need minimalist/traditional pocket knife with clip recommendations

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caesarslaw

Joined
Dec 17, 2014
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hi everyone! first of all, wow, this forum is insane! ran across it while researching xmas gifts for my fiance so I thought I should ask for your advice.

I am looking for a folding pocket knife, under $100, with a pocket clip, for everyday use and more intense use (my fiance has a hobby that involves heavy duty materials and this knife could come in handy).

I'm overwhelmed at how many options there are but I'd want to get a special knife for him (for example, he'd love love the CR Sebenza aka classic, modern, minimalist, not flashy but cool knife but it's not in my budget). I'd also prefer something USA made or more "exotic" aka not to say made in china or taiwan on it (I want it to be special, I found this knife in his bookmarks to give you an idea but I don't think it's sturdy/hardcore enough for everyday use http://www.quitokeeto.com/products/coltellerie-berti-gobbo-fratelli-d-italia ).

I also don't want it to be too big or too small, basically every day but sturdier (and cool and traditional looking ha!). this would be his first ever pocket knife so I'm not sure about locks and openings etc so I would want it to be safe for him (if that makes sense). all right...looking forward to your expertise, hope this description of mine helps haha. :)
 
I'm on a bit of a Spyderco jag at the moment, so I'm going to suggest that at your price point, Spyderco has a number of excellent offerings. This isn't to say that Kershaw doesn't or that Benchmade doesn't or that Cold Steel doesn't (actually, I'd probably recommend a Cold Steel for him).

Let's see. The Manix is what I have in my pocket right now. BladeHQ has a partially serrated S30V version for just under a hundo. It's an excellent knife. I don't know if he would want a partially serrated edge, but a plain edged version is also available (I am carrying a plain edge, as do most people--a plain edge is the straight edge you see on most knives). I have two of these.

The Native is another excellent knife and is usually a few bucks less than a Manix. It's also slightly smaller. I have four of these, largely because my girlfriend likes them and borrows them.

The Delica and the Endura are also excellent knives. I think I have three or four Enduras and we lost count of the number of Delicas around the house. Everything you need in a knife and nothing you don't. Highly regarded. Been in production for decades and both are highly refined cutting tools. I highly recommend both.

Spyderco has a bunch of other knives that would work for your needs. Take a look.

Benchmade makes the Griptilian and the Mini Griptilian at your price point. Both are very highly regarded in the knife world and you can get them with a plain edge or partially serrated. I have a Mini Grip, myself and highly recommend it.

Kershaw makes a metric ton of different knives at or below your price point. They are well made and useful. The Leek is a fine example, though most of us would classify the Leek as a light to medium duty blade, not something you'd use for heavy duty materials. The Blur, on the other hand, thrives on heavy duty materials, and there are many, many other options.

Not to deliberately limit the discussion to these manufacturers, but I have personal experience of all of these knives and they come with my recommendation without reservation. You can't go wrong with any of them. Seriously.
 
As mentioned, Kershaw has some nice offerings in your price range. Other options include Benchmade mini-Grips (USA made and under $100, with pocket clip) and the new Spyderco Native 5 lightweight. Cold Steel does some nice work in your price range, but IIRC their knives are made overseas. Ontario and ESEE both have folders that would be useful for daily carry and also capable of tackling tougher jobs. They're a bit under your price cap but they are solid products. Not made in USA, though.
 
I would have to recommend the Manix 2 with S110V steel.
The steel makes it special in that it can takes MUCH more abuse, and since more intense usage would be required of it I think it is a good choice. It's lightweight and simple and it's tough. At only 10 above your price point, it's the highest quality steel you can find IMO.

All other recommendations above are good too, pretty much any spyderco, Kershaw, or bench made at your price point will satisfy I think.

Good luck! Either way you are looking in the right place. A recommendation from here will find you the gift he'll love!
 
Not sure I'd classify it as a "sturdier" or beefier folder, but I can sure second the Kershaw Leek already mentioned as one sweet knife.. I'd recommend though that you try to get the Leek with composite blade for the heavier work you say he does.

EDIT: I looked at the link you provided. My hunch is that's a much better knife than you may initially think. Unless you get some bad feedback here on it, I'd go with it....just be sure you can return it if not satisfied.
 
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Maxpedition is/was making a folder that very much resembles a Sebenza with the same materials that falls in your budget. I haven't held one do I can't speak to quality other than to say that all I've read about them is positive.

I think that I saw one for sale in the exchange today.
 
Spyderco Native 5 would be my recommendation. It's sturdy, great materials and fit & finish, not too big, not too small, classic lockback design, and Made in USA. My wife bought mine for my 30th B-Day and it's been fantastic! I've probably carried and used it more than any other in the past 6 months.
 
Knives from Kershaw, Spyderco, Benchmade (all great companies) tend to look more modern which may not be what you are looking for. Traditional minimalist looking knives like the one "Grampa used to carry" tend not to have clips. I've posted suggestions from "knives ship free" simply because I've ordered from them before and I've had good luck with them. There are other online retailers that are just as good as well.

