Buying a knife for an inexperienced friend.

V

VicRattlehead

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Nov 5, 2015
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So, I have a friend who I want to buy a knife for, and she's pretty new to knives. I'm thinking somewhere along the lines of a lock back or mid lock, since she is more familiar with them opposed to a liner lock or frame lock. Also, I'd prefer that it isn't an assisted-opening because she's come close to cutting herself with them (though I suppose she would get used to using one). No serrations, and the blade would have to be no longer than 3 inches. What do you guys recommend?
 
Delica4 FFG. Or a Dozier Folding Hunter, if you want to keep costs down. Or a Caly3 if you're willing to spend a bit more.

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Beautiful knives. I've never used a Spyderco, but have thought about getting one. Definitely looking into it now. Thank you flarp, I appreciate the recommendation!
 
You did not say her height or weight but the Delica or the Stretch would be the ones I would start her out with and go from there so that if she doesn't like either she can trade them or sell and about get her money back to get what she likes next.!** Both are good all around small-- medium knives and should have no problem fitting right into her hand.^
 
The above recos for the Delica 4 and the Caly 3 are right on...
The great majority of my folders have been, thankfully...Spyderco.
 
Yup, Spyderco has a great range of blades, with most of them just as simple for the beginner as they are fun and functional for a knife knut.

I didn't see a price range so I'll throw out another that looks nice, and works great with smaller hands (just a blind assumption as you said "she", no offense). The Chaparral. Nice steel, thin, carbon fiber finish, mid-lockback. It's a bit smaller than the Delica, and tad larger than the Dragonfly (which are both great options also), but much better looking. Still assuming this is a "she" that you want to impress with the gift.

In this Spyder Fam Pic, it's the one in the lower right.

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bflying said:
Yup, Spyderco has a great range of blades, with most of them just as simple for the beginner as they are fun and functional for a knife knut.

works great with smaller hands (just a blind assumption as you said "she", no offense). The Chaparral. Nice steel, thin, carbon fiber finish, mid-lockback.


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You're right, she's got pretty small hands. And I definitely like the looks of these Spydercos, simple but still very pleasing to the eye. I hear they hold an edge well too
 
For lockbacks, I'd also go with a Spydie. Probably a delica, or if she wants a very small knife, a ladybug.

If you wind up considering liner locks at all give the Rat 2 a look. It's what my wife carries.

The main reason I clicked on this thread was your username. Rock on man...

\m/>_<\m/
 
If your state allows, an auto would be good too. Easy one hand operation.
 
Right on!

What colors does your friend like? Is she a "girly girl" who likes pink, etc. or is she ok with black?
 
VicRattlehead said:
I'm pretty sure she would hate pink. I know her favorite color is red, but that can look tacky on some knives.
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Red is tough to find. I bought a knife for my brothers GF recently - she too hates pink. She requested blue.
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She also liked my Delica over Dragonfly and the Squeak my sister has.
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The Squeak is the pink one (also comes in black), and it's a slip joint. Honestly though, I think I like it more than the Dragonfly. The handle is just that much better. :D They make one very similar w/ a lock - the Cat I think?

Good thread, has some of my favorite things in it. ;)
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The trainer is red - you have to buy that and swap blades. I too am a fan of red, but can't seem to find anything I like. I bought a red Esee Zancudo, but that didn't work out. That thing sucked so I gave it away. Lol.
 
Oh wow, I'd heard nothing but good things about the Zancudos. I've never personally had one though. That's surprising.
 
Frame-lock, asymmetrical scales, funny blade shape. Yuck, yuck, yuck.
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I should have bought a Rat2 instead….but I didn't. I've read good reviews about the Zancudo, but I'm just too particular.
 
I can tell you firsthand the Rat 2 is a good knife. Here's one very satisfied customer:





She carries it everywhere. Uses it all the time. :D
 
My wife carries and loves her Kershaw RAM. In red
It's discontinued, but they are still sometimes available. Depending on her "use" something like a manic in S110v might suit her since it rarely if ever need sharpening.y wife knows enough to ask to have hers sharpened when it gets dull. But I had to teach her to know when it was and ask. Many don't know the difference or won't ask, because they have been conditioned by cheap kitchen knives to accept dull.
 
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