I need a gentleman's folder

46Alpha

46Alpha

Joined
Oct 28, 2011
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I'm hoping someone can point me in the right direction. I love big knives, and my EDC rotation is currently an SMF, XM-18, and a VECP. But about two times a week, I'm in a suit and tie. None of these knives do well in dress pants. So I'm looking for a small, quality folder for dress wear.

- 1.5-2" blade, I prefer higher end steel (S30v, S35vn, CPM 154, CTS XHP)
- Quality handle material. Ti would be my first choice, followed by CF. I don't like bone or any traditional stuff.
- I'm open to just about any lock, or even a slip.
- Weight UNDER 2oz! I want something that I can slip in my pocket that will not feel like a boat anchor.
- Nothing personal and no offense meant, I prefer made in America. I know how good knives made overseas are. I just want an america made one.
- I'd like to keep it under $200. But I'd go higher for the right knife.

Any thoughts or input would be appreciated. I'd planned on getting either the GB Air or a Kiwi, but the Made in the US thing.

TIA for you time :thumbup:
 
Benchmade Mini Griptilian in black maybe? Just a suggestion, Good quality made in USA, and comes in a few different stlyes.
 
Not sure if this is along the lines of what you are looking for, but I always carry my CRKT Ripple when I'm in dress clothes. Its small, very thin, built nicely, lockup is perfect with no play in any direction, Acuto+ steel holds a wicked sharp edge and stays sharp forever. I got mine secondhand for $50. You certainly don't want to go for the cheapo WalMart model, but the Acuto framelock model comes in the 3+" model and a sub-3" model, as well.
 
Knives seem few and far between that fit the description... Especially a tiny blade. First thing that comes to mind is the Fellhoelter Frikkie:

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1356898227.270493.jpg
 
Some of the knives I carry in a suit:

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SngDragon.jpg

MnandiSmallInsingo.jpg


Most of the time I carry the Small Insingo in a leather sheath in my pants pocket and carry the Mnandi clipped in the suit's breast pocket.

Occasionally I'll carry the SNG without a clip in the front pant pocket; the concealed carry or gunner grip are thin enough to pull this off.

I used to carry the Dragonfly in the breast pocket, but I haven't carried it much since getting the Mnandi.

My first choice would be the Mnandi; very robust for the size and weight and worth the money.
My second choice would be the Ohta if you absolutely want to keep it around $200. This one is an ironwood slip-joint.
 
CF Benchmade Shoki, followed by Spyderco Dragonfly, are a little longer than 2" but they're both worth checking out.
 
If it has to be under 2", I'd buy a Spyderco Manbug (screw construction), and then use the remaining money to have someone switch the scales for a fancier knife. Not sure if you can modify the Manbug, but it's an idea. Otherwise, a knife with under 2" of blade is pretty hard to find. Or mod a Spyderco Chicago.

Or the Spyderco Balance. Comes in CF or Stainless Steel, VG10 Blade.
 
The Mnandi does most of what you ask but it's traditional wood and longer than 2". It is extra light around 1.5oz and is a very gentleman's sheeple friendly knife with a titanium frame lock.
 
Benchmade Shoki or 482 Megumi, Spyderco Caly 3 with VG10 damascus blade and CF handle, Spyderco UK penknife with s30v blade and Ti or CF handle, or Caly 3 with ZDP-189 blade and CF handle... There are some nice Mcusta with VG10 damascus blade and handle of appropriate size...
I realize that most of the knives I have listed have blades longer than 2". I am not really sure about knives that small.
 
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Another vote for the mnandi, they are great and don't scare people. (Over 2" and about $350 though)
William Henry makes some fantastic small knives but they are pricey.
I would also look into the custom world. I just bought a John Lloyd custom slip joint for 250$, great cutter and very light. Alan Davis also makes some smaller locking knives. There are lots of slip joints in that size range, you just have to search a bit. If you watch the sales forum closely, you can get some nice deals.
 
I'll also vote for the Mnandi.
While it's over 2" and over $200 it's high quality, fit and finish, it feels great in the hand and it's light.
It also looks like a gentleman's pocket knife.

Good luck in your search
J
 
As an owner of many gentleman's knives, I'd echo other posters. Shoki for the price; Mnandi if you can go a bit higher; and William Henry if you want to splurge (many are around 2.5" blades - visit the website and bring money).
 
I picked up a CRKT Eros with this same idea in mind. Unfortunately, the lockup was super late and blade was off center though brand new.
Ended up settling on a small Sebenza. I know the price point is totally different, but of course I'm happy. It's a lot of blade for something "small" :D
 
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