I got tired of the bulky multi tool (Leatherman Rev) in my pocket, and so I want to switch back to something smaller.
I still like the Gerber Dime for most things, except for the inability to open it one handed, and no tools locking. That caused me to buy a tiny Kershaw locking blade. It's pretty functional, but the steel is super cheap and it didn't hold its edge very well.
So, I went looking for something a little nicer that has one-handed opening and a locking blade. I found two: A Spyderco "Ladybug" and a Browning "Mountain Ti". Both these knives have a < 2" blade, so they're the size I'm looking for.
Now I have to decide which to carry. The Browning is a classic style, it's 100% metal and has a frame lock and a pocket clip. It's ambidextrous in design, but the thumb stud on the opposite side seems to catch in my hand and it makes it hard to open sometimes - a side effect of the size of the knife.
The Spyderco might be the best quality knife of the three. (It was also the most expensive.) It's got a Nylon handle, which makes it very light, but it feels cheaper. It's got an interesting design, but I don't think it's attractive. It also is ambidextrous opening with a back lock, but no pocket clip.
The Browning can be both opened and closed with one hand. The Spyderco can't be (reasonably) closed with one hand.
I really like the style of the Browning, but I think I'm going to try out the Spyderco for now.
Top: Spyderco Ladybug
Middle: Browning Mountain Ti
Bottom: Kershaw Cinder
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