What is a gentleman's knife?

[Ernie1980]

For me, it's a blade 3" or under. Locking or slip joint doesn't matter, but as the OP said thin and sharp. No clip or a deep carry clip, polished or Damascus blade. Some type of inlay if its a locking folder, preferably wood or some other natural material. File work is a nice bonus. A good example for a locking folder is a Mnandi. Most slip joints qualify except for versions designed for work like a sodbuster.
The key is people friendly. A knife you can use at work and get zero pushback on having a "weapon".

 

[timberweasel]

To me a gentleman's knife is a fancy knife. It's got to have some kind of flair or flourish in design or materials used that makes it stand out somehow.

-Brett

 

[ixer]

LionSteel Mini Opera?

 

[stabman]

Any knife carried by a classy gentleman such as myself.

 

[stabman]

. A gentleman does not need to battle battle orcs with his pocketknife since naturally he already carries a saber.

I love this quote right here. :thumbup:

 

[parbajtor]

The kind of knife James Bond would carry in his tuxedo

 

[stvpourciau]

The kind of knife James Bond would carry in his tuxedo

I feel like Daniel Craig would pull out tatictal folder or that Connery would draw a switchblade, so.. Not the same for me

 

[goodeyesniper]

I think most well made traditional slip joint knives qualify, and very few modern folders do. a spyderco dragonfly might be small and unassuming, even smaller than some gents knives, but I don't think it fits the bill.

a nice wood or dyed bone type handle is generally better than an all metal build. I also think elegant simplicity is key. I think some of the Damascus blades and bolsters posted in this thread are way too "busy"and do not qualify. they are more in the realm of a jewelry knife, or art knife. I think a very low contrast Damascus might be okay, the kind that has to hit the light right for you to even see the patterns. That William Henry is just way, way too much.

I think a stainless gec with smooth wood, the smaller it is from three inches the better, is generally perfect. a slim, alox SAK might break my rule on metal handles, it just works.

 

[mrynecy]

I consider the Spyderco Chaparral a gentleman's knife. Remove the clip and it is a near perfect size, weight & design to fit in my slacks or suit pocket.

 

[goodeyesniper]

To me a gentleman's knife is a fancy knife. It's got to have some kind of flair or flourish in design or materials used that makes it stand out somehow.

-Brett

I feel the opposite. I feel that would belong more to nobility or aristocracy, whereas a gentleman is generally NOT overly flashy. he is well spoken, well dressed and well behaved, if not well bred. A gentleman could be someone born into money, but is more often of a lower class of white collar. He could be a low level accountant or businessman, or anything in between.

It is more about how he presents himself than his social situation. His knife and watch are more likely to very subtly whisper a point to a careful observer, instead of screaming a point to anyone within seeing distance.

 

[liamstrain]

elegant, slim, well made of materials that while fully functional, are also a bit more upscale than a more robust/beater knife would be. It should not look out of place with a business suit.

This rules out most "tacticals" and bigger knives for me. My Mcusta MC52 (Gentlemen's folder) is about perfect.

 

[the kid]

I consider a gentleman's knife something that is elegant and sophisticated, whether that be due to simplicity or something else.

I carry this as my gent's knife when I'm in a suit:

Chris

This picture is perfect for describing what I find a gentleman knife or not. I think this is exactly bordering on being a gentleman knife or not.
Why yes:
Handsome knife, slick and looks old fashion. (sodbuster style)
The handle is smooth which suggest form over function.

Why not:
The slim blade looks like it's made for stabbing especially with the top (fake probably) edge.
It looks somewhat aggressive. the guard on the handle adds to this.
Thumbstuds, a gentleman knife has form over function.

 

[liamstrain]

Thumbstuds, a gentleman knife has form over function.

Form over function is the opposite of elegance.

 

[A.l.e.x.]

Hello!

I don't mind locks or thumb studs on a gents folder. Things I don't like on a gents folder are flippers, thumb discs and opening cutouts.

Best regards,
Alex

 

[I.N.F.K]

I think a Case Trapperlock would make a good gentleman's knife, but might be to heavy for some. Depends on the build of the person really, and what they're wearing. I have a one with a Chestnut handle scale I carry with me and it's a nice non-threatening traditional folder with modern mechanics.

 

[Tony8179]

To me, dress folder and gentleman's folder are one and the same. A gentleman's folder can break away from being a dress folder by losing the top shelf/high end materials, but utilizing a slim profile.

 

[slothman]

benchmade megumi: the definition of a gentlemans knife

 

[sbakker]

I honestly don't have much opinion that hasn't already been stated.
Less gaudy, more elegant, less tactical, more clean.

But, here's my own favorite, my Leif Lambertson friction folder in D2, with jewelled Ti liners and California buck wood burl. Blade is a hair under 3".

 

[tatfiend]

I think of gentlemen's folders as slim and made with nice materials. Examples I have include my Benchmade 530 carbon fiber, Benchmade 470 Damasteel gold class and my stainless steel Benchmade 960. All are slim 3" class blade knives that to me show class along with still being practical use knives. My Kershaw Leeks also qualify as does the Kershaw Shallot and Benchmade 940/943, but barely due to blade length. A serrated blade is not acceptable on a gentlemens knife, at least to me.

I also have horn, Ebony and Olive wood handled Opinels in #8 size which I would consider to be gentlemens knives along with a Benchmade Megumi.

 

[bdmicarta]

I went to a clients meeting today for a meeting and carried my Spyderco Gayle Bradley clipped to the pocket of my Dockers.