Thanks for all your suggestions! They helped me make a decision that I think I'll be happy with.

I ended up going with the Delica. The price point, the slim profile, and the overall design were what convinced me. I also want to try the Emerson Wave feature -- not because I need to draw fast, but because it seems like fun. I really like the Doug mini, except that I already have two of its bigger cousins. Somehow CRKT knives and I never hit it off.

As for multitool, I already have one that I expect to travel with, but I want a blade that locks. It sounds like there may be some multitools that have locking blades under 3", but I want to hang on to my old buddy.

Just fyi, Doug's mini RSK Mk1 is from Benchmade, not CRKT.

New Victorinox folder

Spyderco Delica

I can't fault the choice of the Delica. I have one and have long used it usefully for many tasks. It's a great GP knife/ tool.

That said, my latest knife/ tool love affair is with a Spyderco Dragonfly II, with a fully serrated blade and a swapped belt clip in blackened steel. Standard steel and FRN black handle. It is so light , small, & unobtrusive, that I have to check to see if I really have it with me. The angled grip, angles the blade splendidly for the small precise cutting tasks for which I most use it. Not very macho, but oh so practical.

I don't care for serrations but I also have a Dragonfly2 and really like the knife. My EDC is a Ladybug in ZDP-189. The only minor issue I have with Spyderco is that it seems like they save most of their "exotic" steels for the larger knives (say, Para-Military and larger). I'd love to have a Dragonfly and a Delica in M-390 but they don't make one. M4 would be nice too but same story, only in the larger knives.

I like the Benchmade Mini-Griptilian which is the knife the Ritter knife is based on. Not sure what makes his version worth another $40 over the stock Mini-Grip.

I think you will be happy with the knife. Mine has served me well. I hope you enjoy it.

Does anyone know if the Emerson wave feature is banned in California or any other states?

Thanks

Doug Ritter's version has a wider blade that is flat ground and he specifies S30V steel rather than the 154CM in the standard Griptilians. Benchmade is now making their own versions with S30V, but the Ritter blade is still a better overall IMO. YMMV

My Spyderco Delica arrived today. It's... OK. I haven't warmed up to it. I'm kinda regretting not having gotten the Mini-Griptilian or the Mini-Doug. But as I said, I already have two Griptilians.

The Delica is slimmer, and so it won't stick out as much in the pants. On the other hand, I'm not so sure about how well it fits in the palm. For occasional use it's OK.

The handle is kind of short. I wish it were a little longer and thicker.

The Emerson Wave feature? Eh, it's OK. It works, but it kind of breaks up the outline of the blade. I guess it feels kind of nice, but *getting on my soapbox* don't let it fool you into thinking that the Wave would be great for knife fighting, especially on a puny little thing like the Delica. If you don't have a second to open the knife the "slow way," you're probably looking at starting the fight unarmed. The Wave will save you some time, but probably not enough to make a difference.

The backlock is very secure. I feel I have to press pretty hard to release the lock. The little dent in the release bar keeps accidents from happening.

I wasn't aware that you can carry the knife tip up or tip down, right-handed or left-handed. There are four sets of holes on both sides and both ends of the handle.

I haven't used the knife yet.

Alright, let's hope the knife serves me well. I went knifeless on a trip once, and I was left trying to figure out how to open the pockets and vents on my newly purchased suit in a hotel room the night before a serious meeting.