Buying a knife for an inexperienced friend.

[Urban redneck]

I would say a Spyderco Dragonfly hands down! Perfect for small or large hands, small enough to to be discreet but large enough to be useful, and best of all; ITS A SPYDIE!! Lol!

 

[NG VI]

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?

Mini Presidio Ultra? Light, ideal ambi and finger-friendly lock with a killer warranty?

Or a mini Grip, then you can get her custom scales as a later gift!

 

[Dr.g0nz0]

You cant go wrong with spyderco but..the rat 1 or 2 is a great knife as well and cost is low. I got one for my sister for her first real knife and she loves it.

 

[link2derek]

Spyderco Dragonfly or Delica would be my first choice. The RAT 2 is also a good option, but it's a liner lock. On the other hand, it doesn't take a whole lot of training to learn a new locking system, but you (well, she would) have to do the training.

Or better yet, do this: buy both a Dragonfly or Delica AND a RAT 2, and let her choose for herself which one she likes better. Then you keep the other one for yourself. Just a thought...

 

[bflying]

Good thread, has some of my favorite things in it.

Nice, another Scottsdale AND Spyder fan. I love free poured loafs.

 

[vanslem6]

Nice, another Scottsdale AND Spyder fan. I love free poured loafs.

Scottsdale, Monarch, Geiger. Poured, stamped, pressed. I like it all.

 

[TravisH]

Spyderco Delica (2.9") or Dragonfly (2.25").

Both come in colors and the yellow ones have H1 steel that won't rust.

Hmmm... ya know ... the Spyderco Delica Trainer comes with red scales. So buy the Trainer and another Delica (in blue?) and then swap scales. Or buy a yellow 'Salt' version and dye it red.

 

[Hackenslash]

The Delica or Dragonfly are great choices...but you might also want to consider a real similar option for a lot less money.

The Byrd Meadowlark would make a great starter option until you felt comfortable spending more money on an unknown. Usually around $25...
View attachment 590961

If red is a necessity you could always look at a custom shop Mini Grip...getting kinda pricey though.

You might be able to find a 2015 Forums Native 5...those came in burgundy scales.

 

[olywa]

How about something a little more traditional like a Case Mini Copperlock? Rock solid lockup and
some very attractive bone handles to choose from.

 

[oldmanrunning]

I would suggest you look at the Spyderco UKPK range as they all have under three inch blades and are non locking one hand opening , once your young lady is confident with one of these, she could move on to any other style that takes her fancy.
My current most carried Spydie is a pink Squeak that i dyed with Ritt.

 

[Phair12]

Delica is probably the best option. Ymmv but my wife hates any assisted/auto because they open with such authority.

 

[Phair12]

If $50 is too much go for a rat 2 or zancudo

 

[willc]

Lots of good suggestions, Spyderco would be my choice too.
Probably a Dragonfly, Native,or Delica.
One from the Byrd line would be perfect if money is an issue.

In addition to a locking OHO I would give her a Vic Classic or Minichamp for the key ring, they are convenient and useful.

 

[bld522]

If $50 is too much go for a rat 2 or zancudo

Which raises an interesting question. Did the OP ever state how much he was willing to spend? If he did, I missed that. And it might make a difference in terms of what we recommend.

 

[strategy9]

Whatever you decide, compliment it with a SAK Classic for her keychain, in a design/color to suit her personality perfectly.

In a pinch or on the go it can pluck her eyebrows (blade being a mini mirror), file her nails, and a handy mini scissors for any loose strings on her blouse... Great little <$20 keychain knife for even a (non knife) woman to appreciate.

 

[coinbuysell]

Scottsdale, Monarch, Geiger. Poured, stamped, pressed. I like it all.

I hate to go OT but I am also a sucker for sharp things and precious metals :biggrin:

 

[bflying]

I hate to go OT but I am also a sucker for sharp things and precious metals :biggrin:

Dang it, me too. Guns, knives, and other metals. So to keep it knife-y, here's a pic of a pretty knife I wouldn't mind giving to a pretty lady...[emoji41]. And a .999 lanyard bead, and a ring I pounded out of two quarter oz apmex rounds. No OT here.