The Best Gentleman’s Knife: Review of the Top Blades From the Top Brands

A gentleman’s knife, also referred to as gent’s folder, is an elegant, slim, and classy folding knife that is perfect for EDC and special occasions.

These knives are classy, and they fit perfectly in the pockets of a tux or suit. Gent’s knives are ideal for people who need a stylish and compact cutting tool. These knives are not scary; therefore, you can use them in public.

There are several gentleman’s folders in the market that vary in sizes and shapes. And the most common ones are classic and modern gent’s knives.

Modern gentleman’s folders are derived from the classic knives, but with a contemporary twist. The twist can be a design change or the knives being built using modern materials like carbon and titanium fiber.

Classic gentleman’s folders have remained true to their design for decades. Some of the materials commonly used to build classic knives include staghorn, brass, and wood. And on top of that, they have a traditional locking and opening mechanism.

Just like all the other EDC tools, gentleman’s knives are convenient, compact, and effortlessly reliable. But, I bet you already know that?

What you might not know is the different gentleman’s knives in the market. So, if you want to know the best gentleman’s knife for you, please read on?

Our favorite is CRKT CEO Pocket Knife as it is sleek, durable, and easy to conceal. Thanks to its unique pocket clip, the CRKT CEO can fit perfectly in your shirt pocket, plus it resembles a normal pen when closed.

The Best Gentleman’s Knives Are:

ProductDetails
1. CRKT CEO EDC Pocket Knife

  • Limited lifetime warranty
  • 3.107-inch 8Cr13MoV blade
  • Glass-reinforced nylon handle
  • IKBS ball bearing pivot mechanism
  • Thumb stud
  • Pocket clip
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2. TAC Force TF-469 Pocket Knife

  • Liner locking mechanism
  • Pocket clip
  • A 3-inch blade
  • Black stainless steel blade
  • Fast, one-handed deployment
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3. Shun Higo-No Kami Gentleman's Knife

  • A 3.5-inch blade
  • A VG10 stainless steel blade
  • A built-in lever
  • A reliable liner locking system
  • A Pakkawood handle
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4. CRKT Crossbones Gentleman's Knife

  • Plain edge blade
  • AUS 8 steel blade
  • Limited lifetime warranty
  • Brushed aluminum 2-tone handle
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5. Fallkniven Pocket Knife

  • Cocobolo handle
  • Cobalt steel plain edge blade
  • Reliable blade lock
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6. Opinel No.08 Folding Knife

  • A 3.25-inch Yatagan-style blade
  • Durable Beechwood handle
  • Easy to sharpen
  • Virobloc safety ring
  • Carbon steel blade
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7. Buck Knives 110 Pocket Knife

  • Clip point blade
  • Protective leather sheath
  • Ebony handle
  • Integrated belt loop
  • Snap fastener
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8. Grand Way's Gentleman's Pocket Knife

  • Dirt-resistant lock
  • A 3-inch drop point blade
  • Ergonomic handle
  • 440C steel blade
  • Liner lock assembly
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9. KeySmart Dapper 150 Knife

  • A 2.5-inch blade
  • Quick access blade
  • 420 steel blade
  • Practical design
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1. CRKT CEO EDC Pocket Knife — Best Gentleman’s Folder Overall

CRKT Crossbones EDC Folding Pocket Knife: Gentleman's Knife, Everyday Carry, Satin Blade, IKBS Ball Bearing Pivot, Liner Lock, Brushed Aluminum Handle, Deep Carry Pocket Clip 7530

With its lightweight construction and low profile, the CEO is one of the world’s most popular gentleman’s knives. The CEO is quite easy to conceal and sleek, thanks to its slim clip that fits perfectly in your pocket.

Plus, when it is closed, it resembles a pen. The CEO comes with a 3.107 inches long blade that can slice through numerous things. CEO’s blade is made from 8Cr13MoV steel; therefore, it has high rust-resistance and edge retention levels.

Designed by Rogers Richard, this blade features a glass-reinforced nylon handle that provides a perfect grip. The CEO is usually deployed by IKBS ball-bearing pivot and the thumb stud on the blade.

