Just as the definition of a “gentleman” is pretty wide ranging, so too is the meaning of “gentleman’s knife.”
Still, the finest examples of the latter in my experience are those that cause about as much fuss in your pocket as a premium pen.
That level of fuss being “minimal,” which explains why I am drawn to a recent Böker release that’s reassuring in its simplicity.
Being stripped to its bare essentials, ironically, enables the Fructis to truly shine.
The frill is gone
Based in the South of France, Stéphane Espi is a self-taught custom knifemaker with nearly two decades of experience and multiple Paris Sicac knife show awards on his mantle.
Perhaps that’s why he can confidently design a knife that leans deeply into function, with its elegant form being a happy byproduct.
