Folder for ham-handed dad for xmas

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knifedaddy84

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Oct 8, 2002
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I thought I knew a lot of knives but I need a memory jolt.

My dad is in his 60's, and has big hands. He cut himself opening a Leatherman so he needs something easy to open, easy to handle with big hands, and around or under a $100. Blade length shouldn't be a big concern as he's a retired LEO so I don't think that a half inch over a limit will cramp his style since he can pack if he wants. He's currently doing some general contracting work so his purpose would be general utility.

Suggestions appreciated, thanks!
 
If you can stretch that $100 just a little get him a Camillus Maxx Bowie. It's a huge knife (5-1/2" blade) that suits big hands well, but slim and light enough to carry easily. And it is one of the easiest opening knives I've ever handled. Just flick the flipper and you're ready to go.

The Maxx is a top-end knife at mid-level prices. You get a titanium frame lock and a D2 blade, excellent construction, and a look that mixes traditional (coffin-handle bowie) with modern (anodized titanium frame).

--Bob Q
 
Does it have to be one handed? Why not a new spin on an old classic and get a Buck 110 with CPM S30V? It's only $60. Or, for another $20, you could get A BM Grip in D2! (These offers are available through www.cabelas.com)
 
Big, one handed, easy to open, ~$100, good for general utility work. You've just about perfectly desribed the spyderco military. The only caveat would be how he tends to use his knives, I don't think of the Millie's tip as fragile, but it's certainly not made to be stuck in things and twisted around, so if he tends to be a bit rough on his knives maybe look into the benchmade griptillians. You'll note all the knives I'm recommending have opening holes, I find them vasty superior to thumbstuds in most forms. If your dad would appreciate a more traditional lockback I second the suggestion of a Buck 110 in s30v.
 
What about a Griptilian, or even better a Ritter Griptilian.

The grip is a no-nonsense user knife. Simple, not too flashy.
 
Yeah, the BM grip is awesome. Its got a big comfy handle with a wide useful blade. My ritter is very easy to open and I would guess the non-ritters are as well. The regular grips are well under a hundred and the ritters with s30v are just over.
The 110 might be a good choice as well but it can't hold a candle to the grip for ease of opening.
 
I'll agree with the others who recommend the Benchmade Griptilian.

I think the 551 works better than the 550 because my thumb often slipped off the thumb-oval without opening the blade--the 551's thumb-studs work every time without fail.

Another knife to consider is the Spyderco Military. It has a huge handle.

Happy hunting,
Allen.
 
Manix, built like a tank, built for large paws, and heavy use. They can be found on Ebay stores for 99,50$ (flames-n-knives). Just ordered mine. :)
 
knifedaddy84 said:
I thought I knew a lot of knives but I need a memory jolt.

My dad is in his 60's, and has big hands. He cut himself opening a Leatherman so he needs something easy to open, easy to handle with big hands, and around or under a $100. Blade length shouldn't be a big concern as he's a retired LEO so I don't think that a half inch over a limit will cramp his style since he can pack if he wants. He's currently doing some general contracting work so his purpose would be general utility.

Suggestions appreciated, thanks!
Click to expand...
My hands aren't huge, but they are arthritic and I love my Salsa. It is, admittedly, only 2 7/16" in blade length, but it is all usable. With the Cobra Hood over the SpyderHole for more thumb traction on openning and in use as well as the designed-in finger cut-outs, it feels a whole lot larger than it really is. See the NewGraham page below for prices. I would suggest that you consider the Ti Salsa. it is one Hell of a knife!
http://www.newgraham.com/spy4.htm

If you want tough and a lockback, how about the James Keating Chinook II at: http://www.newgraham.com/spy3.htm That thing is a veritable tank! I think of it as an updated Buck Folding Hunter for today sort of like the Glock is to a blued steel S&W Combat Masterpiece. Both are wonderful, one is traditional and the other is almost shockingly modern.

If you can find one in new condition, my love is the Terzuola/Spyderco StarMate in a plain edge. That is the most useful and aesthetically pleasing design that I have ever encountered. The trouble is that it is out of production, although the Spyderco Forum has Sal Glesser, the papa Spyder, talking about perhaps getting it back into production due to popular demand. Take a look at the combo blade version here, on Ted vad der Voorde's great summary page: http://www.ted.tweakdsl.nl/spyderco/spyderco.html
 
My Benchmade 806D2 (axis lock AFCK) is the only folder I own that the handle doesn't disappear in my hand. Most knives leave the heel of my hand hanging out past the end of the handle.
 
I just got one of these monsters... yeah it's over your $100 limit but well worth it. It will not feel small in anybodys hands :D
 
Big hands - Big man - I'm with Bell, loki and donovan - The Spyderco Manix is the go. Its a big, strong, built to last no nonsense knife that will bring your father much joy and hapiness.
 
Thought I should add that the more I think about this the more I think Buck 110. Maybe he's different but I think most guys his age would appreciate it alot more than the new high tech plastic knives we have now adays.
For your price range, you could get one of the special models like Cabelas, or you could even go to Pete's Custom Shop and have one made. I think you can still buy the one armed bandit thumbstuds to attach to them if it has to be one handed and he doesn't like to drop/flick them open :D
 
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