker, though, and I'm hesitant to take it to work, so it's my out and about knife for now. You really can't go wrong with the Delia.

[bladechick777]

The Delica Is For Sure A Great Knife. 
But The Vic. One Hand Sentinel Has A Clip, Toothpick, Tweezers, Key Ring, You Can Get It Serrated Or Plain And It Fits The Bill For Being A One Hand Opener And A SAK.

[Styerman]

Delica or Endura Waved , faster than the Devil , good tools .

Chris