Knife for office atmosphere

G

Ghotra

Joined
Jun 12, 2006
Messages
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Hello, I work in a fairly conservative office atmosphere in NYC. When not at work I have a couple of spydercos I like to carry around (Jess Horn combo edge and Native combo edge in rotation). I was thinking of picking something up that I can use as an EDC at the office.

I am looking for a good quality knife with the following attributes:

- blade length of 3" or less (but not too much shorter than 2.5")
- easily concealable
- slim profile, it will probably be riding in a pocket next to my wallet
- high quality steel
- flexible application (utility? knife)
- price range under $200

These are general guidelines, I am pretty flexible. I have been looking at a few gentlemen’s folder type knives – something that will look “respectable” (very subjective term) if seen at the office.

One more thing; since I live in NYC this knife can be in no way construed as a “gravity knife” (a somewhat vague legal term). I have a friend who has had a small pocket knife taken away from him because some building security officer could (with some exertion) open it by swinging it.

Does anyone have any ideas? I would really appreciate the help. Thanks in advance.
 
The Al Mar Hawks are very nice. They've got a variety of handle materials. Steel is AUS8, which is not premium but it holds up well and is easy to sharpen. They come with a leather slip case which saves it from getting scratched up in your pocket. It has a strong back lock so you should be safe on the gravity knife front by any reasonable measure I think. They're one of my favorite small knives.

The Spyderco Kopas would be worth a look too.

Also, if you like slipjoints there are some Schatt & Morgan models in ATS34 and Queen models in D2. Case CV is good steel too.
 
One option is to pick one of the longer lockblade SAK's. The Alpiner is around 7/16th inch thick with a 3.25-inch blade. The Victorinox logo and the SAK-red handle says "trust me, I'm just a tool". You might also be popular at impromptu parties with the built in cork screw:
http://www.swissknifeshop.com/prodinfo.asp?number=53621

This is definitely not a one-hander and nobody is going to be able to flick it open.
 
I don't think this blade meets your requirements but you might want to look into a Spyderco Kiwi. They are a fantastic gentleman's folder that locks up tight and has a very friendly appearance. For the price you're looking to spend, you could get a very nice stone inlaid handle too.
 
How about a Christy knife?

http://premiumknives.com/ShopSite/Christy_Knife_Company.html

My stepfather carried one for years in an office environment and used it for everything from letter opening to impromptue picnics and "weekend warrior" chores. With a blade length of about 2" it's a little smaller than your ideal, but it's slim, non-threatening in appearance, low profile, and can be opened with one hand but not "flicked". The steel is not particularly high-end, but holds a good edge and the blade is slim so it cuts well, The blade is also replaceable for a few bucks if you really damage it.
 
The Kiwi is a great choice, as is any of the smaller stainless model Spydercos, Navigator II, Dragonfly. Heck even the Kopa would be a great choice for an office environment. Not to mention they all look nice too.
 
I often carry a Fallkniven U2 for office work. Not one handed opening, but NKP friendly. Light, small, and a good steel (haven't really stressed mine due to office only carry, though Mr. Stamp did put one through his testing).

The TRE-KRONER is more "gent" looking, a bit longer blade, but goes for over $120 (vs approx. $50 for U2).

Made in Japan, so quality is as good as most Spydercos - good to excellent.
 
I like the small titanium Columbia River. It's very classy, light, and did I mention classy? They're a bit too small for me, but for a gentleman of distinction it just might be the ticket. It features a 3.13 in. AUS 8 steel blade and a 4.00 in. titanium handle with a pocket clip. Tiny for the type of knife it is and will fit nicely next to a wallet. I have one, but it's too nice to carry, so I just take it out every now and then and look at it. The plain blade appeals to many.

yhst-60630218007866_1887_22967399
 
Anything in the William Henry line would make a nice "gents" knife.
btw- a "building security officer" wouldn't have any legal authority to confiscate a knife. Prevent entry into said building w/ said knife, yes, but taking the knife is theft- your friend should have refused to relinquish it & leave the premises. The guard overstepped his authority & stole that knife.
 
Vic Soldier. Had mine for a week, and extremely happy with it. Slim, sheeple friendly and you get a couple extra tools
 
I like the benchmade 960 (3.25 blade) and
the Spyderco mini-persian (3in blade)

The mini-persian has a nice black micarta handle and is very slim
 
How about a nice handmade slip joint, there is a guy in the makers for sale section that does some great folders that usually go for around $180.00

Edited to add, this went for 185.00

95g.jpg
 
Swiss Army Soldier.

Not exactly a battle ax, but it's very classy (heck, SAKs are sold at Tiffany's!) and fit the environment great.

B000687B5I.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg


Your concerns are entirely up to your own level of confidence. Tasteful use of a knife is paramount - you could pull out a Benchmade Stryker without any negative comments if it's done in the right setting.
 
I carried a BM707 as my office knife for a while. I have a BM690 now that is perfect, the wood scales and relatively small size and tame appearance make it a good choice. (But I think it's discontinued) A small SAK is always a good choice, nobody blinks twice at them.
 
Spyderco Kopa ( six inlays are available, one more is coming)
Spyderco Cricket CF or Santa-Fee.
 
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