My survival/ first aid kits include a small knife. As most of these are based on a 5x8 envelope or similar shape these need to be light, flat and a locking blade. And not expensive. The buck lite is a perfect example. Can you think of other models?

Kershaw DWO
Gerber LST and LST2
Spyderco Dragonfly, Cricket, Ladybug, and Ambitious
Boker - Chad Los Banos Subcom series

Mercator Cat 4-1/4" closed. Flat, locking and available in both stainless and carbon steel. Great knives and the even have a bail so you can attach a lanyard so you don't lose it...

Various KISS models from CRKT and how about the Doug Ritter Mk5 from the same outfit? it is a fixed blade but I don't see that as a disadvantage - quite the contrary. I need to buy one for my kits one of these days....

The Gerber LST family and the Mercator Cat were my first two thoughts, and the Spydercos are probably too expensive, at $50+, although better knives. Similar in size, price, and construction to the LSTs and Bucklites, Case makes the Caliber lockbacks with black and camo handles, and the mini Blackhorn. Another good alternative is the Bob Dozier designed, Taiwanese built Kabar folders. Different sizes, colors, thumb studs or Spyderco type holes in blades.

Do you have price and size targets, or just looking at what is in that "flat, thin, inexpensive locking" market space?

Here's a few relatively small blades from my collection:



From the top down...

Buck/Hartsook Ultralight
$40.00 msrp

Benchmade 10610 Benchmite II
$35.00 msrp (Discontinued)

Spyderco Dragonfly Stainless Steel
$89.95 msrp (FRN handle version $69.95 msrp)

Case Mini-Blackhorn
$9.95 @ Lowes Hardware

Cutco Pocket Knife (DD serrated edge version)
Price varies from your local Cutco seller.

Gerber Curve (Blue)
$13 msrp
*In addition to the locking knife blade, it has three screwdrivers, a nail file, and a bottle opener/spring clip.

For a size comparison, the bottom knife is a common Victorinox Classic keychain knife.

Thought it worth mentioning that the Case Mini-Blackhorn is one of my favorite knives. It's under $10, it's made in the USA, and it's a great size, shape, and blade profile for daily use. Plus it weighs next to nothing. I've given away a bunch to friends and family over the years and they've held up quite well.

like the Hartsook and the CRKT Ritter...there are several one piece "neck knives" that would be sturdier...

ESEE Izula
Newt Livesay Woo
CRKT stiff kiss
Camillus ArcLite

possibly a "kit" knife without the handle scales from Jantz or other kit supplier

If you can find a dealer with a Blue Ridge catalog, they often have clearances on pretty good stuff

Please check out www.agrussell.com for their "3.0 Titanium Lockback Folder".It's catalog number is RUS-P73TI.The knife measures three inches closed,3/16" thick handle,2 and 1/4 length blade that is 1/16 inch thick.The blade metal is VG-10 and the handle scales are titanium.Price is $34.95.I am not affiliated with them,just a happy customer who has ordered some very nice knives from them.


BOATMAN
John

Many good suggestions. Now off to shop....

Another vote for the Spyderco Ladybug. I particularly like the Ladybug Salt H1 version.