Gentleman's UK legal folder - advice sought.

[DaveK]

I've had my UKPK now for about 6 or 7 years and its great.

I have a hankering though for a more "gentlemanly" EDC folder, maybe something with a damascus blade or something equally eye-catching - that's negotiable really. I'd like a more refined handle material than G10 and wouldn't want any of that faux horn stuff. I want some decent real estate on the blade too, so not really interested in the RR / Case traditional knives and suchlike.

To be UK EDC legal, it would need to conform with the following:

- Be a folder
- No locking blade
- Cutting edge of blade no greater than 3"

I found some contenders at Perkins knives (example here: http://www.perkinknives.com/custom-made-damascus-folding-knife-tanto-blade--buffalo-horn-handle-310-p.asp ) but they were roundly slagged off on British Blades when I googled them, so I'm hesitant.

Anyone got any suggestions?

[dks]

How about a Victorinox alox Damascus?

[shark_za]

If I was in the UK I would carry this. Traditional but not all the way.

Here is a review by my friend Marthinus on his custom by JD Ellis.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1273900-Lanny-s-Clip-by-JD-Ellis

Linked the photo from his Photobucket.


In this photo; his one; an orange one like mine and a smaller version.
The smaller one is fully UK legal and fits the bill for the discerning carrier.

He mostly uses RWL-34 these days but if you find a 14c28n bladed knife they are still well done.

[DaveK]

How about a Victorinox alox Damascus?

I meant to say - not a SAK - sorry!

Something with a chunkier blade I was thinking

[DaveK]

If I was in the UK I would carry this. Traditional but not all the way.

Here is a review by my friend Marthinus on his custom by JD Ellis.
http://www.bladeforums.co...-Lanny-s-Clip-by-JD-Ellis

Linked the photo from his Photobucket.
(Image removed from quote.)

In this photo; his one; an orange one like mine and a smaller version.
The smaller one is fully UK legal and fits the bill for the discerning carrier.

He mostly uses RWL-34 these days but if you find a 14c28n bladed knife they are still well done.

They are nice - definitely worth consideration, but I was thinking a broader blade would be nice. I shall still check this guy's stuff out though as they look very nice 

[DaveK]

Anyone have experience of the Viper DAN?

http://www.heinnie.com/viper-dan2-burgundy-canvas

[dks]

I know you said no traditionals, but GEC has some thick/wide bladed knives, with fancy handles/covers (Elephant toe style). The Queen S/M line is also nice.

How about an opinel?  They come in Damascus too, some have highly polished blades and nice wood or even leather nadleds.  You can also remove the locking mechanism, if you want to.

Have a look into Manly knives from Bulgaria. Their comrade line is non-locking, but it has G10 handles.

Navaja knives have wide blades and some will be non-locking, with horn handles.

Or laguiole style knives

[DaveK]

The Manly knives look nice!

Currently looking at them 

EDIT: Aaargh - blade length on the Comrade is too long. I'd be up in front of Father Christmas if I whipped that out

Max blade length can be is 7.62cm

Shame as that was a contender, nice price too!
 

[shark_za]

The law states sharp edge of 7.62cm
cut a sharpening choil on the Manly.

[DaveK]

The law states sharp edge of 7.62cm
cut a sharpening choil on the Manly.

Ah - I just read blade was 10cm+, so I'll check again - thanks.

I keep coming back to the Viper DAN though....

[DaveK]

I think I've found my knife



http://www.heinnie.com/viper-dan2-silver-g10

[DaveK]

 

Accidentally bought the Black CF, Clip point version and it should arrive tomorrow

Reviews I found were all excellent, so I don't think its too much of a gamble

Thanks for the suggestions folks, it helped to focus my mind! 

[shark_za]

Enjoy; looks like a nice piece of Italian kit.

[DaveK]

Enjoy; looks like a nice piece of Italian kit.

Thanks! I guess I'll find out soon enough. I might pick up a Manly Comrade too next week just out of curiosity - very nicely priced.