Gift Suggestion

M

mhhunter

Joined
Aug 29, 2013
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Hello all. I have a buddy who just got into medical school and I want to get him a folding knife to congratulate him. He has lots of nice knives but they are mostly $50-100 kershaws, spyderco ect. they aren't "special."
I want to get him something a bit different, more collectable for display or very light use. I have a 300$ budget.

He is the kind of guy who will not buy a knife he cannot carry. So because of our local laws that means no fixed blades or assisted/auto knives.
I also know he likes classic Buck knives but he doesn't like the nail nick...he prefers thumb studs.

He is obsessed with the BUCK Folding Kalinga Pro but I cant find one in my price range. He also likes American made knives.

So knowing all this, does any one have a suggestion on what I should get him or know where I might find the Kalinga?
 
Not made in USA, but Mcusta makes a fine folder...

yoroi02.jpg

Mcusta Yoroi

Thoughtful gift, OP; I'm sure your friend will appreciate whatever you choose... Good luck! :)

-Brett
 
For $300-$325, you can get a ANIB CRK small Sebenza or Strider SJ75 (leaf-shaped blade, I like it) on the Exchange. All of these have blades less than 3" so are likely legal and won't scare the girls who work with scalpels daily. With Chris Reeve knives, there is a wide selection of scale design and inlays that you will find on the Exchange, as well as various blade designs. And they slice just fine with 1/8" thick blades of S30v and S35VN. Chris Reeve Knives get the Manufacturers' Aware for Excellence each year at BLADE SHOW in Atlanta. American made, only 28 folks or so in the company; great customer service. Always my first recommendation. I've had at least twenty that go in and out as pass-throughs, and is what I carry.
The Spyderco 2013 Forum knife (2.950" blade from tip to grip) is available for about $180 or so; just came out as a limited-production Native V with super-steel S110V blade. The edge will last darned near forever. Has a traditional Spydie-Hole, however, no thumb-stud. Thanks, Spyderco, I love you for this knife alone.
 
mhhunter said:
Hello all. I have a buddy who just got into medical school and I want to get him a folding knife to congratulate him. He has lots of nice knives but they are mostly $50-100 kershaws, spyderco ect. they aren't "special."
I want to get him something a bit different, more collectable for display or very light use. I have a 300$ budget.

He is the kind of guy who will not buy a knife he cannot carry. So because of our local laws that means no fixed blades or assisted/auto knives.
I also know he likes classic Buck knives but he doesn't like the nail nick...he prefers thumb studs.

He is obsessed with the BUCK Folding Kalinga Pro but I cant find one in my price range. He also likes American made knives.

So knowing all this, does any one have a suggestion on what I should get him or know where I might find the Kalinga?
Click to expand...

I strongly suggest a CRK Sebenza 21 or small Sebenza 21, depending on the size of his knives. American made and widely hailed as one of the best knives in production. He'll be floored from such a gift, especially after using it and learning what it is!
 
If you didn't check eBay they have some available Kalinga models. I would recommend something like a ZT 0560 seen here. ( I couldn't link the model, you could easily google it though)
These are higher end knives made by the guys at Kershaw I believe. For $300 you could even possibly find a used lnib model with upgraded scales aka "pimped". Also check out the Spyderco Gail Bradley ($150) or the Spyderco Southard flipper( closer to $300). These knives are all "special" even though they are production knives. Just stay away from elmax blade steel through ZT. The heat treat is sometimes not optimal, but the other steels are excellent.
 
From what I have herd you can fully customize the buck 110 with thumb studs... Still my vote would have to be a Spyderco Tuff or a ZT 0561.
 
Sebenza all the way, but if not the Shun Higo 5900 is pretty bada** it comes with a gift box. I handled the knife btw, feels great in hand, liner lock is solid and the fit and finish is super nice. I think he would like it as it is scalpel-ish!!!

[video=youtube;mseVlL_bfbU]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mseVlL_bfbU[/video]
 
wow thanks for all the suggestions. I was looking at the Sabenzas i got a bit discouraged since alot of them seemed our of my price range. I give them another look.

The Mcustas are amazing i am going to look into those. They are new to me.

The ZT560's are great (i have one) but he is tends to worry about them being a bit large/agressive looking and getting arrested.

I think a small Sabenza 21 would be nice if i can find it in my price range....I have alot of things to look up now thank you everyone! keep em comming
 
Have you thought about a spyderco sage 2? Under your budget and a great compromise for a sebenza IMO... also a Bradley alias 2 would fit the bill IMO...
 
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