Sorry for the delay in my response; work does interfere sometimes! :-)

I wouldn't worry about the garters showing--unless you decide to moon someone!

You mentioned, I believe, that you want a flat knife. Consider the Spyderco line, then. The current Delica & Endura models, with the clip removed, are approximately 5/16s of an inch (+/-9mm) in thickness, and are incredibly "big" cutters for their small size & weight. If you want stronger, get the same models in all stainless steel--at a weight penalty, though.

Also, have been re-reading this thread, & thinking on it, too. I'd like to suggest you explore Bowen belt-buckle knives. Their web site is http://www.bowenknife.com. Over the weekend, I wore mine again, and it dawned on me that it could be the perfect answer for you in your new environment.

I've owned one for over 25 years, & have never been "made" while wearing it. They're available in wide & narrow versions, with the narrow being best for "dress" clothes--and maybe for business casual, too. I usually wear mine with blue jeans or shorts.

Two pieces of advice, both from experience:
1: Should you decide on one, get the single edged version. It's more useful for everyday things than the double-edged version. It's a bit difficult to scrape peanut butter from a jar with the D/E version.

2. Don't go through a metal detector with it! At our local airport, about 1985, I forgot I had it on, & did so. At that day & time, the worst that happened was that I had to lose the knife. :-( (To add insult to injury, it never got turned in to the property room, and no official report was made--the guard simply kept it. I know because I had it checked out.) Be aware that they may be considered concealed weapons--especially the D/E versions. Don't know how successfully the argument can be made that they're really in plain sight, if you know what you're seeing. My lawyer (an old High School friend--got his after seeing mine) wears one, but not on court days.

Anyway, just my further thoughts.

Thanks for a good thread.

David