Gentleman’s Folders, Gent’s knives and “dress knives” are all ways to describe slim, elegant and classy folding knives that are ideal for both special occasions and every day carry. Lets face it, if you are a knife collector like me then you want a knife for every occasion. Sometimes when you take your wife or girlfriend out to a fancy dinner or need to get dressed up for a wedding or other special occasion, it doesn’t make sense to clip that beat up tactical folder to your pocket.
Or maybe you work in an office like myself, again, the 4″ bladed tactical wonderknife just won’t cut it in these kinds of environments. The “gents folder” can be perfect for these kinds of situations. And just because these knives look fancy doesn’t mean they can’t cut. What follows is my collection of gentleman’s folder reviews, including reviews of some of the best gentleman’s folders I have carried. Enjoy!
Gentleman’s Folder Reviews:
Here is a list of all my reviews of gentleman’s folders and dress knives:
CRKT CEO Review
I knew I had to have the CRKT CEO as soon as I saw it. A miniature katana blade hiding inside of a package that resembles an elongated cigarette lighter? Sold! Over the better part of a year and since that impulse buy, I’ve come to appreciate what CRKT’s knife represents, and I’ve additionally come ...
Lionsteel BestMan Slip Joint Review
Stop me if you’ve heard this one, but 2020 was a year of changes for me. One of those was career related, turning my collar from blue to a gray-ish shade of white. With this transition comes a change in scene. Where before I’d been free to carry tools like the Spyderco PM2, I’ve reached ...
Shirogorov Ne0n Review
I spend a lot of time imagining what it must be like to create a masterpiece. Putting the final brushstroke on Monet’s Water Lilies or for John Frusciante to idly strum the opening chords to Can’t Stop for the very first time. What must be to be involved in the creation of something truly great. ...
Chris Reeve Knives Impinda Review
Chris Reeve Knives doesn’t release many new models. And when they do it’s often a variation on a theme rather than a brand new design. That’s part of the reason why the last time I reviewed a CRK was a review of the Sebenza 25 back in 2014. Another interesting tidbit about CRK is that ...
Zero Tolerance 0470 Review
Reviewing the Zero Tolerance 0470 is about as safe as it gets. We have reviewed countless Sinkevich / Zero Tolerance designs. It is well within our comfort zone of review material. Buy the ZT 0470 at BladeHQ So why review the 0470? Well, it’s a beautiful knife, it appears to be built differently than the other ...
Spyderco Kapara Review
On paper, the Spyderco Kapara offers an attractive proposition: utilitarian design, high-end looks, and some of Spyderco’s most popular features fused together in a slim, pocket friendly package. Since it released in late 2018, the Kapara has been my near-daily companion. It took me longer than I expected to form my opinion of this beguiling ...
GEC #15 Tidioute Boy’s Knife
I was just reading some statistics about Great Eastern Cutlery: in 2007 GEC produced approximately 7300 knives whereas in 2017 it’s nearly 30,000 pieces. This is remarkable in today’s hyper competitive EDC pocket knife market. That’s a 310% increase over ten years for a traditional knife company. Admittedly, these numbers are based on hearsay, but ...
Great Eastern Cutlery Tidioute 43 Oregon Trapper Review
I’ll never forget when my family was cleaning out my late Grandfather’s house after he passed. I found an old band-aid tin that was full of a variety (in both style and age) of small multi-bladed slip joints. They were all he carried and on most of them one blade was worn down to a ...
Kizer Feist Review
Last Updated: July 13, 2019 The Kizer Feist is a knife that I’ve wanted to check out since seeing it in the 2017 catalog. At first, I almost missed it: it’s seemingly such a plain design that my eyes slid right over its page, and it was only during a follow-up perusal that I noticed it ...
Great Eastern Cutlery #66 “Calf Roper” Review
I have a small confession to make. Though my articles may not reflect this, I have a crippling addiction to Great Eastern Cutlery knives. For every modern knife in my collection, there’s a traditional knife (often in matching or complimentary colors), and I fear it won’t be long before the old timers actually outnumber the ...
