Need helping choosing a gent's folder >>

patrickb

patrickb

Joined
Dec 29, 2003
Messages
339
I'm new to knives, but quickly becoming addicted. It sure is fun when you initially become interested in collecting something as there's an abundance of info to learn. I've spent countless hours reading the threads here and elsewhere, browsing the retailer's sites, spending time at my local cutlery shops, etc. Everything is new, making for a pretty fun ride.

I picked up a CRKT Mt. Shasta about 18 months ago because I needed something a bit beefier than my small SAK w/the scissors. Shortly thereafter, I wanted something a bit lighter for daily carrying as I wear a suit to work. While searching for a new EDC, I came across the forums...and it's all been downhill from there. My productivity at work has decreased and my wife keeps asking, "are you almost done in your office?"

I ended up with the Kershaw Chive about 6 months back, I just bought a William Henry CF Kestrel right after Xmas and this weekend picked up a Kershaw Leek.

Here's my dilemma, I'm looking for another Gent's Folder that's a bit bigger than the Kestrel & the Chive, something with about a 2 1/2" blade and a lightweight, so I'm thinking titanium or even Carbon Fiber. I'm willing to spend up to $300 (but I'd be just as happy in the $100 range if I found something I liked). I'd like to diversify a bit so I'm staying away from the other William Henry models. I almost bought the Small Sebenza, but found it a tad too big for my needs with the 3" blade. I also liked the little Benchmite, but it was just too small.

So, can you guys give me some recommendations?

BTW, I posted some photos of my new Kestrel the other day:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=286009
 
Chris Reeve Mnandi

2.75" s30v blade
Titanium handle
Frame lock
and lets not forget Chris's craftmanship.

All can be had for around $300.00
 
The Mnandi is very nice. You may also want to check the exchange, in Knifemaker's corner. There are some custom folders in that price range.
 
spyderco/viele colaboration a few years back produced a great gents knife a few years back. i dont know if they are still made but i have used and abused mine for years and still as solid as the day i bought it. all for around 100 bucks:D
 
Kershaw "Leek' is a nice gentelman's folder.
Light, very slim, and with 'speed safe' a hell of a deal at well under $100.
 
My choice would be:

b5-ft-lg.jpg


Style: Monarch # B5-FT (button lock)
Blade length: 2.6"
Overall length: 5.875"
Weight: 1.1 oz.
Blade: ATS 34
Handle: Titanium
Thumbstud: Stainless
Fittings: Stainless
Lanyard: N/A
Carry system: Removable titanium clip
 
I agree with Keith, but that's boring. I wouldn't see any reason not to go with William and Henry.

To be less boring, though, I'd suggest you check out some of the custom knives where gents folders have a great deal more variety and character than is possible with production knives. For example this is a very carryable gents folder from ABS Mastersmith P. J. Tomes:

knifeart_1775_52646904


It's $450 from KnifeArt.com.

Also $450 and from KnifeArt is this Abalone Clip Point from Australian John Jones:

knifeart_1771_43921429


At $400, 2-1/2", and 1.9 oz, you could get this Koji Hara carbon fiber flipper:

knifeart_1770_83547112


At $450, 2-1/2", and with mosaic damascus bolsters, you could go with this Wayne Whittaker Jigged Bone Folder from Blade Gallery:

bgknife2638.jpg


and on and on.

knife2011.jpg


knife1308.jpg


knife849.jpg


And to be completely different, check out the Knife Kits at knifekits.com:

ddrii-side.jpg


The DDR-2 is 2.45" in blade length, and you can pick whatever scales and embellishments you want. I've built these, and they are easy (e.g. easier than building my kids christmas presents) and fun.
 
Another vote for the Mnandi.:D
The William Henry Lancet and Monarch would be good choices too. :cool:

Paul
 
I'd also say the Mnandi. It's a superb gents folder. I had one for a very short time as I was looking for a true EDC and found it just a little to small for my taste. But, as a gents knife for dressing up with I don't think you can do much better. Quality was outstanding.
 
For last few days I am crazy about my new Random Leek (not Rainbow Leek). Which has CPM S30V steet. I am highly recommend this one - I am already scrutch my friend watch glass today (he challenge me, he did not belive I will be able to scratch glass with it and volontire his watches - ha!ha!ha!). Also it is very slim - very comfortable in my pocket, almost unnoticable until you need it. It is exactly like Chive but longer and has one of the best steel for today.
kershawRandomLeek-01.jpg

more pics here: http://playground.sun.com/~nozh2002/Kershaw-Leek.html
available only here for $70:
http://www.chesapeakeknifeandtool.com/cgi-local/SoftCart.exe/?E+scstore

Other my favorite knife for last year Hiro Little Blue - only knife has triple laminated VG10 blade. It is just beatifull! And steel are one of the best too.
SekiCut-HiroLB-1.jpg

more pics here: http://playground.sun.com/~nozh2002/SekiCut-HiroLB.html

Thanks, Vassili.
 
There are also some custom gents folders for sale in The Knife Exchange\Knife Marker's Corner\For Sale: Folders forum area. For example $275, 2-5/8", mammoth ivory from Txwoodchip:

wharncliffs_l.jpg
 
The Mnandi is outstanding. You can get them with Damascus blades and fancy "scales".

A less expensive but very nice gents knife is the Benchmade 770 folder. I like the version with the black boron plain edge blade w/ carbon fiber handle. They can be found on the net for around $150 USD.

Rich
 
I've got my work cut out for me this morning. I guess that report will have to wait :~) Damn these knives!

RE: the WH Lancet & Monarch suggested above. These were tops on my to-buy list. I liked the blade shape better on the Monarch (and even my kestrel, as the Lancet seemed less of a drop point for my tastes). I just have a concern with the button lock. I've never seen one in person...anybody have some experiences to share about how it compares to a standard liner or frame lock? I likely would have bought the Ti Monarch if I knew more about the locking mechanism.

Any thoughts?
 
I've got my work cut out for me this morning. I guess that report will have to wait :~) Damn these knives!

RE: the WH Lancet & Monarch suggested above. These were tops on my to-buy list. I liked the blade shape better on the Monarch (and even my kestrel, as the Lancet seemed less of a drop point for my tastes). I just have a concern with the button lock. I've never seen one in person...anybody have some experiences to share about how it compares to a standard liner or frame lock? I likely would have bought the Ti Monarch if I knew more about the locking mechanism.

Any thoughts?
 
patrick, I think you've made some good choices in your knife selections. I'm in a suit and tie everyday myself, one of my favorite Gent's knife is the Spyderco "Kiwi".
http://www.1sks.com/store/spyderco-kiwi.html
Although it's a little bit less than the 2 1/2" blade length it's just about perfect for most office chores. It's sheeple firendly, you'll get nothing but compliments on the way it looks, especially with the jigged bone scales. I have a Kiwi on me EDC as well as the Tomes folder Gabe suggested. I'm sure you realize that the best part about this knife addiction is that there's never just one knife that will the fill the void. ;)
 
Go with the Mnandi. I've owned numerous Gent's knives, including the WH T-10, Leek, Chive, Spydie Dragonfly, BM 330 and I'm convinced the Mnandi is in a class by itself. The Mnandi possesses superior ergonomics, is made from top drawer materials, has excellent fit and finish and is backed by an awesome warranty. Get one, you won't regret it. ;)
 
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