A Test of Your Production Knife Knowledge, or 'Suggestions Please'!

GMT+7

GMT+7

Joined
Aug 21, 2006
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116
I'm here in Thailand right now and need to spread a bit of knife love around. I'm looking for USA MADE production knives that have a high-end fit and finish, with folding liner locking blades of around 2.75-3.25" to be practical users, without being threatening. These will be gifts to first time knife owners so they need to be subtle, non-aggressive looking.

There are plenty of expensive art knives out there but I haven't seen many 'gentleman's folders' that are not WH priced. All suggestions will be gratefully appreciated.

Thanks,
 
The Kershaw Leek should also be considered as it comes in various flavors (some are liner lock), is nicely styled, easily carried and is a well finished little knife that is very useful and fun to play with.
 
Huugh.. with the exception of the Leek and BM Opportunist the others are either quite large or not U.S. made. Interesting that there's not really that much filling that market niche. The lower end production models out there just don't make good executive gifts. I may need to pop for a WH... or better yet one of the limited's put out by the major makers. Most of them are quite nice and just a bump nicer than a straight mass-production version, vis-a-vie the upgraded packaging, serial number, etc. Looks like a "primo" gift package.

If you think of anything else by all means let me know.

Thanks again for all the input.
 
The Al Mar Ultralight Falcon or Hawk. Benchmade have a bunch, such as the previously mentioned Opportunist, the Switchback, the 771, etc. The Spyderco Viele II.
 
Are the Al Mar's U.S. Made (a clear requirement)? I'll have to look into that. Keith, btw: great Hanson knife..wow!
 
How about a Blade-Tech Ganyana? I think it would fit your needs with top of the line S30V steel. THANK YOU! Kevin
 
GMT+7 said:
Are the Al Mar's U.S. Made (a clear requirement)? I'll have to look into that. Keith, btw: great Hanson knife..wow!
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Sorry about that, I think they are made in Seki, Japan. I didn't pay enough attention to your first post obviously.

Pretty well every Don Hanson knife is great, but that is one of my favorites.
 
Queen makes a single blade, liner lock copperhead in cocobolo. Good steel, non threatening, made in the USA and won't cost you an arm and a leg. Food for thought.

Frank
 
GMT+7 said:
Huugh.. with the exception of the Leek and BM Opportunist the others are either quite large or not U.S. made. Interesting that there's not really that much filling that market niche. The lower end production models out there just don't make good executive gifts. I may need to pop for a WH... or better yet one of the limited's put out by the major makers. Most of them are quite nice and just a bump nicer than a straight mass-production version, vis-a-vie the upgraded packaging, serial number, etc. Looks like a "primo" gift package.

If you think of anything else by all means let me know.

Thanks again for all the input.
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Ops, sorry.

(btw don't Case and Queen do liner locks? Don't know about the F&F but they should be USA made)
Like these:
http://www.dlttradingcompany.com/product_info.php?cPath=168_172&products_id=1321
http://www.dlttradingcompany.com/product_info.php?cPath=168_169_170&products_id=1209
http://www.dlttradingcompany.com/product_info.php?cPath=168_169_171&products_id=1215
 
How about Spyderco Natives? They are lockbacks instead of liner locks, but they are made in Golden, CO, and come in both FRN and SS handled versions. The blade length is within your specs, so the lock is the only question mark.
 
Although not as pretty, Microtech's Mini SOCOM Elites are in the same size bracket.

Lone Wolf Paul folders, though not liner locks, are a great little knife with several possibilities in looks.

A. G. Russell's Benchmade 332 Gent's knife is about perfect.

Good luck!

Daniel
 
GMT+7 said:
I'm here in Thailand right now and need to spread a bit of knife love around. I'm looking for USA MADE production knives that have a high-end fit and finish, with folding liner locking blades of around 2.75-3.25" to be practical users, without being threatening. These will be gifts to first time knife owners so they need to be subtle, non-aggressive looking.
Thanks,
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I cast my vote for a Kershaw Cyclone. :thumbup: Either the Full or Mini would work. Non-threatening, Liner Lock, good steel, AND the Assisted Opening can be deactivated, making it a manual folder. GREAT KNIFE FOR LESS THAN $80!

Here is the video review: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyvhmUZLT1k
 
Jeremy, that video really takes the cake. What a better way to sell your point! Also, those who get what my goal is here have made some incredible suggestions, and thanks to all for submitting your ideas. I'll be sorting through all of it after a brief 2 day trip, then getting an order together. As much as I like the assisted opening knives, I'm going to stay away from them as gifts as #1 I don't know the knife laws here on AO's (if any!), and I don't want my gift mis-construed to be a weapon of any sort. It's a gentleman's tool and that's it.

Thanks again to everyone.
 
GMT+7 said:
Jeremy, that video really takes the cake. What a better way to sell your point! Also, those who get what my goal is here have made some incredible suggestions, and thanks to all for submitting your ideas. I'll be sorting through all of it after a brief 2 day trip, then getting an order together. As much as I like the assisted opening knives, I'm going to stay away from them as gifts as #1 I don't know the knife laws here on AO's (if any!), and I don't want my gift mis-construed to be a weapon of any sort. It's a gentleman's tool and that's it.

Thanks again to everyone.
Click to expand...

Thanks, but it was not my video. I think you should reconsider the Cyclone though. When you disable the Speedsafe Mechanism, it is exactly like a manual. Go hold/play with one and you will agree that its the best combination of price, size, and efficiency.
 
nygiantsfan3342 said:
...Go hold/play with one and you will agree that its the best combination of price, size, and efficiency.
Click to expand...

Not so easy here in NE Thailand! Maybe next time I'm back Stateside I'll hit the knife show or shop circuit. I'm WAY overdue for a fix!

Later,
 
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