Buck 505 Knight Review
Last Updated: July 26, 2019 When we think of Buck lockbacks, our first thought goes to the 110. That’s the knife that launched a genre, and started thousands on their journey as folding knife collectors. The 110 remains one of the most iconic and popular folding knives today. At least on paper. In practice it’s a ...
Spyderco Sage 5 Compression Lock C123CFCL Review
I am sure a few people saw this review coming. When you consider my recommended EDC knives page, you can see that my general top 2 choices for someone is either the Spyderco Paramilitary 2, or the Sage 1. Buy the Spyderco Sage 5 at BladeHQ I arrived at this conclusion after handling and reviewing hundreds ...
Fantoni Dweller Review
Last Updated: July 30, 2019 I have been holding out on you guys. Several years ago I purchased what is arguably my all time favorite gentleman’s folder, and have yet to write a review on it. That is, until now. Buy the Fantoni Dweller at KnifeArt.com I’m talking of course about the Fantoni Dweller. This is is ...
Viper Dan 2 Review
I have a bit of a love affair going on with slipjoint knives. Part of the reason for that is – if I may be frank – that the framelock flipper is a pretty stale form right now. Don’t get me wrong, many blades of that stripe are beautiful, functional, and deserving of ...
Spyderco Positron Review
Last Updated: August 5, 2019 The original Southard Flipper was a landmark knife for the Spyderco. The company’s first flipper, and a collaboration with popular knifemaker Brad Southard, the Southard Flipper helped prove the flipper concept for Spyderco and set the bar for things to come. Subsequently Spyderco released the Domino, an in-house Spyderco design, and ...
Benchmade 940-1 Review
Last Updated: July 13, 2019 Benchmade is a company that prefers iteration over innovation. Most of the new knives fall comfortably, and somewhat uninspiringly, within the boundaries of its recognizable, slow-to-change design language. Even really good new Benchmade knives, like the Valet, aren’t that differently from the Benchmades of five, even ten years ago. Buy the Benchmade ...
Boker Plus Urban Trapper Review
If you have been following knife trends at all, you will know there is big interest in both titanium framelock flippers and traditional folding knives. So it shouldn’t take a rocket scientist to come up with the idea of combining these two trends, but they have really been viewed as two mutually exclusive phenomena. That ...
Spyderco Air Review
Last Updated: August 11, 2019 Although working with custom makers has become common practice for knife companies, many of these collaborations end up feeling like compromises. Whether it’s because of restrictive budgets, or sub-par execution, or whatever else, rare is the collaboration knife that feels like an unhindered expression of a maker’s vision and style. Buy ...
DPx Aculus Review
The first time I noticed a gear company use the words “executive protection,” I was browsing the Goruck website. I was in the market for a backpack (my Jansport had succumbed to a combination of heat, dirt, and heavy loads) and saw that Goruck had recently released a sleeker bag that was stripped of ...
Opinel No. 8 Review
Do you want to hear another “the knife that got me into knives story?” No? Alright, I’ll spare you and just say that, a few years ago, it was the lines and material of the Opinel knife that caught my eye when I was wandering around labyrinthine hardware store/Boulder landmark McGuckin’s, and to ...
Fallkniven U2 Review
They say less is more. That is, until, less becomes less. That is the question with the [U2, an ultra minimalist blade from Fallkniven. The U2 is about as simple of a knife as you could ask for. A slim, refined folding lockback with plain black handles, a gleaming laminated blade, and just enough hardware ...
Great Eastern Cutlery #73 “Cody Scout” Review
Last Update: August 11, 2019 Just a few years ago, it seemed that fans of traditional pocket knives and modern “tactical” folders didn’t intersect. Enthusiasts of modern designs (myself included) were often leery of the carbon steel, clipless carry, and two-handed opening. Before the days of Instagram, the most popular way for people to ...
