Recommendations for a "gentleman's knife"

Heinz Doofenshmirtz · **on:** March 20, 2011, 12:51:49 AM

Hi all,

I started another thread here asking for opinions on a CRKT, but I'd like to open it up to more possibilities.

As I've been spouting off about it already, I recently got a Spydie Tenacious, which I really like. But, I've inadvertently freaked a couple of people out with it already by pulling it out for an odd job here and there. (Guess it's a good thing I didn't get a Resilience!) Anyway, I'm now of a mind to get a decent small/slim folder for pocket carry that I can use for various odd jobs around the house, in the garage, in the yard, etc. Something that if it gets beat up or damaged I won't be too heartbroken or out too much $$$, but that will still perform well for small/lite jobs.

Here's the criteria I'd like to meet:

-max cost $50.

-blade length aprox. 2.5", min. 2", max 3".

-slim blade design, preferably drop-point style, but spear point or sheepsfoot would be okay too (nothing big and broad like a Spydie).

-must have a pocket clip.

-would prefer to avoid hollow ground blades if possible, though I'm not sure if it is, given the blade shape I'd like.

-blade coloring/anno is open, but ideally something with a satin finish would be nice, I don't want it to look like a ninja weapon.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for all your suggestions!

gunga · **Reply #1 on:** March 20, 2011, 12:56:20 AM

I had a kershaw chill. Very light, compact, cheap. Iiked it, very fine blade.

jekostas · **Reply #2 on:** March 20, 2011, 03:09:03 AM

I put this in the other thread as well, but the CRKT Centofante Tribute or Tribute 2 are damned nice knives. Here's a link:
http://www.warriorsandwonders.com/CRKT/CRKT_Tribute_2_by_Frank_Centofante

The micarta is actually a dark burgundy in person.

gunga · **Reply #3 on:** March 20, 2011, 03:24:28 AM

Wow!

How is 7Cr17MoV steel? That is an awesome looking knife. I may have to pick one up...

Is this a Chinese made knife? There are a lot of nice kinves coming from there...

enki_ck · **Reply #4 on:** March 20, 2011, 03:43:33 AM

Boker Elegance in carbon or g10, go for 40 - 50 usd on ebay

http://www.boker.de/us/pocket-knife/boker-plus/classic-pocket-knife/01BO026.html

edit:

sorry, only the g10 version has a pocketclip

http://www.boker.de/us/pocket-knife/boker-plus/classic-pocket-knife/01BO027.html

NutSAK · **Reply #5 on:** March 20, 2011, 03:49:52 AM

Quote from: jekostas on March 20, 2011, 03:09:03 AM

I put this in the other thread as well, but the CRKT Centofante Tribute or Tribute 2 are damned nice knives. Here's a link:
http://www.warriorsandwonders.com/CRKT/CRKT_Tribute_2_by_Frank_Centofante

The micarta is actually a dark burgundy in person.

That is a lovely knife. Considering the price, I won't complain about your suggestion and what it will cost me.

NutSAK · **Reply #6 on:** March 21, 2011, 01:27:51 PM

Quote from: jekostas on March 20, 2011, 03:09:03 AM

I put this in the other thread as well, but the CRKT Centofante Tribute or Tribute 2 are damned nice knives.

What is the difference between the Tribute and Tribute 2?

EDIT: nevermind... I see the 2 is shorter.

Heinz Doofenshmirtz · **Reply #7 on:** March 21, 2011, 07:27:55 PM

Thanks for the info guys. The Boker looks really nice. (Does anyone else realize that with the umlaut over the o that it means it should be pronounced like 'booker' instead of like bow-ker? At least I think that's how it should be... anyway.)

The Centofante Tribute is a nice looking knife too, but I couldn't find out if it has a pocket clip on it. The Chill looks nice too; how is the handle on it, is it reinforced at all? I read that the Buck Bantams don't have any kind of metal scaling in them and so they flex quite a lot, so I've already decided to avoid them.

Anyone know anything about the CRKT M16 series? They seem like the right size and all, even if they are a little too tactical in appearance for what I'm looking for. I'd be willing to consider one if they'll meet my needs.

NutSAK · **Reply #8 on:** March 21, 2011, 07:33:58 PM

There's no clip on the CRKT Tribute models.

NutSAK · **Reply #9 on:** March 21, 2011, 07:41:12 PM

Quote from: Heinz Doofenshmirtz on March 21, 2011, 07:27:55 PM

(Does anyone else realize that with the umlaut over the o that it means it should be pronounced like 'booker' instead of like bow-ker? At least I think that's how it should be... anyway.)

Well, yes, sort of: http://www.thegermanprofessor.com/2009/12/how-to-pronounce-o-and-u/

I still pronounce it at bow-ker, as everyone else in the US seems to.

gunga · **Reply #10 on:** March 21, 2011, 07:42:36 PM

The chill does have metal liners, I can't remember if they are drilled out. It is very light and has nice flipper action. I find the blade a touch long for the handle, but it is nice. Thin G10 handles, pretty cool, especially for the price.

