Poor man's gentleman's knife?

[Knifestyle]

After a long stint in college and grad school, I'm finally working in the nonprofit field which has a heavy fundraising element. Thus, I now own both black tie and white tie tuxedos as galas and banquets are simply par for the course. However, my pink Delica doesn't quite fit the bill when I'm wearing a bow tie...I have gotten by with a gunmetal Victorinox Cadet which is now scratched up enough to have character, but it just doesn't seem to fit the bill and it lacking a clip means it gets lost in my inner jacket pockets. I'm in Illinois and based in the Chicago area to keep knife laws in context. I'm finally working and happy, but want this to be as affordable as possible, nothing over the top for my budget.

[paladin]

Chaparral, if that conforms with your jurisdiction in Chicago...if not, then a CF Chicago (good luck finding one though)

[bearfacedkiller]

You can get a carbon fiber Chaparral for around $100. Not sure if that is affordable or not to you but it is a great knife.

[Knifestyle]

I'd say crank it down well below $100 for this being an occasional-use knife.

[gbelleh]

Isn't the limit in Chicago 2.5"?
Maybe a Nishijin Cricket? Or Dragonfly?

[bearfacedkiller]

G10 manbug or g10 dragonfly or nishijin cricket?

[bearfacedkiller]

Nishijin spin?

[Johnnie1801]

g10 dragonfly?

[tvenuto]

I'd say crank it down well below $100 for this being an occasional-use knife.

Well then it seems to me you already have your max budget in the Delica?

[Knifestyle]

I'd say crank it down well below $100 for this being an occasional-use knife.

Well then it seems to me you already have your max budget in the Delica?

That hits the nail on the head.

[gbelleh]

Maybe a Kahr Delica to keep it Chicago legal? but those run about $80.

[SpyderNut]

IMHO, the Bradley Air is an excellent choice for a gentleman's carry knife. It is a little on the expensive side, though. You can generally find them for around $150 if you shop around.

[tvenuto]

I'd say crank it down well below $100 for this being an occasional-use knife.

Well then it seems to me you already have your max budget in the Delica?

That hits the nail on the head.

Then use your Delica to rob someone of a nicer knife? I'm not sure what you're asking us to suggest given your parameters. If you're looking for a non-spyderco then pop over to off topic and say so.

[Knifestyle]

My parameters:

Sub-$100, around Delica pricing or less.
Locking blade.
On the smaller side, this is purely a utilitarian piece for formal events which doesn't have to be over the top tactical strength.
Looks 'finer' without plastic ridges all over.

[Holland]

I would buy a g10 dragonfly off the exchange for ~$50 and dye the handles

[mincoda]

Imho Spiderco cat $43 or dragonfly $47 - $65, both excellent gentleman's knives.

[bearfacedkiller]

I would buy a g10 dragonfly off the exchange for ~$50 and dye the handles

Good luck! He better be faster than me. I have been prowling for a g10 dragonfly forever.

There are a few stainless steel handled Spydies in your price range if that works for you. If not then you may be out of luck.

I would suggest some other brands I like but they aren't gonna be much better if price is your limiting factor.

If you are on a budget you may want to look for something gently used.

Just thought of one more. Centofante3 is a wonderful knife that is classy and is in your budget but does not meet Chicago carry laws. However, neither does your Delica.

[Joris Mo]

black FRN Dragonfly?

[The Deacon]

If a slipjoint is acceptable, the Kiwi 3 goes for around $30.

[SuckSqueezeBangBlow]

Another vote for the Cat