Gentleman's tactical

I really like my viper ten, comes in at a bit over 3.5oz.
Kizer Gemini,
Wilson combat extreme lite carry (elc) is another <4oz., nice looking "tactical style" knife with a gentlemanly look to it, esp. in cocobolo wood. N690co. High on my short list.
Benchmade 943 is another nice option at just under 3oz.
At just over 2.5, the spyderco positron cf is a solid choice too. One of the spydies I actually do like.
 
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I have a Mcusta Bushi Sword in green and damascus and it is a very nice and reasonably priced knife. It's a little on the dressy side and light enough to easily carry in a pair of light board shorts. If I may suggest another option, I also have a ZT 450CF that has become one of my favorite most carried knives. It's so light you almost don't know it's there and it just keeps finding it's way into my pocket.
 
I'll second the Southern Grind Spider Monkey.

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If you're looking for a larger knife that would be functional for SD purposes, but looks good, what about a ZT 0452. Right now, you can get the blue anodized one with M390 blade for $260, or the standard version for $220. There are after-market custom hardware options if you want to spruce it up further.
 
I got it - just grab a Kershaw Leek - one of the 47-million possible variations...even the fancier examples are well within your budget & the design holds up, IMO anyhow.
 
Another vote for the Spider Monkey. Light but stout; good sized blade, nicely made. Fits my hand very well, sans clip.
I had a McCusta Tactility. Beautiful knife, but just didn't fit my hand. The clip wasn't my favorite, either.
Also had a BM 940. Great Knife. More of a dress knife for me, light and disappears in a suitcoat pocket. But even in 943 guise, seems a little small and light if any sort of 'tactical' application is needed.
The Al Mar Eagle lightweight is not a hard-use knife, I think that takes it our of the 'tactical' category. The Eagle HD, on the other hand is serious stabby little knife. But I found the talon blades not the best for slicing, and other routine tasks. Also pretty much scares the crap out of anyone who sees you using it, no matter how innocuous the task. Still might get another; it's a sweet knife.
Never owned a 710, but it's on my wannit list, as is the Emerson Gentleman Jim. I'd just change out the scales on both for something nicer looking. But those then would both be budget-busters.
All this tactical stuff is purely hypothetical from my perspective, as I am no knife fighter. But I guess I appreciate the knife style.
 
0770CF - Super light, super slim, deep carry.
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0452CF - Light, slim, long reach, deep cary. Perfection of form.
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Gayle Bradley 2 - Heavier, but super classy. Very good value.
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0450 or 940 if you're looking for something a little smaller/lighter
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And here's one more shot comparing them with the Mantra2 and GB1 added in the mix:
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It might be smaller than you are looking for but, Benchmade's 531 is a fine, inexpensive gentleman's knife. It even kinda looks tactical.
 
I like Joe's recommendation of the BM 477 Emissary. Under 4 oz., Osborne design, you can get the aluminum handles in Aqua if you want.

The BM HK Nitrous Blitz is pretty cool as well. It's under 3 ounces with the titanium liners.

The Al Mar Ultralight Eagle Talon would suit you just fine. Only two ounces and put together well.

The Southern Grind Spider Monkey is almost too cool to pass up. I think I'll get this one next.
 
Velitrius said:
I like Joe's recommendation of the BM 477 Emissary. Under 4 oz., Osborne design, you can get the aluminum handles in Aqua if you want.

The BM HK Nitrous Blitz is pretty cool as well. It's under 3 ounces with the titanium liners.

The Al Mar Ultralight Eagle Talon would suit you just fine. Only two ounces and put together well.

The Southern Grind Spider Monkey is almost too cool to pass up. I think I'll get this one next.
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Yeah.....that guy Joe knows his shi..........hey wait a second!!!!!
Took me by surprise as no one usually agrees with me!! Just ask my ex!!!
[emoji106][emoji106][emoji106]
 
You guys are really spoiling me with choises :D

Ok. After a lot of thought my choises are down to these. I quess none of the reasons have much to do with logic, more with taste, but here goes:

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None of them are extremely light. The lightest of these, MCusta, has "fighting knife" written all over the blade shape (mallninja me approves :) ). The BM is seriously a classic, also heaviest and biggest. Bradley 2 is more of a general use and edc oriented. If I followed my senses this would be the choise, it is not as scary as the others.

Speaking of lack of logic, I just don't like frame locks. Sorry :( I know there are two liner locks in this line-up so there goes my logic out of window... But visually I like these most.
 
I haven't owned the other two, but have owned a few versions of the 710 and must say it's a very nice knife. It does carry much smaller than it's size would suggest. As long as you are okay with the blade length and slight recurve you can't go wrong. I am not sure if Knifeworks still has their exclusive, but if they do it's worth checking out.
 
Velitrius said:
Knifeworks still has the exclusive version of the 710 on their site.

Go have a look.
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Yup!! I have 4 710s and this one is my favorite!!! Excellent steel in much nicer scales!
My sons surprised me with one and had their initials engraved in the blade.
Since this was a special one, I had S Ketchen dress her up a bit!

Joe
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If you like the 710 (and who doesn't?) then you should look at the Spyderco Police 3.

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