The pivot guarantees you consistent operation, which is something you will never find in other pocket knives. However, the CEO’s blade is not as sharp as the other knives when new.

Weighing about 2.1 ounces, the CEO is quite small for some users. In fact, many have complained that it is too small to open using the thumb alone.

Specs

  • Limited lifetime warranty
  • 107-inch 8Cr13MoV blade
  • Glass-reinforced nylon handle
  • IKBS ball bearing pivot mechanism
  • Thumb stud
  • Pocket clip

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Durable
  • Perfect grip
  • Fast deployment mechanism
  • Can handle a wide range of tasks

Cons

  • Too small for some users
  • Can’t be opened with a thumb alone
  • Not as sharp as most pocket knives when new

Overall rating – 4.5 out of 5

Conclusion

CRKT CEO has a slim profile and durable blade that can handle a wide range of tasks. The fact that it is compact and lightweight means that you can hide it in plain sight.

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2. TAC Force TF-469 Pocket Knife — Best Gentleman’s Folder for the Value

TAC Force TF-469 Gentleman's Assisted Opening Folding Knife, Black Straight Edge Blade, Brown Pakkawood Handle, 4-Inch Closed

TF-469 is an affordable gentleman’s folder that comes with pakkawood handle inlay and a stainless steel blade. It is a reliable knife that boasts a great spring assisted design that supports rapid one-hand deployment.

TF-469 has a sharp and sturdy black stainless steel blade that can cut through a wide range of objects. The molded pakkawood handle inlay shows sophistication and class. Plus, it is comfortable and quite easy to grip for both left and right-handed users.

The 3 inches long blade might not be the largest, but it is perfect for a gentleman’s knife. Once deployed, the liner locking mechanism makes sure that the blade is locked in place.

With an open length of 4 inches, this beautiful knife can fit perfectly in your pocket. And the pocket clip makes sure it’s safely secured in your pocket. The spring-assisted tension is quite tight when new; therefore, make sure you adjust it before you start using the knife.

Specs

  • Liner locking mechanism
  • Pocket clip
  • A 3-inch blade
  • Black stainless steel blade
  • Fast, one-handed deployment

Pros

  • Durable
  • Easy to use
  • Lightweight
  • Perfect grip

Cons

  • The spring-assisted tension is too tight when new.

Overall rating – 4.3 out of 5

Conclusion

Weighing about 4.8 ounces, the TF-469 is a perfect gentleman’s knife that slides comfortably in your pocket.

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3. Shun Higo-No Kami Gentleman’s Knife

Shun Higo Nokami Personal Folding Stainless-Steel Steak Knife

Just like Kershaw and Zero Tolerance, Shun is a famous manufacturer that produces chef knives and cutleries. However, they decided to stretch their EDC muscle when they designed this slim and discreet knife. This beautiful gentleman’s knife merges a pakkawood handle with a VG-10 steel blade.

It has a 3.5 inches long blade that can be easily locked by a liner locking system. This slender and lightweight folder can be a perfect anniversary, wedding, or bachelor’s gift. The steel blade can be opened using the built-in lever.

And its locking system prevents it from locking up when being used. With its premium material and elegant design, this pocket knife can outperform a normal steak knife. Weighing about 1.4 ounces, this knife can be a tad light for some people.

Specs

  • A 3.5-inch blade
  • A VG10 stainless steel blade
  • A built-in lever
  • A reliable liner locking system
  • A Pakkawood handle

Pros

  • Sturdy
  • Razor-sharp
  • Lightweight
  • Rust-resistant
  • High edge-retention rate

Cons

  • Can be a tad light for some users

Overall rating – 4.7 out of 5

Conclusion

With its premium design and high-quality materials, this knife can outperform a normal steak knife.

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4. CRKT Crossbones Gentleman’s Knife

CRKT Flat Out EDC Folding Pocket Knife: Everyday Carry, Satin Blade, Assisted Open, Frame Lock, Stainless Steel Handle, Deep Carry Pocket Clip 7016

CRKT is known for manufacturing high-quality and unique EDC knives, and the Crossbones is no exception. This low profile flipper is a must-have gentleman’s knife for any professional.

