Advice on gift

Status
Not open for further replies.
You mentioned that he likes fishing so he might like something he can use for that, but he also might like something he can carry with him (which I assume means a folding pocketknife). As suggested, Buck Knives has many great options as does the knifemaker's forum here.

But, if he wants something more modern then Spyderco is where to look. These models are particularly suited for use around water, as the steel is virtually rust-proof (while also being good steel for edge retention):

- Spyderco Pacific Salt-2 (green-frn-lc200n-blade-fully-serrated)

- Spyderco Para-3 Salt Lightweight (yellow-frn-magnacut-blade)

- Spyderco Manix-2 Salt Lightweigh (yellow-frn-magnacut-blade)

Several vendors offer laser engraving, one of which is DLT Trading.

Don't let the bright handles deter you. These are great knives and there is an easy method that many (including myself) use to dye these handles into whatever color they want using RIT brand dyes for synthetic materials. It could be a fun project where you dye the handles to match his college's colors, adding a personal touch to the gift.

Whatever you choose, you'll definitely be known as the Cool Aunt!

*Edit: I removed links, thought that DLT Trading was a contributing dealer.
He would like the bright colors. Except yellow. lol
 
He would like the bright colors. Except yellow. lol
I don't blame him. If the color is the only issue, there is a simple fix using RIT Dye for synthetics (it's generally available at hobby shops like Michael's, Hobby Lobby, and Joanne's fabrics). If you're interested, here's a quick how-to video:


If that's more trouble than it's worth, then there are plenty of other great options listed in this thread.
 
*Edit: I removed links, thought that DLT Trading was a contributing dealer.
According to this listing it shows that DLT is still a paid dealer here J Jordan@DLT
at the moment his on line status doesn't say paid dealer, but it might have just expired??


G2
 
Last edited:
I know this has already been mentioned, but if you go to Buck's website and select "build a custom knife", you can select custom options for either a model 110 or 112.
The 110 is the larger of the two, I find the 112 easier to carry, but own both models and love them.

Buck will custom engrave the knife as well.

The only downside is that there's a 6 - 8 week wait, but I think it's worth it.

Buck also has a fantastic lifetime warranty, and they stand behind their product.
There are members here who have worn out or broken the blades of their knives and Buck has fixed them.
 
Get him 3 knives and the remainder in cash:

Victorinox Alox Cadet - his favorite color

Opinel no.8

Mora Companion - any model - for camping needs (If you really want to impress him substitute a Marttiini Condor Timberjack Knife)

Then he will have even more $$$$$$$ and know you are the bossest aunt.

This is my favorite suggestion out of everything so far. I might massage the particular choices, but on the whole, this works.
Perhaps more in line with what you are looking for, if someone were giving me a pocket knife, two choices that would really catch my attention would be the Mini Griptilian and the Bugout, both by Benchmade.
The basic models both come in under $200, I think, although you can easily spend more with options.
Another consideration would be your nephew’s ethnic identity, if any. Since you are in Minnesota, Swedish, Norwegian and Finnish come readily to mind, but of course there others.
 
I appreciate all the replies I got. Hope to clear some things up.

1. I would like to stay under $200.
2. I had looked at Buck brand knives, but Hunter was mentioned several times. Having a hard time finding the Hunter website.
3. My nephew does have a collection of knives which he loves. Including pocket knives, however nothing personalized with his name or initials.
4. I'm the cool aunt!

Some of the knives I have given him in past.
"hunter" is knife type not maker
 
110 and 112 are great knives. But they're meant to be carried in a sheath on a belt. I'd recommend spyderco Benchmade or Hogue.
 
Well, after reading, reading and reading again all of your great feedback I finally decided on the Spyerco Pacific Salt 2. I decided to buy it through DLT also based on recommendations on here. I went to their website and it is on sale. BUT as luck would have it....it is out of stock. lol
 
Well, after reading, reading and reading again all of your great feedback I finally decided on the Spyerco Pacific Salt 2. I decided to buy it through DLT also based on recommendations on here. I went to their website and it is on sale. BUT as luck would have it....it is out of stock. lol
They're in stock at Knifeworks, who also offers engraving.
 
According to this listing it shows that DLT is still a paid dealer here J Jordan@DLT
at the moment his on line status doesn't say paid dealer, but it might have just expired??


G2
'Thanks for the heads up - I'll bug our finance guy to renew.
 
It was so much easier when all my nephew wanted was Thomas the Train. I thought I had decided on a knife and then I called Spyderco and another knife dealer and they suggested either the Spyderco Salt 2 or the Delica 4. The latter of which I hadn't heard mentioned before. One person said the Delica 4 is a good entry knife and the other guy said the salt in serrated , but I don't want serrated.
 
Alot of guys Like the delica, also the endura. Both are made by spyderco and have lots of options. They are one of my favorite makers where your getting value in my opinion.
 
Can someone tell me the difference between these two? There is a significant price difference.

Spyderco Salt 2 - Green FRN (3.00" Satin LC200N) C88FPGR2​

Spyderco Salt 2 FRN (3.00" Satin LC200N) C88FPWCGR2​

 
Can someone tell me the difference between these two? There is a significant price difference.

Spyderco Salt 2 - Green FRN (3.00" Satin LC200N) C88FPGR2​

Spyderco Salt 2 FRN (3.00" Satin LC200N) C88FPWCGR2​

The blade shape is the only difference. Same materials. The first you listed is probably more utilitarian.

This model C88FPGR2​

 
I want to give you an update. First of all, thank you all so much for taking the time to advise me on what kind of knife to get. Some of the information I will be using for future Christmas gifts.

I ended up buying my nephew the Spyderco Salt 2. He loves it! I bought the knife from DLT. The knife arrived super fast and after making sure that my nephew did like it, I sent it back to DLT and they engraved it for us. Super smooth process all the way.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top