Recommendation? Dad's Retirement Gift

Not sure how active he is, but I bought a gorgeous pair or Trey Preslar's a couple years ago, one for myself, one as a graduation gift for my step son... Price was very fair, and the Leather sheaths were great! You could try looking him up and reaching out?
Btw, you don't necessarily need something that big for processing game either, something in the 4" - 5" range would suffice for most tasks, and still be pleasantly small enough to EDC comfortably... just thought I'd throw that out there...
 
strategy9 said:
Btw, you don't necessarily need something that big for processing game either, something in the 4" - 5" range would suffice for most tasks, and still be pleasantly small enough to EDC comfortably... just thought I'd throw that out there...
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He wouldn't be EDCing just probably tucked away nicely in the offseason then being carried in his kill kit during season.
 
You might be surprised. Give him the right knife, he might edc it. Retirement brings a lot of changes. My Dad retired and pierced his own ear, so he could wear a gold fishhook in it.
 
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A poor picture of one of Phillip Patton's hunters. Forged AEBL if I remember correctly. Lovely hollow ground.
 
NDGuy said:
That's "gold"! haha
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My mom was not amused. It wasn’t an earring that looked like fish hook, it was an actual gold plated fish hook. Lol.

I guess after all those years of going to work looking respectable, he needed to let loose.

He had one good summer of fishing everyday, got sick and died of cancer a year later.
 
If your Dad isn't really into custom knives, you might consider a Buck Vanguard. It comes in either 420HC (easier to sharpen) or S30V steel, elegant wooden handle and brass fittings, plus it's more suited to hunting, field dressing and camp chores than a 119 or similar longer blade.
 
What knife does he currently use? Does he have a favorite? Get someone to make a clone of his favorite knife with a few upgradeds. Add some jumping or size it for his hands?

After about 5 knives my father really has come to love the spyderco native in Rex 45 I gave to him. Really didn't think that would be the knife for him but he loves it.

I am big on 3v but finding what to buy needs to start with what is in his pocket now.
 
122120-2.JPG 122120-1.JPG I'd also recommend. Philip Patton. He makes beautiful stuff. Check out his Instagram. His prices are modest.for the quality you get. He's making me a couple of knives right now! I'll post em here when I get them around New Years!!. His leather work is great too! Good luck and let us know what route you go!!!

He just sent me this so here have a look!!
 
Ajack60 said:
I would recommend Robert Erickson, he’s here on the knife makers forum. He does some gorgeous looking knives in wood. His work is posted in these forums.
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JJ_Colt45 said:
Robert Erickson is great to work with and get exactly what you want. I would recommend checking out his website and contacting him to discuss what you are thinking about having made.

I have a hunting knife made by Carl Colson also that is a beautiful piece. He does excellent work too.

If you want a truly special leather sheath for it I think Robert sometimes sends stuff to Claude Scott or you can contact Paul Long (goes by sheathmaker here on the forum) about a special sheath.
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Yes, Robert Erickson is making some fantastic stuff. They are significantly under-priced at the moment. I'm tempted to grab one before the price rises to match the grit on the finish!
 
Richard338 said:
Yes, Robert Erickson is making some fantastic stuff. They are significantly under-priced at the moment. I'm tempted to grab one before the price rises to match the grit on the finish!
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Alright seems like quite the popular guy on here. I checked out his work, really cool stuff! I emailed him a few times and told him to put me in his books.
 
I have, or have had, knives from most of those mentioned so far. As far as customs go I'd really suggest figuring out what he'll use and starting with that. There's no sense in buying a Bowie when a upland knife is what he needs.

Apart from that the Patton knife Bigfattyt has is a 4" drop point in a pattern from Bob Loveless. It's one of the most copied patterns around, and a great field knife. I use one by WC Davis as my "go to" hunting knife. (The same pattern is in my avitar, a set of three I had done for my brothers a few years back.) Just about any maker out there has a library of Loveless designs to use. I recommend just looking through the various patterns and once you find one that you think will work for your dad, have it made.
 
Pretty sure Philip Patton can get you in his to do list quick! I waited 2 weeks and that was just to do drawings. Should have them in another 2 weeks!!
 
All that have been mentioned are wonderful makers, producing well made working blades. Since your lead time is a year you should have no problem getting on there books. Erickson, Patton, Colson, Davis, Drew, Carothers all make great hunters, now the fun begins.
 
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woodysone said:
All that have been mentioned are wonderful makers, producing well made working blades. Since your lead time is a year you should have no problem getting on there books. Erickson, Patton, Carlson, Davis, Drew, Carothers all make great hunters, now the fun begins.
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Is there a particular Erickson design/model that has gotten particular positive feedback? I am leaning towards a drop point style blade, can't decide the blade angle though.

Thinking of doing a Ironwood or Spalted maple handle with a spacer and micarta bolster & SV35 for the steel. Only thing is idk how adept my dad is at sharpening, I know he usually uses a belt sharpener.
 
Man, that spalted maple whitetail hunter that Carl Colson has available on his website is finer than frog hair! And it's in your price range.

If you don't buy it for your dad, I'll buy it for myself!
 
NDGuy said:
Is there a particular Erickson design/model that has gotten particular positive feedback? I am leaning towards a drop point style blade, can't decide the blade angle though.

Thinking of doing a Ironwood or Spalted maple handle with a spacer and micarta bolster & SV35 for the steel. Only thing is idk how adept my dad is at sharpening, I know he usually uses a belt sharpener.
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I would talk to Robert. He does a lot of his own heat treating. I love his stuff with hamons, but probably not for a user. Your choice of a stainless like SV35 is good for a gift.
 
ruddyduck said:
Man, that spalted maple whitetail hunter that Carl Colson has available on his website is finer than frog hair! And it's in your price range.

If you don't buy it for your dad, I'll buy it for myself!
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That's a beauty. Very tempting and it's available....early retirement gift?! lol
 
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