Designed by Park Jeff, this tool merges an aluminum handle with an AUS 8 steel blade. The brushed aluminum 2-tone handle is both easy to grip and stylish. This knife is durable, and it can handle a wide range of tasks, both indoors and outdoors.

This CRKT knife has a 3.54 inches long plain-edged blade that can guarantee you clean cuts every time. Plus, it has a high edge-retention and rust-resistant level. In fact, keeping it razor-sharp is quite easy.

However, this blade was not designed for heavy usage. This CRKT knife boasts a high-quality design that will leave you feeling like a gentleman every time you use it.

Specs

  • Plain edge blade
  • AUS 8 steel blade
  • Limited lifetime warranty
  • Brushed aluminum 2-tone handle

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Razor-sharp
  • Beautifully designed
  • Grippy
  • Easy to use
  • Can handle a wide range of tasks

Cons

  • It was not designed for handling heavy-duty tasks

Overall rating – 4.6 out of 5

Conclusion

With its unique design and lightweight, this low profile flipper will fit in your professional life.

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5. Fallkniven Pocket Knife

Fallkniven PCx Fine Edge Folding Knife, Black

If you are not fond of the modern folding knife designs, then you will love this traditional knife. This Fallkniven is a vaguely old-fashioned tool that features modern materials. It has a no-nonsense design that merges a stainless steel blade with a cocobolo handle.

Cocobolo is a heavy hardwood from Central America; therefore, you can expect your knife to serve you for a very long time. This knife comes with a laminated cobalt steel blade that can handle a wide range of tasks.

For extra security, this tool comes with a reliable blade lock. It has one of the world’s strongest liner locking system that is quite easy to use. The blade joint doesn’t need to be lubricated. Remember, grease and oil tends to attract a lot of dust. Instead of a pocket clip, this Fallkniven comes with a lanyard hole.

Specs

  • Cocobolo handle
  • Cobalt steel plain edge blade
  • Reliable blade lock

Pros

  • Durable
  • Grippy handle
  • Sharp blade
  • Easy to use
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • It doesn’t come with a pocket clip.

Overall rating – 4.2 out of 5

Conclusion

With its traditional design and durable materials, this Pocket Knife is an ideal classic gent’s knife. It is a perfect knife for people who loved classic pocket knives.

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6. Opinel No.08 Folding Knife

Opinel No.08 Stainless Steel Folding Knife with Olive Wood Handle

Opinel No.08 is an affordable option for individuals who have just started exploring the possibility of owning a gentleman’s knife. The quality of Opinel has remained unchanged for over a century.

And they still produce some of the most trusted tools in the market. Opinel No. 8 is a unique knife that features a virobloc safety ring that is made up of 2 parts: a sliding and fixed one for securing the blade when opened.

Opinel No. 8 comes with a carbon steel blade that is extremely hard. This sturdy blade can cut through a wide range of objects. Its durable handle is made from Beechwood. Its 3.25 inches long blade was inspired by a Turkish saber, and it has a high edge-retention rate.

This beautifully designed tool is affordable. Weighing about 1.6 pounds, this tool can be quite light for some people.

Specs

  • A 3.25-inch Yatagan-style blade
  • Durable Beechwood handle
  • Easy to sharpen
  • Virobloc safety ring
  • Carbon steel blade

Pros

  • Durable
  • Easy to use
  • Perfect grip
  • Easy to sharpen
  • Sharp blade

Cons

  • It can be a tad light for some users.

Overall rating – 4.6 out of 5

Conclusion

Opinel No. 8 is a durable, lightweight, and safe tool that is very easy to use. Opinel No. 8 is a perfect everyday carry tool that can tackle a wide range of tasks.

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7. Buck Knives 110 Pocket Knife

Buck Knives 0110BRS 110 Famous Folding Hunter Knife with Genuine Leather Sheath

Buck 110 is another reliable gentleman’s folder that comes with a razor-sharp blade that can handle a wide range of tasks. Buck 110 has a clip point blade that is made from 420HC steel.

