Gearhungry logo. Gearhungry logo.
  • Gear
    • Gun Cleaning Kits
    • Pocket & Folding Knives
    • Penlights
    • Slingshots
    • See More
  • Home
    • Essential Oil Diffusers
    • Cold Brew Coffee
    • Tea Makers
    • Hygrometers
    • Meat Cleavers
    • Lunch Boxes
    • See More
  • Tech
    • Shower Speakers
    • Mini Projectors
    • HDMI Cables
    • Smart Doorbells
    • Gadgets
    • Electric Toothbrushes
    • Vertical Mouses
    • CD Players
    • See More
  • Tools
    • Torque Wrenches
    • Tool Chests
    • Torque Screwdrivers
    • Ratchet Screwdrivers
    • Spirit Levels
    • Breaker Bars
    • Tool Bags
    • Cordless Lawn Mowers
    • Locking Pliers
    • Electric Precision Screwdrivers
    • See More
  • Fitness
    • Fitness Gifts
    • Boxing Gloves
    • Gym Equipment for Your Home
    • Curl Bars
    • Barbell Collars
    • Mouthguards
    • Speed Bags for Boxing
    • See More
  • Style
    • Leather Belts
    • Stretch Denim Jeans
    • Trucker Hats
    • Beard Trimmers
    • Men’s Walking Shoes
    • See More
  • Fun & Games
    • Chess Sets
    • Adult Jigsaw Puzzles
    • Graphic Novels for Adults
    • Basketballs
    • Beach Volleyballs
    • Gundam Model Kits
    • LEGO Technic Sets
    • Adult Coloring Books
    • Laser Tag Sets
    • Frisbees
    • See More
  • News
  • Blog
  • More
    • About Us – Learn More About GearHungry
    • Editorial Guidelines: How We Create Reviews and Buyer’s Guides
    • Advertise
    • Brand assets
    • Contact
  • Home
  • Gear

Best Gentleman’s Knives In 2022

This product guide was written by GearHungry Staff
Last Updated March 6, 2020
GearHungry Staff
GearHungry Staff posts are a compilation of work by various members of our editorial team. We update old articles regularly to provide you the most current information. You can learn more about our staff here.
Learn about The Gearhungry's Editorial Process
GearHungry may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Learn more

It may not be the 1800s anymore where the idea of gentlemen carrying around knives was the norm, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still add one of the best gentleman’s knives to your EDC repertoire, and you can do so without a pocket watch, cane or top hat.

Because a gentleman’s knife is not entirely as it sounds (we’ll go into greater detail a little later), and if you’re someone concerned with safety on the streets or want to be a hero should disaster and chaos reign all around you, there are plenty of benefits to having one with you. Just like other everyday carry options, such as a flashlight, multi tool, or portable charger, they are compact, convenient, and effortlessly reliable.

You never want to be in a situation where you wish you had a knife hidden away inside your pocket, but while it’s unlikely they will permit entry to any museums, you can at least stride through the streets or the wilderness with confidence that you can protect anyone around you.

The Best Gentleman’s Knife

1
CRKT CEO EDC Folding Gentleman’s Knife

crkt ceo edc folding gentleman’s knife

With a low profile and lightweight construction, the CRKT CEO EDC Folding Pocket Knife is the indisputable best choice for the best gentleman’s knives. It’s sleek and easy to conceal, but the blade, measuring just over 3 inches and constructed using high-quality steel, ensure superb performance for a range of everyday tasks.

The recessed thumb stud makes this EDC knife easy to deploy, and it’s also smooth and fast to save the day in an instant, regardless of what you need to use it for. The ball bearing system is also useful, and it ensures consistent operation, which is not something you’ll get with all knives, and so it’s worth paying a little extra for this reliability. It comes with a limited lifetime warranty that ensures peace of mind for you as a customer, but the build-quality also provides this. The glass-reinforced nylon handle is easy to grip and sturdy, which doesn’t just mean it can survive a battering but it also guarantees your safety when using it.

Key Features:

Low profile

Lightweight

Recessed thumb stud

IKBS ball bearing pivot system

7.265” Durable glass-reinforced nylon handle

3.107” 8Cr13MoV blade

Limited lifetime warranty

Specification:
  • BrandColumbia River Knife & Tool
  • Model7096
  • Weight2.08 Ounces
BUY ON AMAZON

2
Buck Knives 110 Slim Pro Folding Gentleman’s Knife

buck knives 110 slim pro folding gentleman’s knife

The Buck Knives 110 Slim Pro Folding Hunting Knife is another decent option that’s available at a reasonable price, especially if you’re someone who’s experienced with knives of all kinds, not just gentleman ones. This hunting knife is easy to open and when you’ve done that, the razor sharp clip point blade delivers quality and consistency for a range of applications, whether it’s freeing a fish from a plastic bag or slicing an apple for a quick midday energy boost.