Northwoods Knives Indian River Jack Review
I have been interested in traditional slip joint knives for a while now. I am not alone. Many have come to enjoy the pocket friendly lines of a simple slip joint, and the thinly ground blades cut like nothing else. Some might find the absence of a lock unnerving, but in my experience most of ...
Benchmade 485 Valet Review
Last Updated: February 2, 2019 2013 and 2014 marked pretty quiet years for Benchmade. Not a whole lot of interesting stuff rolled off their shelves. The Volli was my favorite and has proven itself to be an excellent knife. Beyond that there wasn’t a whole lot to report. Buy the Benchmade Valet at BladeHQ Benchmade’s 2015 SHOT Show ...
CRKT Eros SS Review
Last Updated: August 7, 2019 It is cool to see the trickle-down effect at work. 5 years ago, if you wanted to buy a bearing equipped manual action framelock flipper you either forked over the dough for a custom knife, or it simply didn’t exist. 3 years ago, if you wanted one you had to shell ...
GEC #47 Viper Review
Last Updated: August 5, 2019 I have recently seen a resurgence of interest in classic slipjoint knives. Maybe folks are getting tired of shelling out $200+ for the latest framelock flipper. Or maybe they like the idea of carrying something their grandpa may have carried. Who knows for sure. Buy the GEC Viper at KnivesShipFree Personally I ...
LionSteel TiSpine Review
Last Updated: July 27, 2019 Especially astute readers may note that I debuted a review of the LionSteel SR-1 a while back, and then published the world’s first review of the TM-1 not so long ago, but I conveniently skipped over the other folder in their SOLID lineup – the Ti-Spine. Rest assured it wasn’t because ...
Chris Reeve Mnandi Review
Last Updated: January 10, 2018 When I think Chris Reeve Knives, I first think of the Sebenza, their flagship blade. Then my mind wanders to the Umnunzaan, their amped up tactical offering. Only after sampling both of those knives did I take a genuine interest in the Mnandi. It was one of those knives that I ...
CRKT Swindle Review
I have been on a bit of a high value folder kick recently, focusing especially on the $30-40 segment. I’ve neglected this part of the market over the past year or two, favoring fixed blades and higher end folders, but a good deal of interesting stuff has come out in the $30-40 arena, hence the ...
Case Sod Buster Jr Review
Last Updated: July 20, 2019 I recently reviewed the Victorinox Cadet. This is a time honored knife, but frankly I was unsure whether many people would be interested in reading a review on it. The feedback was actually really good. So much so that it has encouraged me to write a review on another classic slip ...
Victorinox Alox Cadet Review
Think back to your first experiences with a pocket knife. If you are anything like me, it probably came in the course of exploring your father or grandfather’s desk drawers or perhaps rifling through that treasure box of items many men keep. Invariably, you would come across at least one well-worn red handled Swiss army ...
Famars Lama Prima Edizione Review
A relative newcomer to the cutlery scene, Famars is a company best known for crafting extremely high end shotguns. In fact, they happen to be the largest high end shotgun manufacturer in the world. Headquartered in Gardone, Italy, Famars has been creating functional works of art for over 50 years now, and build guns that ...
Benchmade 940 Review
Last Updated: September 4, 2019 If you are as obsessed with knives as I am, you may be on the hunt for “the perfect EDC knife.” You know, the one blade that has it all. Naturally, it is the perfect size, features great materials, is beautifully designed, and carries like a dream. But in my mind ...
Spyderco Lum Chinese Folder Review
Last Updated: August 4, 2019 I have always enjoyed Bob Lum’s elegant approach to designing knives. I have previously reviewed a couple of Bob Lum’s creations, including the Spyderco Lum Tanto and the Benchmade Onslaught. The Lum Chinese Folder is another elegant knife, and in some ways it is even more special than his other ...
