Dress Knife

[dgebler]

So I started this thread because I still can't bring myself to use my forum native. This is the first 3" blade Spyderco (aside from the delica) I have owned and now I really want another for edc. There is really no need for me to carry the Military or even PM2 to work in a coat and tie...So I have read a lot about most of these knives but I wanted other forum members to weigh in on your favorite choice for a dress knife...Sage 1?, Chapparal? Caly 3? Something else altogether?

[Pockets]

Those are all good choices, but you should look at the Air and Techno as well.

[Dodge]

Des Horn folder is very suit and tie.

[senorsquare]

All the knives mentioned above are good choices. I personally like the Sage 1 and Techno of those listed. The Nishijin Dragonfly would be a great dress knife too. Looks like BHQ still have some in stock.

[CarbonFiberNut]

Caly 3 Damascus or ZDP-189. Both look classy as **** in Carbon Fiber.

Alternatively, I've found the Lum Chinese, preferably in Nishijin glass fiber, to be a great looking dress knife.

[Clip]

I think the Techno is a bit chunky to be a gentleman's folder. I like the looks of the Kopa, Air, Caly3, Centofante Memory, and the Chaparral, even though it is slightly large. Not going to stop me from picking up one of the Stealths though :)

[einstein2001]

The Kiwi 3 is my dress folder but if I were to make a recommendation I'd say the Chaparral.

[jackthedog]

I'd vote for the Air or Chaparral.

[Donut]

I like the Caly 3 CF or Caly 3 Super Blue. What about the normal Native 5?

Chaparral is sort of nice for that kind of thing.

When I went to a wedding last year, I wore a white tux and took my Caly 3.5 Super Blue... but didn't really want to take it out when I needed it. I had a Gray Sprint Jester in my pocket that would have been much better, but it was way in the bottom of my pocket.

[senorsquare]

Nishijin in the morning. by senorsquare, on Flickr

[dgebler]

Senorsquare, you might have sold me with the floorplans in the background of the nishijin dragonfly picture.
I think I saw this in a different post and was tempted to comment. Although with that said, I almost forgot about the Kopa...man they make some beautiful knives. Thanks all for the suggestions, keep them coming.

[The Deacon]

IMHO, Spyderco hasn't made a true "dress knife" since the locking Kiwi and Micro Dyad were dropped from the lineup. The bolstered damascus Caly 3 would come closest, but the wire clip and the nasty looking cuts in the scales needed to mount it, plus the overly high contrast damascus ruin the effect. Pretty much everything else that attempts to look civilized is handicapped by clips, visible screw heads, and other inappropriate design elements.

[kbuzbee]

First choice CF Balance. Second choice Nishijin DF.

ken

[MatthewSB]

Anything smooth sided like carbon fiber, stainless steel, titanium, polished G10/micarta, or polished wood.

Textured scales eat right through suit pockets.

[endgame]

If you are wearing a suit the vollotton would be my choice looks like a old switchblade keep it oldschool.

[xceptnl]

I would suggest the Caly 3 CF / ZDP or the Dragonfly Nishijin / ZDP. Both very elegant and friendly for NKP.

[tvenuto]

I think the titanium chaparral fits the bill. I dont think clips disqualify a knife.

[phillipsted]

I wear a suit every day to work - and my favorite is the Bradley Air. But for me, the issue isn't so much "dressiness" as it is light weight. A bulky knife or a clipped knife just look out of place with pinstripes. Here are some others in my "office EDC" rotation:

- Micarta Solo SO-01 (see my sig)
- ZDP-189 ManBug
- ZDP-189 DragonFly II, minus clip
- Baby Goddard
- FRN Walker
- Black "S" model
- ZDP-189 LadyBug
- Squeak
- One of my FRN Caly Jrs.
- Micarta Jester
- CF Chicago

TedP

[endgame]

Good call on the "s" phill

[Partick953]

Mine is the Navaja. A little Heavy, but very useful and overly beautiful.