Therefore, this blade has high corrosion-resistance and edge-retention levels. Buck 110’s handle is made from a perfect combination of brass bolsters and ebony inlays.

This folding knife is quite easy to open thanks to the notch of its blade. It has a lock back system that secures the blade open while you are working. Buck 110 comes with a protective leather sheath.

It has an integrated belt loop that allows for secure carrying on your belt. This way, you can easily access it anytime you need it. Weighing about 8 ounces, the Buck 110 can be a tad heavy for some users.

Specs

  • Clip point blade
  • Protective leather sheath
  • Ebony handle
  • Integrated belt loop
  • Snap fastener

Pros

  • Razor-sharp blade
  • High edge retention rate
  • High rust-resistance level
  • Durable
  • Grippy
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Quite expensive
  • Can be a bit heavy for some users

Overall rating – 4.8 out of 5

Conclusion

For such a high-quality pocket knife, Buck 110 can be quite affordable. And thanks to its limited lifetime warranty, you will never have to worry when your blade gets damaged.

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8. Grand Way’s Gentleman’s Pocket Knife

Gentleman’s Folding Knife - Pocket Knife Knives Knofe Wood Handle Sharp Blade - Pocket Knife for Men - Best Folder for Camping Hunting - Survival EDC and Outdoor Gear - Cool Mens Gift 6651

This gentleman’s knife from Grand Way is another affordable tool that merges a stainless steel blade with a wooden handle. This multipurpose knife is perfect for fishing, camping, hiking, work, hunting, and EDC.

This knife’ blade is made from 440C steel that has high edge-retention and corrosion-resistance levels. The drop point design provides a perfect balance between the blade’s strength and sharpness.

Its handle is made from wood, and it has developed recesses for your fingers. This Grand Way’s knife is quite easy to use thanks to its linear locking system.

The liner lock helps secure the blade when it’s opened. Weighing about 4.8 ounces, this razor-sharp blade is a great folding knife. The major drawback is that it doesn’t come with a pocket clip.

Specs

  • Dirt-resistant lock
  • A 3-inch drop point blade
  • Ergonomic handle
  • 440C steel blade
  • Liner lock assembly

Pros

  • Razor-sharp blade
  • Lightweight
  • High edge-resistance level
  • High rust-resistance level
  • Durable

Cons

  • Doesn’t have a pocket clip

Overall rating – 4.4 out of 5

Conclusion

Despite it being affordable, this knife can surprise you. This tool boasts high-quality materials such as 440C steel blade and a liner locking mechanism. It has a razor-sharp blade that can handle a wide range of tasks.

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9. KeySmart Dapper 150 Knife

KeySmart Dapper 150 - Ultra Slim Gentleman's Knife

The Dapper 150 is an excellent option for someone who is looking for a gentleman’s knife with a modern appeal. Dapper 150 was made to fit in your pockets and only appear when you need it.

It is a simple knife that can fool many people into believing that it’s a USB flash drive. Dapper 150 comes with a razor-sharp 420 stainless steel blade that can handle a wide range of tasks.

The Dapper 150 is a low maintenance knife that can fit perfectly in your pocket. Weighing about 3.04 ounces, this blade is light enough to take with you everywhere.

Due to its small size, you can slide it easily into your pockets and even forget it was there. Dapper 150 cannot handle heavy tasks. However, most gentleman’s knives were designed for tackling small tasks.

Specs

  • A 2.5-inch blade
  • Quick access blade
  • 420 steel blade
  • Practical design

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Durable
  • Razor-sharp blade
  • High edge-retention level
  • Can hide in plain sight
  • Can be a perfect EDC

Cons

  • Can’t handle heavy-duty tasks

Overall rating – 4.6 out of 5

Conclusion

Dapper 150 is a beautifully designed knife that resembles a USB flash drive. Therefore, you can hide it in plain sight and only open it when using it.

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Buyers Guide: Factors To Consider When Purchasing A Gentleman’s Folding Knife

Gentleman’s folding knives are classy tools that can fit perfectly in your professional life. These knives are not scary, and the fact that you can carry and use them in public is a bonus.

