British folder?

[leon-b]

Decided that it’s time to treat myself to a nice folder to accompany my Opinel. Ideally UK legal to carry and i’m looking for something more traditional looking instead of tactical. I have no idea whats out there so looking to you lovely people for recommendations.

 

[GeraldTheBonsai]

British Army Knife - non locking with prybar/screwdriver

 

[Pattree]

Agree ^^^^^^^^
Any use?

 

[leon-b]

I was thinking something a bit more pretty haha

 

[Stew]

Are you in custom budget territory?

 

[Pokem28]

Shing…?

 

[hughtrimble]

Info on your budget would really help to guide suggestions?

 

[leon-b]

Budget up to £150

 

[ijohnson]

How about something like this?

Another Sheffield maker is A Wright. I have one of those but wasn't overly impressed, but it was quite a bit cheaper than the linked knife. Don't have any experience of them, but look quite nice and traditional.

 

[C_Claycomb]

Heinnie sorts by UK legal folders, you can browse what is out there.

Folding Knives | UK Friendly | Heinnie

Our range of folding knives are UK friendly, meaning they are legal carry, dedicated to providing UK buyers with an easy way to shop, without worrying about the restrictions. Explore our folding knife collection.

heinnie.com

I can recommend the Lion Steel Bestman, I have the 1 in Micarta. Titanium bolsters, decent spring, not a nail buster (like viper) nor weak (like the Real Steel Luna), high spec stainless blade, takes a razor edge and holds. Lots of attention to detail, feels nice. It’s a nice knife to own and carry.

 

[stonepark]

Decided that it’s time to treat myself to a nice folder to accompany my Opinel. Ideally UK legal to carry and i’m looking for something more traditional looking instead of tactical. I have no idea whats out there so looking to you lovely people for recommendations.

If you are looking for something simple to replace your locking Opinel for urban use or for more formal occasions, how about a Boker Plus Tech 1, scales in micarta, titanium, carbon depending on model and price from £30 to £70.

 

[Billy-o]

Shing…?

Good place to start - round £200-250. Can get things second hand though

If Englishness isn't that high on your requirements, there is a ton of really excellent French regional knives, often very well-priced for what they are

French Cutlery - Tradition & Know-how - Courty & Fils

Courty & Fils offers you the best of french traditional and artisanal cutlery. Great brands and knife-makers in stock!

couteaux-courty.com

 

[Silverclaws2]

Decided that it’s time to treat myself to a nice folder to accompany my Opinel. Ideally UK legal to carry and i’m looking for something more traditional looking instead of tactical. I have no idea whats out there so looking to you lovely people for recommendations.

Peasant / Fuller's Penny / Wharncliffe / Farmer's / Halstatt knife of which though not locking can be made to be temporarily accidental fold safe.

 

[hughtrimble]

There's a wharncliffe Shing on EdgeMatters forum for £115 right now. If you're not a member already you'll need to sign up to view: https://www.edgematters.uk/thread/51064-shing-wharncliffe/
Edit: it has now sold

 

[C_Claycomb]

How have Shing folders progressed on back spring strength? I think the ones I handled were earlier versions, but they were absolute nail busters to open.

 

[Nice65]

How have Shing folders progressed on back spring strength? I think the ones I handled were earlier versions, but they were absolute nail busters to open.

They got a little easier.

 

[Kadushu]

The TBS Badger has been in my pocket every day for over 3 years now. It's a thicker blade than traditional slipjoints, SAKs or Opinels but they got the grind just right in my opinion so it cuts beautifully. The handle is the most comfortable I have on a slipjoint.

 

[HorseGuy]

The TBS Badger has been in my pocket every day for over 3 years now. It's a thicker blade than traditional slipjoints, SAKs or Opinels but they got the grind just right in my opinion so it cuts beautifully. The handle is the most comfortable I have on a slipjoint.

Not wanting to derail Leon's thread (sorry Leon).
But what is the build quality of the your TBS knife like?

 

[hughtrimble]

How have Shing folders progressed on back spring strength? I think the ones I handled were earlier versions, but they were absolute nail busters to open.

Yes, definitely have got easier over the years, though I'm sure you could request an old school action if so desired!

 

[Kadushu]

Not wanting to derail Leon's thread (sorry Leon).
But what is the build quality of the your TBS knife like?

When it was new it was a bit stiff to open but ran in with use and lube. Other than that I have no complaints at all.