The Bantams are all plastic, but check out the smaller vantage. They are very nice. I have only handled the larger one, would like to check out a smaller one sometime.

How about a Spyderco Dragonfly 2 (or g10)? I'm on the lookout for one of each. Seems like nice, discreet blade size.

BTW, just got a couple Benchmade minigrips in the mail. May be a bit too big still for you though. But they are nice and quite compact.

enki_ck · **Reply #11 on:** March 21, 2011, 09:12:13 PM

Quote from: Heinz Doofenshmirtz on March 21, 2011, 07:27:55 PM

Thanks for the info guys. The Boker looks really nice. (Does anyone else realize that with the umlaut over the o that it means it should be pronounced like 'booker' instead of like bow-ker? At least I think that's how it should be... anyway.)

Well I'm a german teacher and interpretor so yes.

I just posted the post and links from my phone and didn't have üöä available. I would rather spell it Boeker though. (I think, my english isn't that good.)

Quote from: Heinz Doofenshmirtz on March 21, 2011, 07:27:55 PM

Anyone know anything about the CRKT M16 series? They seem like the right size and all, even if they are a little too tactical in appearance for what I'm looking for. I'd be willing to consider one if they'll meet my needs.

Don't, they are just hyped up tacticool knives. Many have had problems with them, me included. Here's a link to a few opinions of it on edcf, I'm not sure if that's allowed, if not, I'll delete and pm you.

http://edcforums.com/showthread.php/81196-Columbia-River-CRKT-M16-Any-good/

jekostas · **Reply #12 on:** March 21, 2011, 09:42:48 PM

Quote from: Heinz Doofenshmirtz on March 21, 2011, 07:27:55 PM

Thanks for the info guys. The Boker looks really nice. (Does anyone else realize that with the umlaut over the o that it means it should be pronounced like 'booker' instead of like bow-ker? At least I think that's how it should be... anyway.)

The Centofante Tribute is a nice looking knife too, but I couldn't find out if it has a pocket clip on it. The Chill looks nice too; how is the handle on it, is it reinforced at all? I read that the Buck Bantams don't have any kind of metal scaling in them and so they flex quite a lot, so I've already decided to avoid them.

Anyone know anything about the CRKT M16 series? They seem like the right size and all, even if they are a little too tactical in appearance for what I'm looking for. I'd be willing to consider one if they'll meet my needs.

I'd try a Buck Bantam before you simply write it off. Not having metal liners in the handles doesn't mean a thing - it's a very, very, VERY tough knife, and something meant for beating on day to day. They're also really cheap and come with Buck's legendarily good customer service. I take a small one camping and keep the medium size one around for gardening and crap work that I don't want to subject my other knives to. It's held up very well.

As to CRKT, they had a bad spot in the last 3-4 years with their build quality but it seems to be getting much better lately. For light/medium duty usage the M16 lines are perfectly respectable knives, and CRKT's customer service is excellent.

Heinz Doofenshmirtz · **Reply #13 on:** March 21, 2011, 10:34:38 PM

You guys rock! Thanks so much for the info. I'll check out the Chill... not too many people seem to like the M16's, so I think I'll drop those down to the bottom of the list. The Delegate and the Elegance seem to still be the front runners at this point.

Swiss Man · **Reply #14 on:** March 21, 2011, 10:49:22 PM

http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=243

Very thin and very sweet I got one in a trade and have carried it every since that day.

Sharp and sexy

Heinz Doofenshmirtz · **Reply #15 on:** March 22, 2011, 08:03:46 AM

Quote from: Swiss Man on March 21, 2011, 10:49:22 PM

http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=243

Very thin and very sweet I got one in a trade and have carried it every since that day.

Sharp and sexy

You know, I was just considering an Ambitious... 2 1/4" blade, same construction as my Tenacious, but about half the size... Aesthetics aren't nearly as good as something like the CRKT, but hell, this is going to be for getting things done, not for showing off.

Nice avatar BTW... we must think a LOT alike...

asupernothing · **Reply #16 on:** March 22, 2011, 03:51:12 PM

I am surprised that no one has mentioned the Delica! Still a spydie, with a much smaller frame and narrower blade shape. Its toward the high end of your price range but probably will be worth the extra$$. I have one that I find very useful.
I find myself liking it more and more.
As far as 7cr17 goes, it doesn't seem to be a great steel from the specs. Though I am just going from the naming. On the Chinese steels the first number is the carbon content (rounded off) so the 7 indicates about .7% carbon, and the 17 indicates 17% chromium, the MoV means that it has moly and Vanadium. I would say its probably a step up from 8cr13 but still pretty close.

Check out the Delica though, as I have found that VG-10 is easy to sharpen and take a really nice edge with minimal effort.
If you decided to go for a pricier gentleman's folder I would recommend the Benchmade Osbourne 940, but that's about triple your price.

