Nice Graduation Knife

[gpjoe]

As stated, if you are buying USA made just to support our economy, a Benchmade Mini-Grip is a heck of a knife. However, value-wise you can't go wrong with a Japanese Spyderco made in Seki City. The blades are very sharp and well made for the money.

My Delica, G-10 Dragonfly, Ladybug and Paramilitary II are all MUCH sharper out of the box than my Mini-Grip. The Chinese Spydercos (Persistence, Tenacious, etc) are OK for inexpensive cutters, but you are getting a much better knife, IMO, by stepping up to the next level of the Spyderco line.

You may also want to consider a Spyderco UK pen knife (non-locking blade) made in Golden Colorado. I picked one up on ebay for under $35. It's a great value knife, very sharp, and made in the US.

 

[chevyman097]

oh geez...

I was just making a point for the OP to watch out for what he gets, he stated he wanted a US made knife. Yes I clumped several manufacturers in together which some may produce more or less over seas than others. Yes Buck has a US made line, yes Benchmade has those "cheap" "HK" whatever they are. Yes, not all foreign products are crap. Yes, lots of people prefer American made because, well its just better.

Point is, if what you truly want an American made Knife just pay attention and do your research on it. Some companies may not tell you all the details. I have seen many knives "made in the us" but their components or metal/blades may actually be Chinese.

I was just teasing with with the bold, i couldnt resist.

 

[P.B.Walsh]

I am fine with Japan, Germany, name of foreign contry insert here. I just bought a SWFA scope not too long ago, and it's mainly Japan, quality is like nothing I've had before. But for college, I'd like a USA knife, thank you.

 

[Yo Mama]

I'll buy a Japanese knife any day.

Taiwan, where market forces are a significant factor, may have been a little slow off the mark, but they have adapted nicely. Some seriously respected names are made in Taichung (e.g. Trek and Giant bicycles) and knife manufacturers are finding that reliable quality and superb fit-and-finish can be obtained there.

I will happily by a brand name knife made in Taiwan.

Japan and Taiwan actually "get it" when it comes to quality.

When I knew nothing about knives I thought Taiwan and Japan were garbage. Glad I listened to a few folks who know their stuff. Kabar makes alot of great blades from Taiwan, and my Japan Enduras have a special place in my heart. I do understand and believe that we also must support the American manufacturing sector, so I have those also.

OP, JShirley took my recommendations, minus the Pika, I have no experience with that one.

 

[JShirley]

I'm not a fan of Benchmade. I'm still nursing a grudge over the AFCK dispute (if you don't know what that's about, there was a lawsuit. It's settled now). However, I try to give due credit. The HK knives are made by Benchmade, and the Mini Pika is somewhat reminiscent of the AFCK lines, and is the size the OP's looking for. I got the larger Pika II in two days ago for testing, and promptly gave it away. Seemed like a pretty darn good knife for the money- a little tight, but that's better than the alternative.

I liked the HK Soldat even more, but it's a 3.3" blade. Be aware that the handle's a little thick, though.

In all fairness, I can't speak for the longevity or edge retention of either knife, though both felt sturdy and had no blade play, and came acceptably sharp. I gave both of them to female civilians who didn't have knives.

 

[alaskanativeson]

I'll give an enthusiastic vote for the Mini Griptilian by Benchmade. I have 7 or 8 of them around the house in various locations. I also have a couple of the regular Griptilians, they're a bit big for discreet carry, but they're still a good knife. I prefer the ones from Cabelas that have a plain edge with a D2 blade. I'm a fan of tough steel.

 

[P.B.Walsh]

I think the Buck Vantage Pro is a better knife for me. The G10 scales sold me on the Buck, they look to be a higher quality (not that the BM is not).

Thank ya'll for thr suggestions,
P.B.Walsh

 

[whetrock]

You owe it to yourself to pick up a knife of stellar quality and have a great deal of options whithin your price and specs, but there is one , however, that I can't help but bring to your attention and that is the Spyderco Delica 4 while this knife is of Japanese origin ( you state in your previous post you're okay with that) it has become over the past two decades a legend in it's own right and features some of the best all around stainless blade steel ( VG-10 ) for a general use EDC knife also the handle while synthetic is made out of FRN which has an incredibly high strength to weight ratio and truely is exceptional stuff, also with that being said the knife is available in a couple of variations first you've got the old school black saber ground Delica that is pretty much the "standard" Delica then you have the newish FFG ( full flat ground ) Delica that sports a much thinner and sharper blade as well as colored FRN handles that are available in several different and unique colors with the exception of black wich is exclusive to the saber ground Delicas. All in all you've got a myriad of excellent choices at your finger tips and if I were in your shoes I'd strongly consider a Spyderco Delica which is IMO a post modern classic. All things considered the Buck Vantage Pro is also an excellent choise that comes in some pretty nifty blade steel ( Paul Bos S30V ) and I must say that I'm incredibly impressed by the inconspicuous lowrider pocket clip and G10 handles.