Recommendation? A Friend Needs a Knife

1) Do they have to be new?
Since he works on gunstocks, something with a sheepsfoot blade would be good for working the corners of the checkering, for example. For a single blade Case Sheepsfoot, the 031 comes to mind, with walnut covers. Unfortunately, they quit making it sometime in the mid 1970's.

To me, the top "iconic" traditional slipjoints are the 3 blade Stockman, 2 blade Trapper, (or moose) 2 blade Barlow, the Peanut, and 4 blade Scout knife.
Since all I know of your friend knife-wise is he carries an inexpensive modern from Wamart. That would mean stainless steel, but, being a gun nut, I've no doubt he knows how to take care of carbon steel.
Chances are he also carries something with a 3 1/2 to 4 inch blade.
I would therefore shy away from something super small, like the Peanut, just starting him out in traditionals. The Peanut can come later.
The Scout knife, in my humble opinion, would be a necessity. The punch/awl would
be used a lot while working on the stocks. As a gun nut, he would also find use for the screwdriver, and, if he partakes in the occational brew, the bottle opener. The can opener is one of the better ones on the market. The spear point blade is useful for general tasks, as well as skinning game or cleaning fish, should the need/opportunity arise. With a lanyard (not a fob) the knife would be near impossible to lose, as well. Case makes a good one, I've heard. Also, I'm not sure if they are in PA, or not, but Colonial is still making the all stainless steel "DEMO" knife, in the USA.
The 2 Blade Barlow, with a Clip Point or Sheepsfoot with a pen blade. I think GEC or Queen made a 2 blade Barlow with a sheepsfoot main.
A Stockman of at least 3 7/8 to 4 inches closed should be the third of the set.
While most do not need the Spey blade for its original purpose, it is an excellent choice for "unzipping" a deer, for example. (I happen to know PA has quite a few yummy deer every season that require unzipping :) )
The stockman is also has three good blade profiles for whittlin'.
So, being a minority in my thinking and selections, I'd go with:
4 blade Scout Knife
2 Blade Barlow with Sheepsfoot main blade
3 Blade Large Stockman.
All of these are (probably) smaller than what he is carrying now, do not "print" in the jeans pocket, and do not cause sheep ... I mean people ... to panic if he takes it out of his pocket in public.
 
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Yup, lot's of good ideas here. My thoughts, first, go new not vintage. I'd go for a bigger single blade, eg Case Copperlock, a Case Swayback for the gentlemanly look, and then a whittler which could very well come in handy with his woodworking interests. GECs are great but if you haven't navigated that arena (forget if you addressed that in the OP) it can be challenging. And don't forget Buck. They have quite a few nice, reasonably priced knives with a traditional look all their own, some of which can be semi-customized in the Custom Shop.

Which brings me to steels used. Is your buddy good at sharpening blades? I've read quite a bit about Queen needing some major sharpening work out of the box, and their D2 while a great steel needs a skilled hand and tools to sharpen properly. (Not speaking from experience on this however.) Case on the other hand uses softer steels which need more attention to keep sharp, but work admirably when you do treat them right. Back to Buck, they have a very good compromise in their version of 420HC, with their proprietary Bos hardening treatment. It's the only 420 I'd ever consider.

My $0.02.
 
All good ideas. Yes, he is good at keeping what he has in nice condition, and not abusing things in a manner they were not intended for. He is a mechanic by day, but has about 100 hobbies for after work (gunsmith, small engine repair, furniture making). He loves antiques and the history of anything mechanical. He always carries an expensive pair of stainless scissors on his belt, and opens them up fully to use them as a knife if required. I'm sure whatever I give to him will be well cared for. But I suspect he may want a leather sheath/pouch on his belt to hold the folder knife, instead of carrying it in his pocket. I'm not 100% sure on that though.
 
Do yourself and your friend a favor and drive to Titusville. Call Chris at GEC and ask if she has time to show you around. I bet she will outside of her lunch break and before 3pm. You will find a display of just about every pattern GEC has ever made behind a glass case. Bill may even peek over your shoulder and help your friend figure out what he wants. Also, you could then drive over to QCC and see what they have in their store case. You can't tour QCC, but you !at be able to find something different over there as well.
 
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