Another gent's folder seeker.

C

Critikill

Joined
Jun 19, 2012
Messages
150
I've been searching threads about gent's folders and searching the stores but I can't quit seem to find what I'm looking for. I was hoping to get some suggestions. Here's the criteria:

* Thin handle.
* 3" blade, +/- .25"
* Wood or Titanium inlays/handle. I don't think g10, Carbon fiber, etc look suit worthy.
* Can open with one hand.
* Can close with one hand (no lockbacks).
* No Spydie-holes (though functional, don't think they look as nice).
* "Good" steel. Prefer stainless. S30v or similar would be ideal.
* Under $150.

Best things I've found on my own are the Benchmade Shoki, LionSteel 8200 CB Mini, and the Nemesis NK-15 Manx (though one side of the handles isn't the ideal mats...). I really like the look of the case slimlocks, but they seem to be a bit more than I want to spend ($200) and I'm not so sure about the steel it uses, especially at that price-point.

Any input you have would be really helpful. Thanks in advance!
 
I don't think you'd be disappointed if you went with the Shoki. It's very light, very portable, and quite attractive. I wouldn't want to whittle with it (it's best suited to lighter use), but otherwise it certainly meets your criteria.
 
You might try looking at some of the Benchmite offerings....
 
Love my Shoki (480-1). It is an elegant and effective gent's folder.

For a relatively small knive, it fits nicely in my largish hands, the refined carbon fibre scales have a lovely look and feel to them and the M390 blade is well shaped and razor sharp.
 
Boker makes the Epicenter, an attractive knife with clean lines. A quarter inch over your plus/minus figure, but there's this fella named Tom Krein....

Also the Boker Exskelimoor II, especially.. oh, no, wait, you wanted one-handers.

All right, two I have personal experience with. The Buck Nobleman series, and the Kershaw Crown. The Crown is scaled with black CF that has been polished, and it may change your mind. The Buck Nobleman is available in a variety of scale materials, and one my suit you. They are also well within your budget.

If you find something that is "very close, but", there are people here on BF who can make you a set of custom scales to give your knife a completely unique look and feel.

I'm going to throw another wrench your way, and suggest a kiridashi. These small knives are originally from Japan, where they were used for woodcarving, and then as general utility tools. They have seen a resurgence lately, in a variety of different sizes, designs, and handle scales. The advantage of the 'dashi is that it does not look like what people are used to seeing as a cutting implement. So you don't get the same raised eyebrows from the more timid citizens of the world.
 
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Critikill said:
Here's the criteria:

* Thin handle. Very thin, even thinner with the clip removed (more comfortable too).
* 3" blade, +/- .25". 3.76".
* Wood or Titanium inlays/handle. I don't think g10, Carbon fiber, etc look suit worthy. Very unique and tasteful design in the titanium scales ~ both sides.
* Can open with one hand. Easily and quick too with the nitrous assist.
* Can close with one hand (no lockbacks). Easily, it's a frame-lock.
* No Spydie-holes (though functional, don't think they look as nice). No holes, single sided thumstud.
* "Good" steel. Prefer stainless. S30v or similar would be ideal. S30v Premium Stainless.
* Under $150. Could be had under $150 slightly used, or new foe slightly more.

Any input you have would be really helpful. Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
If you like a bit larger blade than what many consider to be a Gents folder, then perhaps the Benchmade 790 Subrosa is worth considering. It's a great assist knife and despite its length, it's thin enough to not even notice that it's in your pocket.
 
Boker Epicenter. Around $115 shipped.

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