Over the years, I've grown used to carrying a fairly large folder on a daily basis. Unfortunately, a big folder is not allowed in some jurisdictions and on several occasions I've also had to leave my EDC folder at home when travelling in countries with strict knife laws.

So I just came back from another trip abroad and thought about this again. Maybe it would be a good idea to get a smaller folder for backup, something stronger than a SAK but still compact and low key. In other words, a smallish utility knife that I could EDC in knife-unfriendly places and wouldn't raise anyone's eyebrow nearly as much as my Endura. So I've been thinking about a blade around 2 1/2", at least 440C or better steel, a decent lock but reasonably light and slim plus inexpensive (in the event it had to be ditched/got confiscated somehow anyway).

Another option would be a small multitool like the Leatherman Micra. Too bad the knife on that one seems to be fairly lousy. I've also checked out a small Gerber multitool (forgot the exact name, similar to the Micra) but it looked cheap and poor quality.

I have always had a problem with "Multi Tools" because you usually end up with something that can not do the job, or hauling things that you never use.

For knives I really like compact and low key.
I really do not need a "Rambo" style machete knife.
For a knife I just need something sharp, and usually less than 3 inches long.

edit.
I have a Spyderco Endura.
Praise to Seki-City!
It is a great knife, light, compact and one hand opening.
The blade is only slightly longer than the blade on my Swiss Army Trekker,
but people freak when they see how fast the old Seki can come out, yet have no reaction at all to the SAK.

The biggest problem is with looking dangerous, and the Spyderco looks dangerous.

I wouldn't bother to EDC anything smaller than the Buck Prince or "The 55" I have both of these made in USA knives and their sure enough buck tough! Now Buck might have some more good small folders but I can only vouch for what i own and use, although all their knives are covered by Buck's 4 life warranty so you might want to check out some of there other offerings. In fact i under stand from a, most reliable source, that Buck even has a keychain sized "tactical knife" too.

Interesting in that I agree with your assessment of the P4, however, I've done serious things with my Squirt E4. The wire strippers work quite well and the narrower tip is useful for working small wires. I wish they put the wire stripper pliers on their full size Leatherman tools.

Second time I recommend a Skeletool today. Not that I love the thing so much, but it's minimalist and highly effective. Sounds like just what you need.

Why not carry 2? I carry a nice Kershaw folder, fairly light weight, drop point blade with partial serrations, easy to carry, easy to open. I also carry a SAK classic in my change/watch pocket. That gives me another blade, scissors, toothpick and tweezers.

I keep a multi-tool in my car glove box and in my backpack for more emergent situations.

Carrying both knives is easy, and if I should forget one I'm very unlikely to have forgotten the other so I always have at least some sort of edged tool with me.

I picked a couple of the Leatherman Micra's on ebay, decent little multi tool. The blade isn't much but given the overall size it's ok. I gave one to my girlfriend for EDC and put the other in a "tool and repair" kit that I keep in my backpack and that I was inspired to put together after reading a thread from "Hacksaw" a while back. Anyone know what happened to him by the way? He seems to have dropped off the edge of the world.

JohnE

As you can see my Leatherman is 4" folded and 7" unfolded it came with my Leatherman Blast

you might try it, it's what I EDC

Mike

The SOG Blink looks like a potential candidate at $55 with a 2.25" AUS 8 blade.

http://sogknives.com/store/BBA-99.html

The little Buck Gent might fit the bill as well. It's $34 with a 1 7/8" 420HC blade. It looks about as docile as any knife could.

http://www.buckknives.com/index.cfm?event=product.detail&productID=2920

For a small folder, I really like the Gerber EZ-Out Jr.. Not sure if the steel is 440 or not, but the blade is 2.5", made in USA last time I checked, feels solid, holds a nice edge and at $25-30 will not hurt long if you lose it.

For a smallish multitool, I'll throw in for the Leatherman Juice line. Smaller than their fullsize stuff but more useful than the keychain-sized Micra/Squirt line.

Why not just carry a Spyderco Delica or Native? The Delica is just a smaller Endura and the Native is just a slightly different design although both have the same VG-10 steel.