So my fiancé finally got into knives and wants...

[jfk1110]

My significant other swiped my kershaw shallot. Never would have thought but she likes the look(tacticool) and how slim it is.

 

[flarp]

Daniel Defense Shallot? (more info here) I've never handled one, but I do have a regular Shallot. Spec-wise, it's a bit longer than the Heiho (about 0.4" longer blade, and 0.9" longer overall).

The Leek was also mentioned earlier. That's a very thin knife that really just disappears in pocket. The Composite Blade Leek is probably the one that has remained in my EDC rotation longest (other knives come and go from the rotation, but that one is always in it). The Leek is a tad bit smaller than the Heiho (0.1" shorter blade, same overall length). I think the blackwashed composite blade leek would be a great choice as well. It's not quite as "tactical" looking as the DD Shallot, but it is a very functional knife.

Here are a couple of shots that include a Shallot and a PM2 (since you mentioned having one of those). Compared to the PM2, the Shallot has a longer blade, shorter overall length, is thinner and narrower, and is assisted-opening. The Daniel Defense version also features the 2-step serrations, which are actually pretty handy when sharpening pencils.

And here's one that shows a Leek next to the Shallot for size comparison.

 

[PiercedBill]

2nd the 530. Mine was just oh so sharp out of the box, and it's so light you could almost forget it's in pocket.

 

[blades&wrenches]

How about a 470-1 Emissary? A little over your budget but they're worth it. Lightweight, assisted, 3" S30V blade, and one of the better safety mechanisms IMO. Not to mention it's a looker.

 

[gmorel1916]

She's dead set on a black blade :/

 

[grownstar]

Get a standard blacked out Leek. The entire knife has DLC so it looks awesome and isn't very reflective.

 

[Todd21969]

She's dead set on a black blade :/

The BM 530/531 is also made in a black blade version.

 

[Charlie Mike]

Glad to see you're alive, you just disappeared off facebook!

I'm much more productive now that I'm off that evil place.

 

[Ulf Krogstad]

She want's tactical looking? I like her. If you want to go cheap would get a Cold Steel Holdout 2 or 3. I have three and it's my all time favorite "budget blade". Think it would be close to the specs desired. Also another vote for the Benchmade 943 or Stryker's or 950-1401 or 556 or 520. ZT 0566 CF is a great knife and is within the specs too but kinda heavy. Maybe look at ZT 0801 also.

 

[Lycosa]

KA-BAR Dozier Lightweight folder.

 

[dishcore]

Not something I'd be into myself, but based on your description of the lady's likes and dislikes, and that she would appreciate at artsy look... how about this guy:

Edit:

CRKT Endorser
3.18" Blade

 

[gmorel1916]

Was talking about it with her today and forgot to add this to the post, no brown or green. Either black/grey or maybe red.

 

[@LeathermanGX]

Spyderco DLC Manix2 is super slim.

 

[jfk1110]

My other half suggests a mini my tighe. Cool as heck were her words and also she loves the veff serrations, as do I. They are perfect for those damned plastic clamshell everything is packaged in.

 

[Knife is Life]

is a benchmade 710 too thick?

 

[nick21]

Hmm...I'd suggest the Cold Steel Mini Recon 1, but after seeing what it does to jeans, it would MURDER a waistband...

just a few ideas:

black Benchmade Sequel

black Benchmade 531

Kershaw Emerson CQC-1K

Blackwashed Kershaw Leek w/ composite D2 steel

The Leek seems like the best fit.

 

[Allen R.]

My wife just recently started carrying a knife and she rotates a mini grip, Kershaw cryo, and a strider SnG, she prefers small as she also carries a firearm ,flashlight, and pepper spray.