Best Folder with Under 3 inch blade

[Turf]

Looking for a folder with a blade under 3 inches and am looking for suggestions.

[Major Kong]

Can you provide some more details? What is your budget? What are you going to use the knife for?

[Turf]

Budget would probably be around $100 (pushing it) but really I just kind of want a range of what is good. I would like to know what everyone considers to be the "best" folder under 3 inches as well as some other "really good" options. I would prefer to stick to name brand mass production as of now. Just wanting a good EDC knife that won't freak out the "no guns or dangerous weapons" folks. That being said, I am still partial to spring assisted. I am considering the Benchmade tanto mini griptillian right now and just wanting to see if anyone has any other suggestions, recommendations, ideas, etc. as well as if anyone has any info on the griptillian (Is it spring assisted? Is it really worth the money? Is one design superior to another? etc).

[Troutburger]

I've been happy with Kershaw if you like spring assist.

[gjohnsoniv]

I carry a Sog Trident and like it well enough for the three years I've carried it. When it dies on me I'll probably switch to one with an all steel body instead of polymer though, like one of the Flashes.

[Moped]

Kershaw Scallion frame lock Model 1620FL. Great little knife!

http://www.kershawknives.com/searchresults.php?brand=kershaw&search_by=productname&search_value=422_Scallion+Frame+Lock&x=87&y=8

Or go traditional and pick up a Case Sodbuster

http://www.smkw.com/webapp/eCommerce/products/Case/Case%C2%AE+Chrome+Vanadium+Sod+Buster+Jr.%C2%AE+with+Yellow+Composition+Handle/CA032.html

Edited August 22, 2012 by Moped

[Il Duce]

Benchmade Mini Griptillian

[Lumber_Jack]

Benchmade Mini Griptillian

Agreed. I like these little buggers

[Oh Shoot]

Have become quite enamored of my CS American Lawman.

If I wanted under 3", I'd consider the Mini Lawman. Nothing stronger in folders than Demko's Tri-Ad lock. CS does AUS8 very well, too. Less than half your max budget.

A nice American made option is the small Vantage series, uses Buck's legendary 420HC steel, the fine Sandvik 13C26, or S30V with GRN, PaperStone, Dymondwood,. or G10 grip. Priced dirt cheap to reasonable depending on steel/grip choice. The basic model is a real steal at around 20 clams, and the highest end model is only a little over half your budget.

Disadvantage of sub 3-inchers: don't know of any that have full grip, which reduces how much force you can get on them for heavier cutting, even though most of the blades are well up for it.

- OS

Edited August 22, 2012 by OhShoot

[Capbyrd]

Kershaw Cryo gets my vote. But there are other options that will have better steels in that budget. I just like the Cryo because if you loan it out or lose it its not a big deal.

[Guest FordMan]

Kershaw is all that I carry.