Gentlemans folder, under/around $50?

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Faralon

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Nov 14, 2013
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Looking for a traditional gentleman's folder to purchase for my father-in-law. Roughly 3" blade. Something that when he takes it out of his pocket people are interested to see what it is, instead of the "oh its just a knife". He always hands out his little folder to family during Christmas. Anything in the $50 price range that fits the bill? I'm fairly new to the knife world, and my current EDC is an Ontario RAT 1 w/ Black Blade and Coyote Brown G10.

Thanks for the suggestions! I'll let you know what I purchase!
 
When you say "traditional gentleman's folder" are you referring to the slip joint variety such as Case, GEC, etc? Or does he want a one hand opener that locks (modern)? Just wanted some clarification.
 
eschwebach, thanks for the reply. I would think that either would be acceptable. I have been browsing around looking at both types actually. I'm currently looking at some of the Boker Plus knives (Gent II) with damascus steel. Sexy blades that stand out with that damascus look, w/o breaking the bank. I'd prefer if it didn't have "black" wood scales though...kinda makes the blade look a little tactical?
 
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Here are a couple of options off the top of my head...

Buck Vantage Pro (small), also check out the Avid model as I think the scales look better.
Case Mini Copperlock (I am partial to the smooth chestnut bone)
Boker Plus Carbon Fiber Button Lock (also check out the Elegance model)

You can also check out some of AG Russells knives, I am thinking in terms of the lock back Barlow. I will try and think of some others as well.
 
CRKT Swindle or Ripple: a few modifications available within your price range.
 
Lionsteel Mini Opera
Any number of Case knives
CRKT Swindle or Ripple 2
 
Faralon said:
Looking for a traditional gentleman's folder to purchase for my father-in-law. Roughly 3" blade. Something that when he takes it out of his pocket people are interested to see what it is, instead of the "oh its just a knife". He always hands out his little folder to family during Christmas. Anything in the $50 price range that fits the bill? I'm fairly new to the knife world, and my current EDC is an Ontario RAT 1 w/ Black Blade and Coyote Brown G10.

Thanks for the suggestions! I'll let you know what I purchase!
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Picking out a knife as a gift is like picking out shoes as a gift. You really need to know the person's taste and style. When I hear "gentleman's knife" I think of traditional patterns like you see on display here:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...uot-Traditional-Knife-quot-are-ya-totin-today

In the $50 price range, I would start my search with Case or Opinel (fancy wood options).

But I just got back from lunch with a buddy of mine who's idea of a "gentleman's knife" is a Kershaw Chive because it's small. He digs modern stuff so it's a good fit for him, but not for me. We wear different style shoes too.

So the major decision is traditional or modern. After that, you can narrow down your selection much faster.

I will say this.... As a broad over-simplification. I find that the people who tend to like modern knives are either a) knife enthusiasts, b) work in the trades and/or military, c) work in some flavor of engineering/tech or d) are under the age of 40. And I find that traditionals appeal to or are accepted by the general public more.

For example, if my buddy and I are standing near the printer and it comes time to open a new box, when I pull out my Opinel #9 with a 3.5" blade and well worn and nicely stained wood handle and he pulls out his itsy-bitsy Chive which snaps up somewhat violently with a loud metalic snap, he's the one who takes guff about "pulling out a weapon".
 
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I would highly suggest a Boker Exkaliber (1 or 2, difference is size). Its a modern one hand opening liner lock but it combines traditional styling and modern performance. Plus is has a nail-knick which [to me] screams traditional.
 
I have been looking for a very particular type, a 1-hand knife w/ wood handle. The only decent one around $50 is the SOG Twitch II w/ Rosewood handle. Note that it is an assisted opening knife, if you want to avoid that type.
 
Faralon said:
Looking for a traditional gentleman's folder to purchase for my father-in-law. Roughly 3" blade. Something that when he takes it out of his pocket people are interested to see what it is, instead of the "oh its just a knife". He always hands out his little folder to family during Christmas. Anything in the $50 price range that fits the bill? I'm fairly new to the knife world, and my current EDC is an Ontario RAT 1 w/ Black Blade and Coyote Brown G10.

Thanks for the suggestions! I'll let you know what I purchase!
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How about a Kershaw Skyline?

It may not be "traditional" but has a very clean look
With a 3inch blade and one liner its just as light or lighter than a traditional gentleman's folder
The black with satin blade doesn't make it look very menacing or tactical lol
Plus he might think a flipper is neat, ya never know :D
 
The Boker Plus Exskelimoor II with the bog oak scales is a nice one too. It can be opened fairly easily with one hand by pushing your thumb on the textured back side of the closed blade and then flicking your wrist to open it up.
 
Kershaw Cryo is a nice classier folder. The grey TiNi coating looks less intimidating, and the smaller size and sound seems to intrigue people.

Another few options are a Spyderco UKPK in a brighter color (I like blue), Spyderco Dragonfly, Spyderco Cat/Chicago, one handed SAK models.
 
Also.... If you want something out of the ordinary but still quality material check out the AG Russell Funny Folder
 
Well guys, I went with the Opinel #6, Olive Wood, Stainless 12C227 Sandvick Blade. Actually ordered one for my Father and Father-in-Law, Monogramed from Opinel USA. Came out to $25ea after Engraving and a small gift box, so I still have some $$ to spend on em... However, the saving is ON for an GEC knife. The GEC's that I liked all seemed to be between 80-100$. They were a bit out of the price range for this purchase, but THAT will be my next purchase for my "Fathers" I think.
 
I picked up a spyderco centofante C25 and it's great. Very interesting looking.
 
Faralon said:
Well guys, I went with the Opinel #6, Olive Wood, Stainless 12C227 Sandvick Blade. Actually ordered one for my Father and Father-in-Law, Monogramed from Opinel USA. Came out to $25ea after Engraving and a small gift box, so I still have some $$ to spend on em... However, the saving is ON for an GEC knife. The GEC's that I liked all seemed to be between 80-100$. They were a bit out of the price range for this purchase, but THAT will be my next purchase for my "Fathers" I think.
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Great choice . I recently came into an Opinel #8 and it is such a cool knife.
They should really enjoy your gift.
 
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