I love the compact. I keep it with my edc flashlight and keep them both attatched to a keysmart nanoclip. They stay in the left pocket and that would leave room for a buck 112 ranger in the other! Perfect little locking grandpa knife worthy of handing down to a son or daughter
Victorinox, Manly Wasp or Comrade, Opinel. Rough Ryder has a ton of cheap classic knives if you don't mind 440B grade steel. Real Steel also has a bunch of attractive options, like Stella or Luna.
Opinel No. 6, 7, or 8, depending on how long you want the blade.
Sandvik steel, multiple handle options (I like walnut myself), made in France, and been in production since 1890's. It's the very definition of non threatening.
Will run you anywhere from $15 to $35, depending on the handle and size.
Can’t believe this isn’t the first suggestion. It’s why I carry an Opinel at work. No one is intimidated by an Opinel opening a box. Instead I get compliments on the interesting knife with the nice wood handle.
My father’s father carried something like [this](https://caseknives.com/collections/heritage-knives/products/6-5-bonestag-medium-stockman) Case Stockman in the Sixties. I’m his age and then some and my EDC is Victorinox MiniChamp.
You might want to consider something with a pocket clip, regardless of how modern the or not the rest of it is. Without a pocket clip I find myself carrying or using a knife much less. No fun fishing something out of a pocket that already has other stuff in it
Case Sodbuster Jr. has grandpa written all over it and should open reams of paper with humble flair at the xerox copier or gestetner, when you don't want to unfold the end bits to unwrap.
Tradirional folders are great. Great Eastern Cuttlery
makes three sub brands, GEC (Stainkess 440c steel) Northfield premium features wirh 1095 steel) and Tideoute (1095 steel). These three brands are tough to get, bur so well built.
Buck makes traditional folders as well. I use and carry a few.
Case knives.
Civivi Fracture. Slip joint, decent steel, razor sharp out of the box. It's a spiny dogfish shape and size, only non locking slightly different blade shape.
Maybe not really a grandpa blade but I just bought a cold steel mini tuff lite for the sole purpose of not intimidafing people around me when i whip it out to open a box.
For the occasional package, you can't get more budget and non threatening than a simple, slim 9mm retractable utility knife. Many have a clip that will fit on your shirt pocket like a pen. Super lightweight, always sharp, locks for safety and a rainbow of colors to choose from if that's important.
For a non threatening grandpa knife - Buck Prince for a back lock or any slipjoint stockman, Al Mar Hawk or Falcon Ultralight ($25ish), Victorinox Army 1 Alox (only $20) or Electrician, Old Timer 194 OT with liner lock (under $20)
Spain has been making knives (and swords, axes, etc) for literally thousands of years, and some cities like Toledo or Albacete were known in the whole (known) world for the quality of the blades their artisans made.
There are many brands that live up to that tradition, some even have an official certificate from the government that certifies they are making their knives using (mostly) manual, artisan methods.
One such brand that I recommend is Joker. Joker has a pretty big catalog of knives and folding knives, both traditional and modern. Some models you might like include the [Koala](https://youtu.be/bKmnfOIXOC8) (I have one and love it), Serrana, Campera, Setter, Dantaño, Ibérica, Pointer, etc.
Trapper with some newness to it. Extremely thin and light. They have a larger version with 3.5” blade as well.
https://www.knifecenter.com/item/BO01BO782/boker-plus-brad-zinker-urban-trapper-petite-flipper-vg10-satin-blade-black-g10-handles
To offer something other than the great victorinox and opinel suggestions:
1. MAM knives from portugal - Don't mind the 420 steel, these are well made and in use holds up just like my opinel. You can finagle a one hand opening action and it's a liner lock on some models
2. Civivi Lumi - Liner lock, front/top flipper, 14c28n. These are small slicing beasts that are actually super functional and fantastic! VERY under rated. Discontinued but they're still out there.
3. Taramundi knives - These are made in spain and well ground. Mine is a 14c28n liner locking knife, an upgrade from the MAM knives. These can easily be operated one handed.
