Around $40 to spend on my brothers birthday present... help me find a knife!

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Oct 14, 2006
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I could go over $40 if I saw reason to, but I think it's a pretty good price range... Here are requirements:

* About Native size... Delica might be too small, Endura might be a bit too large
* Made in America
* Good quality steel
* Depending on cutting edge size, a combo edge might be in order
* Can't be a Leek, as I myself have one, and I don't want to get him same knife as me...
* I myself like tip-up carry, so let's try and make it that, or changeable
* The lock type, I don't think matters, he has a cheapo lockback right now, but has approved this as a present for his birthday :)

Also, I suppose he has larger hands than mine, which are pretty average size (I'm 15, but I don't handle the hands of many others my age)

(I don't think he's home right now so I can't see what size knife he wants and what not)

First things I've found are:

Spyderco Native
Spyderco Endura/Delica
Kershaw JYD 2, though I'm not sure about AO and just a flipper
Spyderco Centofante 4
Benchmade Mini/Grip


So, what do you guys think of my choices, and do you have any of your own?
 
I can't say enough good things about the Centofante 4. I am a huge Spyderco fan and I have owned at least 100 of them. I think my Cent 4 gets the most pocket time and use due to its light weight and great blade. I use to worry about the strength since it is thin and light but it is much stronger than you would imagine. It has nested liners and locks up solid with a smooth action.

I recently took it hiking where it saw some pretty rough use and came out fine. The Cent 3 is also a nice knife but I have not found the Wharncliff Cent 4 to be lacking at anything except cutting food on a plate (sometimes, I cut m steak with my pocket knives). If this is an issue, get the Cent 3 but the Cent 4 is a true gem IMHO. I don't have much use for Delicas now that I have really come to understand the Cent 3-4. It is better in every way than the Delica for my uses.

You won't get many nods for the Cent 4 but that is only because the Delica out sells it by about 50 to 1. That doesn't mean the Cent 3-4 is not as good, it just has not caught on. The Delica is the knives for all people and all tasks. As a result, it seems to have lost most of it's flavor. I am talking about the Delica 4. It is a nice knife and a good all around design but it just doesn't do much for me. I can say the same about the BM mini-Grip. Both good knives but they are kind of washed out in some design items to really be loved. They are both "medium" knives in every since of the word.
 
kgriggs8 said:
I can't say enough good things about the Centofante 4. I am a huge Spyderco fan and I have owned at least 100 of them. I think my Cent 4 gets the most pocket time and use due to its light weight and great blade. I use to worry about the strength since it is thin and light but it is much stronger than you would imagine. It has nested liners and locks up solid with a smooth action.

I recently took it hiking where it saw some pretty rough use and came out fine. The Cent 3 is also a nice knife but I have not found the Wharncliff Cent 4 to be lacking at anything except cutting food on a plate (sometimes, I cut m steak with my pocket knives). If this is an issue, get the Cent 3 but the Cent 4 is a true gem IMHO. I don't have much use for Delicas now that I have really come to understand the Cent 3-4. It is better in every way than the Delica for my uses.

You won't get many nods for the Cent 4 but that is only because the Delica out sells it by about 50 to 1. That doesn't mean the Cent 3-4 is not as good, it just has not caught on. The Delica is the knives for all people and all tasks. As a result, it seems to have lost most of it's flavor. I am talking about the Delica 4. It is a nice knife and a good all around design but it just doesn't do much for me. I can say the same about the BM mini-Grip. Both good knives but they are kind of washed out in some design items to really be loved. They are both "medium" knives in every since of the word.
Click to expand...


Hmmm... good words... have you had any problems with the C4 being a wharncliff (stabbing boxes and whatnot)? How's the size compared to Delicas and Enduras, and do you have any kind words for the Native? :D
 
In line with the knives you mentioned, I don't think there's a better $35 knife than the AG Russell Featherlite. I generally would stear clear of giving someone a black plastic knife for a gift, but the interesting locking mechanism and overall rarity make the Featherlite an exception.

The AG Russell Funny Folder, the CRKT K.I.S.S., and the CRKT Van Hoy Snap Lock are interesting and inexpensive knives that would make unique gifts.

