What is a "Gentleman's Knife" to you?

I think the core of a gentleman's knife, weather classic or modern, is a single blade, manual knife with clean and subdued design lines. Details like engraving, filing, or inserts, and the use of nicer materials can add sophistication and exclusivity. In addition to the above, classic gentleman's knives bring history and tradition as extras, something modern knives are somewhat lacking. Even if we live in modern times, tradition and history is still valued greatly.

These are 3 of my favorite classic gentleman's knives, all handmade in the old world, with designs of historic significance.
Laguiole (Forge de Laguiole, France), stainless steel, black bull horn tip.
Gobbo Abruzzese (Piscitelli, Italy), stainless steel, black bull horn tip.
Resolza Pattada (G Masala, Sardinia, Italy), carbon steel, blonde muflon horn.
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SpySmasher said:
Bertie would stab himself immediately upon opening any knife, I think.
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I know this is three months old but I just had to reply: Bertie would have Jeeves open it for him (and then let Jeeves do the cutting). :p

And as long as I'm here I'll add that I just bought what I think is an excellent example of the gentleman's knife: a Tony Bose-designed Case Swayback Gent: slim, small, light, single blade, with elegant lines. And it is called a "Gent," after all! :D

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No idea. I'll admit the mere description turns me off--I'm no gentleman :-) and don't get into knives for aesthetic reasons. Any knife I've seen that description applied to, I usually haven't much liked the look of.
 
microbe said:
I think the core of a gentleman's knife, weather classic or modern, is a single blade, manual knife with clean and subdued design lines. Details like engraving, filing, or inserts, and the use of nicer materials can add sophistication and exclusivity. In addition to the above, classic gentleman's knives bring history and tradition as extras, something modern knives are somewhat lacking. Even if we live in modern times, tradition and history is still valued greatly.

These are 3 of my favorite classic gentleman's knives, all handmade in the old world, with designs of historic significance.
Laguiole (Forge de Laguiole, France), stainless steel, black bull horn tip.
Gobbo Abruzzese (Piscitelli, Italy), stainless steel, black bull horn tip.
Resolza Pattada (G Masala, Sardinia, Italy), carbon steel, blonde muflon horn.
C2K0tP3.jpg
Click to expand...
Beautiful stuff!
 
The most "Gentlemanly" knife I own and carry would probably be my Swiss Army Cadet. Although all the Alox SAK's are, IMHO, good looking enough for weddings and funerals. I currently own 3 Alox models. An 02 Soldier, a red Farmer and the Cadet. So I guess the Cadet would be the one I'd carry as a Gentleman knife.

That said, I'd still probably be carring my Kershaw Skyline too. It's thin and light and W/O the pocketclip it's a wonderful "pocket knife". The Delica I'm looking at would work too. But unless I needed a locking folder, I'd use one of the Alox SAK's.

Thankfully I don't go to many weddings and funerals. And this is the Ozarks, even a bigger folder wouldn't raise too many eyes, even at a wedding or funeral.
 
The skyline really is a great EDC, it has its flaws (or I have my gripes) but yes it is very light and very slim.
 
No, it's not perfect but it's a pretty sweet knife. I'd like to see Kershaw redo it with KVT bearings.
 
Should we engrave the bolster Ken? Wait no bolster. Need a whole side of dead cow to sheath that thing.
 
Yep, Dave Ferry of Horsewright makes these, as well as tons of leather goods, sadlery, etc.
The most gorgeous fixed blade I ever had...was made by Dave. Beautiful craftsmanship,
obviously to the point of artistic supremacy... Not sure that he has many equals...if any...although
that's in the eye of the beholder. Check out his website...and write out a check... You'll be happy you did.
Don aka sonnydaze
 
Well, I figger a gentleman's knife sorta boils down to man's jewelry and such like.

Now I ain't sayin' that don't have its place for some folks. I've seen some mighty pretty work done on some o' them knives.

My gentleman's knife is a Spyderco Sage 2. Clean and simple without bein' too fancy.
 
Horsewright said:
I do Dan.
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Thanks for the directions Don! I went to Dave's website. Man! Love it. Want to take so many of them home with me. Almost as bad as retriever puppies! :-)
The fact that Tehachapi is little more than an hour away from me is putting several of my future paychecks in jeopardy. I think Dave and I will be doing business in the future.
 
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