I just bought an ESEE Zancudo and I am pretty happy with it now that it’s becoming easier to open and especially close with one hand. I’m not sure whether this is because it’s breaking in or if I’m simply getting better with the technique. My thumb is much less painful today… My other current “real” knives are Victorinox SAK’s, including classics, Tinker, Super Tinker and Cadet and a Spyderco Bug, all with blades of 2 1/2 inches or less.

I’m thinking about getting another lockable folder now that I have a pretty good idea about what I like and don’t like about the Zancudo.

1. I would like a knife that locks but not necessarily a frame lock because it would like it to lock securely with no play but also unlock easily (maybe even with one hand?) without subjecting my right thumb to pain, torture and broken nails…..

2. Manual and unassisted one handed opening with either comfortable thumb studs or a Spyderco styled hole, Flipper not required but fine if it has one

3. Since I often go into Boston for business or pleasure I would like the blade length to be less than or equal to 2 1/2 inches. Not sure what the consequences would be if I were caught in Boston with a 3 inch Zancudo in my pocket but I don’t want to chance it.

4. more jimping than the Zancudo

5. I would be willing to spend some money to get something that I would really like and would be long term reliable.

Thanks