Small Style folder, max budget $350 what would You get...

[Rick]

I'd buy another Case/Bose Norfolk in a hot minute (<$300).

 

[timberweasel]

Have you considered the Spyderco Leaf Storm?

 

[Medic1210]

I think he is talking about the loop thing on the Benchmade. Pretty weird.

Yeah, I realized that after I saw a photo of the Shoki. The photos wouldn't load at work, so I assumed he was referring to the hold in the Sebbie Handle. I agree, it's for a lanyard.

 

[Mathew J]

Well I'm a sebbie fan so that's what I'll suggest. If you want the knife to fill both gents and edc roles then the small sebbie might be a better fit than the mnandi. If gents only then it's hard to not suggest the mnandi, it's a beautiful knife.

Really what I want, small classy, classic, and practical all rolled up into one.

 

[Noctis3880]

Just wanted to share my new knife photos of my 480-1 that I got today(after walking half a mile to the post office because the postal worker thought that I should do that rather than him walking 40 feet to my front door:thumbdn.

My first impression of the knife was how SMALL it is. I thought my Delica was a small knife, but this is like the dwarf of knives. Though to be fair, it's not puny enough to make the keychain SAK look small.

Next to my XM-18, Para2, and Delica Wave for size comparison:

Blade was centered, and while it seems like there is side to side blade play, given how thin the blade is, it could just be the blade flexing a bit. Blade play isn't worse than my Small Buck Vantage Pro, and even my Delica has more blade play.

The next thing you'll notice is the spacer in the back, which is nickel plated stainless steel with a high polish.

The titanium liners are okay, though I felt it would have looked better with a more vibrant hue or more polished finish prior to anodizing.

One thing I should mention(even if I don't want to) would be the lock strength. The Nak-Lok on this knife is essentially like a titanium liner lock. When moving the blade up and down to check for blade play, the blade had closed up(not on my hand). A spine whack will also disengage the lock as well, though some insist that a spine whack isn't a reliable method of testing lock strength. To be fair though, simply pushing on the blade won't close it, and even if it did, the choil on the blade and handle should mean that it would only pinch your forefinger instead of cutting it. Certainly doesn't seem worse than a SAK to be honest.

Sharpness is decent enough. Shaving sharp, but it won't catch on free-hanging hair.

Given the small size, I was underwhelmed given the price I paid($150). But 3 things helped me appreciate its value:

1) M390 super steel(I would call it a true "super steel" with similar corrosion resistance to S30V and slightly better edge holding than CPM-M4).
2) Anodized titanium liners.
3) Carbon fiber handles.

To be honest, this might end up being a question of ergonomics. A small Sebbie would probably feel more comfortable in your hand especially in use. Though I still feel the Shoki is more flashy with the carbon fiber scales and nickel plated backspacer.

I only had it for all of 10 minutes, but the thing that bugs me the most is how "cheap" the leather sheath looks. I can't imagine carrying it without the sheath, because I get the feeling that the protruding thumbstud would catch inside your pocket and open the blade.

Still, I think she's a keeper:thumbup:.

 

[Medic1210]

I think when you get to a knife the size of the Shoki, lock strength isn't important. It's obviously a gentleman's knife with tasks like opening letters, cutting tape, loose threads on clothes, etc. You know, the same tasks that suit small SAK's with no locks. I personally wouldn't worry the least about the lock strength. I can't see the photos, so can you say how it compares in size to say a Mnandi?

 

[Noctis3880]

I think when you get to a knife the size of the Shoki, lock strength isn't important. It's obviously a gentleman's knife with tasks like opening letters, cutting tape, loose threads on clothes, etc. You know, the same tasks that suit small SAK's with no locks. I personally wouldn't worry the least about the lock strength. I can't see the photos, so can you say how it compares in size to say a Mnandi?

Hard to say without holding one, but the specs seem to suggest that the Shoki is slightly longer, thicker, and weighs about 0.3oz more. Given the price of the two, I think buying a Mnandi is even harder to justify than buying a Sebenza.

