Frugal Folders For Elegant EDC

Despite the dominance of the versatile and durable tactical folding knife among personal-protection-minded individuals, there has always been a demand for fashionable everyday carry (EDC) blades, often referred to as elegant or gentleman’s folders. The defining characteristics of these knives is their relatively slim and trim profile, simple but highly functional blade designs, and handles that eschew aggressive texturing in favor of more aesthetically pleasing designs and materials. The knives detailed here are fine examples in form and function, and should appeal to consumers with refined tastes, but more practical budgets.

Part of Browning’s Black Label series, the Blind Spot features a 3.8" slender drop point blade of 7Cr17MoV stainless steel ($40, browning.com). A liner-lock design, opening is assisted by bilateral thumbstuds, and jimping at the base of spine aids control during use. The black stonewash finish lends the blade and bolster a distinctive appearance, which is complemented nicely by the hemp Micarta handle material. The Blind Spot also has a right-side, bolster-mounted pocket clip bearing the Browning Buckmark.

The Hollow-Point, a Ken Onion design incorporated into CRKT’s officially licensed Ruger Knives collection, is distinguished by the gracefully curving lines of the handle and the 3.2" trailing point blade ($70, crkt.com). The 8Cr14MoV steel blade bears a satin finish, as do the front and rear bolsters. The knife makes use of a ball bearing pivot system for efficient openings which are facilitated by bilateral thumbstuds and a flipper lug. The handle features a lanyard loop in the rear bolster, a right-side pocket clip which can be mounted on the front or rear bolster, and black polymer panels with molded diamond pattern checkering and the Ruger logo on the left side.

The A.G. Russell Gents Hunter II is a versatile lockback folder featuring a 3.625", 9Cr13CoMoV steel drop point blade ($145, agrussell.com). Bilateral channels near the base of the spine facilitate opening, and the pocket clip is reversible for right- or left-side carry. Though the Gents Hunter II has a wider blade profile than the others on this list, at 3.2 ozs. it is easily the lightest thanks in part to the Featherlight stainless steel liner and the very attractive carbon fiber handle scales. Models featuring Cocobolo ($95) and green G-10 ($85) scales are also available.