Gift idea for 16yr old

P

PlayboyPenguin

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Dec 25, 2005
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I want to buy a nice folder for my nephew for his 16th birthday. I want to spend in the $100-$150 range. I am sure his taste would lean a little more towards the exotic than mine and he would probably like the more hi-tech looking blades as opposed to the formal wood handles I prefer. I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions along these lines.
 
That leaves it pretty wide open.

Have you got anything else for us to go on? Size at least? Assisted opening?

There are litterally hundreds of really nice knives to choose from in that price range.
 
maybe a millitary or a para millitary they look hi-tech to me
and there great knives
and those 2 are one of the best production folders ever made

greatings apolo
 
Here's a couple of knives that I'm guessing most teens would think were pretty cool. 1. Benchmade 921 double blade axis lock. 154CM-$151.95. (small second blade at the top right is 440C)
2.Heckler & Koch Axis Lock Folder w/tanto blade. 154CM steel-$127.99. (made by Benchmade)

Both knives can be found at http://www.knifeworks.com/
bm921.jpg
hk34ftp.jpg
 
Almost anything in the HK benchmade line looks high tech or at least more younger gen geared. Especially the one Boozoo pointed out. Kershaws go the blur which is assisted, I am not sure how much the large boa is but that looks more new aged. You left the field really wide open though so give us some more ideas....whats he gonna do with it, what blade shape does he like, how large, etc.
 
I had a thought ( which is dangerous )
Gotta watch the size of the blade and style of knife.
A buddy of mine his kid got in big trouble for carrying a 3 1/2 in knife. Apparently, 3 inches is the max here in Colorado. The police charge him with some weapons charge.
I know kids like the tac looking blades . Mine joke about me liking slipjoints, they wouldnt be caught dead carrying one.
A Spydie Native might be a good compromise. The blade is at 3 inches and its got a "tac" look.
Good knife hunting
Jack
 
How about a Benchmade 551 Mini-Griptilian, and a Spyderco Sharpmaker 204 to keep it sharp with?
 
Jack, the limit in Colorado (including Denver) is 3.5-inches. That problematic 3.5-inch knife was probably on the long side of 3.5. I carry a 3.25-inch all the time.

I would try for something that you don't find in the stores, something made from a premium alloy. A kid is likely to do something stupid with a knife and break it so I would look for something tough. A D2 bladed Griptilian from Cabelas would fit the bill.
 
Make sure it is okay with his parents/guardian first. ;)

For a 16 year old I wouldn't spend that much. The knife will get lost, abused, broken, stolen, confiscated, sold, traded, etc. I'm sure not many of us that are adults here on the forum still have a knife they owned when they were 16. I would get something in the neighborhood of a Spyderco Delica. If the new version of the Delica is available in time for his B-day then go for it.
 
Everytime I ever forked over big bucks for a knife for my son and later saw it and what he had done to it I kicked myself for wasting the money on it when all he did was abuse the hell out of it and beat it up. Now when I get him knives I focus on beaters for him because he pushes them to the limits of their endurance and ability most everytime. If this teen is anything like Brandon no knife is going to be exempt from being really used up and probably even torn up. Looking back to when I was that age I was no different. My first Buck 110 failed on my because of being thrown too many times.
If it were me I'd probably just spend $40 to $50 for a Cold Steel Zytel handled Ti Lite which most kids find cool anyway, and let him have his way with it. :D

STR
 
If I were 16 I'd be pretty happy with a Spyderco Native. You can pick one up for $40. The price is low, but the quality is great. You get s30v which is a premium steel and a reliable Spyderco lockback.
 
HI Jeff how ya doing...

I thought the limit was 3.5 also... but I am sure my buddy said his kid got in trouble cause it was over 3 inches...

As far as knives go for a 16 yr old I started thinking again.. The byrd line of spyderco knives are pretty tough and cheap enough that if it gets lost or broken its not that big a deal. The gal who works for me likes the byrd line. shes 25.

And yea when I was young we threw the knives a lot, carved the dickens out of everything and then some... and then threw them some more... I dont know if I would spend a whole lot of money right off on a knife.

IMHO

Good knife hunting
Jack
 
Might I suggest a Spyderco Byrd and a nice multi-tool? I think thats a great starter combo for a future blade fanatic. :-)
 
My son is near 15 now, and every knife i have bought or helped him to buy, is still in perfect condition this day.

Please don't think all kids are going to mess up a damn good knife, most will i guess, but quite a few will look after it quite well.



So, i will have to back up Glockman99's suggestion which i think is excellent.
A grip with a sharpmaker, a perfect pair for a youth with which to look after and grow wise with ect.

Good luck on your choice whatever you choose.

WR
 
Spyderco - Delica 4, Native, or D'Allara Drop Point.

Benchmade - Griptillians.

SOG - Trident Folder.
 
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