Benchmade Mini Griptilian with modified sheepsfoot blade! (less than $70)
The Modified Sheepsfoot blade is a great utility blade shape yet has a tip strong enough for defensive use. I have a
full size Griptialian modified sheepsfoot with the 3.45 inch blade, and it is awesome. I carry it everyday for work in EMS!
But if you require less than 3 inches, the
Mini Griptilian is perfect.
(Most people find
tanto blades to be pretty sucky for general utility and cutting use. They were originally designed for maximum tip strength for stabbing purpose and to pierce armor. I quit carrying a tanto blade at work because it just wasn't versatile enough for real knife use)
(There are a choice of blade designs in the Griptilian line besides the sheepsfoot, such as tanto and modified drop point. And of course you can get it with or without the partial serrations.)
Benchmade Mini Griptilian
Blade Length: 2.91 in.
Blade Thickness: 0.100 in.
Blade Material: 154CM Stainless Steel, BK Coated
Blade Hardness: 58-61HRC
Blade Style: Hollowground Modified Sheepsfoot; Ambidextrous Thumb-Holes
Handle: Black Glass Fill Noryl GTX®/Color Valox® Handle Scales
Overall Length: 6.78 in.
Closed Length: 3.87 in.
Clip: Tip Up, Reversible, Black
Lock Mechanism: Axis
Weight: 2.56 oz.