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3/14/2026 3:22:38 PM EDT
Looking for EDC blades for some young women in the family - smaller in stature (110-120lbs, 5'5") and hands.  

Want a lighter-weight, locking blade with pocket clip and good grip keep fingers off the blade when using it. Ideally 2-3" blade length.  We are all in the free states, so overall blade length not a huge issue, but want to keep it smaller / lighter overall, but it could be a bit longer like 3.5" for a knife with all the right features.

I carry Emerson's which I like but they are too large / heavy for the ladies to carry all the time.

Price $75-150ish, not interested in Chinese but Taiwan / Japanese blades are fine, as are US made but I know that price can be an issue.  As this is their first real EDC blade and loss due to misplacement, etc is higher, I don't want to go really high on cost for the 1st go.

Thanks -

3/14/2026 3:38:58 PM EDT
[Last Edit: RR_Broccoli][Edited] [#1]
Kershaw Clash is a new knife carrier friendly knife along the same lines as the Blur but smoother, lighter and a bit smaller. Also well within your budget to the point of almost being disposable.



Liner lock, but they lock up very well and are easy to unlock to close.  The nub in back is lightning fast opening with a little practice. I can open mine faster than I can get my finger on the button for an auto Kershaw Launch.
Mercy on the criminal is cruelty to the innocent.
3/14/2026 3:45:29 PM EDT
[#2]
Spyderco Tasman Salt 2.8" Serrated Hawkbill blade, $115.50
The right to own weapons is the right to be free.
3/14/2026 7:31:09 PM EDT
[#3]
ESEE Izula stainless for the “oh I forgot how to close the blade” one. There’s always one.
3/14/2026 8:54:13 PM EDT
[#4]
Check this one out. Slightly larger than your sec but light and the handles are one of my favorite for non slip grip.

Kershaw 6110 Bel Air XL. If it’s too large look at the original Bel Air




I don’t know anything about the seller but, on sale here:

https://www.adeptknives.com/products/kershaw-6110-bel-air-xl-magnacut-reverse-tanto-duralock-g10-pocket-knife?variant=42378940842097&country=US¤cy=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&srsltid=AfmBOooXk0p6t3-Tn1v88Fyzmel1PyPQqFBHg4FO1Mk3_mmfFlvp8vtsUHw&com_cvv=8fb3d522dc163aeadb66e08cd7450cbbdddc64c6cf2e8891f6d48747c6d56d2c
No trees were destroyed in the preparation and delivery of this message. However, billions of electrons were seriously perturbed.
3/14/2026 9:06:17 PM EDT
[#5]
I always liked the looks of the Spyderco Delica for a smaller EDC.



I should get one.
3/14/2026 9:10:17 PM EDT
[#6]
Cheaper but decent

My favorite letter opener
3/15/2026 3:35:24 PM EDT
[#7]
Thanks everyone for the comment so far.
3/16/2026 5:50:20 PM EDT
[#8]
If autos are an option, Boker Mini Kalashnikov (2.5" blade). I carry this over the regular sized version 99% of the time. Favorite feature is the deep carry pocket clip.
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Boker-Mini-Kalashnikov-Tanto--132752
3/17/2026 11:38:20 PM EDT
[#9]
Para 3 lightweight
3/23/2026 7:27:05 PM EDT
[#10]
I made this for my daughter.  It was originally supposed to be a little chore knife for around the farm but she figured out how to carry it IWB.

Now it’s her EDC in her scrubs


Attached File
3/23/2026 8:12:48 PM EDT
[#11]
It’s the old saying.   Still true today.  

It’s not the size of the small female in the fight, its size of the EDC blade in the hands of the small female in the fight.
Words fall from your mouth like shit from ass.
3/29/2026 3:09:08 AM EDT
[Last Edit: TigerForce][Edited] [#12]
Doug Ritter (Hogue) Mini RSK, 2.9 inch CPM MagnaCut, USA made, G-10 scales.
https://knifeworks.com/doug-ritter-rsk-mini-rsk-mk1-g2-2-9-sw-magnacut-black-g-10-handle-knifeworks-exclusive/

The scale texture is a little “aggressive” IMO, but that’s easily taken care of by a little sanding and/or filing, if not to one’s liking. The included stainless steel clip is pretty long and stiff IMO, but I took care of that with a titanium stubby clip from Lynch NW. Very pleased with this piece; it’s my EDC.

ETA (9/15/2026): Sorry, but it looks currently unavailable at the above link, which has been the exclusive supplier. They still have a few of the auto versions available, though.
“War is a racket….”
Smedley D. Butler, Maj.-Gen., USMC
3/29/2026 7:00:29 AM EDT
[Last Edit: FredMan][Edited] [#13]
Don’t overlook the Spyderco Dragonfly.

Blade 2.3”
Overall 5.6”

It’s an amazing little knife. The shape of the handle, along with the choil and jimping make it handle like a much larger knife. Plus, it comes in all kinds of girl colors. And doesn’t scream  KNIFE!

ProTip: Never pick a fight with a tree planter. He swings a hoedad for 9 hours a day, carries 30-40 pounds of seedlings on his back, and has 12-14 friends just like him hiding out on the other side of the junk butt pile. They will fuck your shit up.
3/29/2026 7:19:49 AM EDT
[Last Edit: SwampApe][Edited] [#14]
I like this knife a lot more than I thought I would. So much so that I bought a bunch to give as Christmas gifts one year and still get a lot of positive feedback about how “perfectly sized” and useful they are.

Made in USA, slim lines, light, holds an edge well, smooth flipper operation makes them fast and easy to open, pocket/purse lock so it doesn’t open by accident, and it comes in lots of colors so everyone gets “their own.” All that for well under$100, but price does vary some depending on options. Big enough to be useful, but small enough to not be intimidating to someone who’s not a “knife person.”