The crelicam ebony handle is not just sophisticated, it also combines beauty with balance to provide superb handling and control while using the knife. The blade also stays sharp and resists corrosion and rust to keep it in the best condition possible. It comes in a protective leather sheath, which makes portability a breeze, while the snap fastener adds another layer of safety and protection. It may be one of our more expensive picks, but you can spend that money confident in the quality that is sure to stay with you for years.

Key Features:

Razor-sharp clip point blade

Easy to open

Crelicam ebony handle

Protective leather sheath

Snap fastener

Integrated belt loop

3” 420HC steel blade

Specification:
  • BrandBuck Knives
  • Model0110BRS
  • Weight8 Ounces
BUY ON AMAZON

3
TAC Force Gentleman’s Knife

tac force gentleman’s knife

If you’re looking for the best value from a gentleman’s knife, this TAC Force Gentleman’s Assisted Opening Folding Knife could be the choice for you. It is not just affordable but also reliable, boasting an excellent spring-assisted design that allows you rapid one-handed deployment, while the black straight edge stainless steel is sturdy and sharp. The pakkawood handle inlay screams class and sophistication, and it’s also molded, so it’s easy to grip in either the left or right hand. The blade isn’t the longest we’ve selected, but it’s still a respectable 3 inches, and with gentlemen’s knives, it’s not always about size, anyway.

The liner locking system ensures safety once deployed, while the compact overall design helps it slide comfortably into your jeans or inside pocket while still allowing for easy access. For even quicker access, the pocket clip helps keep it secure, so you won’t need to pat at your pockets every five minutes, because this is a quality pocket knife you do not want to lose.

Key Features:

Spring-assisted

Rapid one-handed deployment

Black straight edge stainless steel

Pakkawood handle inlay

3-inch blade length

Pocket clip

Liner locking system

Specification:
  • BrandTAC Force
  • ModelTF-469
  • Weight4.8 Ounces
BUY ON AMAZON

4
Opinel No.08 Carbon Steel Pocket Folding Knife

opinel no.08 carbon steel pocket folding knife

The Opinel No.08 Carbon Steel Pocket Folding Knife is another affordable option for those just starting to explore the potential of gentleman’s knives and what they can do for them. This knife is one of the more unique we’ve selected, coming with a stainless Virobloc safety ring that has two sections: one fixed and one sliding to ensure secure locking and no bloody fingers.

The blade is constructed of carbon steel and with this you get excellent quality that gives you the confidence. It also means it’s durable for more than everyday carry, and any outdoorsmen reading this would get a lot of joy from it by using it deep in the wilderness. The durable beechwood handle is another thing that catches your eye, but it’s more than just a good looking handle. It’s secure and easy to hold, perfect for any situation. The 3.25” Yatagan blade is inspired by the Turkish saber, and this is easy to maintain to help it hold a sharp edge. Considering the price and the plethora of superb features that come with it, this is a fantastic knife that could fool even the most knowledgeable. 

Key Features:

Stainless Virobloc safety ring

Carbon steel blade

Durable beechwood handle

Good wear resistance

Easy sharpening

3.25” Yatagan style blade

Sustainable construction

Specification:
  • BrandOpinel
  • Model2540089
  • Weight1.6 Ounces
BUY ON AMAZON

5
Grand Way Gentleman’s Folding Knife

grand way gentleman’s folding knife

The Grand Way Gentleman’s Folding Knife is another decent budget option, and it comes in 3 available styles numbered 1, 2, and 4 (no idea what happened to 3) to give some variety and a little choice when deciding on your next, or even first, gentleman’s knife. Despite the low price, it still boasts quality parts, including liner lock assembly and 440C stainless steel that’s guaranteed to be tough, durable, and ready for action. This blade is 3” long, making it easy to control thanks to excellent balance, while the handle itself measures just over 5 inches.

When folded, it’s secure, and the dirt resistant lock keeps everything in top condition, so even if you don’t use it often, you won’t encounter stiffness or tricky operation. This is perfect for anyone who takes rare trips into the wilderness or even ventures outside a little less often than everyone else. Its simplicity may put some people off, but it really shouldn’t, and what you’re getting is a knife that defies expectations, so whether you’re experienced with knives or are just getting into them, you’ll be satisfied no matter what. You may also like some of the best Karambit knives from our list, so be sure to check them out.

