Transitioning to a corporate job (again) from the field and will be wearing more slacks than I have in the recent past. Looking for a good folding pocket knife that I can carry in a front pocket. Can have no more than a 3” blade and would like a sleek/thin design to minimize clutter while in the pocket. At the same time looking for something substantial enough to be considered a real knife vs. my old Case pocket knife.

Any suggestions on where to start?

I have a ZT0770CF that is lightweight, has a slim smooth profile and a great blade.

I have a Benchmade mini-barrage that is very office friendly. You might also look at their 940 line. Kershaw leeks are also nice and slim.

I may be biased, but I think the Spyderco Delica would fit the bill. Lightweight, slim, with a 2-7/8" blade. For in-pocket carry you can remove the pocket clip and make it even slimmer. Easy to open and close with one hand. I carry one as my EDC knife. Meets all my cutting needs. The full-flat-grind VG10 models cut very well, hold an edge, but still relatively easy to keep sharp. I use mine nearly daily for small cutting tasks and I can go a month or two without touching up the edge. Plus, you can get it with different colored handles so it doesn't scream "tactical." I have one in light blue and another in purple. On top of that, they're not very expensive, typically around $65 or so.

ZT0900
Benchmade Mini Griptillian
Kershaw Blur

Lots of good choices out there for what you want.

Appreciate the ideas fellas. Lots of options to consider.

My new favorite smaller knife is the Hinderer Half Track. Small, yet kind of substantial.

Delica, or Benchmade Bugout

When I need to be in coat and tie, I have a couple of William Henry knifes that are very easy to carry and meet your requirements. Granted, they are pricey, but they are the smoothest operating knives I own.

AlMar, as high quality gentlemans knife as you might need.

Another premium choice:

https://www.knivesshipfree.com...reeve-knives-mnandi/

Chris Reeves Mnandi. They don’t get much nicer......

For a comparatively inexpensive Knife with great steel:

https://www.knivesshipfree.com...inated-powder-steel/

The U2 also doesn’t look too aggressive in a Business environment. Takes a truly wicked edge!

Small Sebenza with the clip removed.

Do you require the blade to lock?

3.25”, so might not be acceptable blade length for you, but ZT0450CF is what goes in my suit pants pocket.

Light, sturdy, and carbon fiber scales are good looking.

https://www.knivesshipfree.com...-titanium-framelock/

A small Sebenza Insigno:
https://www.knifeworks.com/chr...ground-shipping.html

If I was picking low hanging fruit I'd seriously consider this one. It's a little thicker with the micarta but it's nice.
https://sigforum.com/eve/forums...0601935/m/5860098334

quote:

Originally posted by djpaintles:
Another premium choice:

https://www.knivesshipfree.com...reeve-knives-mnandi/

Chris Reeves Mnandi. They don’t get much nicer......

For a comparatively inexpensive Knife with great steel:

https://www.knivesshipfree.com...inated-powder-steel/

The U2 also doesn’t look too aggressive in a Business environment. Takes a truly wicked edge!

The Mnandi has become my go to office environment knife...

The Mnandi is a nice luxurious choice. Benchmade makes some gent's knives in the same size range for less cheddar.

+1 on the Mnandi. I've got one in the right pocket of my slacks as I type this. The little leather pouch it comes with makes it easy to toss in your pocket.

I love that it's a serious folder in an unassuming package. The lock up on it is rock solid; it's completely capable of taking on hard tasks if need be.

Another vote for the ZT0770CF for "professional/dress" carry.

I EDC a ZT0562CF, but my "dress" knife is a 770CF. great knife with a deep carry clip that weighs damn near nothing. You'll hardly know it's their. And slips way down in the pocket to allow inconspicuous carry in the office.

I don't know how you guys do it. I can't stand anything much bigger than a Syderco Butterfly in front pants pocket if it doesn't use a clip. To me, that little knife is the equivalent of a gentleman's penknife of years past, and all I usually need in any kind of dress type atmosphere.

Benchmade Valet is a nice choice - great blade steel and nice gent’s knife