If you can forgo the clip I would recommend:

The Great Eastern Cutlery #21 "Bull Buster'
http://www.knivesshipfree.com/great-eastern-cutlery-21-farm-field-bull-buster-black-delrin/
This is the closest that I could find that looks like the Italian knife on the link that you posted. This has a carbon 1095 blade which should be tough as nails. There are many great bullet-proof zombie-killing survival knives made from this steel. It should keep a sharp edge for a long time, and not chip or break, and be easy to sharpen and handle any (reasonable) heavy duty task. It tends to rust a bit so the blade should be wiped down daily after using it and lightly oiled when put in storage. I believe there is no lock on the knife but if he isn't an idiot with it, that shouldn't be an issue. The Italian knife you posted is also a high carbon steel blade and doesn't appear to have a lock or clip either.

Canal Street Cutlery: Single Blade Half Moon Trapper Pocket Knife:
http://www.knivesshipfree.com/canal...on-trapper-pocket-knife-14-4-crmo-camel-bone/
This knife has a high-end quality stainless blade so it should be pretty rust resistant. The handles are camel bone (exotic!) and look great. It's probably not as tough as the Bull buster but it should still be pretty darn strong. A great looking traditional folder.

Kershaw Knives: Crown - 3160WM
http://www.knivesshipfree.com/kershaw-knives-crown-3160wm/
A nice looking Kershaw that runs only about $30 bucks. It has a liner lock which tends to be easier to open and close than a lock back although not as strong as a lock back. It does have a pocket clip. The crown has a budget stanless steel, which isn't as good as the leek, but I would choose this over the kershaw leek as it has a more traditional look to it. Usually on these forums we tend to overvalue blade steel when in reality any modern production knife will get the job done.

Seeing that your fiance bookmarked a classy gentlemanly type folder, I think he'd like the Canal Street Trapper the most which probably has the best fit and finish of the three. He may want something that is nice and elegant.
Let us know what you choose.
Good luck

edit: OOPS I posted that the Trapper has a lock back when actually it doesn't have a lock.
 
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Spyderco Endura
Benchmade Griptillian

Both are great entry level knives that he won't "outgrow" anytime soon.

I am not big into pocket clip locking folders, but I do have a Griptillian for those times I need one. The Endura would be my second choice.
 
mrdabble said:
I would have to recommend the Manix 2 with S110V steel...
Click to expand...

I'll second this suggestion. IMHO, it is the best deal around. Lightweight, simple, great steel for the blade. Very reasonable price point for what you get and in line with what you want to spend.
 
thank you so much for all the help so far (knew I came to the right place)

@arachnotron - I'll check out the leek but the negative comments on amazon mention the tip breaking easily, not sure how much weight to give to those reviews

@NeilB will check out all of those strange-named knives haha, thanks for the recommendations!

@dalefuller I'm not opposed to overseas made products but I want it to be good quality (and fiance actually cares a lot about manufacturing where/when etc)

@mrdabble I know, I'm happy I asked here! his hobby does involve heavy duty materials (tough glue, metal, plastic, cardboard, etc) so I'm willing to pay just a teensy bit more if I can get tougher knife (but still has to look good!)

@EChoil thank you for checking the link and giving your eval hehe if I decide to go with Leek I'll be sure to get the tougher blade (the knife won't be used for apples and cheese, I know he'd like it for his work)

@1AbominAble1 and martinlutherbling and blades&wrenches and @stainltybrees I'll check all those out! thank you!

@flying hippo you articulated the issue quite well!! the knives he had bookmarked are "traditional" clean lines, "older" knives (the svord was another one he had in the bookmarks) but I'm making an executive decision for him that he needs a clip - he travels a lot on buses and trains and subways and I don't think just carrying in pocket is enough. those are all awesome, I think your picks are spot on in terms of style look etc. and I did notice the two he looked at had fancy handles so the camel bone one could be an option. ...hmm...i'm conflicted because I know he'd love the folders but use the more modern more often.

@collim1 I am leaning towards the min griptillian because the logos aren't all over, looks modern, and has a clip (and seems more sturdy than the Leek or am I wrong haha)

thanks so much y'all! I'll let you know if I have more questions as I work through this list
 
flying hippo said:
Knives from Kershaw, Spyderco, Benchmade (all great companies) tend to look more modern which may not be what you are looking for. Traditional minimalist looking knives like the one "Grampa used to carry" tend not to have clips. I've posted suggestions from "knives ship free" simply because I've ordered from them before and I've had good luck with them. There are other online retailers that are just as good as well.

If you can forgo the clip I would recommend:

The Great Eastern Cutlery #21 "Bull Buster'
http://www.knivesshipfree.com/great-eastern-cutlery-21-farm-field-bull-buster-black-delrin/
This is the closest that I could find that looks like the Italian knife on the link that you posted. This has a carbon 1095 blade which should be tough as nails. There are many great bullet-proof zombie-killing survival knives made from this steel. It should keep a sharp edge for a long time, and not chip or break, and be easy to sharpen and handle any (reasonable) heavy duty task. It tends to rust a bit so the blade should be wiped down daily after using it and lightly oiled when put in storage. I believe there is no lock on the knife but if he isn't an idiot with it, that shouldn't be an issue. The Italian knife you posted is also a high carbon steel blade and doesn't appear to have a lock or clip either.