Key Features:

3 available styles

Liner lock assembly

440C stainless steel blade

Ergonomic handle

3” blade length

Dirt-resistant lock

Drop point blade

Specification:
  • BrandGrand Way
  • ModelB01CDMKC5K
  • Weight4.8 Ounces
BUY ON AMAZON

6
CRKT Crossbones EDC Folding Pocket Knife

crkt crossbones edc folding pocket knife

We can’t present a selection of gentleman’s knives without including the CRKT Crossbones EDC Folding Pocket Knife, though. This low-profile flipper continues the excellent quality of other Columbia Knife & Tool options, but it also goes a step further to make a must-have for professionals. The satin finish delivers a sleek look, while the brushed aluminum two tone handle is both stylish and easy to grip. This is crucial for more intense activities and you can trust the knife to feel right in your hand, no matter the situation.

Again, you’ll get a limited lifetime warranty to fix any defects or similar issues. However, with the AUS 8, it’s unlikely you’ll run into any trouble. The plain edge blade delivers a clean cut even if you’re using it for something as simple as opening a letter, and it is also easy to keep sharp. It’s not meant for regular heavy use, but no gentleman’s knife is. Instead, it boasts quality in the build and guarantees you feel like a gent while carrying it. And isn’t that all that really matters? For more quality blades, check out our guide to the best Ka-Bar knives.

Key Features:

Low profile flipper

Satin finish

Brushed aluminum two-tone handle

Limited lifetime warranty

AUS 8 steel

Plain edge blade

3.536” blade length

Specification:
  • BrandColumbia River Knife & Tool
  • Model7530
  • Weight2.4 Ounces
BUY ON AMAZON

7
StatGear Pocket Samurai Folding Knife

statgear pocket samurai folding knife

The StatGear Pocket Samurai Folding Knife offers something a little different to the other picks in our selection. Inspired by Japanese blades, it works as both a functional gentleman’s knife but also a clever decorative piece. You don’t even need to take it out of the house for it to feel worth the money. There are 11 handle colors to choose from, which is never really a priority when choosing knives, but it;’s always nice to have the option. The 440C stainless steel is also tough, but don’t expect it to chop through thick branches on a trek through the wilderness.

We mentioned Japanese influence, and this is most evident in the Tanto-style blade that resembles katanas, if katanas were wielded solely by Hobbits. This blade measures just under 2”, so it’s one of the smallest we’ve selected so far, but that doesn’t mean it lacks the quality of other options. The texture handle is easy to grip and even comfortable, while the liner lock ensures the blade stays in place when deployed. You can wear it as a keychain knife, since at the end of the handle, there’s a keychain loop, so feel free to attach it to your keys just make sure you close the knife before throwing your keys onto your sofa after a long day.

Key Features:

11 handle colors

440C stainless steel

Tanto blade design

Liner lock

Textured handle

Keychain loop

1.968” blade

Specification:
  • BrandStatGear
  • ModelSTAT103
  • Weight0.5 Ounces
BUY ON AMAZON

8
KeySmart Dapper 150 Ultra Slim Gentleman’s Knife

keysmart dapper 150 ultra slim gentleman’s knife

For a more modern appeal, the KeySmart Dapper 150 Ultra Slim Gentleman’s Knife is an excellent choice that could fool some people into thinking it is a simple USB flash drive, but oh wouldn’t they be wrong. It’s available in two sizes and comes with a 420 stainless steel blade that guarantees super quality.

This ensures durability and also low maintenance so you won’t waste hours every evening cleaning the envelope adhesive from the side of the blade. It allows you quick access, so even in stressful situations, you can trust it to come to your rescue, while the 2.5” blade is long enough that it can handle most everyday tasks. It isn’t a heavy-duty knife, but for simple office environments or construction jobs where you need to open boxes regularly and discreetly, it’s pretty much perfect. It’s also lightweight enough to carry with ease in your inside pocket, and you can even slip it comfortably into the coin pocket of your jeans. You may also like some of the best diving knives from our list, so be sure to check them out.

Key Features:

Two sizes

420 stainless steel blade

Durable

Practical design

Low maintenance

Quick-access blade

2.5” blade

Specification:
  • BrandKeySmart
  • ModelKS817-BLK
  • Weight3.04 Ounces
BUY ON AMAZON

9
SOG Wood Folding Pocket Knife

sog wood folding pocket knife

The SOG Wood Folding Pocket Knife is the perfect modern gentleman’s knife. Made from high-grade stainless steel (7Cr17), the 3.3-inch blade is super sharp and offers excellent edge retention, so you shouldn’t have to sharpen it too often. It’s designed to be ultra-tough, so you can confidently use it for all manner of cutting tasks without worrying about it breaking or chipping. This type of stainless steel is also particularly lightweight, which is why the whole knife weighs just 4.4 ounces – perfect for keeping with you at all times. 