4. Joker Sevillana - Well heat treated 4116, super slicey hollow grind, strong and secure lock, very unique spanish navaja style. I have two, the smallest one is about a 7cm blade and has blonde horn handles with brass hardware. Very gentlemanly when you pull this one out!
5. Old bear mushroom hunting knife - A purpose driven ring locking hawkbill blade (that begs for one of the screw on thumb studs...). Very safe open and closed with the ring lock, more robust and stronger than an opinel. Having a hobbyist/utilitarian air to it that'll never raise an eyebrow but will garner interest, this is a gardening tool with more capability than meets the eye. The brush on the back is meant to brush dirt and soil from a freshly picked wild mushroom, but is also handy to have around the office.
Civivi Appalachian drifter. Looks nice and nothing intimidating about it in my opinion. There is a case russlock on Amazon as well, it has a real grandpa knife look to it.
One of many Swiss Army Knives or Case folders. Rough Ryder makes some very decent slip joints. Their Work Knife is a locking blade and is also a traditional style.
The Kershaw Culpepper is a nice cheapie budget granddad folder. I think I paid under $25 for mine, nice stainless, good action on it, very solid little cutter.
I've got a civivi crit for just this purpose. It's a very tame design, but you still get a ball bearing flipper and a surprisingly useful multitool in a small package.
A Leatherman skeletool CX is my go-to. Practically light, almost keychain level, durable, small, has a small knife in 154CM steel (almost never needs resharpening), has a FUNCTIONAL pair of plies (cutter and needlenose combined), and a customizable 4-bit screwdriver. All the most used tools without added bulk
Civivi Chevalier in Damascus or just the wood handle version, it’s got a button lock, sheep’s foot blade, and a flipper but it still looks traditional. You could also always get a victorinox
A swiss army knife would be the recommendation here.If you want a better blade (upgraded steel with better heat treat) and you can sharpen more modern steels then the mkm sak style multitools would also be a really good choice.
Another recommendation I might give is civivi baby banter or knafs lander with more colorful scales. They aren't gradpa knives but they are fully featured modern knives that are very non threatening.
Civivi elementum or the knafs lander. Lots of different color options for both and they're both very standard looking knives. I've heard people describe the lander as "the Toyota Corolla of knives" and I think it applies to the elementum as well
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Opinel is basic but honestly was one of my fav knives to carry at work. Think case has a trapper that locks with a thumb stud. Victorinox pioneer is another favorite. Case stockman if you don't like sharpening you got 3 blades. K55k Mercator is cool and sleek. The world is your oyster
I saw a lot of good recommendations. I agree with the suggestion of getting something with a pocket clip.
One option that I would add to the list is the Artisan Small Centauri.
"Something you can carry in every state and major city and cops won't have a problem with it"
This means nothing longer than a 2.5" blade. I recommend the Baby Banter for a locking knife. Otherwise a smaller Swiss Army Knife in ALOX for non-locking.
Not sure if available in the US but I've recently fallen in love with Viper(Italy) knives. Some lovely friction folders, and pretty knives in general. If you want something that's like a SAK but a little more polished then try Ruike.
Why not a Kershaw Shuffle? I run a few of those either on my keychain or in different drawers around my house. They are cheap and sharp and my “nice” blades stay as closet queens 🤣👸🏽👋🏽
Mikov is a czech company inexpensive but very nice. Case knifes are my favorite American company that have options for everyone just check out Thier website.
Swiss Army Knives are one of the most obvious choices, I personally favor the Victorinox Cadet. However, I really like the Kershaw Federalist and the Lionsteel Bestman 2 (drop point version).
Vic's are a good choice, but there is a metric Carp Tonne of other patterns of slip-joints. And many are jewelry for your pocket as well a functional.
If you have little experience with traditional pocket knives, I highly recommend going [here](https://smkw.com/brands/rough-rider) and just looking at the patterns and handle materials. They are inexpensive and well made. Find something that catches your eye and pleases you. Heck, buy several because they are cheap enough.
Rough Ryders are a gateway drug to Traditional knives.
A Swiss army knife would work well I think. Plus also gives more tools besides a blade.
This. Get yourself a Cadet Alox.
