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Need suggestions for a gentleman's folder or two

K

kennyj

Joined
Feb 24, 2006
Messages
139
I've been thinking... my Large Sebenza, incredible though it may be, isn't always an appropriate EDC. It's just too big for some jobs, takes up a lot of pocket space at times, and can easily attract odd looks if used in some places (mainly because of its size.)

I need something I can carry at other times that can offer me lighter weight, increased precision, and a more formal and "dressy" look, while still being an unmistakably usable tool that one wouldn't hesitate to put to work. In other words, it has to look nice, but not so nice that a person would be afraid to use it. I'm not looking for something that you'd expect to see on display in a jewelry store. I also have a tremendous preference for handles with wood scales, or wood inlays. Synthetic materials just don't do it for me, and all-metal handles just seem... bland. A little *too* utilitarian for this. It must also be very solid, with easy one-handed opening and closing. I'd prefer a frame lock, though I'll consider others.

I've been eyeing the Mnandi, but I'm uncertain as to how well it can be opened with one hand. I'd also like to have a thumbramp of some sort (even a subtle one.) Otherwise it seems like a great choice, and one I'd be happy with in spite of my differences in taste, but I'd like to know what other options I have - especially given the pricetag (that's pretty much my spending cash for a month.)
 
Spyderco Kopa. It has quite a few natural handle material choices.

Also take a look at William Henry Knives or the Case Slimlock series.

From what I've read, Mnandi's are not one-handers unless you enjoy getting your fingers cut.
 
The Mnandi IS very easy to open with one hand, with practice!! I LOVE mine. I have it and my small Sebbie in my pocket as we speak. The Mnandi HAS a thumb ramp.
 
benchmade opportunist-kershaw nakamura-
as for framer locks with wood inserts-what about a maserin spirit & spyderco volpe-
 
Anything by William Henry. Easily the most classy and one of the smoothest production knives around.
 
Hey , if you wanted a low cost , handsome folder with "old world" appeal try an Opinel.
No pocket clip or thumb ramp/stud/whatever but they look both innocent and charming.
 
Two that I think would fit the bill, though mine are at least both black Micarta, are the Spyderco KOPA and the Spyderco Viele 2. As mentioned earlier, the Kershaw Nakamura is a hell of a gents knife with a laminated VG10 blade and I believe Quince wood scales. I have that as well and it is very smooth. The thumstuds are a little too pointy.
 
I have absolutely no trouble quickly opening my Mnandi with one hand. In fact, once when I opened mine to cut open a box, a person who had heard/seen the opening of the knife asked me, "Aren't switchblades illegal?" :) BTW, the Mnandi does have a thumbramp with grooves. Poke around the Chris Reeve forum (under Manufacturers) for pictures, lots of pictures.

[Actually, going there to look at pictures of Mnandis is a trap. My better half advises you to not go unless you have an excess of willpower or funds. :D]
 
kennyj said:
I've been eyeing the Mnandi, but I'm uncertain as to how well it can be opened with one hand. I'd also like to have a thumbramp of some sort (even a subtle one.)
Click to expand...

Get a Mnandi and don't look back! I've carried one since they came out. It easily opens one handed and has a serrated thumb ramp.

The Mnandi is built like all Chris Reeve knives - incredible strong and sharp. My current EDC is a mammoth ivory model.

Buy quality once. You won't be disappointed.

Dan
 
why not a small seb or find an umfann? im getting my leather inlayed small seb tuesday. its the only inlay thats flat/plush and plus the only one with blue lugs. whoo hoo!! and isnt neil armstrong great to deal with.....
 
DANTHEMAN123 said:
why not a small seb or find an umfann? im getting my leather inlayed small seb tuesday. its the only inlay thats flat/plush and plus the only one with blue lugs. whoo hoo!! and isnt neil armstrong great to deal with.....
Click to expand...
It is NOT the only Sebbie with blue thumb studs. The small classic that is in my pocket as we speak has blue thumb studs, as does my large regular Sebbie.
 
I also have no trouble opening my Mnandi.I'll second anything by William Henry.I like their new button locks over the liner lock.You could also go custom.The 1'st one I can think of is Rick Hinderer.He makes some small bladed frame locks.I'm sure there are many other custom makers that will be happy to make what you want.
 
kennyj said:
.....I need something I can carry at other times that can offer me lighter weight, increased precision, and a more formal and "dressy" look, while still being an unmistakably usable tool that one wouldn't hesitate to put to work. In other words, it has to look nice, but not so nice that a person would be afraid to use it....I also have a tremendous preference for handles with wood scales, or wood inlays....It must also be very solid, with easy one-handed opening and closing. I'd prefer a frame lock, though I'll consider others....I've been eyeing the Mnandi, but I'm uncertain as to how well it can be opened with one hand. I'd also like to have a thumbramp of some sort...
Click to expand...

It seems, given all the criteria you've mentioned here, that you are talking about a Mnandi. Light weight, precision built, "dressy" looking, but still very utilitarian, wood inlays, a frame lock, very solid and easily opened and closed with one hand. They're pricey right now, but as someone else said, pay for quality once and never look back. I have three of these knives and they are worth every penny of their asking price. Try to find one with a Mammoth Ivory inlay, as they're absolutely beautiful, as well as useful.
 
Well, I would suggest since you like your large Sebbie, to get either a small Sebbie, or like I suggested before (As well as others), a Mnandi.
 
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