Gentlemen’s folder with constraints…

T

TommyGuns

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Feb 14, 2010
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I know this subject has been posted a bunch of times, but I have some unique preferences in my gentlemen’s folder and would like to know if you know of any knives that fit the bill?

Blade Length: 2.7 – 3.0 inch
Blade Width: 2.2 – 3 mm
Closed Length: 4 inch or under
Weight: 2.3 or less

Prefer Damascus blade.
Must be pretty, Ivory, fossilized bone, engraving, stones, etc…
Gripiness: For this size a clip is useful because it helps with grip. I have no intention of clipping it.
Must be flickable (one handed, quick deploy). So a thumbstud is necessary or some other method.
Generous us of titanium on the frame and bolsters would make it lighter. Will it scratch too easily?

I would like it to be useable. Are William Henry’s really usable, can they hold up to moderate use?

I like the Doug Burger EXK2 Damasteel/Bark Ivory, but weighs too much 3.2 ozs.
I like the Small Unique Sebenza’s but weighs too much 3.0 ozs
I like the BM Shoki, but can’t grip it to flick it.
Don’t like the shape of the BM Opportunist. (it can come with a clip, or a blue topaz)

thanks for your recommendations. TG
 
I have a small William Henry Pikatti (2" blade) that my wife bought me a few years ago. It withstands moderate use fine. Easy to carry, hardly know it's there, and I use it mainly to open packages, cut cardboard boxes open, etc. Haven't sharpened it since I got it, as it's still razor sharp. Guessing she paid $400-500 for it, Said she got it for me, as she knew I wouldn't spend that much on such a small knife and she thought it was a great present. Turns out it was, I use it a lot and have grown to love it.
 
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Sorry I haven't replied yet, but my router/modem went out yesterday. tonight I need to fix that problem. then I'll be able to post.

good suggestions all, I'll need to look up a couple of BM to see what they are, but will reply tonight.

:-)
 
How about a Burke Pro Rockstar. They have a configuration with Damascus blade and stonewashed titanium framelock. Very smooth, easy one handed opening with a reversible thumb stud.
 

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My personal choice was the CRK Mnandi. Very usable, looks good, some don't like the opening nicks but I can open it left or right handed.
 
The Mnandi was my first thought too. As well as Mcusta and William Henry. WH makes beautiful knives, some more jewelry than cutting tool, but I would be confident in any WH holding up to daily use just fine, at least mechanically, if not cosmetically (although I doubt you'll do much carpet cutting or woodcraft with whatever knife you choose).

There were some Benchmade 960s that were pretty sexy, with pearl inlays and whatnot. Especially the Gold Class 960 CFP. Being an AXIS lock they're definitely flickable. The 960s were very nice too. There's a new one that has mammoth handles, mokome bolsters, and a damascus blade (extremely expensive) that looks amazing. A 770CF if you can find one is pretty nice. There were a couple 706 Gold Class BMs (AXIS locks) as well.
 
Mcusta, yes. They make a solid working knife, also some beautiful but reasonably priced daily carry knives, AND a few high-dollar really nice semi-customs.
 
I really like the CRK Mnandi. Its very "gentlemanly," yet still highly usable. It's so light you barely know its in your pocket.
 
I don't think you can go wrong with either a Mnandi or William Henry. I've got some of each and carry and use them regularly. A William Henry Lancet model would be similarly sized to the Mnandi.
 
TommyGuns said:
Prefer Damascus blade.
Must be pretty, Ivory, fossilized bone, engraving, stones, etc…
Click to expand...

Pretty much sounds like William Henry.

WH's are probably about as "useable" as any gentlemans folder.

While not quite as "pretty" as the WH, Mcusta has some very attractive items. Very well made and much cheaper than the WHs.
 
From my experience, titanium of all flavors tend to scuff up easily, but especially bolsters and the handles on my Sebenza.

The only exceptions thus far being anodized titanium(Lionsteel SR-1) or stonewashed titanium(hinderer XM-18, which actually hides the wear marks).

The Mnandi is nice, but I don't think it's "flickable". You could try the CRKT Eros. It's just titanium on the handles, but they're 3D machined with a good grip. I believe they're anodized as well seeing as how I haven't spotted scuff marks as of yet. The blade is fast opening with IKBS and a flipper.

Personally, I like the Mcustas in cocobolo wood handles, but I don't think they have one within your weight limit.
 
Tsujigiri said:
Maybe an Mcusta, BM 943, or Al Mar?
Click to expand...

Thank you Tsujigiri for the reply. I like the Mcusta's they make some nice knives. There are quite a few knives at:

http://www.japaneseknifedirect.com

Most with VG-10, made in Seki Japan. I really like the VG-10 Damascus too. Looks like the webpage represents a guild of knife makers from the famous steel city. I wish they had more folders with clips though. I think around 65-70 grams is what I'm looking for. I like the Hiro Little Blue folders, SC167B made by Seki-Cut. Sold out for now.

http://www.japaneseknifedirect.com/SekiCut.html
 
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