Fixed Blade knife for my Mom (Advice)

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pharminator

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Nov 23, 2014
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Hi guys, looking for a little advice. My mom is moving soon, and I'd like to get her a knife to help her with the packing/opening boxes process. She is a senior, without great dexterity, and hand arthritis so I'm not sure how a sliding blade box cutter would work. In addition, I think a folding knife would just get her cut. So, I'm thinking a small fixed blade would be appropriate. I don't have a ton of experience with fixed blades (I have a BK-10, but that's it). My personal choice for a small fixed blade knife would be an Esee Izula or a BK-14. For her, it doesn't need to be great steel or construction (but it has to be constructed to provide safe use), as likely all she'll be doing is opening boxes and maybe some other light duty stuff. I did a quick search, and the following grabbed my attention:

Boker Magnum Lil Friend

BO02SC743.jpg

(Credit to KnifeCenter for image)

This guy is my front runner. Just about 1.5" blade length (3-3/8" overall), with a big grip. I think this would be easy to handle, without a lot of blade to cut too deeply into the boxes. In addition, the price is pretty much perfect. It says 440 stainless, but it would be handy to know 440A/B/C.

Price is important, as I don't want to spend much more than $20, and probably $30 hard cap. The only other knife that I was thinking about is a Mora Scout knife or one of the Classic designs. Any other suggestions?

Thanks!
 
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That knife looks good, but for opening boxes I would want a nearly straight blade as if there is too much belly the tip gets hard to use. Sorry, but I do not have a dedicated recommendation in mind.
 
the CRKT Minimalist comes with a wharncliffe blade and is very easy to grip, maybe you could check that out.
 
Keep an eye on the exchange for a bk11/14/24. Mod it a bit or look for a smaller custom in the exchange.

Keep an eye out for "Austin Goldman" and his stuff. Good knives, especially for the cost. He oftwn has some marked down too, send him a PM and see if he has anything that fits your needs.
 
I know this is Bladeforums and many people here will look for any reason to buy a new knife but...

Not all box cutters/utility razors have sliding blades. Many have fixed blades.

Also, does she have kitchen knives? If you think a fixed-blade would serve her best for opening boxes, why not a sharp paring knife from her kitchen?

Does she want a new knife? Or are you just looking for a "new knife solution" to a problem that could be solved by a knife that she already owns and will use for other things (like paring)? :)
 
Great suggestions already. Izula, one of the small bks would do great If you want to spend a little more, crkt minimalist or a mora are great budget options. I'll also second looking at "Austin Goldman's" work. I have one and it was well worth the price. Not the best fit and finish but micarta, ats-34, with kydex sheath for under $50 or so? Hard to go wrong. It stays in my kitchen drawer for utility tasks which it performs quite well.
 
I would just be aware that a longer blade such as a mora or etc. May be a problem with opening boxes, as you could accidently pierce the contents.
 
It's a low end Boker Magnum series, so 440a..
Their Plus series utilizes 440c
The grasshopper wouldn't be a bad choice for a lightweight knife from Boker Plus.
The Newton Martin K-bit is a great little lightweight necklace knife, really is no bigger then a big pendant on a chain, chisel ground with a slight curve, perfect for cutting tape and opening boxes. But very small, could pose problems for an arthritic hand.

A More versatile suggestion, light weight with a great comfortable rubber grip (for someone elderly, with arthritis and less strength and control in their hands) is a Mora Installer (stainless) or Electrician (carbon)
http://www.bladehq.com/item--Morakniv-Craftline-Installer-Knife--28117
Or
http://www.bladehq.com/item--Mora-of-Sweden-Craftline-HighQ--20976
Nice plastic sheath with a clip.much better option IMO for you mother and her upcoming needs...
 
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killgar said:
I know this is Bladeforums and many people here will look for any reason to buy a new knife but...

Not all box cutters/utility razors have sliding blades. Many have fixed blades.

Also, does she have kitchen knives? If you think a fixed-blade would serve her best for opening boxes, why not a sharp paring knife from her kitchen?

Does she want a new knife? Or are you just looking for a "new knife solution" to a problem that could be solved by a knife that she already owns and will use for other things (like paring)? :)
Click to expand...

^^^

This. Thank you.

