CRKT Squid Folding Pocket Knife: Compact EDC Straight Edge Utility Knife with Stainless Steel Blade and Framelock Handle

This is just about everything you could want in a pocket knife. The blade is incredibly sharp out of the factory, we're talking closer to katana than your dad's Swiss Army knife. If it holds onto the edge with occasional honing over time, there is literally nothing to complain bout. Opening is an assisted flipper. Press the tab with enough force (or use the thumb studs) to overcome the detent and bias, and it will snap open. Perfect for one handed use. It is not strong enough that you should fear dropping it or anything like that, just enough to pay attention that nothing is in the way. The frame lock is sturdy, and easy to disengage. The opening assist also gives it some resistance to being closed, which is probably safer for folks who want to close their knife with one hand as well. It's important to properly set the spine's backside so it wrests against the seam of the pocket (i.e., make sure it's as close to the pocket's edge as it will go, so the pocket physically prevents the blade from opening) as with any other flipper. Given the assist, it would probably be less forgiving of improper carry. Testing this with an old pair of BDU trousers and trying to (safely) press the tab, I'd say if it gets opened while carried properly, you shouldn't be jamming rocks in your pocket or were being groped quite vigorously. We're talking less it's stored with your keys and comb and more someone tried to grab hold of you and ended up ripping it out of your pocket. The grip is nice and solid despite its lightweight. It's probably the perfect size if you prefer a larger handle (or have larger hands). It's also easily to disengage the frame lock without accidentally pressing on it, and it's not so terribly stiff as to be difficult. Presuming you don't toss it out of the back of moving truck, or try and hammer with it, there's nothing negative there. It also gives a fairly decent handgrip, unlike many of the smaller pocket knives I've had, this one doesn't skimp on being able to use the bottom fingers for a steadier grip. In terms of blades, the shorter/chunkier style makes it pretty stable for light stabbing and very effective to cut with, since you can readily apply pressure. Tasks like breaking down furniture boxes, which are often larger and unruly cardboard that won't fit a recycling bin, is a breeze. If I ever needed to demonstrate why you use a sharp knife for safety, this would be the one. I don't know if I should thank the knife designer or whoever designed the machines edging the blades, but it's superb for a pocket knife. IMHO--an excellent tool both for household utility and everyday carry. Just be mindful of it being an assisted flipper. This is not the kind of knife that you give children as their first knife. Nor that you let fools borrow. It's a good tool. Respect it as such. Worst thing I can really say? It tempts me to acquire another, so there's one for my EDC pocket load and another could be near the garage as the goto "Knife, household, utility."

So...sadly, I lost my pocketknife I've had for probably 25 or so years. It was a well known brand that your grandpa likely carried. I tried to replace it with the same brand and similar model, but the quality had badly suffered, and I returned it. Then I began a local search with little luck....then an online search that included many leading brands like SOG, Benchmade, Boker, and many others. I like a small knife for my actual pocket. Shorts, jeans or slacks. Nothing with 2-3" blades and bulky bodies. What am I using it for? Opening boxes, cutting zip ties, hay bales and the like. This little Everyday Carry is superb! It is razor sharp right out of the box. The blade is sturdy against the body...no play at all. Rugged construction, and the open assist is really nice...very functional. I am going to take off the pocket clip because I want an actual pocketknife, but that will be easy enough. For the money...I don't think you will find a better small size actual pocketknife. Quality seems very very good. Like a little tank.

I was looking for a knife with a blade that was less than 2.5 inches, and this was the perfect fit! The knife came very sharp from the factory, and is very well built! The spring opening is fantastic for quick deployment, and the unlocking mechanism to fold the blade back is ideal. Even for someone with bigger hands like myself, it is a great sized knife with a small enough blade! Highly recommend!

Great little knife. Bought the non assisted first for its size, and then gave it to the wife as she liked it alot. Got the assisted version and love it even more. Easy cary and no so long in the pocket that it digs into your hip. Perfect size and seems very sturdy. And good value. Big fan of CRKT knives...

Really sweet little knife. Sturdy and sharp right out of the box