Forum members,
Hey there! I own quite a few knives, and know a bit about them. But...I was buying a few too many, so 4 or 5 years ago I quit visiting forums, or even really looking at knives. As a result, I'm a bit out of touch and not aware of some of the newer stuff out there.
Here's my question. I'd like to get a Christmas gift for an old H.S. buddy who I've reconnected with after 30-odd years. I believe I recall him saying he'd like a folder, and I think he mentioned a spring-assisted opener. Not sure what blade length he'd prefer, but I'm guessing around 3-4 inches. I'd prefer it have a decent SS blade, ATS-34, 154CM, or S30V(!) would be great...but in the price range I'm looking at, probably something like AUS-8 or maybe 440C. While I've spent multiple hundreds of dollars on some of my blades...I'd rather stick a bit closer to the $50 mark on this one.
Anyway, does anyone have any recommendations on a decent knife in this category...a decent, sturdy folder or assisted opener with a 3-4 in. blade in a usable steel, holds a good edge, etc.? It should have good stout lock-up and a safe design. It should be reasonably compact and easily carried, and a pocket clip would be very welcome...I prefer tip-up carry (I have no idea if he has a preference on this). Of course, some decent scales made of a sturdy and comfortable material would be helpful. I'm not too concerned about looks...though I'd probably rather not go too tacti-cool/goofy, and he'd probably prefer it be black, SS, gray, or FDE or something other than pink or bright purple! As I said, I'd like to limit this to around $50 (even less would be great!)...but I'm willing to go to $100, if necessary. It's not that I'm cheap...I'm just not certain if he'd appreciate the difference.
I've considered the Kershaw series (Blur, Chive, Leek, etc) and the SOG Twitch XL Tanto, but I haven't found too many positive reviews of the SOG.
Thanks for any and all input.
Tim
Hey there! I own quite a few knives, and know a bit about them. But...I was buying a few too many, so 4 or 5 years ago I quit visiting forums, or even really looking at knives. As a result, I'm a bit out of touch and not aware of some of the newer stuff out there.
Here's my question. I'd like to get a Christmas gift for an old H.S. buddy who I've reconnected with after 30-odd years. I believe I recall him saying he'd like a folder, and I think he mentioned a spring-assisted opener. Not sure what blade length he'd prefer, but I'm guessing around 3-4 inches. I'd prefer it have a decent SS blade, ATS-34, 154CM, or S30V(!) would be great...but in the price range I'm looking at, probably something like AUS-8 or maybe 440C. While I've spent multiple hundreds of dollars on some of my blades...I'd rather stick a bit closer to the $50 mark on this one.
Anyway, does anyone have any recommendations on a decent knife in this category...a decent, sturdy folder or assisted opener with a 3-4 in. blade in a usable steel, holds a good edge, etc.? It should have good stout lock-up and a safe design. It should be reasonably compact and easily carried, and a pocket clip would be very welcome...I prefer tip-up carry (I have no idea if he has a preference on this). Of course, some decent scales made of a sturdy and comfortable material would be helpful. I'm not too concerned about looks...though I'd probably rather not go too tacti-cool/goofy, and he'd probably prefer it be black, SS, gray, or FDE or something other than pink or bright purple! As I said, I'd like to limit this to around $50 (even less would be great!)...but I'm willing to go to $100, if necessary. It's not that I'm cheap...I'm just not certain if he'd appreciate the difference.
I've considered the Kershaw series (Blur, Chive, Leek, etc) and the SOG Twitch XL Tanto, but I haven't found too many positive reviews of the SOG.
Thanks for any and all input.
Tim