One of the biggest selling points of the SOG Wood Folding Pocket Knife is the authentic wooden handle. They don’t say exactly what type of wood it is but you can tell when you hold it in your hand, that it’s high quality. Not only that, it has a high luster, which creates a beautiful contrast between the handle and the blade. On the back of the knife, there’s a high-strength pocket clip, perfect for keeping your blade handy at all times. This gentleman’s knife is probably one of the toughest on this list, so it could be the perfect everyday carry (EDC). 

Key Features:

3.3-inch stainless steel blade 

Total length – 7.8-inch 

High-quality wood

Knife thumb stud

One-hand opening 

Pocket clip 

Specification:
  • BrandSOG
  • ModelFF30-CP
  • Weight4.4 Ounces
BUY ON AMAZON

Gentleman’s Knife Buying Guide & FAQ

What Is A Gentleman’s Knife?

So to begin, let’s just get one thing straight. The term Gentleman’s Knives does not mean what you think it means.

It’s almost certain that, unless you’ve cheated and skipped to the end, your image of a Gentleman’s Knife involves a man with a mustache, top hat, cane, a fine three-piece suit, perhaps a monocle. If we’re really leaning into stereotypes, there’s likely a cigar hanging from his mouth and a glass of whiskey gripped firmly in his hand. What a gent.

It’s less likely that you’d expect a man like this to have knife concealed away, even if he has the pockets for it. He could even have one stashed away inside his cane, but that wouldn’t be the same. A real gentleman’s knife must be easy to conceal, and a cane brings a whole plethora of options.

So what is a gentleman’s knife exactly? The definition is all across the internet, but there are so many conflicting definitions that it muddies up the whole thing.

There are however, some definitions that make sense. And these definitions relate to what a gentleman is, or what he is supposed to be. They are:

  • Chivalrous
  • Courteous
  • Honorable

We’ll focus first on Chivalrous. Let’s expect the knife needs to be used to chivalrous means, such as slitting open an envelope or helping cut the foil from a bottle of Prosecco. Anything to help out others, really.

The next definition, Courteous, which we supposed is when the Gent does something for someone else. Common courtesy dictates he should use his knife to slice a loose thread from a pair of work slacks or chop the end of a cigar. It could even mean he lends the knife to someone who needs it, because that’s what gentlemen do.

He doesn’t even need to ask for it back, it’s implied by his generosity.

Finally, we’ll consider honorable. These kinds of men are those with buckets of self-respect. They keep their cool; they stand by their principles. They always strive to do the right thing, and they’re never caught acting a fool in public. This means they would never brandish the knife in public for violent means, and if they do, they don’t deserve it.

A knife that you can use in these situations must be a knife that is sleek and discreet but also durable, easy to handle, and dependable. It should fit comfortably into your pocket and it should be easy to deploy in an instant should there be an emergency. Finally, consider how it should look. There’s nothing honorable about a flashy knife that grabs everyone’s attention, so modest dark or natural colors such as black or dark wood are perfect.

From the looks of it, that’s exactly what our selection has made sure of, so whichever knife you choose, you’re sure to look a gentleman whenever you need it.

Related Reads
Gear post-thumbnail
Swiss Shields: Best Swiss Army Knives for EDC Reviewed
author-image
by Sam Anderson
Last updated: July 6, 2021
Gear post-thumbnail
Best Pen Knives in 2022
author-image
by GearHungry Staff
Last updated: March 15, 2018
Gear post-thumbnail
Best Utility Knives In 2022
author-image
by GearHungry Staff
Last updated: March 13, 2019
Gear post-thumbnail
Mortal Karambat? The Best Karambit Knives in 2022
author-image
by Sam Anderson
Last updated: October 21, 2021
Gear post-thumbnail
Best Bushcraft Knives In 2022
author-image
by GearHungry Staff
Last updated: January 22, 2018
Gear post-thumbnail
Best Spyderco Knives in 2022
author-image
by GearHungry Staff
Last updated: March 8, 2018
Gear post-thumbnail
Making the Cut: Best Benchmade Pocket Knives of 2022
author-image
by Tuesday Kirby Kahl
Last updated: August 10, 2021
Gear post-thumbnail
The Best Hunting Knives To Take Afield This Season 2022
author-image
by Jovana Dosenovic
Last updated: March 28, 2022
Sign Up Now
GET THE VERY BEST OF GEARHUNGRY STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX
Gearhungry logo
  • Home
  • About Us – Learn More About GearHungry
  • Contact
GearHungry – West Hollywood, California
8605 Santa Monica Blvd
PMB 30337
West Hollywood, California 90069-4109 US
GearHungry – Denver, Colorado
1624 Market St Ste 226
PMB 30337
Denver, Colorado 80202-1559 US
GearHungry ©2023 Privacy policy Affiliate Disclosure
DMCA.com Protection Status