Swiss army knives are also excellent gifts - a bit of class and practical. And there are dozens of choices for $40 or less.

Happy Shopping!
-Bob
 
I would go with the Spyderco Native, for $40 you get a lot for your money. The S30V steel is one of the best materials from what I understand, and the higher place finger coil makes the entire handle fit your hand like a glove. Sure it has a few quirks but again, this knife is a damn good value. Best of all it's made right here in the U.S. Check out my review if you haven't already:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=473404
 
A Buck 110 with a leather sheath will be remembered forever. It's a beautiful handfull. Lifetime guarantee from a great family. USA all the way.
 
I have to agree on the buck being a memorable gift. The native would make a great gift and a superb user. I have given several natives all to their new owner's delight.
 
I'd get him the Delica 4. VG-10 is hard to beat for a blade steel. The size is just right for EDC, IMO. Opens easily and smoothly. Locks up tight. Nice, grippy handle. Rides comfortably in the pocket. Clip is just right: Neither too stiff nor too weak. Clip can be moved to any of the four desired positions. Not that I have wide experience with knives, folders or otherwise, but I think this may well be the best knife in its class on the market today.

I'm EDCing my Boker Trance, which I really like, right now, but I bet I go back to my Delica 4 soonner-or-later ;)
 
All the suggestions are good ones, especially the Trance and the Buck 110. But I agree with Jkriggs8 that the Centofante 4 is an awesome knife that won't disappoint.
 
Spyderco Native III, C78. VG-10 steel and a nice full handle. Best bang for the buck.
 
KaBar Dozier folders at about $ 20.00 each and a choice of blade styles can't be beat. Great knives. Bill
 
Well, I'm hearing what everyone is saying, but I'm still leaning towards those Spydercos... I want something one hand open and with a clip for him, so a Buck folder is out of the question.

Whoever said something about giving plastic handled knives as gifts made a good point lol


I wonder if I can get my other brother to contribute a little bit of money...


http://www.newgraham.com/detail.aspx?ID=4902 - That's probably highest on my list right now, just gotta see if I can get someone else to contribute :) Still welcome to ideas though.

http://www.newgraham.com/detail.aspx?ID=4810 - that one would be great if it were larger (I wouldn't mind one for myself if it was bigger ;P)

http://www.newgraham.com/detail.aspx?ID=5179 - the handle on that one doesn't have the appearance of cheap plastic, which is a plus

The Centofante 4 and Native seem to be bolstered together... that looks cheap to me... is the D4?
 
I've got a Kershaw/Onion Blur and love it. The shape and their SpeedSafe opening system make this a great pocket utility knife. The assisted opening knives really help if you have bigger hands (the studs on manuals are usually not in the best place for an easy one hand opening, due to tight arc). My brother, who is a deputy sheriff, also carries a similar Kershaw for work.

I gave my Dad a Gerber with the FAST opeing system that he carries daily. It is very affordable and has stood up to the beating of a farmer's knife.
 
Whatever you choose. Get a decent sharpener so you both will have a nice sharp knife for a long time!

PS - Very well spoken for a 15 y/o.
 
sherlockbonez said:
Whatever you choose. Get a decent sharpener so you both will have a nice sharp knife for a long time!

PS - Very well spoken for a 15 y/o.
Click to expand...


I'm going to be ordering the sharpening stones I've been meaning to get for some time, with it.


And thank ya.
 
Any Spyder would be an excellent choice or one from the Byrd range too.

Could try something from the Böker Magnum range, lot of choice there.

Saw on e-bay a mint pre 2004 Schrade The Beast Old Timer liner lock. Large, hefty,with a clip and combo-blade could very well appeal to a young-man:thumbup: Cheaper than 40 too!

Let us know what you opt for and enjoy your knives
 
I just came across this dilemma myself not too long ago. I found the Kershaw "Needs Work" (ken onion design)was right in budget and a great looking knife. At $45 dollars retail at my local store (porbably cheaper online) it was well worth it in my opinion. My brother loves it!:thumbup: Seems like a little workhorse to me.
 
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