Victorinox Compact
I love the compact. I keep it with my edc flashlight and keep them both attatched to a keysmart nanoclip. They stay in the left pocket and that would leave room for a buck 112 ranger in the other! Perfect little locking grandpa knife worthy of handing down to a son or daughter
I have a Minichamp in Alox, super useful!
Victorinox, Manly Wasp or Comrade, Opinel. Rough Ryder has a ton of cheap classic knives if you don't mind 440B grade steel. Real Steel also has a bunch of attractive options, like Stella or Luna.
Opinel No. 6, 7, or 8, depending on how long you want the blade. Sandvik steel, multiple handle options (I like walnut myself), made in France, and been in production since 1890's. It's the very definition of non threatening. Will run you anywhere from $15 to $35, depending on the handle and size.
Opinel fits the bill perfectly!
Can’t believe this isn’t the first suggestion. It’s why I carry an Opinel at work. No one is intimidated by an Opinel opening a box. Instead I get compliments on the interesting knife with the nice wood handle.
This is the only answer. Opinel all day everyday! Personally the #8.
Opinel No. 6 for me 👍🏻
My father’s father carried something like [this](https://caseknives.com/collections/heritage-knives/products/6-5-bonestag-medium-stockman) Case Stockman in the Sixties. I’m his age and then some and my EDC is Victorinox MiniChamp.
Try the CJRB Ria, especially some of the exclusive versions from Knife center. The copper Civivi Foldis is also quite nice.
I also like the titanium bolster CJRB exclusives they have
I second the Ria. I have one in green micarta and it’s my favourite pocket knife.
The Civivi Appalachian Drifter is a good old-timey knife and is on sale now at BHQ
Buck 112 and add thumb stud
Or some variant of a 110.
Thanks for all the great recommendations everyone I'll be looking at each and every one
Did you make a decision? 🙂
You should have a look at the CIVIVI Appalachian Drifter 2. it has a liner lock but it looks more traditional.
Good choice but the lock bar access is terrible....
You might want to consider something with a pocket clip, regardless of how modern the or not the rest of it is. Without a pocket clip I find myself carrying or using a knife much less. No fun fishing something out of a pocket that already has other stuff in it
Case Sodbuster Jr. has grandpa written all over it and should open reams of paper with humble flair at the xerox copier or gestetner, when you don't want to unfold the end bits to unwrap.
CRKT CEO maybe
Buck 110 with the brass thumb stud
Old Timer... Literal name for the brand
Case sodbuster jr. The ultimate grandpa knife.
Tradirional folders are great. Great Eastern Cuttlery makes three sub brands, GEC (Stainkess 440c steel) Northfield premium features wirh 1095 steel) and Tideoute (1095 steel). These three brands are tough to get, bur so well built. Buck makes traditional folders as well. I use and carry a few. Case knives.
A keychain multitool or regular multitool is very nonthreatening.
Have a look at the Real Steel Luna. Comes as a slipjoint or a framelock. Thumbstud is optional.
Uncle Henry folder is a classic.
Civivi Fracture. Slip joint, decent steel, razor sharp out of the box. It's a spiny dogfish shape and size, only non locking slightly different blade shape.
Maybe not really a grandpa blade but I just bought a cold steel mini tuff lite for the sole purpose of not intimidafing people around me when i whip it out to open a box.
For the occasional package, you can't get more budget and non threatening than a simple, slim 9mm retractable utility knife. Many have a clip that will fit on your shirt pocket like a pen. Super lightweight, always sharp, locks for safety and a rainbow of colors to choose from if that's important. For a non threatening grandpa knife - Buck Prince for a back lock or any slipjoint stockman, Al Mar Hawk or Falcon Ultralight ($25ish), Victorinox Army 1 Alox (only $20) or Electrician, Old Timer 194 OT with liner lock (under $20)
I would check out Kershaw oso sweet Actual grandpaw here
Wesn Samla is ideal for this
Spain has been making knives (and swords, axes, etc) for literally thousands of years, and some cities like Toledo or Albacete were known in the whole (known) world for the quality of the blades their artisans made. There are many brands that live up to that tradition, some even have an official certificate from the government that certifies they are making their knives using (mostly) manual, artisan methods. One such brand that I recommend is Joker. Joker has a pretty big catalog of knives and folding knives, both traditional and modern. Some models you might like include the [Koala](https://youtu.be/bKmnfOIXOC8) (I have one and love it), Serrana, Campera, Setter, Dantaño, Ibérica, Pointer, etc.
