Suggestions requested for an elegant folder.

Q

Quy4n8

Joined
Nov 27, 2002
Messages
659
I would like to get a new one hand folding knife and I need you suggestions. I am looking for a classy knife with a pocket clip, 2 ¾ to 3 ¼ blade with a handle 4 to 4 ½” long. Needs to have a lock, prefer Axis, but I am open to any suggestions. I prefer a nice hand filling grip such as the Dominator, but would like a smaller blade profile and something with lines which are more elegant as opposed to tactical. High quality is a must as is a price below $200. Any and all suggestions would be most appreciated.
 
The Kershaw Splinter by Ken Onion looks very nice. Three-inch AUS8 blade. Four-inch quince burl wood handle. Thumbstud. Liner-lock. Very smooth action. Lists for $140. I've seen it offered by Web dealers for as low as $79.
 
How about the Spyderco Viele? It's discontinued but can still be easily found for around 80-90 bucks. I think it's a wonderful knife, excellent quality and the action is butter smooth.
 
Just my .02 but if I were you I'd kick in an extra $100.00 and get either a small Sebenza or an Mnandi. Both are very elegant yet strong knives. Just something for you to consider. :)
 
Let me second the 690 recommendation. You don't mention tip-up or tip-down carry, though. If you want tip-down, forget the Sebenza, the Mnandi, and any Axis lock knife (only two Axis-lock knives have been tip-down, and both are too large for your requirements). Consider the clip location, too -- the 690 clip lets it ride low.

I had a small Axis lock pull open in my back pocket -- I was removing my wallet, which caught on the thumb stud, which opened the blade, which met a finger.

My favorite, however, is the BM 850-01. Limited edition, money-clip pocket clip is less obvious, smaller overall than the 690, no protruding edges when closed, and great feeling in your hand when open (not too thin). I have two!

But if you spend more, consider William Henry.
 
Damn, it has to be classy looking?? That rules out my usual "Go with Spyderco" response. :p The Kiwi is their only classy knife
(just my opinion) and that certainly doesn't fit your dimension requirements.

How bout a Willian Henry knife? They are nothing if not classy. Benchmade has some nice gents knives too, like the 771. Both are great companies.

Oh what the hell!: Go with Spyderco! Maybe they will have something that catches your eye. ;)
-Kevin
 
Morgoth412 said:
Damn, it has to be classy looking?? That rules out my usual "Go with Spyderco" response. :p The Kiwi is their only classy knife
(just my opinion) and that certainly doesn't fit your dimension requirements.
Click to expand...

How about the spyderco chinese? Looks pretty classy to me :)
 
I don't know how big it is but a spyderco persian looks like it would fit all the other criteria :D
 
Hey Manifest,
I've owned a Lum Chinese. It is an amazing knife, yet I still don't think it is classy in a pretty sort of way, more in a functional sense.

I had the plain edge, and with that fully flat ground blade it was THE best slicing knife I have owned. After some problems with my schoolwork my parents confiscated all my knives... :( My post count should probably be a lot higher then it is now, but for many months I did not come on here. I was banned from my knives basically. Since then I have come back and bought a few knives at local stores without my parents knowledge, and at the end of this school year I'll be off to college. Then hopefully, Spyderco will be back in my life. :)

Back to the Chinese though, It was great! Mine was plain edge, green hanldes. It was sweet. I never loved the looks of it, but thats not why I bought Spydercos. I fell in love with it's quality, functionality, and price. :cool: Manifest, If you do not own a Chinese and are looking to get one I suggest you do. I think you would enjoy it.
-Kevin :)
 
Hey Morgoth412,

I was thinking about getting one but I did a search and read that the liner lock slipped a bit. Did that happen to yours?
 
If you can save another c-note, I'd second the the Mnandi, it is the ultimate elegant folding knife. Barring that, I'd go with one of the suggested Benchmades.
 
I'll agree that the Mnandi is the epitome of the gent's knife. A wood inlay Sebenza would be another excellent choice. Today, at the office, I happen to be carrying both: a pao ferro inlay small classic Sebenza and a walnut inlay Mnandi.
 
How about the William Henry CF or Titanium gent's folders? I own two of the smaller cf folders, Kestrel & Monarch (2" and 2.6" blade length respectively), but the Westcliffe and Spearpoint are in the 3" range and IIRC are right around $200, at least for the cf version. It certainly is an elegant folder and IMO WH makes the perfect companion folder for business dress.

William Henfy Westcliffe in cf, photo courtesy of williamhenryknives.com

b7-cf.jpg


I'd highly recommend spoonrivercutlery.com for william henry. I purchased both of mine (among others) from Walter Krafft at Spoon River.
 
I have to second the Viele.
I have an extensive collection of both custom and factory knives.
I switch carry knives a lot as I'm sure many of us do and every time I pick up the Viele I kind of get the "this is sure a great knife feeling" still, after years of different knives.

It's a great classic and if anybody has the chance to pick one up and handle it I'm sure you'll agree with me. If you own one and haven't picked it up recently give it a try and tell me how it feels.

I see them a lot and if you attend shows you'll have no trouble finding a new one and the forum can definately lead you to one.
 
My vote goes to the BM690. There are some limited editions of this model out there...

Regards,

Andre Tiba - Brazil
 
Under $200, as in really under $200 - here are my suggestions:

Don't get the BM 690, Get the BM 960. Axis lock, nice clips, lots and lots of cosmetic choices, with more on the way. Powerful yet slim blade profile, much nicer blade finish than the 690 and much thinner overall.

The Spyderco Persian is indeed a very nice folder for under $100 and classy. But I don't see it as having as much utility as the 960 blade shape.

You can pick up some of the William Henry stuff right around $200, and with a buttonlock, just as sweet as the Axis.

If you can wait a week or two, the market is going to get flooded with the new William Henry International Line, VG-10 blade steel, bolstered front lock with a variety of high-end scale materials. You can see one at plazacutery or knifeart at the moment. Discounter street price should right around $100. These knives are made by the Moki factory in Japan - they make just about the finest production front-locks on the planet.
 
I'll cast my vote for the Mnandi and small Sebenza. Yes, they are over your stated price, but well worth the extra $$$.
You should also check out the William Henry line.

Paul
 
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