I am looking for a classy gentleman's folder for myself

S

ShooterMcgavin

Joined
Jan 20, 2008
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I have mostly heavy-ish EDC knives and I need something classy that could be carried with a suit (more middle-weight rather than truly light-weight). Even though it will be a suit-knife, I want something that can stand up to some decent cutting use (NOT abuse). I am not a fan of liner locks, but I could possibly be persuaded into one if everything else about the knife is perfect.

Features/Specs that I am looking for:
*somewhat light weight - I want it to be under 3.5oz; ideally it would be under 3oz, but I can be a bit flexible
*blade length should be about 2.75" - 3" long
*I prefer AXIS locks, frame locks, and lock back knives
*handle abrasion - since the knife will be carried in dress pants, I don't want the handle to be very abrasive. Something smoother would be fine. This isn't a hard-use knife.
*I want a good slicer that will take a fine edge, so I want a good steel (S30V, VG-10, ZDP-189, D2, or similar steels are preferred). I would consider 154CM, ATS-34, etc. to be fine too.
*Damascus? I don't know enough about it. If it can be made to the level of 154CM, then it would be a good option.
*Style? Damascus is cool - talk to me. Carbon fiber is nice. I love classy wood handles. Titanium is nice too. Nickel plated bolsters are not usually my thing, but surprise me. I like barrel spacers, but I know a lock back won't use them.
*Price - I probably won't spend over $150, but show me ideas up to $200, just in case ;)

*ETA - I want a pocket clip, but a clipped sheath is possible.

I have handled the Spyderco Centofante III and I wasn't impressed with the fit and finish. At the top of my list right now is the carbon fiber Caly3 with ZDP-189 blade.

Ok gurus, what can you recommend for me? :)
 
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Before I was even done reading I was thinking ZDP Caly 3. The Ti sage 2 also comes to mind.
 
The Kopa CF may be a little on the small side of your size range but this would be a good time to pick one up on "sale", or maybe the Native CF. Both are being heavily discounted because they are about to be discontinued. Check PoorFish's listings on eBay.
Another very nice design is the BM 960, also to be discontinued.
KnifeWorks also has a limited edition of the 707 in S30V, the 707-901.

The reason you were not impressed by the Centofante is that it is a pretty cheap knife with FRN handle, both the Native and Kopa CFs are on another level. The Caly CF you mentioned is also nice, but it is known to have a few F&F issues.
 
Caly 3 in ZDP / carbon fiber handles.
Sage 1 has carbon fiber handles, and is $50 cheaper than the Sage 2 (great knife also).
Mcusta makes some very elegant, useful folders. Their damascus holds a nice edge and still won't break the bank. Check them out.
 
The Benchmade Nakamora Shoki is a great gentlemen's knife. It has a cool button style lock and comes with a pocket pouch to carry it in. They are getting hard to find but are still out there. It has Winewood handles, Carbon Fiber Bolsters, Blue Titanium Bolsters and the blade steel is 154cm.
 
knifenut1013 said:
Before I was even done reading I was thinking ZDP Caly 3. The Ti sage 2 also comes to mind.
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We think alike. The Sage 2 was another one that was high on my list. I think I still want that one, but I'm up in the air if I want it for a dressy knife.

LorenzoL said:
...The Caly CF you mentioned is also nice, but it is known to have a few F&F issues.
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Thanks for the great recommendations. What issues with fit and finish have you heard about the CF Caly3?

Thanks JNieporte. Mcusta knives are some that I need to look at more.
 
What about a BM707-701? (s30v)
I've recently seen some at a retailer recommended to someone who wanted to buy a rat (i think it was the 1st recommendation - but i dont find the thread anymore.. when i was searching for it i found one at ebay..)

s_f
 
About the F&F issues on the Caly CF: I have 3 of those, all have some rubbing of the blade with the liner, resulting in scratches on the tang after a few cycles. That is made worse by the rather soft 420 steel sandwiching the ZDP core.
Also, a couple of those were not properly de-burred, but that is a minor issue if you plan to use it.
Overall, I do not really like the design of the Caly, the handle is too small, especially near the tang, and the bump is too big. The Sage has a much more user-friendly handle.

About the 707-701: it is a great knife, but it goes for around 170-200$, the 707-901 KW is selling costs 130$, has the same S30V blade but the insert is G-10 instead of CF.

A cheaper alternative to the -701 would be the 707D2-600, it is discontinued too, but much easier to find. I am not sure it would be great for everyday pocket carry, though: the black finish on the handle is pretty coarse and will wear rather quickly, and D2 is not as rust-proof as S30V.
Here is a pic of both, as well as the 960, the 3 Spydercos in CF, the Sages 1 & 2, a few Lums and the Poliwog, which is small but awesome.

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There is a great solution - but it was canned this year - again. The Kershaw 1993-2 'Gentleman's Folder', made in Seki, Japan, is a 3.1" drop point VG-10 blade in a brass linered lockback with Micarta scales and brass/ss hardware. It comes with a leather sheath of sorts - not up to the knife's quality. They were list ~$120 with evil-bay prices from $60-$95 - now higher, when you can find it. Mine has a home - and I will never mistake it for a Buck 110. Of course, it is a fine 'dress-up' knife.

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Stainz
 
I'd like to vote again for a Mcusta.

Regular (just one of many variations)...
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Same knife, but in damascus...
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I can't say for other manufacturers' damascus, but Mcusta's is very functional.
Their VG-10 is excellent, and is probably made in the same foundry as Spydercos. It's great.
 
BenchMade HK 14210. Nuf said on that one.

If not that one a BenchMade Mini Hardtail Harley Davidson folder is also quite nice. I believe they make two of these now. A less expensive version for around $100 and then the one like mine that was the first one for around $200. I got mine for less but can't recall where.

STR
 
Fallkniven TK3 series :thumbup::thumbup:

Red Quince
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Mother of Pearl
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Ivory Micarta
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Kevin
 
To me, a gentleman's knife is simple, classic, and smallish. The One Hand Knife would certainly fit the bill. I'd be looking at Fallkniven, myself. They have simple elegance down pat. I'd also be looking at Queen for the classic patterns and the D2 steel.
 
Someone posted a BM Osborne 960 above... great knife. 3" blade, 2.26 oz, D2 blade... I loved mine, so light you didn't even know it was in the pocket.

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I also thought of the Caly 3 immediately when I read the post.

I have 2 of them and I wouldn't say they have a fit and finish problem as they are both put together just as well as any other knife I have.

As far as the tang scratching, yes that does happen because they do not have any washers. They are supposed to be made to high enough tolerances they don't need them. They do get some scratches on the tang because the outer steel is softer 420 stainless but it doesn't bother me at all.

I also like how it fits my hand and with the choil it makes it feel like a much bigger knife. Every knife fits other people's hands and tastes differently. The caly 3 is highly liked around here for a reason. But every knife is going to have someone who it doesn't work for so keep that in mind when reading reviews, good and bad.
 
i've seen pics on here of some kershaws w/ damascus and wood scales that look really nice imo. you could probably pick up a couple for the money youre willing to spend.
 
knifenut1013 said:
Before I was even done reading I was thinking ZDP Caly 3. The Ti sage 2 also comes to mind.
Click to expand...

i have a Carbon Fiber CalyIII
it is a real sweet carry.
very classy.
lockback of course.

also there is a nice stag slip joint listed in the customs for sale section.Nowland i think

buzz
 
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