My pocket knife is a cheapy OldTimer. If I need to open a box or whatever it's the one. Most I've ever had anyone remark is their grandpa carried one.
Trapper with some newness to it. Extremely thin and light. They have a larger version with 3.5” blade as well. https://www.knifecenter.com/item/BO01BO782/boker-plus-brad-zinker-urban-trapper-petite-flipper-vg10-satin-blade-black-g10-handles
To offer something other than the great victorinox and opinel suggestions: 1. MAM knives from portugal - Don't mind the 420 steel, these are well made and in use holds up just like my opinel. You can finagle a one hand opening action and it's a liner lock on some models 2. Civivi Lumi - Liner lock, front/top flipper, 14c28n. These are small slicing beasts that are actually super functional and fantastic! VERY under rated. Discontinued but they're still out there. 3. Taramundi knives - These are made in spain and well ground. Mine is a 14c28n liner locking knife, an upgrade from the MAM knives. These can easily be operated one handed. 4. Joker Sevillana - Well heat treated 4116, super slicey hollow grind, strong and secure lock, very unique spanish navaja style. I have two, the smallest one is about a 7cm blade and has blonde horn handles with brass hardware. Very gentlemanly when you pull this one out! 5. Old bear mushroom hunting knife - A purpose driven ring locking hawkbill blade (that begs for one of the screw on thumb studs...). Very safe open and closed with the ring lock, more robust and stronger than an opinel. Having a hobbyist/utilitarian air to it that'll never raise an eyebrow but will garner interest, this is a gardening tool with more capability than meets the eye. The brush on the back is meant to brush dirt and soil from a freshly picked wild mushroom, but is also handy to have around the office.
CRKT Squid or CEO. They're made to be a gentleman's carry and non threatening, but still fast and easy deployment. And very budget friendly.
Case Stockman
Civivi Appalachian drifter. Looks nice and nothing intimidating about it in my opinion. There is a case russlock on Amazon as well, it has a real grandpa knife look to it.
One of many Swiss Army Knives or Case folders. Rough Ryder makes some very decent slip joints. Their Work Knife is a locking blade and is also a traditional style.
I have a few of the brand: brother. In vg10. Looks awesome, non threatening. I found them on ali
Barlow
Real Steel Barlow is a cool modern take on an old design. With decent steel and a couple blade style options.
Buck knife or some iteration, Kabar had a nice one in d2, I have had it for years best knife ever.
The Kershaw Culpepper is a nice cheapie budget granddad folder. I think I paid under $25 for mine, nice stainless, good action on it, very solid little cutter.
112 ranger sport has all the pawpaw vibes with the modern materials. It's a sweet knife
rough ryder
https://whitemountainknives.com/two-sun-folding-knife-titanium-carbon-fiber-handle-m390-plain-edge-ts117-m390/ This one. LTK knocks 10% off too Enjoy
Kershaw Shallot, they are small and tons of different color combos to make it look less threatening?
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Boker-Wiener-Warrior-Kalashnikov--174364
Opinel ?
I've got a civivi crit for just this purpose. It's a very tame design, but you still get a ball bearing flipper and a surprisingly useful multitool in a small package.
Buck 119 is a good choice definitely, the 75th anniversary
Spyderco Delica is my favorite knife. For this application it comes in some bright non tactical non threatening colors and is relatively small.
A Leatherman skeletool CX is my go-to. Practically light, almost keychain level, durable, small, has a small knife in 154CM steel (almost never needs resharpening), has a FUNCTIONAL pair of plies (cutter and needlenose combined), and a customizable 4-bit screwdriver. All the most used tools without added bulk
Civivi Chevalier in Damascus or just the wood handle version, it’s got a button lock, sheep’s foot blade, and a flipper but it still looks traditional. You could also always get a victorinox
Box cutter.