Benchmade 890 Torrent Review
Last Updated: August 7, 2019 It has been decided – I am a total sucker for a cool “gentleman’s tactical folder.” I remember first drooling over the 890 Torrent when it came out in 2009. Flash forward a couple years, and today I am the proud owner of my very own Torrent, a sleek Steigerwalt design ...
Chris Reeve Knives Small Sebenza 21 Review
Last Updated: June 2, 2019 I don’t think many people get into the hobby of collecting knives with the idea that one day they will buy a pocket knife that costs hundreds of dollars. Well, at least I didn’t start out my little edged adventure with the thought of purchasing a $300+ knife. However, as I ...
Spyderco Sage 1 Review
Last Updated: July 20, 2019 A while back I took a look at the Spyderco Sage 2. The Sage 2 is an absolutely fantastic knife and with it’s eye catching titanium handle, I find that the Sage 1 often plays second fiddle. Buy the Sage 1 at BladeHQ That is a shame, because I think that ...
CRKT Ripple Review
Last Updated: August 4, 2019 The CKRT Ripple is a design that had me doing a double take. The flowing lines and sharp looks were very “Ken Onion-y” and upon closer inspection the knife was in fact designed by Ken Onion. It turns out Mr. Onion has parted ways with the folks at Kershaw and he ...
Al Mar Hawk Ultralight Review
From big to small, I review them all. That little jingle may be pretty lame, but it is also pretty true. My last review was of the ESEE Junglas, 16 inches of high carbon steel. Worth a look if want a knife that you can strap to your back and enter the breach with. Buy ...
Mcusta Tactility Review
Last Updated: August 3, 2019 I recently reviewed a Mcusta MC-1 and I was impressed by this relatively little-known Japanese knife manufacturer. Based out of Seki, Japan, Mcusta is part of the city’s proud cutlery making tradition that began hundreds of years ago. If you haven’t checked out my MC-1 review yet, I loved the high ...
Kershaw Leek Review
Last Updated: December 1, 2019 The Kershaw Leek is a popular EDC knife designed by legendary custom knife maker Ken Onion. Between his designs for Zero Tolerance Knives, Kershaw, and CRKT, Ken’s work has received a lot of attention on this site. This is for good reason as he is highly regarded as a knife designer. ...
Spyderco Caly 3 Carbon Fiber Review
Last Updated: August 7, 2019 Hands down the best part about operating a website like this, is the excuse to play around with bad ass knives like the Spyderco Caly 3.5 in Carbon Fiber. This special version of the Caly3 uses exotic Japanese laminated steel and carbon fiber handle scales to give the original Caly3 an ...
Boker Plus Exskelibur I (01BO001) Review
Last Updated: August 11, 2019 Every now and then I see a knife that I absolutely have to own. Now, believe it or not, my collection of knives is small in comparison to the size (and value) of many knife collectors, so I like to think I exercise some “restraint” in my purchases. This might have ...
Best Gentleman’s Knives
Here is a collection of what I think are among the best gentleman’s folders on Amazon.com. Of course there are other great gent’s folders that are not available on Amazon, but here are some of my top “mainstream” picks.
More on Gentleman’s Folders
These “fancy” knives are great if you work in an office, or simply one something slim, discrete and high quality. Typically a gentleman’s folder is made of more exotic materials handle materials like bone, carbon fiber and various hardwoods. They may also feature damascus, titanium and other embellishments. As you can gather, these are not hard use knives and instead are carried for simple every day tasks, or simply admired and collected.
For many the quintessential gentleman’s folder will be the slipjoint. Today we have more options but a generation ago a slip joint was pretty much your only option (and people were more than happy).
Selecting the Right Gentleman’s Folder
Since it’s unlikely that your life will ever rest on the edge of a dress knife, I can’t offer any real advice besides “buy what you like.” For many, the gentleman’s folder will be a unique expression of themselves as these knives typically are more expensive and are seen as something of a luxury item.
