Inexpensive Gent's knife

T

THG

Joined
May 18, 2008
Messages
3,644
Hey,

I'm looking for an inexpensive gentleman's knife. I don't need anything especially fancy, but then again my definition of "gentleman's knife" seems to be a bit different than lots of peoples'...

Would you consider either the Leek or Delica Stainless a knife that will go well for dress occasions?

The most basic Leek (I'm not really considering any other Leek):
http://www.newgraham.com/detail.aspx?ID=4778

The Delica SS:
http://www.newgraham.com/detail.aspx?ID=4900

Thanks.
 
It's really subjective, but I wouldn't consider a Delica to be a Gent's Folder.
A Leek is closer to being one, but the assisted opening freaks out a lot of people.

I think a Gent's folder should look real good, and be the kind of knife you can take out easily in public without causing a stir.
I also think it should be slim and light and well made, and not have a pocket clip.
 
rifon2 said:
A Leek is closer to being one, but the assisted opening freaks out a lot of people.
Click to expand...

Can't the AO be turned off?

rifon2 said:
I think a Gent's folder should look real good, and be the kind of knife you can take out easily in public without causing a stir.
I also think it should be slim and light and well made, and not have a pocket clip.
Click to expand...

Hmm... Well like I said, I'm not looking for anything expensive at all. Just something "silvery" that'll look decent with a suit. Yeah, sounds kinda lame, but I'm on a tight budget; I always am :o
 
Maybe this or this. Seriously. I bought the larger clip point one and was pleasantly surprised. Lockup solid. Very thin, lightweight, and classy looking. The smaller one with the drop point blade looks even less intimidating. The only downside was that common problem with knives of all kinds. Thick edge bevel. But not unusable. The mystery steel is satisfactory.

I modded mine by convexing the blade and grinding an "EZ open" divot in the handle.
 
THG said:
Can't the AO be turned off?

Not really.
You can remove the torsion bar, but it's not worth the effort -
also, the torsion bar helps keep the knife closed.


Hmm... Well like I said, I'm not looking for anything expensive at all. Just something "silvery" that'll look decent with a suit. Yeah, sounds kinda lame, but I'm on a tight budget; I always am :o
Click to expand...

There are some really great deals out there in Gent's knives.

Here are a few:

http://www.agrussell.com/knives/by_...rliteclip_point_blade_with_aus8_steel__1.html

http://www.agrussell.com/knives/by_.../a_g_russell_25_titanium_lockback_folder.html

http://www.gpknives.com/item/benchmade-benchmite-ii.html
 
Good suggestions; I'll have to look into it some more. Thanks, guys.
 
On those rare occasions when I wear a suit I have a rainbow chive clipped in the inside pocket of the jacket. Sure, it's AO, but it's small and cute and appeals to the ladies. Maybe the Rainbow Chive if you want something bigger.
 
If I'm wearing a suit, I tend to carry a Sodbuster Jr. Either a Case with yellow scales, or a Brown Mule with wooden scales. Not an aggressive appearance, but enough knife for any small job. Cheap, too - $15 or $20. Oh yeah, and chicks dig 'em.
 
I'd look at some of the stainless gripped Spyderco's in the Byrd series.

They most there lil-'uns in a the stainless grips. I have the Twitch II, would make a great 'casual gent' knife but the assisted opening may not sit well with sheeple.
 
I recently got a SAK Soldier, and it is very inexpensive, sheeple friendly, pocket-friendly (slim and quite light) and the silver alox scales make it surprisingly elegant looking. Not a one-handed opener; no clip; non-locking blade. But it's robust--more robust then red-handled SAKs, and has a view extra tools, too.

I also have a Byrd Robin, SS. It's a one-handed opener, locks, and has a clip. It's pretty good as a gentlemanly EDC, but it's a bit heavy for its size, and it's aggressive aesthetics don't make it sheeple suitable. Mine scared the pants off a male coworker.
 
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For an inexpensive, quality knife, that would work well at dress occasions, I second the SAK Soldier with alox scales. Great knife, looks good, and won't freak people out.
 
Go for the Dragonfly SS. Light wieght, good quality and just an all around good knife for a cheap price.
 
Another vote for the SOG Twitch II

I like the CNC handled one myself.

Check out some of the pics on the SOG manufacturers section of Bladeforums.
 
There are a lot of knives that are US made, excellent quality, fit and finish that fall into the category you described.

Your question was Leek or Delica. Of those 2, I'd pick the Leek. You can dress it up even more with a Damascus blade. Very classy!

As gajinoz mentioned, the Chive is a nice alternative. Personally, when I'm doing the suit thing, if I don't carry a Leek or Chive, it's a BM 530. At under 2 ounces, it carries wonderfully in a lightweight summer suit.
 
Spyderco Centofante III; 3-1/8" VG-10 steel blade. :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

The BEST inexpensive, "in town" small folder that I own.

One of my most used knives. Love it!
 
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