Are there any classy gentleman style Spyderco's suitable for EDC?

[DocT]

As has been mentioned, the Chaparral is a great choice. It is a purpose made gentleman's knife. Others I can recommend are the Caly3 ZDP-189 (same size as a Leek in the handle) and the Nishijin Dragonfly. The Delica Ti Damascus might be great but I have no experience with it, but do love the Delica in general.

 

[Nasgul]

Like DocT, I would say Caly 3 ZDP-189 CF and the Nishijin Dragonfly ! I own the 1st, not the Nishijin but few Dragonfly's ...
In Dragonfly there is still some choice : Nishijin (may be not muh left), Stainless Stell (Natural) or the SS tatoo, G10 (may be not enough gentleman knife ?) and the FRN models that should not suit your wish.
Or you can have the G10 D'Fly or other G10/FRN models and ask a maker that will make you nice new scales in your choice of material.

 

[legato1]

Find a design you like and then have some custom scales made for it. You can dress up any spyderco knife. If someone is going to hate on your knife theyre going to do it no matter what your attire is. A pocket knife is always classy, just dont go around brandishing it and you should be fine. It definitely does feel extra special when you get to save the day with your knife when in a suit or other formal wear, the gesture is usually more noticeable than your knife to non knife people.

 

[Ed G]

I have carried a Caly 3 ZDP CF clipless in the inside suit jacket pocket or dress pants pocket nearly every weekday for over 3 years.
Sans clip it is very flat and virtually disappears ... and it is certainly a classy, capable, and durable blade. If you can find one, I would not hesitate ...

~ Edge

 

[Evany]

I usually carry a Caly 3.5 CF/ZDP189 for the OP's purposes. That or a Paramilitary 2, when it's slightly larger bulk doesn't make a difference.

 

[Filoso]

the Des Horn, light and elegant.

 

[@LeathermanGX]

 

[RayseM]

THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT
A real beauty. :thumbup:

 

[cchu518]

Did the op make a decision? Like many knife nutters and Spyderco as a brand it's best sometimes to try as many as you can.

Can't go without one of these though: dragonfly, delica, endura, sage, Caly, Mannix or pm2 one of them will just lock into your hand and you will love it. The Delica and pm2 floats my boat personally.

 

[bflying]

Looks like this horse got beat, but I'll just jump in with a couple of my favorite that I would consider pretty enough for "nice" carry.

Domino/Dice
Chaparral in any scale options (I just have the CF)
DragonFly or Delica in Stainless or Titanium
Pretty much any models with Damascus options

I don't care what anyone says, that Blue Weave Domino is just good looking from any angle. And the CF/G10 Chaparral is so thin and light, it just works for any "dress up" application (with or without clip).

And if you are wearing a tie, what says "class" more than a HoneyBee tie clip?

 

[bh49]

It really comes down to what characteristics you expect a "gentleman's folder" to have, and what characteristics you expect one not to have. I would say Spyderco's current lineup is devoid of them, because visible screws and pocket clips are no-no's for me but I expect I am in the minority.

Paul,
I would love to see Spyderco making more gents knives per your standards. I also would add no jimpings. But at this moment I am enjoying Memory, which I carry loose in the pocket.

Centofante Memory . . . the quintessence of class:

[video=youtube_share;09fTSLSNtkQ]https://youtu.be/09fTSLSNtkQ[/video]

+1

 

[heresthedeal]

Centofonte 1 or 2

If you can find them

 

[Boozoo Chavis]

Another vote for the Memory - it's a gorgeous knife that I carry at every dressy function I attend.

 

[okto]

I would love to see Spyderco making more gents knives per your standards. I also would add no jimpings.

Why no jimping? Seems like on a smaller knife it would be even more important.

 

[DocT]

Looks like this horse got beat, but I'll just jump in with a couple of my favorite that I would consider pretty enough for "nice" carry.

Domino/Dice
Chaparral in any scale options (I just have the CF)
DragonFly or Delica in Stainless or Titanium
Pretty much any models with Damascus options

I don't care what anyone says, that Blue Weave Domino is just good looking from any angle. And the CF/G10 Chaparral is so thin and light, it just works for any "dress up" application (with or without clip).

I wish Spyderco would bring the Chaparral out in that blue weave carbon fiber. I would buy 2 !

 

[YLM]

In my opinion, while Spyderco knives are certainly cute and different, these items can not be your primary choice of gentleman's carry. Firstly, their blades are rather odd and one would want a more classic approach for a fancy knife. Secondly, again they are very modern (or most of them are). With this in mind, very least I could recommend is going with the Damascus blade, so Delica or Endura.

My pockets are filled with a Leatherman micra for scissors, screwdriver and nail catering equipment, Spyderco Delica Damascus for the heavier work and a product of William Henry for the fancier approach for modicum tasks (it could be used for any task, but I tend to savor it). If I take a bag, Spyderco Endura finds a place in it. Soon a serrated Harpy will join the party.

Edit: Speak of the Devil... Moments after writing this I have received a call from a mail service

 

[Spectre]

I had the Nishijen Type R, which was much more attractive than expected, but too slick-handled for my tastes. Seemed very strong, though.

 

[WValtakis]

+1 for the Viele and the Solo, I love em both. The Solo makes a great steak knife when out and about

~Chip

 

[Philly]

The original Kiwi is a cool slip joint that has a hybrid style and extreme usefulness. They are still around in the stainless steel. I gifted a stag handle version to a retiring client a couple of years ago. He really appreciated it. The new "larger" version is good-looking too, but the size may be too big. So, my main recommendation is the Caly 3 carbon fiber. It can do it all, with class.

 

[ZuluKilo]

I'm a GB fan. I think the stock setup looks great with the factory CF scales, and there's no shortage of great scale makers here on BF if you want to dress it up. But then again, I tend to prefer larger knives for EDC use, so some may think it too heavy or large.

I'm with Basher. I love the stock GB because black (CF) goes with everything, looks classy/distinguished and modern. On top of that the GB will handle pretty much anything you can throw at a folder and...M4 (self-explanatory). I personally have no issue with the 5oz+ weight, but some might.

In my opinion, options mentioned such as the Chaparral, Pingo, UKPK, Des Horn...perhaps even the CF Caly sisters (3 & 3.5) aren't really cut out for HD use that the OP was looking for.