Recommendation? Non threatning looking pocket knives? Help appreciated

It seems that from your original thought of the SAK that you want a small pocket knife that can be opened and closed easily, not a modern pocket clip type folder that may be hard to manipulate, either opening or unlocking to close. What you are looking for is called a one arm man knife. It has a blunted end with a cutout so you can pull the blade open on the edge of your pocket if need be. They look kinda like this....
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A pic I got off the web of a Case one hand opener
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Just do a quick google search and you'll see several options.
 
A Dragonfly 2, as mentioned, is a comfortable, lightweight knife your wife might like very much, and the blade is easy to pinch between thumb and forefinger to open.
 
Tradegreen said:
Good morning,

I'm hoping you guys can give me some advice and recommendations.

I would like to purchase my first pocket knife. I was hoping to get some recommendations of models which don't have an aggressive style. The reason for this is that my wife isn't really fussed on knives in general and I like to get something which she will feel comfortable around and I can eventually convert her to this fantastic hobby and community.

I would have went for a Swiss army knife however due to arthritis and some hand issues I just can't manage the nail nick opening mechanism.

I've been doing some research and quite like the looks of a sheepfoot blade design as I don't think it looks too pointy. I have looked at the likes of the spyderco roadie however I know it will be too difficult for me to open because of the lack of a thumb hole.

I have a decent budget of $200 and would be happy to spend that if needed to get a suitable knife for my needs, however I'd be equally happy spending less 😂👍

The only other knife I looked at was the crkt pilar which I really like however I would feel a lot more confident in buying this or another model after some help from you knowledgeable members.

I hope I've given you enough information, however feel free to contact me if you need anything more.

I'm really hoping you can help me out and I look forward to hearing from you.


Thank you TG
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You might consider a small fixed blade for pocket carry .

Cold Steel Pendleton Mini Hunter looks pretty innocent to me... about like a paring knife .

Very easy to handle with arthritis and as trouble free as it gets .

If you need fast, one-hand unsheathing , a "static line" can be attached between sheath and a belt loop etc .


 
To the OP: I sympathize with your arthritis. As much as I love traditionals, I also suffer with nail nicks. I also appreciate not fussing with locking mechanisms.

Here is one of my favorite simple, non threatening pocket knives - Spyderco Lil’ Native Slip it. Easy to open with the thumbhole (or just grab the blade) and easy to close modified slip joint. No locks. Enough blade for most anything and disappears in a pocket. Well made and under $200

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I would think about what openers will work for you.

Friction folder?
Nagao Higonokami

Spyderco makes great options, the Spydie-hole is easy to open and a backlock is easy to close. but they may be a bit aggressive looking.

Axis lock
A Benchmade carbon fiber bugout is pretty classy, or maybe a bright color would be less aggressive.

If a liner-lock or framelock knife will work, there are tons of options. Will a thumbstud work for opening?

Good luck.
 
Many non-threatening knives out there. Below on the left is a Chris Reeve Mnandi with a liner lock, and on the right is a custom slipjoint. You probably don't want to start with a custom, but it is to suggest that slipjoints (non-locking) are considered non-threatening.
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Ron Sabbagh said:
To the OP: I sympathize with your arthritis. As much as I love traditionals, I also suffer with nail nicks. I also appreciate not fussing with locking mechanisms.

Here is one of my favorite simple, non threatening pocket knives - Spyderco Lil’ Native Slip it. Easy to open with the thumbhole (or just grab the blade) and easy to close modified slip joint. No locks. Enough blade for most anything and disappears in a pocket. Well made and under $200

View attachment 2071693
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I own this one, it is superb
 
I have a Demko AD20.5 and, as much as I like the blade, I have stopped using it because the Shark Lock makes my forefinger sore.

For a slip joint, I would suggest a Kizer Zipslip, which is one of the easiest slip joints to open and close that I own. It is also safer to close than most slip joints because it has a finger choil that protects your finger.

I love my Bugouts, but they do require a healthy thumb and forefinger to close.

Opinel makes friction folders that are very easy to open and close. You can lock an Opinel open, but that is a separate, optional step (after you open the blade) that is not as easy as opening and closing.
 
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If your gut reaction was to go for an SAK but the arthritis is what held you back (understandably so), then I’d say stick with a slip joint -locking or non- but just find one that doesn’t require a nailnick open.

To keep it somewhat short and sweet (my opinion), slip joints are the least threatening no matter where you are and what crowd you’re in. They’re classy and let’s be honest, they can get the job done for about 90% of our cutting needs - we don’t need to whip out the fixed blade or PM2 to open the Amazon package that just arrived (though it is awesome to do so).

Last note, if this is truly your first knife… I’d go budget. If you have $200 to drop on this, use that to get 3-4 knives that meet your needs and tickle your fancy. Don’t be too concerned about quality, steel, brand name… this is your first knife for goodness sake; you need to find out what you like and more importantly, what works for you first. Then you can ‘upgrade’ over time and as you deem appropriate. I would hate to see someone drop $200 of their first knife and because someone recommended it only to have it not work out and you be disappointed.

That was not as short as I intended… cheers and happy hunting.

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I think it is worth asking 2 basic questions (with a little follow up):

1. Where do you live? US, UK, EU, AUS, South America, Africa, urban, rural...? It might help to know what is not  legal to carry in your jurisdiction.

2. Is there a particular reason your wife is not "fussed" with knives? Did she suffer a traumatic experience? Does she use knives for cooking? Is she a militant pacifist, such that no "weapons" of any kind are acceptable?

Not trying to judge, and you are under no obligation to answer if you are uncomfortable. I think more context can only help.

Without knowing any of the above, my suggestion is either a Spyderco Delica or a Buck 112 Slim Pro. Both are compact enough to slide easily into any pocket, have a removable pocket clip, come in several different color combos, have at least 2 different steel options, can be easily pinched open or flicked, are still big enough to handle most reasonable cutting tasks, and have a reliable backlock. I wouldn't think either is threatening, especially with a handle color that isn't black. Plus, both are reasonably priced so that if you aren't satisfied you'll still have a sizeable budget to seek alternatives.
 
I will throw the Ontario Rat 2 in the mix. Not sure if the liner lock might not be a problem. If not you might consider the SAK one handed Sentinel. Get what you wanted but without the nail nick opener....
 
Have you looked at the Civivi Elementum button lock? Inexpensive, non-threatening, lots of color options, and very easy to open and close. Plus you'll have an extra $130 so you can buy more knives!

Or for a sheepsfoot check out the Civivi Chevalier button look.

I could rec more expensive stuff but as you said this is your First knife. There will be more, and they will be progressively more costly ;-)
 
Shark lock is a good suggestion. If you can deal with a midbacklock I suggest a Spyderco Stretch all day every day. Nice drop point, more goofy looking than threatening, and an absolutely fantastic blade for just about anything. I would also suggest button locks. They're incredibly easy to manipulate.
 
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