The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is available! Price is $250 ea (shipped within CONUS).
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that Chambriard Le Compagnon is stunning! Is there anything similar that locks?- Mcusta, you can get some of their superb Damascus ones under $100 if you shop around.
- Or, the French way towards elegance: do try the Chambriard Le Compagnon. It's as lovely as you expect it to be:
Sorry for the late reply, I only now browse the thread again. First, I think that in general the fact that it doesn't lock isn't that crucial in the gentlemen usage scope.
There is a somewhat beefier "outdoor" version of the Compagnon, called Le Trappeur, ("The Trapper"). And that one has a back lock. Lovely but unfortunately they are around $200. I don't have one myself but they should be great and they look splendid. Bring a bit of continental style to your collection:
This Viper Gent, cheapest olive wood version should be within your budget. Italian style, great quality, liner lock:
Also consider this lovely and dependable backlocking Lion Steel Opera, also lovingly crafted in Italy, here in buffalo horn, and it also exists in olive wood. Within your budget, and a really seriously good choice:
I can also strongly recommend the Perceval "Le Français", percisely built with a liner lock. Hyper elegant and available with different handles. Unfortunately you suffer from todays dollar/euro exchange ratio as it will cost you around $150. Truly lovely nevertheless:
http://www.couteau.com/client/cache/produit/800_____franolipli_G1_176.jpg
Finally another wonderful French one is the modern "Le Thiers" by the excellent guys from Fontenille-Pataud. Different handles, and unfortunately also around $150.
I picked up the 4, love the wharncliffe blade, the handle is very sleek looking... And best of all, it is as easy to open one handed as any other Spyderco. And that's my main drawback with many "gents folders" is they are not easily opened one handed. Might not be quite as classic looking as these wooden handled type knives, but I like it a lot. Also very light and thin.