Kershaw Leek

3/29/2026 7:25:17 AM EDT
[#15]
Quote History
Originally Posted By way:
If autos are an option, Boker Mini Kalashnikov (2.5" blade). I carry this over the regular sized version 99% of the time. Favorite feature is the deep carry pocket clip.
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Boker-Mini-Kalashnikov-Tanto--132752
View Quote

This is what the wife carries in the standard blade configuration
3/29/2026 7:47:30 AM EDT
[#16]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Gunnie357:

This is what the wife carries in the standard blade configuration
View Quote

3rd vote for the mini Kalashnikov.

I gave one to my niece, my sister and my granddaughter. All 3 still carry it.
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3/29/2026 8:01:13 AM EDT
[#17]
Quote History
Originally Posted By SwampApe:
I like this knife a lot more than I thought I would. So much so that I bought a bunch to give as Christmas gifts one year and still get a lot of positive feedback about how “perfectly sized” and useful they are.

Made in USA, slim lines, light, holds an edge well, smooth flipper operation makes them fast and easy to open, pocket/purse lock so it doesn’t open by accident, and it comes in lots of colors so everyone gets “their own.” All that for well under$100, but price does vary some depending on options. Big enough to be useful, but small enough to not be intimidating to someone who’s not a “knife person.”

Kershaw Leek

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/190943/BB3508F1-A062-49FA-A15A-C9F6C140071D-3737950.jpg
View Quote

Another vote for the Leek.
"Do not overthink it, gentlemen. It's only a gunfight, not an IRS tax audit." - Louis Awerbuck
3/30/2026 9:23:15 AM EDT
[#18]
ESEE Izula stainless - with G10 scales:  https://www.knifecenter.com/item/RCIZULA35V/esee-knives-izula-35v-neck-knife-fixed-cpm-s35vn-stonewashed-blade-black-sheath-clip-plate

My wife purse carries her Izula, and forgets it's there.
3/30/2026 9:36:54 AM EDT
[#19]
Would a TDI or punch dagger be easier to use / train?
I survived the cockpocalypse of 11/21/2012.
Bacon grease, the Muslim approved .mil lubricant.
4/4/2026 4:46:42 PM EDT
[#20]
Another vote for some type of hookbill blade.

Treat is like a claw.

The small paring knives in kydex are cheap and lightweight
7/10/2026 10:57:48 AM EDT
[#21]
Kershaw Bel Air or Pro Tech Malibu textured. Both in MagnaCut.
7/10/2026 11:22:19 AM EDT
[Last Edit: FredMan][Edited] [#22]
Oops
ProTip: Never pick a fight with a tree planter. He swings a hoedad for 9 hours a day, carries 30-40 pounds of seedlings on his back, and has 12-14 friends just like him hiding out on the other side of the junk butt pile. They will fuck your shit up.
7/12/2026 11:29:59 AM EDT
[#23]
Spyderco Native
7/12/2026 11:52:26 AM EDT
[#24]
Quote History

This is what I bought my wife as a stocking stuffer a couple of years ago. It's currently back at Spyderco for a refresh. She's now carrying her Microtech Hera II Mini.

Delica is a great knife.
7/29/2026 12:24:12 AM EDT
[#25]
My wife and I each carry a Civivi Mini Praxis. I also have the full size. Good knives
https://www.civivi.com/collections/folding-pocket-knives/products/civivi-mini-praxis-c18026c-1
7/29/2026 12:32:11 AM EDT
[#26]
Cold Steel Push dagger of some variety
7/29/2026 12:41:15 AM EDT
[#27]
I gave a young lady in the family one of these a few years back, she still has it, and she's loved it a lot.  Once a year I have her bring it back to me to sharpen, but Kershaw will also sharpen them for free if you send them in.
8/5/2026 8:58:25 AM EDT
[#28]
Spyderco Delica/ Endura
9/10/2026 5:00:48 PM EDT
[Last Edit: NickOTime][Edited] [#29]
I bought my buddy a blurple Para 3 that someone "tipped" and turned it into a warny.  His g/f/old lady has essentially taken it hostage.  But she loves the damned thing and her kids do too.  

Its great for smaller hands with enough girth in the handle section to get a firm grip on as well as the blade not being too intimidating.
9/10/2026 5:17:53 PM EDT
[#30]
Have you looked at the Cold Steel Luzon, OP?  The XL runs out to 6", the regular is shorter than that.  Not expensive either.
9/10/2026 5:24:10 PM EDT
[#31]
Originally Posted By JamesAR:
Looking for EDC blades for some young women in the family - smaller in stature (110-120lbs, 5'5") and hands.  

Want a lighter-weight, locking blade with pocket clip and good grip keep fingers off the blade when using it. Ideally 2-3" blade length.  We are all in the free states, so overall blade length not a huge issue, but want to keep it smaller / lighter overall, but it could be a bit longer like 3.5" for a knife with all the right features.

I carry Emerson's which I like but they are too large / heavy for the ladies to carry all the time.

Price $75-150ish, not interested in Chinese but Taiwan / Japanese blades are fine, as are US made but I know that price can be an issue.  As this is their first real EDC blade and loss due to misplacement, etc is higher, I don't want to go really high on cost for the 1st go.

Thanks -

View Quote

I’m assuming this would be for defensive use?

If so, get them either an assisted opening knife, or a switchblade if legal.

I’ve seen LOTS of men flub opening their folding knives, and most men are far more likely to practice opening their knives. A female who doesn’t practice is even MORE likely to flub opening a folding knife, especially in a high stress situation.

A switchblade or assisted opener mitigates that specific issue.

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