Big knife gift suggestions

[Novadak]

I saw the "Little knife gift suggestions" thread and thought I'd hop on the Christmas gift suggestion bandwagon.

So I'm thinking of getting a good friend a knife for Christmas. He likes knives but isn't a knife knu- er, "enthusiast" like I am, so he doesn't currently carry one all the time. I'm guessing this is because the only folder he has is a Buck 110, which, while it's great, has no clip and is too heavy to conveniently (slip it into a pocket, forget about it until it's needed) carry. (I've had some successful corruptions this year and my goal is to get all of my friends carrying by this time next year, if anything so that they can open their own danged packages.)

I'm thinking of the following criteria:
1. relatively large - he's a fairly big fellow, so I'm thinking 3" and up.
2. reasonably sturdy blade - he's a fairly big fellow, and the first thing he did upon seeing my new sebenza was to try and stab it into a pickle jar lid.
3. lightweight, with clip - for convenience's sake.
4. under $75 - for my sake.

5. I think he'd be more appreciative of a classic locking mechanism (no liner/integral locks), but I think a button-type lock like an Axis or Rolling would also be received well.
6. Plain-edge or 50/50 - for practicality.
7. Expected usage: well, he likes to hike and do woodsy things, but doesn't hunt or fish. I'm guessing the expected usage would be whatever you might use a Buck 110 for (with the exception of hammering things into walls or bludgeoning people.

). So it'd probably be used for opening mail, prying things out of tree trunks, carving stuff, etc., or possibly as a last-ditch self-defense item.

I can see him balking at using a thumbstud, so I'm thinking an opening hole might be a better choice for his first one-hander. Right now I'm leaning towards a Spyderco Endura or a Benchmade Ascent, but any other suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks all.

 

[shootist16]

I would recommend the Spyderco Wayne Goddard Lightweight. There are several excellent threads about this knife in the reviews forum.


I figured I would add an image:

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Dennis Bible

[This message has been edited by shootist16 (edited 11-21-2000).]

 

[Bronco]

Good call, Dennis. You beat me to it.

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Semper Fi

-Bill

 

[fudo]

A Kershaw 1416 (XXL Starkey) would be perfect. They are no longer made, but there are still quite a few floating around NIB. They make quite a conversation piece too.
They have ATS-34 blades, G-10 handles.

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Although it does not mindfully keep guard in the small mountain fields, the scarecrow does not stand in vain
Bukkoku

 

[Emanym Ton]

I carry the Calypso Jr with stainless handles as my daily user. I am a big burly guy; usually THE big burly guy in any crowd and the blade fits me to a T...... Has the small choil up high on the blade for more detailed work, great curve through the handle when you have to 'bear down' and the stainless handles give you that 'BIG KNIFE' feel in a smaller blade that clips unobtrusively on your pocket. The stainless does scratch more easily but to me looks really classy even with the scratches. I've handled some of the other plastic/zytel/whatever handled blades and, to me, they feel as if they'll rip apart under torque or heavy use...... I'm sure that's not the case but certain things just 'feel' different when you are a bigger guy/person. Like opening a stadium door with little effort/one hand only to hand off to someone who suddenly has to use both hands and a LOT of effort to keep it open (if that makes any sense??). Best of luck finding your gift Novadak!
Shawn

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"..... and above all else, forgive me for the men
I've killed in anger; and those I am about to."
- Nightlinger "The Cowboys"

[This message has been edited by Emanym Ton (edited 11-21-2000).]