Buying a knife for my father: need some advice

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swingshot

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May 19, 2003
Messages
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For YEARS my father has held on to the same Opinel that I bought him.

I'm thinking about getting him an 'upgrade' for xmas but am unsure what to get him. He really likes the blade on my Boa, but complains that the handle is too thin.

Can anyone advice me on a quality folder that simillar in blade style/size but has beefier handles?


TIA
 
Since I'm an "older guy" I'll offer this thought.

Your Dad may like a large Case "Sodbuster" in place
of the Opinel. It's very similar in both shape and
feel to the Opinel while offering better steel.

The Case doesn't lock but instead has a STRONG back
spring. I use one from time to time as I like the
simple utility of these knives. I think your Dad
might also.

Good luck.;)
 
Originally posted by Dragon_Man
Try a BUCK 110. Nice knife and a hand full.
Click to expand...


Yes. You can even go to Pete's Custom Knife Shop and order custom scale materials and blade steels. :)
 
If you are refering to the Kershaw Boa, then you might also like to check out the CRKT M1 Lightfoot. It has a similar style (though I think it look even nicer than the Boa, sorry...) and has gotten very good reviews from what I've read (haven't checked one out myself though).

Good Luck,

-John
 
For a beefier recurve I would recommend the Timberline Worden Tactical Supreme.

worden_tactical.jpg

This is a surprisingly large and hand-filling knife. The blade is a versatile 3.9" clip-point recurve in AUS-8. The grip has outstanding ergonomics and offsets its exotic shape with traditional-looking winewood scales. This is a tough, no nonsense, working knife. For around $65 its also a great deal.

If that doesn't suit you, I would suggest you look at the Emerson Commander as an alternative. It offers somewhat better materials, similar fit and finish, and the nifty "WAVE" opening system. Unfortunately it is also around three times the price.

Personally, I like the Worden Tactical better, even ignoring the costs. I gave away my Commander to a friend, but I've kept the Worden.

There are several other excellent recurves out there, notably the outstanding Benchmade 710, but I can't think of any others that have thicker or better grips than the Boa.

--Bob Q
 
I'd say a buck 110 (especially custom) or 112 would be a good starting point. If he's that fond of the opinel, he may not like a tactical folder.
 
I suggest a traditional lockback form Buck or Schrade if you want inexpensive, or from A.G. Russell if you want to spend a bit more.

If he really likes the Opinel, there are some fancy ones with nice wood and polished blades (I believe only in Stainless).
 
I am going to throw out something to you that hit home with me. You may want to get your dad involved in the sellection process. Knives are a very personal item. He has used the knife you gave him for some time and seems to be perfectly happy with it. He may not want to replace the Opinel and if you buy him something he really doesn't like he may feel compelled to carry and use it not to upset you.

I have had several knives given to me by my wife and kids. Some I really didn't care for. I didn't know what to do for a time then asked them if they would be offended if I exchanged the knife. It wasn't a problem and they know I usually don't carry any one knife for too long before replacing it with something new.

Some people are more sensative. Just something to consider.
 
An excellent point Mr. Watson. I've found myself in that same situation countless times, usually having to invent a reason why I 'had to' return the knife or whatever.

-John

PS - Have you been hacking into my 'subscribed threads' list or what? I've gotten notices in my inbox that you posted to three different thread I've posted in. There are laws against stalking you know...
 
If he likes a hand filling folder, you should really check out a Gerber Gator. The "Stud Gator" would be my suggestion. It gets it's name because of the added thumb stud. The full size Gators have the most comfortable handles I think I've ever held in my hand. The Stud Gator comes with an ATS-34 blade too, which is far better than the 440-A used in Gerber's first offerings of this line.

Good luck and happy hunting!


All the best,
Mike U.
 
Swingshot,
Maybe your Dad might like an upgrade that stays with the French theme?

How about a Laguiole?

Besides being French, they're traditional, and have a nice bulkier feel to the handles than many slipjoints.

Happy hunting......

--The Raptor--
 
Hey this is a nice idea.

Sounds like you Dad is a practical guy, especially if he held onto the knife you gave him for so long.

If I were making a suggestion it would be to stay away from those bigger folders. Dad, being the practical guy he is, may prefer an easy carry in the pocket.

I'd recommned the Kershaw Double Duty...nice little piece,good solid quality...and locking blades.

But, that having a choice is better. ONe of the reasons nobody buys underwear for me but me.

Maybe you could put a "menu" of knives, in a card, around Turkey Day. Offer them to Dad after the meal. Let him be excited 'til Christmans morning. Remember what that was like? Dad should get a kick out of it too!

Good Luck.
Shane
 
blastjv, no stalking here, too damn big to sneak around. We must be interested in the same subject matter.
 
Good knife, nice handle?
Look here

Hey it costs a little more, but he is your *Dad*

Just a fellow Dad's point of view ;)
 
Greetings:

I found this thread in a search so maybe the gift has already been purchased, but just in case, go to Ragweed Forge "other trad. knife" section at
<http://ragweedforge.com/HistoricalKnifeCatalog.html>
& look at the Swedish Folder:
<http://ragweedforge.com/eka.jpg>

Plenty of Opinels & other options there also. The Scandinavian fixed blades are always fun to browse.

No vested interest; just one of Ragnar's many happy customers. Best,

Andrew
 
Mr. Misque beat me to the punch. The Gerber Gator, thumbstud or not. Best feeling handle out there for the price. My wife actually bought the first one for herself at Walmart, her first knife. I soon got myself one too, then bought a studded-one later.

Open, it feels like a fixed blade hunter.

WayLander
 
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