Polite knife

[saulysw]

My vote goes to the tiny Leatherman Squirt P4. The blade is tiny but can still cut plenty of things, and the other tools come in handy also. It's actually my EDC, if I'm honest.

 

[jonbob]

I personally would go with any knife under 3 inches. That's usually my threshold if I'm worried that those around me are going to be nervous about knives but you can still get most tasks done with a knife that size. Spyderco is usually what I carry because they are such nice knives for the price and can be great conversation starters to convert those who are knife nuts to-be. I've already converted my stepfather and my father in law with gifts of a spyderco dragonfly as birthday/christmas presents.

 

[col902]

lionsteel opera in olive wood, the classiest knife i own, i LOVE it for occasions where a one handed opener isnt appreciated.

 

[Davor]

A Chris Reeve Mnandi is about as pretty as a knife can get and still be really useable.

These are the best. They look great and have a very professional look to it. Mnandis or small sebenzas will not freak people out. I usually get more of an interested look from people. Just don't tell them how much you paid for them, they just won't understand.

 

[Lone_Wolfe]

These are the best. They look great and have a very professional look to it. Mnandis or small sebenzas will not freak people out. I usually get more of an interested look from people. Just don't tell them how much you paid for them, they just won't understand.

No Shiite about not telling the price! You've probably got a real good idea how much $$$ I have tied up in that pic alone!

 

[Clang!]

My vote goes to the tiny Leatherman Squirt P4. The blade is tiny but can still cut plenty of things, and the other tools come in handy also. It's actually my EDC, if I'm honest.

I carry the Leatherman Micra for the same reasons. It's not much bigger then my Victorinox Classic, but the tools are robust. Closer to what you would find on a standard size MT or SAK. I just finished using it to cut up an orange for lunch. My only complaint is that the rivet at the scissors pivot was sloppy. I had to pein it myself to get a decent fit.

IMHO, the most "polite" knives are going to be small to medium traditional slip joints, SAKs, and "keychain" or "pocket" sized MT (LM juice or smaller). Avoid anything with a pocket clip, blacked out blade, or other "modern" features.

 

[Hawk45]

Anything bright colored is usually more "heard friendly" than black/shiny things. The more they look like toys.. the better for the "heard". Or think "grandpa" knives.. Case knives and alike.

 

[flarp]

SAKs, multi-tools, and traditional slipjoints seem to draw the least attention. I think most people have seen those and relate to them more as tools and less as potential weapons. SAKs conjure images of scouts (or MacGyver), traditional slipjoints remind them of the old knife in dad's or grandpa's tool box, and multi-tools are just pliers that happen to have a blade included with them.

 

[skyhorse]

+1, The Farmer is such a handy knife.

Whatever else I have with me, I carry a Victorinox Farmer.

 

[nbrown_303]

+1 on the Spyderco Dragonfly II. When i'm out i carry a larger folder along with the Dragonfly II. If im in a public setting or around people who are not knife people ill use the Dragonfly II if i need it. Its a great little knife, it can't do everything, some things you just need a larger knife for, but i've gotten a lot of use out of mine.

 

[puukkoman]

Get a Buck 112! Several reasons why...
1. They know you work for a living, and a "Buck knife" is something working guys have.
2. It's smaller than the 110, so it won't seem quite as scary to them.
3. It's just as sturdy and useful as the venerable, heavyweight champ, the Buck 110, so you'll never be under-knifed.
4. It looks classy & traditional, and can fit in either a work or social setting.
5. The 112 is a time-tested tool, and won't disappoint.
6. I carry one frequently, and so I'm a little biased.

 

[Handwrecker]

I usually carry a Victorinox Cadet or my tiny (5" total) fixed blade, especially if I have to travel to NYC or Boston. People never seem to get freaked out with those as long as I do my part.

However, years ago (before I got into knives or found bladeforums) my dad bought me a Bear & Sons damascus folder for a gift.

I've only used it for very light duty, as it's quite a small dress knife. The steel compares with AUS6 from what I've read on here, and sharpens up very[/] easily. Works well for me, is of solid construction, and looks non threatening.

 

[Shorttime]

Been away for a while. Pesky obligation, that "regular job".

Thank you everyone, for broadening the horizons of a tactical enthusiast. I'm liking the Leatherman Skeletool, and work gives us gift cards that can be used at Cabela's, so I may do a little Christmas shopping of my own. Best way to get what you want.

I do have a small wood-handled Ka-bar lockback, and my Buck Nobleman Titanium, which will both do the job. I've pretty much settled on the Leatherman, because sometimes just a knife just isn't enough. My son is at the age where the toys start getting very sophisticated, and the packaging even more so. I think they use about 36" of this plastic encased metal on every one, they're like twist-ties on steroids, and there's no way I'm going to screw up my folders trying to cut them!

But if Buck makes a 112 with a Damascus blade, I may grab one just to have it. Very nice.

 

[Shorttime]

Actually....

Something with a Damascus blade, less than 2", nickel silver or stainless bolsters, slippie or lockback, wood handle material, less than $80. Any ideas?

 

[button]

I live in Florida and have a CCW. I like auto knives.
One of my favorites that seems accepted by most is a Paragon auto with red anodized finish.
When I open it I hold the blade between my thumb and fore finger of my left hand like I am opening a manual knife,the coil spring follows until the blade is locked.No problems ever. :thumbup:

 

[Lone_Wolfe]

This is my polite knife. Goes in the pocket of my cube-dweller slacks every morning. Opens boxes, cuts plastic, never raises an eyebrow.

Nice looking knife! What is it and how big is it?


Here's my latest purchase, I think it would qualify as 'polite'.

 

[Handwrecker]

That raindrop damascus is gorgeous. Wow.

 

[dfkdfk]

+1 on the dragonfly. I have one clipped to my pocket right now and use it for school EDC, but it's so light I just keep it on me at all times and add another knife for a more "complete" carry.

 

[Shorttime]

Reference pictures by Lone_Wolf.

The first is a William Henry, the second a Chris Reeve.

Mmmmm. Sharp goodness, and very high quality both. Honestly, I get really reluctant around the $100 mark. Possessions, like people, can leave without warning.

Some have raised the possibility that I may be underestimating the ability of home school parents to be tolerant, liberal, and open-minded. Maybe I should have been less flippant in my original post... I know enough not to scratch my ass or blow my nose on the tablecloth in front of these people, but my choice of clothing and demeanor mark me as having a different set of values from them, and, for better or worse, different is easily perceived as hostile. I seriously doubt that any of them carry a sharp implement, or have ever thought there might be a need to do so. Maybe I am underestimating them, but that is precisely the point.

 

[iammark]

Check your local and state laws. Choose a knife that fits those parameters and buy it. If they have a problem with it....TOO BAD!

Nicely put. My feelings exactly! If I'm not breaking any laws by having a pocket knife, I couldn't care less if someone with knife-o-phobia sees me with one that I want to carry.