Coming of age present

Depends on the type of person and the type of knife that best describes your teachings.

What types of knives do you carry?

 

Buck 110 would be a classic choice(and costs about $30), though as the other dude said, there may be other questions that would give a better idea. Is the knife just a symbol, something to get then keep in or display on your dresser, or is it something he will actually carry regularly? If it's something he will carry, you might want something lighter than the 110, something that could clip in a pocket, or be more comfortably carried loose(like an SAK).

 

A coming of age is a very traditional and almost anachronistic ritual, so maybe consider a knife which reflects this. I think any sort of plastic could cheapen it - with the notable exception of a Swiss Army Knife or similar, because they've been around forever and have their own strong tradition. If it was me buying I would probably go for something with a carbon steel blade and wooden handle/scales, made by a brand which has been around for a long time (or reflects a tradition of timelessness). Since carbon steel will require maintenance it will (hopefully) help him realise the value of things which last; and lets face it, when we maintain our knives we start to love them right? Ideally I reckon go for something that he will have in his pocket when he's backpacking around the world in 8 years time

So...I would say consider either the SAK, or maybe a solid but fairly plain stockman's style knife.

Let us know what you go with, and what he thinks of it

 

Sak, Buck 300 series, yellow case (sod buster, stockman, mini trapper)

 

Definitely a SAK. I got one when i was 7-8, and i still own it almost 30 years later.

 

Get him a knife that he can use and abuse with no worry and minimal maintenance... and a locking blade. I would go with a CS american Lawman, a Recon-1 Spear-point, or one of the various Voyager models... but NO tantos. These can all be found very cheap, easy to sharpen, solid and proven Tri-Ad Lock, ambi pocket clips if he's a southpaw, and easy to care for due to Aus-8A steel blades. Go for the 3-4 inch models and that boy will have a pocketknife to last him many years.

 

I was just getting ready to suggest a Case Mini Trapper! This was one of my very first knives as a young man (and Boy Scout). It just oozes tradition.

I might recommend a jigged bone version - to me, this is the quintessential Case handle material. I reminds me of my Grandaddy's knife. Plus, it is a lot less expensive than some of the more exotic scale material such as stag. The yellow delrin handle is also very traditional, and has an even lower price point.

TedP

 

Sounds like you have it sorted mate. Let us know how it goes.