What Defines a "Gent's Knife?"

Trout Hound

Trout Hound

Joined
Sep 28, 2014
Messages
693
Hello All,

I've seen the term "Gent's Knife" used frequently around here, but I've never been clear on exactly what defines the pattern. It seems that most of the photos I've seen, (which I love, by the way) are of swayback or dogleg frames with a single blade, usually a wharncliffe. However, I have also seen some other knives labeled with the same term, hence my confusion. I think I also saw where most gent's knives are 3" or less.

I'd also be interested to know for what occasions this knife would traditionally have been carried. Suit and tie? Yacht club? Probably not black or white tie, I would guess? Just wondering.

Thanks for the education!

Drew


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Last edited:
Trout Hound said:
Hello All,

I've seen the term "Gent's Knife" used frequently around here, but I've never been clear on exactly what defines the pattern. It seems that most of the photos I've seen, (which I love, by the way) are of swayback or dogleg frames with a single blade, usually a wharncliffe. However, I have also seen some other knives labeled with the same term, hence my confusion. I think I also saw where most gent's knives are 3" or less.

I'd also be interested to know for what occasions this knife would traditionally have been carried. Suit and tie? Yacht club? Probably not black or white tie, I would guess? Just wondering.

Thanks for the education!

Drew


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Click to expand...

As far as I know, a gentleman's knife is really any classy little knife that is easy to carry in a suit or tux pocket. They seem to usually be single bladed because there won't really be any call for certain tasks suited to other blades such as spey blades or coping blades.

There's probably a specific definition, but to be honest I'd consider most small traditional folders to be gentlemanly and classy.
 
I think it's one of those instances where you'll know it when you see it. Pearl covered lobsters are what I imagine when I think of a gents knife.

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Manners maketh Man.(movie Kingsman)
Sorry couldnt resist.
Pearl scales seem to be de rigeur for a Gents knife.
But didnt General George C Patten say pearl handles are for pimps and preferred ivory.
 
Here is my reference point from the Bose catalog of patterns. IMG_1515.jpg

And here are a few of the knives I've had built to that pattern.

Dr. T
drtmammothgents1.jpg


Cramer
http://www.johnferguson.net/2015/lamb/cramergents1.jpg
cramergents1.jpg


Dunlap
http://www.johnferguson.net/2015/lamb/dunlapbonegents1.jpg
dunlapbonegents1.jpg


Charles
 
I feel a gents knife is a very subjective term and it's a little different for all of us. I do think most would agree size is a factor as I think we could agree that a Buck 110 wouldn't make the cut. A lot of folks put emphasis on handle material such as pearl, ivory or such while others not so much. Some look to embellishments such as file work. I feel it is a knife that exudes an elegance that causes it to not be out of place riding in the pocket of a man of class and importance. And to be at home when deployed for use in the presence of anyone. So with this said I think there are many versions of the gents knife and we each must decide in our mind's eye what constitutes a gents knife for us. Here are a couple of examples of what does it for me.


ucEhs55.jpg


qAbbwVv.jpg
 
I consider a "Gent's Kinfe" to be a fancy 2 blade single spring pen knife.
Historically, they had the MOP/Ivory and even engraved Sterling Silver covers.
If you peruse the stickie of old catelogs, you'll find many examples.
 
My thoughts on this are much along the same lines at Randy's. To me a gentleman's knife is any knife that is small enough to fit in a watch pocket, that is not tactical or utilitarian in nature, and that one could use in any public or social situation or setting.

Here are a few that fall into that category. In other words, most traditional knives.

5E2F3D00-5C95-400E-B841-2B56E2137486_zpskskl8rcn.jpg


146FC25A-614B-429E-8D92-AF42AC969FA1_zpstoe4jkwd.jpg


6BDC0E75-5CF1-42C6-BB97-04E37F9E2446_zpsalqm32o5.jpg
 
Gent's knife: usually a smaller, more elegant knife, but can also be a larger ornate knife. Something apparently not made for "heavy work". I say "apparently" because they are still knives, and most will still put in a hard day's work if called upon to do so.

Here's an example of what I might call a "Gent's knife":
Case mini-copperhead, about 3" with sawcut crimson bone covers, a lovely single spring design...
e7680a18-591f-4845-888a-d1b4d1213cb4_zpsfxkzwbmb.jpg


Here's one which I think no one would consider to be a "Gent's knife"
A Case Sowbelly in CV and Chestnut bone
3de3ebc6-086e-4c3b-a8b5-7aa4aed3d04d_zpshprjzgss.jpg


Both are well made. Both are good looking knives.
 
Robeson gent's knife: mother of pearl covers, tip bolsters, nail file/cleaner, just over 3" closed.

IMG_0418_zpskpcmlmxx.jpg~original
 
Norvell Lobster c. 1901-1911

26521467296_35064576a2_b.jpg


Chuko ( Charles ) is going to kick this to the curb with his specimens ;);)
 
meako said:
Manners maketh Man.(movie Kingsman)
Sorry couldnt resist.
Pearl scales seem to be de rigeur for a Gents knife.
But didnt General George C Patten say pearl handles are for pimps and preferred ivory.
Click to expand...

I absolutely loved that movie 👍
BTW here's my gents knife
( the vic pocket pal is like the perfect pen knife, but doesn't have classy scales )
 
Thanks everyone for the responses. A follow-up question: Do you think that a GEC Coyote in stag would fit in at even the most austere occasions? Thanks!


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I don't believe the term is limited to folders. I've seen it used for smaller, elegant fixed blades too. While I don't use the term, I have had numerous customers use the term to describe two models I make (The Gordo and The Poco). While I make both of these knives in either dammy or stainless, I don't recall anyone ever refer to one of the stainless ones as such, its always been a dammy one. And almost always mammoth tooth or ivory on the handle. I have also had customers ask for a Gentleman's hunter or skinner, thinking of a larger knife. Quien Sabe?
 
What treat, Charles! There is no way i could pick a favorite out of those gems. The American Shear, The Napanoch, and the Stag Ulster Orange Blossom....and that Wade & Butcher...oh my...I just can't...they all are exquisite. The engraving on the Gray Taylor is captivating. Thank you and Merry Christmas.
 
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