Gentleman's folder advice (modern or traditional)

[arty]

Once you are at $450, I would look at customs. For a less expensive alternative, check out Moki. I believe that they also make some of the Fallknivens.

 

[Pomsbz]

I'm just parroting but Mnandi or Roundhead. It's a good suggestion to parrot.

 

[115Italian]

Ive always wanted a spyderco chaparral.

 

[palonej]

That's awesome, Joe.

Thank you Vel! Great little knife. I kinda felt WH stuff was pocket jewelry only. I was wrong!
Tough little knife that is super slim and slices like a pissed off demon!
Joe

 

[smoothblades]

Case Texas toothpick. Very small but very classy.

i love Case knives, I just wish the steel was a little better. the toothpick is one though i have never tried.

 

[smoothblades]

Internally I seldom look at $450ish knives except for CRK and I generally shy away from pulling the trigger on one of their knives. Been eyeing Reate stuff... Fallkniven certainly has some very nice medium priced gentlemanly folders that appeal to me. Two years ago, I would have said "expensive", but now they're medium priced within my knife perspectives.

For more dressy occasions (sport coat, dress slacks and dress shoes type affair), I generally chose something thin and fairly light weight but not necessarily expensive. A couple that I own come to mind. Spyderco Kiwi 4, Lionsteel Mini Opera in stag, or the small two blade GEC #14 Boys knife. All good and I recommend them.

The Lionsteel Round head is a nice knife with modern steel for a traditional. Haven't purchased one of these as of yet, but I will eventually; probably the next batch to be released.... who knows?

The kiwi is interesting, I really like the bone variations they have/had.

 

[smoothblades]

Lower than your budget (which may be a nice thing? ), but seriously, check out the Spyderco Domino in CTS-XHP. Perfectly fits your specs, I just got one. They were dc'd by Spyderco in 2018 but a lot of places still have them in stock. This is a nice flipper/frame lock in a 'gentleman's' configuration and a great steel. It's my fave smaller knife to carry.

https://www.knifeworks.com/spyderco...lue-weave-carbon-fiber-handle-plain-edge.html

I have heard good things about the domino, but its just a bit bigger than what Im shooting for. I saw they make a Dice, that looks very similar. Have you seen this or have any experience with it?

 

[smoothblades]

Check these out. They were at my local Japanese knife sharpener's today.

The Ohta knives look very nice and may really are drawing me in. I found a carbon fiber version that he has made and it looks great. Have you experience with his knives? how is the general fit and finish as well as the edge retention?

 

[Lapedog]

The Ohta knives look very nice and may really are drawing me in. I found a carbon fiber version that he has made and it looks great. Have you experience with his knives? how is the general fit and finish as well as the edge retention?

I cannot speak for edge retention as I have not owned one, I don't know what steel he uses. My only experience with them is playing with them when I take knives to my Japanese style sharpener for reprofiling.

That said these knives are SUPERB fit and finish. I don't have much experience with traditionals but from the ones I have handled the Ohtas are on another level.

The quality is there. I liken it to the feeling of picking up a Sebenza for the first time and immediately noting the quality.

 

[Hackenslash]

As others have mentioned, the Ohta knives are beautiful. I have one and I feel lucky to have it...

BUT...and here's the big BUT...if you've thought of a Mnandi, you probably won't stop thinking of one until you get one.

I had to wear a suit tonight to the symphony and my Mnandi was a no-brainer choice. I looked at a GEC traditional and a modded Chaparral and the CRK kicked everything to the curb.

I don't carry mine everyday but when I need a gentleman's knife, the Mnandi is the epitome of one. Spend a few $ extra and get one with Devin Thomas steel and exotic wood and you'll have an heirloom to hand down some day.

One caveat: I'm more of a modern knife guy and prefer a clip and locking blade. If you're more of a traditional folder guy, find a limited release GEC and buy it super fast!

Have fun and good luck!

 

[maximus83]

I have heard good things about the domino, but its just a bit bigger than what Im shooting for. I saw they make a Dice, that looks very similar. Have you seen this or have any experience with it?

I haven't, but if you're looking for a bit smaller but still an elegant design, M390 steel, framelock + flipper, and bearings-based manual opening, take a look at the Lionsteel TRE folder. I can't 'recommend' as I haven't owned it, but I have laid hands on one and it is an elegant little knife, fits your specs and very lightweight.

https://www.knifeworks.com/lion-ste...de-black-g-10-handle-titanium-frame-lock.html

 

[115Italian]

i love Case knives, I just wish the steel was a little better. the toothpick is one though i have never tried.

Its small so it sees small tasks that really do not dull the blade all that much. Theres a lot to look at on this one. Gorgeous bolsters. Brass or copper liners, not sure which.

 

[Boozoo Chavis]

ZT 0460 - 3.25" blade, 2.3 oz. Carbon fiber scale, titanium framelock.

 

[Pomsbz]

ZT 0460 - 3.25" blade, 2.3 oz. Carbon fiber scale, titanium framelock.

What about that knife or the way it's presented in this image equals gentleman knife?

 

[elnero]

At that price range I personally would be looking at a Mnandi. For cheaper I'd be looking at the new Boos Blades Aero Mini.

 

[smoothblades]

In the $450 range was why I picked what I picked, there are just so many colours in the rainbow...(quote from Harry Chapin song ) that the OP could easily choose from such a wide variety but that leads to what I call "Paralysis of Analysis " and you end up not being able to chose at all.

Slightly above that $450 I myself would LOVE to get one of mr Halfrich's Rounder folders, simply an amazing design and execution....just out of my reach
G2

Im nearly at that point. Everything looks good but then the options become overwhelming.

Can you recommend any makers that are similar to the Rounder that you mentioned, and within my price range?

 

[smoothblades]

Thank you everyone for the suggestions. Im still on the fence with the mnandi, something about it i love and something about it i just dont care for (i just wish i knew what it was). Does anyone know where to a good place to order an Ohta knife is? The only place I have really seen them is at forthenry knives, and it has me pretty interested.

Another maker i found is Josh fisher, but I dont really know anything about him. Has anyone any experience with his work? The picture below is with damascus and is more than im looking for, but with regular steel and same checkering he quoted me $450, so in budget.

The arcform looks nice but a bit bigger than the 3" im looking for, and i know that Chinese companies do make some very good knives (Boos knife by WE), but i am not ready to go down that path. For me mainly because all of them i have handled use the same standard plastic bearing races that Liong Mah, and CKF use (as well as Marfione on the custom sigil I had, which was a big let down).

So as an added criteria for searching i think, either handmade, or USA made.

 

[Durham68]

OP, have you looked at the Giant Mouse GM3?

 

[strategy9]

Olamic Busker

2.25" and high quality craftsmanship?

 

[HST]

Office Carry: Mnandi with S35VN for cost and easier cleanling after use. You can use it a lifetime and pass it down when you’re done.

I love slippies, but since the knife you’re changing from is a CRK, you’ll want another. Moreover, you can go clip-less and pocket or coat pocket carry.