Recommendation? Looking for a “gentleman’s folder”

[Daniel Thompson]

Here's a side by side of the bugout, the gray valet, the shinola valet, a macassar ebony mnandi, and a black g10 gent.

https://imgur.com/a/XBhzl71

I don't know if that's helpful or not, but I figured it couldn't hurt.

 

[McFeeli]

Mcusta Tactility in Damascus(VG-10) and Cocobolo. If there's a nicer looking knife that costs the same as a Tactility, I haven't seen it.

Their Katana's look really sweet too, though the Tanto may be a bit much for some people, it's more in the traditional sense than an Americanized one, but still a great looking blade. They both may be a bit larger than you wanted, though(not sure of the blade length off hand).

 

[LastRodeo]

take a look at the Lionsteel mini-it is every bit a gent knife and the fit and finish is impeccable.I have one in CF and it is smooth as butter and just a piece of art-which lionsteel knives are known for.

I will second this, if considering a knife without a pocket clip. I have a cocobolo Lionsteel mini and love it.

 

[js1badsti]

mine actually has a clip but can be removed and still looks good

 

[Daniel Bright]

Crkt crossbones

 

[John_0917]

Go a little over ($15) and get a Native CF with the CPM154/S90V blade

 

[ocnLogan]

I tend to carry things closer to a gentlemen's folder most of the time. $200 is more than my budget, but I've drooled enough over some of them in that price range that have some input here. A lot have already been listed by others though, so I'll not reiterate them.

Here are a few I haven't seen mentioned yet. Most are Boker for some reason, with one Enzo in the mix.

Boker Wasabi. 2.75in blade out of 440C. Well under budget, and it doesn't lock (its a detent based front flipper), but I think its classy as all get out. Comes in G10, CF, and Cocobolo.

Boker Exskelibur 2. Another 2.75in blade. There are many options to chose from. I had one with oak handles and 440C, they make CF, Cocobolo, Titanium handled versions with VG10, damascus, and S30v blades as well.

Boker petite Urban trapper. Same design as the bigger urban trapper, but with a 2.75in blade as well.

Enzo Birk 75. It looks great in every handle material (CF, Birch, etc). 2 7/8in blade made out of D2, or S30v. Can be had in Full flat, or scandi grind.

 

[AFDavis11]

Take a peek at the Boker Plus FR. It's the stronger brother of the Trapper.

 

[cchu518]

Ag Russells gentlemens framelock.

 

[JBoone]

I like my valet. It is in my office edc rotation along with a mnandi.

 

[Punisher252]

The valet is a great little knife

 

[quattro98]

In your price range, I have the Lionsteel Mini (mine are plain handles with damascus blades, but I think the ones with a bolster have a clip) & the Spyderco Chaparral. Both are recommended. The Lionsteel CK slipjoints are great too.

I've been interested in the small and light knives and these are the best I've found. The high quality and usable design make each a pleasure to carry & use.
CRK Mnandi
Klotzli ACC-M2C
William Henry E6

Overall, I like the Spyderco in FRN as a great user, but the others look and feel nicer.

 

[number9]

I sure do like the looks of that Boker Exskelibur 2. It's on my list. But I'm surprised we've made it this far and no one has suggested the Al Mar Hawk or Falcon. Just under or over 3". IMO, one of the classiest looking knives around.

 

[harronek]

Ken

 

[miso2]

Second on Kizer Feist.

 

[Alberta Ed]

Hell... go for something like the BM Rukus. A gentleman can carry whatever he wants, and if anyone disagrees....

 

[jaypowell0185]

I really like the Benchmade Foray

 

[Hackenslash]

It’s been mentioned before, but the Spyderco Chaparral is probably the best gentleman’s knife below your price range. They fit in the hand well, carry light a thought and cut like a ruby laser.

I like the FRN version for the grip and minimal weight but they can be found in CF or Raffir Noble.
View attachment 932430

 

[MVF]

I recently picked up a Kizer Gemini after much research and am completely glad I did. It is a very simple design and if that appeals to you, I don't know how you can do better for $170 - full titanium frame lock flipper - excellent action, feels good in the hand, and S35VN. I liked it so much, I picked up a Kizer V3 Vigor which is smaller with G10 and VG10. Also has excellent build quality and I think it was under $60. I think it makes a great gent's knife, even at that embarrassingly low price.

 

[Ourorboros]

I also 2nd Boos Blades. Mini aero and smoke models.

Those Boos are pretty. I must add to my list.

I'm not enthusiastic about the Boker Urban Trapper or the Wasabi, tbh. I like Boker Solingen knives, but the Magnums not so much.
An overlooked one is the Spyderco Jess Horn. If it wasn't for the clip requirement I'd list Moki, but this is the clipped & Spydie-holed equivalent.
The Kizer Feist is another good one.