Side note:

She should pick out her own 'new' fixed blade knife or new box cutter for the task at hand IF she really wants a new tool or knife.

People who have old injuries, arthritis, nerve damage, age issues, etc. should pick out their own knives and hold them in their hands. It has to work for them and their hands.

Cate
 
Spyderco Swick has some advantages when opening and unpacking a lot of boxes. You can keep it in your hand somewhat out of the way, but it is there ready when you need it. (Could be dangerous if you aren't careful though.)

Otherwise any small neck knife would be useful. You would have to find one with a sheath that is easy to use. I saw a Bark River neck knife with a magnet in the sheath and it was very easy to use, no need for a lot of force to snap the knife into the sheath, just slide it in.
 
killgar said:
I know this is Bladeforums and many people here will look for any reason to buy a new knife but...

Not all box cutters/utility razors have sliding blades. Many have fixed blades.

Also, does she have kitchen knives? If you think a fixed-blade would serve her best for opening boxes, why not a sharp paring knife from her kitchen?

Does she want a new knife? Or are you just looking for a "new knife solution" to a problem that could be solved by a knife that she already owns and will use for other things (like paring)? :)
Click to expand...

Pretty much! :D

But back to the paring knives, that's another story altogether. I've been trying to get mom to upgrade her kitchen knives, simply because she using a small paring knife for all cutting tasks, and I would like her to branch out, as it would be faster, and arguably safer using the right knife for the job.

But I digress.

I'll have a talk with her, but you're exactly right, I'm just looking for an excuse to buy another knife for someone. :)
 
strategy9 said:
It's a low end Boker Magnum series, so 440a..
Their Plus series utilizes 440c
The grasshopper wouldn't be a bad choice for a lightweight knife from Boker Plus.
The Newton Martin K-bit is a great little lightweight necklace knife, really is no bigger then a big pendant on a chain, chisel ground with a slight curve, perfect for cutting tape and opening boxes. But very small, could pose problems for an arthritic hand.

A More versatile suggestion, light weight with a great comfortable rubber grip (for someone elderly, with arthritis and less strength and control in their hands) is a Mora Installer (stainless) or Electrician (carbon)
http://www.bladehq.com/item--Morakniv-Craftline-Installer-Knife--28117
Or
http://www.bladehq.com/item--Mora-of-Sweden-Craftline-HighQ--20976
Nice plastic sheath with a clip.much better option IMO for you mother and her upcoming needs...
Click to expand...

Thanks for the information regarding Boker's steel breakdown. I figured if they didn't say, it would probably be 440a. I had a look at the plus line, and this jumped out at me:
BO02BO182a.jpg

It's the Boker Plus Rambler. It's got a bit better blade geometry on it than the other, though it is a longer knife. (2.5" blade).

This is also pretty cute:
BO02SC745.jpg

Boker Magnum Lil Friend 2".
Probably just 440a, but I have lots of gear to keep it sharp. Good price too.

Anyway, thanks for all the advice!
 
You know what, the Boker Plus Rambler looks like it's going to take the cake. I absolutely love the look of that blade, and the sheath is more in line with what I was looking for. What I'll do is I'll buy it, and loan it out to my Mom if she wants. Then, if she like it, I'll just leave it at her place, and if she doesn't, there's no pressure for her to take it. I could use a budget fixed blade of 440c. As I said, I was considering the Izula, but this is half the price. If I use it a ton, I may upgrade it later. You know, more excuses for knives....
 
Get something with a wharncliff blade. My wife has CRKT neck peck for the same reason. She's had it for years. My personal choice would be a Stanley folding utility knife. Easy to open and close. Easy to change the blades so you never need to sharpen it. No sheath to carry around.
 
Many of the blades suggested have very small handles, which are hard for someone with arthritis to hold. I also wouldn't recommend the Minimalist (or any other CRKT) as a utility knife because of CRKT's mystery steel and NevRSharp heat treat (as a defensive throwaway, it's just fine).

Best bet would be a Mora Electrician.

FT11673.jpg


Comfortable full-length handle, short safety-tipped blade, lightweight easy to use sheath, and the price is right at $18. Moras are one of the best if not the best performing and highest quality low-priced fixed blades available. Over-piercing would not be a problem given blade length and tip.
 
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