Canal Street Cutlery: Single Blade Half Moon Trapper Pocket Knife:
http://www.knivesshipfree.com/canal...on-trapper-pocket-knife-14-4-crmo-camel-bone/
This knife has a high-end quality stainless blade so it should be pretty rust resistant. The handles are camel bone (exotic!) and look great. It's probably not as tough as the Bull buster but it should still be pretty darn strong. A great looking traditional folder.

Kershaw Knives: Crown - 3160WM
http://www.knivesshipfree.com/kershaw-knives-crown-3160wm/
A nice looking Kershaw that runs only about $30 bucks. It has a liner lock which tends to be easier to open and close than a lock back although not as strong as a lock back. It does have a pocket clip. The crown has a budget stanless steel, which isn't as good as the leek, but I would choose this over the kershaw leek as it has a more traditional look to it. Usually on these forums we tend to overvalue blade steel when in reality any modern production knife will get the job done.

Seeing that your fiance bookmarked a classy gentlemanly type folder, I think he'd like the Canal Street Trapper the most which probably has the best fit and finish of the three. He may want something that is nice and elegant.
Let us know what you choose.
Good luck

edit: OOPS I posted that the Trapper has a lock back when actually it doesn't have a lock.
Click to expand...

@flyinghippo boy, your picks were spot on haha had to reply again to get more guidance. so instantly, I'm loving the look of the Kershaw Crown 3160WM http://www.knivesshipfree.com/kershaw-knives-crown-3160wm/ - it's sleek, it has that classic tear drop shape, the colors are subtle, has a pocket clip, and it looks modern without being too trendy (my fiance would love it!). Now, after some research on this forum, I'm noticing the debate about the type of steel and some of the draw backs - I wouldn't even care about where it was made but now I'm debating the materials. my fiance would know the type of materials or he would ask me about it because he works with metals as well (sigh...).

So...based on the above, any recommendations on knife like the Kershaw Crown looks/functionality wise but with better materials, that I can boast to him about ha! it would be all right if it's over budget may 150$ and under.
 
The Griptilian and the Mini Grip are both somewhat stouter than the Leek, at least at the tip. Leeks are notorious for tip breakage, not because it's a bad design or improperly manufactured, but because tip abuse is so very common. I have four, and none have a broken tip, so it can be done. :)

For clean lines, you might want to take a look at the Boker Kwaiken. It's under the $150 line, but not by much. I have a very nice pimped version with lightning strike carbon fiber scales, acid washed blade, and bronze anodized hardware, but the factory knife is very nice. You can get one with a VG-10 blade, which is pretty decent, though probably not your first choice for hacking through tough cardboard and glue.

Short steel snob report: The VG-10 blades my girlfriend uses at work all have to be sharpened every week (IMO). When VG-10 is freshly sharpened, it is a screaming razor! However, use will take that razor edge to dull and lifeless fairly quickly. I'm not downing VG-10; I love this steel. However, if he's not a sharpener, you might want more of an S30V blade, something that will lose the razor edge during use, but keep a keen working edge for a very long time. If you're hacking cardboard, S30V is a pretty decent choice, better in my opinion than VG-10 for that purpose.

Steel snobbery to one side, the Kwaiken is an elegant knife.

Back to the Grip or Mini Grip. If you can find one in M390 steel or M4 (mine is M4), snap it up. Those are exceptionally nice knives with amazing edge retention.
 
I'd consider the Enzo Birk 75. You'd have to ask someone more knowledgeable than I regarding the Scandi grind D2 vs the flat ground S30V blade profiles with respect to which would be preferable for the uses to which your fiance will put the knife.

And I don't know whether the knife is assembled in Taiwan, if that would be an issue.
 
I'd recommend getting him two knives. One good quality knife he can be proud to show off, and a mid quality "beater" as a work knife he doesn't need to worry about. Lots of good suggestions have already been made, but I'd like to suggest another option for a work knife. Go to eBay and do a search for folding knives made in Japan from lower end brands like Parker, Taylor, Valor, and even the dreaded Frost. They all imported from Seki City during the 1980s and many of their knives were of surprisingly good quality. Many used stag, bone, mother of pearl, and abalone handle scales as well. I prefer a traditional lockback to a linerlock or some of the fancier heavy duty locking mechanisms, and the pocket clip is nice, but not exactly traditional and some people prefer no clip. Get him a nice Spyderco or Kershaw with a pocketclip, and an older Japanese folder for 10 bucks plus shipping on eBay. Avoid the Taiwanese, Chinese, and Pakistani imports though.
 
just wanted to update everyone, I gifted the Ken Onion Leek and it was a hit! He's been using it ever since Christmas and he's now researching the rest of your recommendations (I've shown him all the other options now). thanks so much everyone! :thumbup:
 
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