 

[Mathew J]

I think what kills me with the Shoki are the following:

The cost, it isn't that inexpensive
The handle options, not a fan of the CF and or the wood inlays
The lock system, read a couple of complaints on this already, seems interesting but I don't want to be a test case plus not a fan enough to take a gamble

Yours looks nice but not easy to find and not inexpensive, for that much justifying the jump to the CR isn't that big of a deal for me.

Also all prices I see for this online are upwards of $200.

 

[Noctis3880]

I think what kills me with the Shoki are the following:

The cost, it isn't that inexpensive
The handle options, not a fan of the CF and or the wood inlays
The lock system, read a couple of complaints on this already, seems interesting but I don't want to be a test case plus not a fan enough to take a gamble

Yours looks nice but not easy to find and not inexpensive, for that much justifying the jump to the CR isn't that big of a deal for me.

Also all prices I see for this online are upwards of $200.

I agree that it does seem expensive for a knife this size, but then again, the same could be said for the Mnandi.

As for the lock, I haven't had any problems with it when I used my knife at work today with some light cardboard cutting.

For most dealers the 480-1 seems to be no more than $187.00 I myself paid less than $150 after shipping.

Still, I think you're set on having an expensive gentlemen's folder. Not that I can criticize the Mnandi, because I'm sure fit and finish would be a country mile above the Shoki. It's just that being a steelhead, S30V seems to be too plain a steel nowadays for me to consider spending over $250 on a knife with it. Plus, I'm not the kind of person to shell out so much money for wood, even if it is good wood.

 

[arjung]

Really what I want, small classy, classic, and practical all rolled up into one.

Well both of the CRK's fit that role

The sebbie is minimalist and clean, and the mnandi is a little more ornate. Both practical, but I think the sebbie is better for a wider array of tasks.

 

[Noctis3880]

Gotta tell you though, CRK knows how to make a pretty knife:

My suggestion? Save up a little more and get a Small Sebenza 21 in reverse silver contrast, your own "personal" unique design, and a nice cabochan to complement it all.

 

[Will Power]

Take a look at the Mcusta knives and the Moki. The Moki are more traditional patterns, since they are not one-hand openers. The Mcusta use thumb studs or holes. The smaller Mcusta models are quality gents knives. They use VG10 steel. I like VG10.

I agree absolutely:thumbup:

Both Mcusta and Moki make very well put together and original knives, they will be well under the price limit but very decent. Something different too.

 

[Boozoo Chavis]

I agree with those who have suggested a Mcusta. They're very well made knives with a F&F that is second to none.

I particularly like two of their newer models - the #145 W/damascus bolsters and the #141 Riple.

 

[Daniel Dorn]

AGR Acies, Sebenza or William Henry would be my short list based on your parameters.

Good list. I'd switch out the Sebenza for a Mnandi, and add a Spyderco Kopa in pearl, either Gold Lip, or the striped version.

I bought my Mnandi at full retail a couple of years ago for $330, including taxes. Have they gone up that much?

 

[Noctis3880]

I agree with those who have suggested a Mcusta. They're very well made knives with a F&F that is second to none.

I particularly like two of their newer models - the #145 W/damascus bolsters and the #141 Riple.

Love the look of that Riple, but is F&F really THAT good? After handling my Sebenza, XM-18, and SR-1, I can easily tell you that these knives have a level of fit and finish that are a few steps above other knives. And while that's not to say that F&F on a $200 is bad, just that I'm skeptical that a $200 knife would have "second to none" finish without a price tag that is also "second to none".

Admittedly I'm on the fence about buying the Riple, I guess it depends on the grind of the blade and ergos.

 

[tiguy7]

I like the William Henry B-15. It is a discontinued model, but there are some around. The newer style with the reversible pocket clip improves the usefulness. The ZDP-189 laminated blade really holds an edge. The Titanium handle is hollowed out to reduce the weight (52gm). The button lock, if properly manipulated, allows you to flick the knife open and shut. The action is butter smooth. The blade is 3 1/8" long. A great little package.