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I used to use traditional slip joints as my gents folders but now I use a black Roadie in this role most of the time. No annoying nail nick, sheeple friendly too.

Baby Horn, for me.

I almost never have a need to carry a Gentleman folder, but the closest to it among my knives is probably the Chap FRN

I bought a GB2 as a gentleman’s folder, but haven’t taken it out of the box yet. And now I’m starting to think it’s too small for my hand. So the search continues!

GB Air or Des Horn. Also the Baby Horn on occasion.

Wartstein wrote: ↑

Sun May 10, 2020 11:08 am

I almost never have a need to carry a Gentleman folder, but the closest to it among my knives is probably the Chap FRN

+1 for the Chap frn. I used to have the CF Chap which was a great gentleman's folder. The frn variation will do though.

I have two Spyders in my collection that I would rate as a "Gentlemen's Folder". My Carbon Fiber CRICKET and my Micarta Dyad Jr. C-39 model.

I've never really ever been big on the novelty of having a real sharp looking, Gentlemen's folder because I put all of my EDCs through hard work and all of those tend to get beat up, scratched and dented over time. Yeah I actually use and carry all of my folders and use them hard I might add.

Ooh, I forgot about a Micro Dyad... I love those too.

Dangit, now I have to go find one. I can't ever decide between the Black Pearl or the Jigged Bone.

My polished Ouroboros. It's all class.

I used to rotate between the Centofante 3, Delica Pakkawood and HH UKPK...the UKPK is the only one I have left, so that's it!

Kapara, blue P.I.T.S., or Mantra 2.

My Ti lil native and Watu

Mantra 2 . Very slim profile when closed.

I've got a handful I would consider "gentlemans folders". They may seem kind of large as a gentlemans folder for some, but Hungarian and Schempp Bowie are some really great options. Then I have some smaller options like the One Eyed Jack and Vrango.

Also, Brad Southard has done some really great collaborations that are almost tailor made as gentlemans folders, like the Positron and the Hanan.

Based on the occasion and how I'm feeling that day is how I will decide what to carry. :)

There is definitely some disparity on what a “gentleman’s folder” actually is. Rightly or wrongly I see it as a knife that you could carry at a black tie gala function or a board meeting of a publicly listed company ... it’s functional jewellery like an elegant watch. It goes with a very good suit, highly polished shoes and a haircut that I wouldn’t feel comfortable with.

In my mind that rules out FRN scales, pocket clips and anything bigger or more intimidating than a traditional. I’m not even sure single hand openers would fit the bill.

It’s not criticism but I don’t think Spyderco really makes gents folders (by my definition). It’s not their market and it doesn’t need to be. They excel at making good, honest working knives that can last a lifetime. Sure some are prettier than others but they are, at heart, working knives, not pocket jewellery and that is a compliment to the company.

The closest I can think of is probably the GB Air, maybe the Memory but that’s already too big.

My mileage clearly does vary

Nishijin Cricket or original kiwi jigged bone

Mantra2

None yet! Would love a Caly 3 in ZDP/CF for this, but those are rare and hard to find at this point. Might pick up of the green G10 calls from BBS soon.

From all the Spydies in my house I actually use three as Gentleman folder, depending on the occasion -

1. Mini Police Tie Clip
2. Kiwi Abalone Santa Fe Stoneworks
3. Chaparral Stepped Titanium

Probably closest Gentleman's Spyderco I own would be either the Chaparral LW or Rhino.