Yet another request for folder suggestions

TheRiverYeti

TheRiverYeti

Joined
Oct 4, 2013
Messages
16
Yes, I know, I see about a million posts a week where folks are asking for suggestions on a new knife. And now it's my turn.

I'm looking for a something between a non-tactical look and a "gentleman's folder" for EDC. I have large hands, XL gloves don't always have big enough fingers for me, so I want something that fills my hand well without being obscenely large. A blade in the 3.5 to 4 inch range ideal, though I could go smaller if the handle fits my hand well. Scales in the 4 to 5 inch range would be ideal based on what I've got already. It won't be intended for hard core use, not for bushcraft or skinning or SD or anything like that, I've got other blades for those purposes. This is for medium duty every day use, with hopefully a somewhat refined appearance. No assisted opening and no serrations, pocket clip required. I'm willing to consider a wide variety of steels and lock mechanisms. And let me just get this out of the way now and take my punches: I've got two Spyderco's, and they are great blades, not just a big fan of the Spyder hole look for this knife. Here's what I've got that I like that almost but doesn't quite fit the bill:

RAT 1: Great fit in my hand length wise, blade length and shape are great too, but (believe it or not) I wish it was wider. I would be able to get a more comfortable grip if it wasn't as thin with the flat sides.

BM Barrage 481: Fits my hand great, again love the blade length and shape. Something this size with a little less tactical look and feel no AO might fit the bill.

Opinel #6, #7, #8: I love my Carbone Opi's, I just think they are fun knives. I've thought about modding one for a pocket clip, so if you've got pictures of having done that or suggestions on what clip to use let me know!

Blades I'm considering:
- Enzo Birk 75 with curly birch scales. Love the look of this knife.
- Mcusta MC 14 or 16
- A couple of offerings from AG Russel, like the Gentleman's framelock, K-12

I've done my best to define all the criteria important to me except for the last one: $200 or under please. Let her fly, folks!
 
Since you've mentioened of "something between a non-tactical look and a gentleman's folder for EDC"
EnZo Birk 75 with Curly Birch scales would be nice choice.
Birk 75 has slightly bulky handle comapred to its blade size so it may fit you well.
 
Agree with Sunby on the Enzo. Never had one, but the look is nice and from what little I've read the knives are well made.
 
Viper Knives Keeper. Get one with wooden scales and a polished N690co blade and it looks exceptionally handsome, sort of a gentleman's tactical. The double guard functions as both a flipper, though the detent is a bit weak, and an Emerson wave. The scales are nicely rounded and fill the hand well for more extended use. No jimping anywhere other than the lock bar, which I count as a plus, but many won't. Mine took a little while to break in, but now that it has flipping action is very smooth and consistent which compensates for the weak detent.

The only major issue I have is the clip. It's a deep carry wire clip and I love how low profile it is (most unobtrusive pocket clip I own), but it's one position, right hand tip up, a bit flimsy and the combination of very deep carry and not much clip to grab makes getting the knife out of your pocket slightly tricky. Not an issue with a lanyard, but it does not come with a lanyard hole.
 
Take a look at the Wilson Combat ELC, it has a nice wide grip with contoured sides. Here is a beauty shot and some in-hand pics.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Steel ELMAX Powdered Metal Stainless Steel
Hardness RC 59/60
Blade Length 3.5"
Blade Thickness .117"
Handle Material Genuine Cocobolo Hardwood Starburst
Handle Length 4.0"
Overall Length 7.5"
Weight 3.8 oz.
Finish Stonewashed Finish Blade



 
Some great suggestions so far, on blades I hadn't thought of, thanks everybody. A-Ro, thanks for the suggestion, but that's exactly the kind of Spyderco blade that doesn't hit the sweet spot I'm looking for...it has the hole, looks pretty tactical (to me at least), etc. Up above Insipid used the term "gentleman's tactical," maybe that's where I'm headed. Wood scales go along way toward that end.
 
Remember, tactical is a marketing term. It sells knives and other stuff, but it is completely subjective. As far as Spyderco is concerned, a "tactical" knife would be a blacked out Military, Para2, Manix2, Endura, etc. The hold is for easier opening. Nothing tactical about an opening mechanism built into the blade, thumb studs may as well also be tagged, flippers too, maybe even the old fashioned "tactical nail nick".

Consider as you said, AG Russell, Mcusta, Al Mar, Kershaw, and even William Henry. There are also an entire host of traditional pocket knives (slip joint) that can provide you all manner of cover materials, blade shapes, sizes, and steels.
 
RevDevil, thanks for clarfication. I get that "tacti-cool" is a marketing schtick and is different for everybody, and I think I draw a distinction sooner than some. I've seen folks post AO blades with serrations and G10 handles and call them "gentlemen's folders" too, so it works all ways. I don't consider the hole on a Spyderco to have anything to do with being tactical, I simply don't care for the look of it, or what it often requires of the blade shape. i don't think I equated the hole with being tactical, but if I did this should clarify. I don't think AO means tactical either, but I've got enough of those between some Kershaws and BMs, so just plain thumb studs or nail nicks will be fine. Finally, I'm going to be carrying this at work, in an office environment, so hence a desire to stay away from some of those features. Additionally, I work in the defense industry, and our security guys don't outright ban blades at work, but I've talked to them about it and they get funny/nervous at a certain point. I think it is driven more by HR than anything else, but so be it.

I'm willing to consider slip joints but the vast majority of them do not have a pocket clip. I carry enough junk in my pockets on a daily basis, so the clip keeps the knife accessible without having to troot around. Any suggestions on a slip joint with a pocket clip, or perhaps a mfg that makes a lot of that style? Again I'd look to Enzo, who has the PK70, which is pretty much just like the Birk but a SJ instead of liner lock with thumb studs. Any other ideas?
 
Ritter Griptilian is a great blade and even better if you score some aftermarket scales. The handle is nice and full for me.
 
Just gonna throw this out there, maybe a Kershaw Blur with the Carbon Fiber inserts? I have large hands (notXL though) and it fits pretty nicely. If not that then maybe a Benchmade 910?
 
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