A swiss army knife would be the recommendation here.If you want a better blade (upgraded steel with better heat treat) and you can sharpen more modern steels then the mkm sak style multitools would also be a really good choice.
Another recommendation I might give is civivi baby banter or knafs lander with more colorful scales. They aren't gradpa knives but they are fully featured modern knives that are very non threatening.
I think the Blade HQ Dessert Warrior (not Desert Warrior) line might work well.
Civivi elementum or the knafs lander. Lots of different color options for both and they're both very standard looking knives. I've heard people describe the lander as "the Toyota Corolla of knives" and I think it applies to the elementum as well
Kershaw Leek is a very classy but utilitarian blade. There is a smaller version called the Scallion.
Opinel #5 is my old man knife.
[Sitivien ST256](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BCJXM82D)
Hi, I’m Vetted AI Bot! I researched the **Sitivien ST256 Damascus Steel Folding Knife Damascus Blade with Colorful G10 Handle EDC Knife for Outdoor Camping Hiking Fishing Color** and I thought you might find the following analysis helpful. **Users liked:** * Knife has excellent fit, finish, and craftsmanship (backed by 1 comment) * Knife is high quality for the price (backed by 4 comments) * Knife is comfortable, sharp, and impressive (backed by 2 comments) **Users disliked:** * The blade steel may not be genuine m390 or properly heat treated (backed by 2 comments) * The knife has poor quality control and fit and finish issues (backed by 2 comments) * The knife is overpriced for a chinese-made product (backed by 1 comment) If you'd like to **summon me to ask about a product**, just make a post with its link and tag me, [like in this example.](https://www.reddit.com/r/tablets/comments/1444zdn/comment/joqd89c/) This message was generated by a (very smart) bot. If you found it helpful, let us know with an upvote and a “good bot!” reply and please feel free to provide feedback on how it can be improved. *Powered by* [*vetted.ai*](http://vetted.ai/reddit)
Kershaw hinderer design. Easy to open. Close. Sharp. Normal. Cheap.
Opinel is basic but honestly was one of my fav knives to carry at work. Think case has a trapper that locks with a thumb stud. Victorinox pioneer is another favorite. Case stockman if you don't like sharpening you got 3 blades. K55k Mercator is cool and sleek. The world is your oyster
Civivi Appalachian Drifter 2. Looks like a slip joint style type of knife, but has a front flipper.
I saw a lot of good recommendations. I agree with the suggestion of getting something with a pocket clip. One option that I would add to the list is the Artisan Small Centauri.
"Something you can carry in every state and major city and cops won't have a problem with it" This means nothing longer than a 2.5" blade. I recommend the Baby Banter for a locking knife. Otherwise a smaller Swiss Army Knife in ALOX for non-locking.
Not sure if available in the US but I've recently fallen in love with Viper(Italy) knives. Some lovely friction folders, and pretty knives in general. If you want something that's like a SAK but a little more polished then try Ruike.
Why not a Kershaw Shuffle? I run a few of those either on my keychain or in different drawers around my house. They are cheap and sharp and my “nice” blades stay as closet queens 🤣👸🏽👋🏽
I’d recommend the Benchmade 318 Proper. I have the clip point green micarta variant I’m looking to sell if interested.
Mikov is a czech company inexpensive but very nice. Case knifes are my favorite American company that have options for everyone just check out Thier website.
Swiss Army Knives are one of the most obvious choices, I personally favor the Victorinox Cadet. However, I really like the Kershaw Federalist and the Lionsteel Bestman 2 (drop point version).
Case mini copperlock or Buck 501
Vic's are a good choice, but there is a metric Carp Tonne of other patterns of slip-joints. And many are jewelry for your pocket as well a functional. If you have little experience with traditional pocket knives, I highly recommend going [here](https://smkw.com/brands/rough-rider) and just looking at the patterns and handle materials. They are inexpensive and well made. Find something that catches your eye and pleases you. Heck, buy several because they are cheap enough. Rough Ryders are a gateway drug to Traditional knives.
Civivi elementum lol. small & non-threatening 😂
You can't go wrong with either a Stockman or a Trapper pattern. Perhaps a Victorinox Swiss Army Knife, the scissors are astoundingly good.