Good knife for an older guy?

If you can swing it I would suggest a Wiliam Henry E6. These are very smooth and the button lock is very easy to operate.

I can also attest to the Spyderco air. Very light dressy and the M4 blade is very capable.
 
I would get him the Sage 1 if I were you. Good all around edc and very classy with the carbon fiber and excellent fit and finish. Easy to open and close. A little more special for a Christmas gift than the Delica which is a fine knife.
 
I am so old my bones creak when I walk ~~ but if had only one knife to carry it would be the "Delica ZDP189"..!**
One of the best that Spyderco has come out with and I love all there knives and have the Bank Account to prove it but the Delica won't break the bank and he will really like it as it is a working mans Knife for whatever comes along.!!*****
 
Since someone already got him a cheap knife, I'd say you've got a perfect opportunity to open up a conversation about knives with him without giving away your intention to buy him one as a gift - you can mention your wife said he was interested in a pocket knife, talk about what you like and all the options out there, his desired use, etc. Just because he's not a 'knife guy' doesn't mean he wouldn't be interested in a nice folder and should just be given a plain old multi-tool. Perhaps he's seen a knife somewhere he though was really nice and it piqued his interest in quality pocket knives.
 
You may want to pull your post, as advertising from a non-paying member is a definite no-no.
 
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Delica is a great suggestion. If you want to make it something really special, look at the damascus version. I think, however, you are on the right track in finding out what interests him.
 
Northwoods (made by GEC) Fremont or Hawthorne are easy to open, pinchable yet with a nice snap.
 
I'm over 65 and I have enough joint problems to identify with your father-in-law. Without knowing more about his preferences, it's difficult to offer any specific advice. But I'll do so anyway.

Someone recommended something like "just get a GEC or a Case Peanut". Terrible advice for someone with difficulty in fine or gross manipulation. The Peanut, a great small knife, is difficult to open and harder to handle once open for someone with hand problems. Other than one of the Easy Open models (which I've never handled), GECs have heavy springs and I really dislike them for that reason. Great knives otherwise but awful for someone having problems using their hands. Alternatives in the traditional arena would include most of the other Case models which are easier to manipulate. Also look at knives made by Queen--Queen City, Schatt & Morgan, Moore Maker (the more expensive ones only, the low end models are not Queen made), etc. Boker's Solingen Tree Brand knives are good but be careful you don't get a "German" Tree Brand that's really made in China--not bad knives but not traditional Boker Tree Brand knives either.

For one hand openers, it's harder to offer good recommendations. There are so many styles and features and designs. For a good medium sized, well made knife that should please an old guy, I would offer the Spyderco Sage 1, a Benchmade Mini-Gripitilian or Mini-Presidio. I have large hands and the Mini-Grip's handle is too short for me so I prefer the Mini-Presidio--both are good knives. For a smaller knife that's easy to manipulate and handle, I prefer the Spyderco Dragonfly and Cat.

All of these are well under $200 which leaves money for an additional gift or two. Or simply get a selection of traditionals and moderns that cover the range of choices.
 
I'm in approximately that same age range and I haven't carried a traditional knife in over 35 years, but I know other people my age that carry them even though they could buy a more modern knife.

Regarding what an other person would like- you have to consider size, lock type, traditional vs. modern, price range, and what type of material. If the recipient is open to a modern knife I would suggest a Spyder Sage or Caly, or Benchmade Mini-Griptilian. If he would be happier with a traditional, I can't help you there.

Most modern knives these days probably have G10 scales or something like that, but some have aluminum, carbon fiber or titanium scales, and you can get knives with natural materials like wood and even bone or various stone. For my normal carry I'm perfectly happy with G10, but I don't go for fancy or dressy knives.
 
Check out the selection of Northwoods knives at KnivesShipFree. Derrick is the owner and a BladeForums Dealer/Member. The Northwoods brand is made by GEC exclusively for KSF, and they are outstanding traditional pocket knives (and lots to choose from for under $200). I'm not connected in any way - I just love the knives. Here's my Northwoods Norfolk Whittler in Ivory:

 
Opinels are the easiest to open, and are outstanding general-purpose knives. As long as he can remember to turn the ringlock, they are as steady as a fixed-blade, and when closed, will not open accidentally.
 
First knife that came to my mind and one I don't think I've seen mentioned is the Spyderco Sage 4.
 
I just gave my best friend a ZT 0801 for his 60th birthday. He's a non-knife guy but he absolutely loves it. I'm right behind him in age and it's in my top 3 favorite folders. Flippers start looking better and better as you get older :D
 
I bought my dad a 707 (he's 61) and he absolutely loves it. He's like a kid with the axis lock flipping it opened and closed one handed. He used to carry a SAK years ago but nothing since then, now the 707 never leaves his pocket.
 
An Opinel in Sandvik. Super light, super sharp thin blade. Very attractive and old fashioned. Just twist the ring lock for a few days before giving it to him to loosen it up.
 
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