Fisting_Chili · **Reply #17 on:** March 22, 2011, 04:11:15 PM

LooseNut · **Reply #18 on:** March 22, 2011, 10:27:22 PM

You should look at the Victorinox Alox Solo, very people friendly as it is a SAK, extremely slim and superb quality.
Fits all of your requirements except pocket clip.

Heinz Doofenshmirtz · **Reply #19 on:** August 20, 2011, 08:31:59 AM

Hey all,

Reviving this thread...

I've been looking around some more for a gentleman knife and still haven't found something I like.

I picked up a Kershaw Crown in Mall-Wart the other day for $15 and found I wasted my money. It was way too heavy, and the opening stud is so poorly placed I can barely get the thing open. I won't even give it my son because the opening is so flawed that I'm afraid he'd injure himself with it.

So now I've been looking at more Spydercos. I didn't think they'd make something that would be good for this, but now I'm considering either a flat grind Delica, or a Dragonfly 2. I like each for different reasons.

The Delica has the steel reinforced scales but the Dragonfly 2 has a nicer handle shape, I really like the jimped choil on it...

Right now I'm leaning toward the Dragonfly 2. It's smaller, lighter, and looks like it will give better control over the blade because of the choil and jimping. It's also about $20 less.

Any thoughts? Thanks.

jekostas · **Reply #20 on:** August 20, 2011, 09:07:11 AM

Dragonfly 2. Have one and it's in my rotation for carry knives (I have... a LOT of knives right now)

I have no idea why Spyderco put steel liners in the Delica and Endura series, made them way heavier than they needed to be. The only picture I've seen of a Delica with the unlined FRN handles that was broken had been run over by a tracked snow crawler.

gunga · **Reply #21 on:** August 20, 2011, 09:55:38 AM

I agree, love the choil and shape of the Dragonfly 2. I actually carry the G10 version, solid, classy, but heavier.

If you are okay with something a touch bigger, get the new G10 cat. Cheaper (with 440C steel) and fills the hand better than the dragonfly. No jimping though.

If you are willing to spend more money, the new Chaparral looks beautiful. I want one, bad...

edcgear · **Reply #22 on:** August 20, 2011, 12:48:57 PM

Look at Kershaw OD2 or Boker Plus Exkellibur 2

I like those...

Also you may want to look at Leatherman C33, or higher end one E33... I have C33T and it fits in description...

chills · **Reply #23 on:** August 20, 2011, 01:11:23 PM

If your leaning towards the Dragonfly, before you jump see if you can find a second hand Spyderco Kopa. They have a very similar blade shape made from Vg10, but the handle comes in a number of different inlays and very nice bolsters. All in all a far more gentlemanly knife.

jekostas · **Reply #24 on:** August 20, 2011, 05:07:51 PM

Quote from: chills on August 20, 2011, 01:11:23 PM

If your leaning towards the Dragonfly, before you jump see if you can find a second hand Spyderco Kopa. They have a very similar blade shape made from Vg10, but the handle comes in a number of different inlays and very nice bolsters. All in all a far more gentlemanly knife.

A used Kopa for the price of a Dragonfly 2? You're more likely to find some actual teeth from the skeleton of Amelia Earhart.

edcgear · **Reply #25 on:** August 20, 2011, 05:28:36 PM

Quote from: jekostas on August 20, 2011, 05:07:51 PM

Quote from: chills on August 20, 2011, 01:11:23 PM
If your leaning towards the Dragonfly, before you jump see if you can find a second hand Spyderco Kopa. They have a very similar blade shape made from Vg10, but the handle comes in a number of different inlays and very nice bolsters. All in all a far more gentlemanly knife.

A used Kopa for the price of a Dragonfly 2? You're more likely to find some actual teeth from the skeleton of Amelia Earhart.

chills · **Reply #26 on:** August 20, 2011, 05:37:46 PM

Totally my bad there if we're talking a Dragonfly2 (did'nt pick up on the budget in the original post) but here in the u.k a g10 Dragonfly runs to about $150.00 u.s !!!!! About the same as a Kopa can be found for. New, my Dragonfly 2 cost me £49.00 thats around 80 bucks!!!!!!!!http://forum.multitool.org/Smileys/default/shocked.gif

Beerplumber · **Reply #27 on:** August 20, 2011, 07:33:54 PM

I have a nice little buck, I believe it's called the "grooms man" but I bought it years ago let me check their site to see if they still make it. I don't have one but what about LM's crater or expanse knives?

Beerplumber · **Reply #28 on:** August 20, 2011, 07:40:59 PM

Nevermind I don't see the groomsman on their site, looks like it turned into the "gent"... Gross

Sazabi · **Reply #29 on:** August 20, 2011, 08:01:04 PM

Don't diss the Gent; I have a couple and I'm extremely fond of them.

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