Help me pick an axis lock knife for my dad for Christmas!

A

Amurr

Joined
Nov 22, 2013
Messages
524
Hey guys,

This knife is for my dad as an EDC

My dad is 60 and a judge, he not going to EDC a huge knife. I know he like the axis lock.

I am considering the following. More looking for a gentleman’s folder. Please share any thoughts you have on these.
1) 485 valet
2) 698 foray
3) 485 Nakamara
4) 531 parude

Not interested in the 940 series at this point. I got him a 943 a few years ago.

Any feedback on these models appreciated! I might get if from a vendor that engraved the blade
 
Of the 4 that you listed, I would rank them in the order you have it actually. I love the Valet but it's out of my budget.

One thing I will mention about the Nakamura, depending on the size of your dads hands, sometimes the hand doesn't fit the finger slots well. I personally prefer a more neutral handle like the Valet.

Edit: Spyderco Manix 2 has a ball bearing type lock too. Blade is bigger at 3.4" thou roughly. Awesome knife (I have the XL version). Even a few bucks cheaper if that helps at all.
 
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Yeah I have big hands and have not enjoyed the Nakmara, my dads hands are pretty big also. Going to count that one out. I forgot about that.
 
47F3CD62-E36B-4762-8D9D-D053256A40BD.jpeg A4EFF1DF-BFFE-4E72-B533-50C8ABCEFFF5.jpeg I’m going to cast my vote for the Foray.
Picked one up off the Exchange this summer and that knife impressed the shit out of me!
Solid as a rock, excellent blade steel & profile, amazing action & lock up and feels perfect in hand.
I really cannot find a fault with it.
Great knife!!
I’d also recommend a look at the 470. Another great gentleman’s folder.....it is assisted opening though.
The 470 is slimmer than the Foray. Another winner!!
Good luck.
Joe
 
Amurr said:
Yeah I have big hands and have not enjoyed the Nakmara, my dads hands are pretty big also. Going to count that one out. I forgot about that.
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Why not the Crooked River? And why no photos? ;)

SvAbnIm.jpg


Or a rather nice Barrage in M390?

ps0CY2J.jpg
 
3FB59D99-98D5-4567-8FCD-4D5A3C6A9CC0.jpeg I like the way you think Pilsner Pilsner !!!
The 581 was one of my first Benchmades and fell in love! I also picked up a 586.....another fantastic blade!!
Joe
 
palonej said:
View attachment 802124 View attachment 802125 I’m going to cast my vote for the Foray.
Picked one up off the Exchange this summer and that knife impressed the shit out of me!
Solid as a rock, excellent blade steel & profile, amazing action & lock up and feels perfect in hand.
I really cannot find a fault with it.
Great knife!!
I’d also recommend a look at the 470. Another great gentleman’s folder.....it is assisted opening though.
The 470 is slimmer than the Foray. Another winner!!
Good luck.
Joe
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DANG I like that Foray. Not a fan of recurves, but that is one good looking blade.
 
maximus83 said:
DANG I like that Foray. Not a fan of recurves, but that is one good looking blade.
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The recurve is very slight, almost unnoticeable. Simple to touch up on the Sharpmaker Max. Also, the knife is so damn good I can overlook it!
If you like it, don’t let it stop you from picking one up! Got mine for $140 on the Exchange.
Joe
 
I vote Foray as well.
I had a Valet and didn't like it.
Handled a Nakamura once and didn't like they way it felt in my hand.
The Foray is a fantastic knife that you really have to hold in order to appreciate. Don't let the recurve shy you away.
The North Fork would also be a good option, if you don't mind a little more recurve.
 
531 pardue is a great edc.

It's not going to be there "toughest, most rugged" knife our there, but its super lightweight and super thin for slicing... it's my go to knife now for when I'm wearing basketball shorts, or when I'm opting for a lightweight option.
 
Just re visited this thread and have to smile!!
I’ll bet in a couple of days we’ll have the whole line up represented!
So many great knives!
Joe
 
E7228C2C-6AC5-4000-9B7B-090A94E0222B.jpeg Does your dad express interest in modern folders? Has he carried a knife before? Only reason I asked is because I have been in your shoes as well. I bought my dad a nice modern folder. Think it was a mini grip but he didn’t care it every day. He likes knives and knew he used to cary a SAK every day when I was a kid. I ended up getting him a sweet GEC slipjoint and he was stoked. Not my picture but it was something like this..
 
Take a look at the custom configuration website from Benchmade. I have used it twice, and it is pretty quick. They only have 4 models though, but luckily the Griptilian and the mini Grip are 2 of them!
 
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