That said, you don’t need to break the bank to buy a decent little Gent’s folder. Many can be had for under $50, it just depends on what you like. I’ve reviewed a number of these blades and I enjoy the rich details and craftsmanship in the small and lightweight packages. If you are looking for a great gift idea for someone special, no one would be disappointed with a handsome gentleman’s folder.
Great reviews. Thank you. Personally I liked the Indian River Jack. Love the materials used & its beautiful. I would have liked to see the Fallkniven Gentleman’s Pocket Knife reviewed here as opposed to the U2.
Hey Markus,
Thank you for the kind words. The IRJ is a beautiful little knife. I would not be opposed to reviewing the Fallkniven Gent’s Pocket Knife at some point. I agree that the U2 is not a true Gents folder (but I figured fans of the genre may find the review interesting/valuable).
Best Regards,
Dan
One you guys should definetely add is the benchmade 531 pardue. Its extremely slim and looks very nice. It has g10 scales but with the right mold on it can look nice. It has a thumb studd and an axis lock.
What I would recommend is the Spyderco Valloton. It is a workhorse and a very classy looking knife made of the finest material.
Wind,
Good suggestion! It’s a beautiful knife, however it’s a bit larger than what I usually call a gents folder. But agree that it is built as finely as one.
Dan
No love for the Buck 505? Maybe I show my age here, but mine’s beautifully made, small, elegant, understated, and possessed of a wicked (if somewhat soft) edge. Yeah, I know, tacticool rules today, but us of a certain age still prefer steel and wood in the face of steel and composites ;o)
Buck 505 is still made in USA, but it does cost accordingly.. about $40. Worth every penny, imo. My current one is from 2007, replacing one from around 1985.
Hi Furu,
Thanks for the excellent suggestion. Believe it or not I was unfamiliar with the 505 prior to your comment. Looks like a nice little knife and great value. You may find a review of it on here in the not so distant future. I appreciate the suggestion.
Dan
Dan,
I think you’ll like the 505. It has the solid feel of the big Buck folders, but in a very thin, tiny, compact package. The steel is a little soft, but that means it’s easy to get a razor’s edge on it. Proper, shave-hair-off-your-wrist-sharp. Being single-bladed it’s half the thickness of the typical Case slip-joint carbon-bladed jewels our grandfathers enjoyed – and yes.. the 505 has that jewel-like glide of old Case knives. Quality don’t go out of style! That said.. your reviews have made me think about getting an Opinel, and see what that strange French knife is all about ;o) I’d also like to try the Fallkniven U2.
I’ve had two 505s, one from 85-2007, and one from 2007-now. The nickel bolsters nick and dent easy, but the steel was always pristine, and the wood held up well to the abuse of living day in day out in a pocket with keys, spare change, etc. I got one more 505 in 2010 for a friend, and that one’s finish was a tiny bit less nice than my own two. *sigh* I STILL don’t know what happened to my ’85 505. One day I had it, the next.. gone.
When open, the whole thing makes this delicious arc from the lockback lever to the tip of the blade.. that’s what caught my eye back in 1985, when I was 15.. it didn’t have the jerky lines of a clip-point, which is the only folder shape I knew until I met the 505 ;o)
Hi Furu,
Well that settles it – definitely picking up a 505! Sounds like a charming knife.
I think everyone should check out an Opinel. At under $10 it’s well worth it. I am less enthralled with the U2. I might suggest the Fantoni Dweller if you like smaller gents folders. That continues to be a favorite of mine.
Dan
While the Viper is good it is a little large.
I think the GEC #92 Talon would make a better Gentleman’s Folder than the Viper.
Harold, I agree that the Viper is a smidge large to be considered a true Gent’s folder. I haven’t handled a #92 Talon. Sounds like it could be a better option!
Dan
I thought the knives on this list were supposed to be thin, elegant and classy. Most of them are just your average tacky-cool knife.