Very Inexpensive 2-3in gentlemans folder

timberweasel- Thanks for the response, that was what worried me about the delegate line from CRKT... If they made one without the AO, that would be very nearly my ideal gentlemans knife (well, that, and it was 2.5 in).

Thanks for the comparison of the Chill and the Zing, that was helpful. Anyone else with more comparisons of the Chill, Zing and Skyline?

I think right now I am leaning towards the Chill. The price is right (well, they all are, but its "more" right... and I might get to buy another blade for my jeans :)), and I like the thin and light design, as well as the more slender blade which gives it a bit more of a gentlemanly look for office carry. I wish they made one with a smaller blade though. Maybe I should make a thread about this in the Kershaw sub-forum...

Once again, thanks guys you've all been a big help.
 
THe Sanrenmu 738 fits the OP's needs checklist very well. A truly classy modern gentlemen knife that costs next to nothing, yet performs well enough:

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It is one of my favorite Sanrenmus.
 
I used to carry a SOG Flash I to the office, but I have been carrying a SRM763 for several months. I like the Flash, but I like the extra grip an blade shape of the 763. I don't feel uncomfortable with it in the office environment.
 
The SOG Twitch II is a nice knife in that size and can be found for under $40, although it is a lockback. The WalMart version of the CRKT Ripple is also a very nice budget knife and is a linerlock. The Spyderco Byrd Raven is another good option, as are the Spyderco Ambitious, Persistence, and some of Spyderco's other models. Boker's Boker Plus line has some excellent knives for the value, including the Eskelimoor II and Exskelibur II.
 
Thanks for the response, you added many knives to the thread that I had not seen before. I was in love with the Twitch II when I first saw it, but the AO is a deal breaker for me :(. The Bokers were really interesting to look at, and I am still considering them.

My question is about the Ripple is... what is the difference between the Walmart version and the normal version? I looked what must be the normal version of the knife up, and it is quite a bit out of my price range.

In a round about way though, your post brought me to the Buck Vantage Avid small, which I'll be looking into more, because it seems to fit most criteria.

Also, why is it that it seems so hard to find a 2.5inch-ish folder? In comparison, there are quite a few 3 1/8 blades.
 
I work in an office environment and carry a Buck Vantage Pro with the 3 1/4 inch blade everyday. I love this knife and the clip is excellent for EDC since the clip is really the only thing visible, but still very easy to pull out of your pocket. I would suggest taking a look at the Smaller Vantage Pro with the shorter blade since that seems to fit your bill of needs. Price is definitely within your range and S30V blade and G10 handles make for a nice package.
 
I'm always recommending the SOG Blink. It's a lockback, but relatively easy to close with one hand.
 
Thanks for the response, you added many knives to the thread that I had not seen before. I was in love with the Twitch II when I first saw it, but the AO is a deal breaker for me :(. The Bokers were really interesting to look at, and I am still considering them.

My question is about the Ripple is... what is the difference between the Walmart version and the normal version? I looked what must be the normal version of the knife up, and it is quite a bit out of my price range.

In a round about way though, your post brought me to the Buck Vantage Avid small, which I'll be looking into more, because it seems to fit most criteria.

Also, why is it that it seems so hard to find a 2.5inch-ish folder? In comparison, there are quite a few 3 1/8 blades.

The WalMart version is a linerlock and uses a less expensive, but still respectable, steel.

Regarding the 2.5inch-ish folder, that isn't a very common size in modern folders, especially when you add your other requirements. Even in more traditional type knives there is a gap in the mid-2" range. Around 2.75" blade length is easier to find, and around 3" is easier still, especially if you want a pocket clip, a liner lock, and a non-assisted opener.
 
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I work in an office environment and carry a Buck Vantage Pro with the 3 1/4 inch blade everyday. I love this knife and the clip is excellent for EDC since the clip is really the only thing visible, but still very easy to pull out of your pocket. I would suggest taking a look at the Smaller Vantage Pro with the shorter blade since that seems to fit your bill of needs. Price is definitely within your range and S30V blade and G10 handles make for a nice package.

Does anyone around here own the Vantage small? I've been looking at that one quite a bit recently, but I have yet to find any information or photos of the small showing the thickness. It seems like it might be substantially thicker than the Chill and Skyline (which is a big deal, I'm looking for something thin), although the weight is fairly similar (not as much of an issue). Also, subjectively, how does it do as an EDC compared to other smallish/light knives?

Also, the only place I found that was selling a Vantage Pro (small), it was actually more expensive than the full size one (at about $60), which is sadly out of my budget. Is the S30V that much better than the 13C26N on the Avid? (Sorry, still learning...), and is G10 really that great? I always just thought of it as fancy plastic, but then again, i've never handled it.

I'm getting closer to what I want, thanks to all of the help of those here. Thanks for all of the help, and for putting up with my incessant questions :P.
 
I have the small Vantage select and it's a good value in my opinion. (and a nice size) I don't own any of those Kershaws so I can't compare it to them.
 
It might be a little heavy for you but how about a Leatherman Skeletool. Very nonthreatening - heck it's a tool- and under $50. Plus you get pliers and screwdrivers.

If you want just a good small knife I suggest either one of the A G Russell or Buck knives. I actually think Spyderco is king of the small knives but since you don't like them....

Oh well, gotta say it anyway. Look at the new Spyderco Cat, Dragonfly or Cricket. All are fantastic knives.
 
Does anyone around here own the Vantage small? I've been looking at that one quite a bit recently, but I have yet to find any information or photos of the small showing the thickness. It seems like it might be substantially thicker than the Chill and Skyline (which is a big deal, I'm looking for something thin), although the weight is fairly similar (not as much of an issue). Also, subjectively, how does it do as an EDC compared to other smallish/light knives?

Also, the only place I found that was selling a Vantage Pro (small), it was actually more expensive than the full size one (at about $60), which is sadly out of my budget. Is the S30V that much better than the 13C26N on the Avid? (Sorry, still learning...), and is G10 really that great? I always just thought of it as fancy plastic, but then again, i've never handled it.

I'm getting closer to what I want, thanks to all of the help of those here. Thanks for all of the help, and for putting up with my incessant questions :P.

The small Vantage is one of my regular edcs, along with the Skyline. They're both excellent for your pocket but have different strengths.

The Vantage blade is 2 5/8 inches, compared to the 3.1 inch Skyline blade. It's hard to beat the Skyline for thin. It comes with a so-so clip. The Vantage has one of the best deep-pocket clips you'll find.

The Vantage comes in three price ranges, starting at $33 on the Buck site:

http://www.buckknives.com/index.cfm?event=product.detail&ProductID=3650
 
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