gents folders -- as good as the Mnandi but for $50 -- what are your suggestions?

C

cognitivefun

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Oct 24, 2004
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I don't have a Mnandi but I have a small regular Sebenza. So I know the quality of CRK.

But I am interested in a knife that comes as close as possible. Lock is mandatory, but not a liner lock. And must look really good -- scales must be wood or similar natural material. A gentleman's knife. Stainless preferred. Used is fine -- if you know of a certain model that is no longer made but readily available, that's great.

Target price is $50...

What do you think?
 
Spyderco Kopa would be my pick, very nice quality, unfortunately it's more like $110.

Maybe a small Mcusta.
 
For $50 thats a pretty tall order. Move up to $100, and I think you will expand your options about 30 fold.
 
Those are very tough guidelines, but not impossible.

How about a Spyderco Stainless Kiwi?



KnifeWorks has them for $49.95.

If that doesn't do it for you, take a look at some of Spyderco's other stainless models, like the Cricket and Dragonfly.

--Bob Q
 
That's a good one... if there was such a thing wouldn't it be nice...

I really like my Cricket, love my Al Mar Hawk, and will probably buy a Kiwi when it comes out with the smooth red bone, but honestly these knives are not as good as a Mnandi.
 
I've wanted something like a Mnandi for under $120, I don't see anything like it.

Something to fill the same role is the Kopa, which is great, but it doesn't look at all like a Mnandi.
 
I'd say the new Benchmite II, 10610. It's not naturally scaled, but it's cool-factor and size make it a gents knife. It's well under $50.00. Here's a pic.

benchmadebenchmiteii.jpg
 
I like the old benchmite and I would like the new one but I can't stand the blade shape. I think they ruined the knife.
 
I know several older gentleman that are quite happy with their Spyderco Native, now available at local Wal-Marts for $40 and some change. Made in the USA and CPMS30V blade. What more could a gentleman ask for?

I believe Buck makes several small gents folders that can all be viewed and examined at Wal-Mart also but none of them are going to sport anything more than a 420HC blade steel for around the same price as the max limit you require.

STR
 
kershaw splinter w/quince handles - also over $50 but less so than some alternatives, especially if you hunt ebay. great ergos, looks very classy, a top-notch blade for the $$, although it's a little thicker then the Mnandi.
http://www.knivesplus.com/KERSHAW-KEN-ONION-SPEEDSAFE.HTML

edited: whoops - you said no liner lock. still, for a gent's folder the liner on the splinter should be sufficient to whatever tasks it might be asked to perform.
 
If you can live with 440 steel, I suggest checking out some Italian and Spanish makes. Very nice wooden and even stag scale lockbacks can be had for around $50.

Eickhorn made a series called "Gentleman". Very elegant and well finished knives, the blade steel is sadly just 420M with some kind of nitrogen treatment. Takes an edge but doesn't really hold it very well. I know they are liner locks, but come on, just read the name :). Also, the screws are not loctited, at least on mine, and I found out the hard way, by losing one. If you're able to find them, they should be about $40. Even considering the faults, they are very well finished and beautiful little knives.
 
bquinlan said:
Those are very tough guidelines, but not impossible.

How about a Spyderco Stainless Kiwi?



KnifeWorks has them for $49.95.

If that doesn't do it for you, take a look at some of Spyderco's other stainless models, like the Cricket and Dragonfly.

--Bob Q
Click to expand...

I second this. Note that the handles are convex, not flat.
 
No one has mentioned SOG yet, there's the twitch, and the blink, most under $50, they also have some other nice small one too.
 
I don't know about $50 knives, but you might consider a Benchmade 690 if you can find one at a good price.

The old Benchmade Pardue 330 would fit the bill for an ultraslim, well constructed gentleman's folder. However it's become collectible and selling for well over $100 now.
 
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