However, when purchasing these blades, there are numerous things you must take into consideration. Some of these things include design, size, weight, blade material, and budget, among others.

Gentleman’s folding knives are perfect EDC tools that can handle a wide range of light tasks. Other than being used in the office, some of these knives can serve as camping or hunting knives.

Here are some of the critical things you must consider when purchasing the best gentleman’s folder:

Weight and Size

Gentleman’s pocket knives are designed to fit in anyone’s professional life. Therefore, they should fit perfectly in the pockets of your suit or tux. Since they are an everyday carry tool, gentleman’s knives must also be light.

Remember, they are made for tackling several light tasks in the office, so a thick and long pocket knife can seem bulky in your shirt pocket.

Concealability

Most pocket knives, especially the tactical blades, can be scary when used in public. Therefore, manufacturers make sure that their knives can be easily concealed when not being used.

Well, this is still the case with gentleman’s folders. Even though they are not scary, manufacturers still make sure that they can be easily hidden in plain sight.

Some knives resemble a normal pen, while others look like a simple USB flash drive. So, nobody will even know that you are carrying a weapon everywhere you go.

The knife’s size and weight also play a key role in the concealability of a gentleman’s knives. Small-sized knives are very easy to conceal and also accessible when needed. These knives are modern, but they have a classy design that helps them blend with your keys.

Blade Material

In as much as they are not designed to handle heavy-duty chores, the blade material matters a lot. After all, nobody wants their blade to chip when they are working. That is why most top brands make their durable blades using certain steel alloys. Some of the most common alloys include 8Cr13MoV, VG-10, AUS 8, and 440C stainless steel, among others.

These materials have high edge-retention and rust-resistant levels. Plus, they can serve you for a long time. However, the type of blade material you choose will depend on your budget.

Edge Style

Since these blades are not designed for handling tough tasks, most gentleman’s folders come with plain edged blades. Plain edged blades are perfect for making clean and accurate cuts.

The only downside to this type of edge is that they can’t saw. Therefore, if you need a knife that can slice and also saw, you should go for a partially serrated knife.

Blade Design

Gentleman’s folders come with a wide range of blade designs that are meant for tackling specific tasks. These blades vary in size and shape. Some of the most common blade designs include drop point, clip point, and spear point, among others.

These blades are not scary, and they have pointy tips that can be perfect for handling office tasks. They can be used to tackle a wide range of small tasks in the office.

Price

High-end gentleman’s folders are made using better materials than low-end knives. Therefore, the price of the knife determines the quality of the materials used to make it. However, that being said, the most expensive pocket knives are not necessarily the best ones.

So, if you are not ready to splash some cash on a high-end knife, you should take your time and do more research. After all, some affordable knives can be perfect for the specific task you want to take care of. The purpose of the gentleman’s pocket knife should determine the price of your ideal tool.

Purpose

Even though they are made using durable materials, gentleman’s knives are designed for handling light tasks. However, some knives can also be quite beneficial in hunting and camping trips. If you need your gentleman’s folder to do some heavy-duty tasks, you should get a high quality and sturdy knife.

Handle Material

The ability of your blade to remain sharp and serve you for a very long time depends on handle material. After all, the blade is usually concealed in the handle; therefore, look for a knife with a durable handle.

This knife’s handle should be able to withstand high pressure and impacts when they fall down from your pocket. The handle should also have finger contours for a perfect grip.

Final Thoughts

Gentleman’s knives come in a wide array of shapes, designs, and sizes. And most producers manufacture either modern or classic gentleman’s knives.

These small-sized knives can handle a wide range of tasks in the office. And most of them have plain-edged razor-sharp blades. The main thing you should consider when buying these knives is their overall design. After all, gentleman’s folders should not be scary.

However, many people have a really tough time when searching for the best gentleman’s pocket knife. And that is because there are several beautifully designed gentleman’s folders in the market from top brands. Therefore, we created this review of the best gentleman’s knives just for you.

From our research, we concluded that the CRKT CEO Pocket knife is the best gentleman’s knife in the market. The CRKT CEO Pocket knife is a low profile and lightweight tool that is easy to handle and use. It is also quite discreet and very easy to conceal.

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