"Gentleman's" Knives!

Joined
Feb 2, 2008
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716
I have an orange spyderco military that I bought when they were first released and I use and love it to this day as my one and only tactical folder! It is pretty much the only utility knife I use, I even use it in the kitchen sometimes. However, I (and I'm sure many others) deem it inappropriate for the places I often go and the kind of clothing I like to wear. The blade is too big, the pocket clip is too big, the handle is too bright, and frankly it's just very utilitarian and "tactical" which I love. I want a new knife for my collection and I really love the design of the Mnandi. I like it's size, that it has a pocket clip, it's quality, and very "nice" appearance. However, I really don't want to spend anywhere near Mnandi or even used Mnandi prices, I prefer the $150ish or less price point if possible. What would you recommend as a "gentleman's" knife?
 
I personally carry the zt 0770cf everyday. Its not only a gentlemens knife it is a workhorse too! The CF makes it very light but easy to hold and the pocket clip is very small and deep can't even tell I'm carrying most of the time. Its a great knife. Elmax steel is no joke either. But you can also get in in M390 steel. The blade is a hefty 3.25 in but it carries very well.
 
Good suggestion jeffmizrahi.

I like the Sage 1. Similar characteristics of the 770 but in a different flavor. Carbon fiber, fairly light, and carries well in the pocket. Couldn't go wrong with either.
 
If your not set on a pocket-clip, I would take a look at the Smith and Sons Mudbug. I don't have one, but do want one. While styled more like a work knife than a gentleman's folder, I think they look classy.
 
Look for William Henry "E" series. The E10 and E6 come in variety of inlays, have a pocket clip, very well made and good blade. it is definitely a gentleman's knife. They can be found in your price range.
 
I love the Spyderco Caly 3 or Caly 3.5 (inch blade) , either in VG-10 or in ZDP-189, carbon fiber grips, to suit your wallet.
 
SAK classic
[video=youtube;hqkunVqGyEQ]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqkunVqGyEQ[/video]
Case peanut
[video=youtube;Kpi5eBbHk6A]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kpi5eBbHk6A[/video]
Moki is always good.
[video=youtube;MF-bbJHmO5s]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MF-bbJHmO5s[/video]
 
If you're looking for something mnandi-esque, the spyderco air (as recommended a couple posts back) would probably fit the bill nicely.

Personally, I stopped carrying my Spydercos, esee, and kershaws for similar reasons. I turned to opinel. I carry an 8 for EDC and a 6 for my dress knife. Both walnut n' stainless.
 
Spyderco dragonfly w nishijin scales. Its my favorite. Small, fancy, sturdy. I pictured a few other knives I like to carry when I'm dressed up, though I know people's idea of gentleman's knife varies.
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I'm not sure I'd call any I've the above a real "gentleman's knife." I generally think of traditionals or something like a Shun Higo. If you need something larger maybe have a look at some of the Mcustas.
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If you have money to spend, A small Sebenza is my favorite. My first high end knife was a CRK Small Sebenza TNK Tanto. I had someone make a CF scale on it and it is very light for the amount of blade it yields. My other favorite gent carry knife is the Strider PT CC.

On a budget, I like the Spyderco Michael Walker, Lum Chinese, Sage 2. I picked up a ZT 770CF and would carry that if it was a little smaller. I have dedicated this super knife to hiking. If the size fits, that is a fabulous knife.
 
The Spyderco Kiwi 4 offers a nice slim light package with a low-rider wire pocket clip for under your budget. Kinda wish Spyderco dressed it up a little more with a fancier scale material than black G-10, but it's a nice little folder and still looks classy, imo...

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Spyderco Kiwi 4 and Victorinox Cadet

Good luck, OP! :)

-Brett
 
Spyderco Gayle Bradley Air? Small size and nice M4 steel.

Closest in size to the Mnandi and very well made made but no pocket clip.

Also, consider one of the Spyderco Chaparral series with a 2.8" blade of CTS-XHP that's only .078 " thick. Chaparral 1 with CF/G-10 laminate scales can be had for about $100.
 
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Amongst a slew of traditionals, I carry this little AG Russell 3" Ti lockback. Does a job, nice little pocket sheath. Dirt cheap for VG-10 and titanium.
 
Ebony Opinel for $75. Or any of the other "exotic" wooden handle opinels for even less... I'm talking around $35 or less. Heck, why not Get 4 of them for your money! Ebony, Walnut, pear, olive...
 
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