Help me pick just one knife

onojoe

onojoe

Joined
Aug 4, 2013
Messages
1,487
Before you all panic, its not for me. I have no problem picking multiple knives. Its for my nephews.

My nephews are transitioning from boys to men. I have found myself in a position to be the male role model in their lives. Thanks to the fact that their dads aren't exactly positive role models. I would love to get them a traditional pocket knife, one that every man should have. I am thinking back to the knives our fathers and grandfathers had and the knife our mothers and grandmothers expected them to pull out of their pockets when something needed to be cut.

I would like to hear your suggestions. I don't mind spending some money on these, as I hope it will be something they hand down.

Thanks,
Joe
(as is always the case, pictures are appreciated)
 
A Barlow or a stockman would be my vote. Both are hard use knifes and have multiple blades for different situations. A stockman can be had by many companies while a Barlow is hard to find unless on the used market
 
Woodrow F Call said:
What does their cool uncle carry?


Stockmen, Peanuts, and Alox SAKs are hard to beat.
Click to expand...
Usually one of these, when carrying a traditional
VYTXrPc.jpg

Ewd6UX9.jpg
 
onojoe said:
VYTXrPc.jpg
Click to expand...

That's what I'd go with. The stockman is too much knife for people that aren't knife people in my experience. One or two blades is plenty, and the combination of wharncliffe and pen will tackle any need that they're likely to encounter. Having one similar to the one that you carry would make it special and more likely to be carried.
 
I think a two-blade jack is the quintessential traditional knife. Barlow, Eureka, teardrop, gunstock, take your pick. The Case Texas jack in amber bone is very affordable and a darn good knife for the money.
 
SAK Farmer, Recruit, or Tinker/Super Tinker, or a scout/camp knife, or a Barlow (2 blade) or a stockman, or a canoe would get my vote.
I've given my nephew/God Son (with his parent's o.k.) the scout knife I won in a GAW here, a Buck 389 canoe, and a number 7 Opinel (with Carbone blade). He likes having the same style knives I do.
 
I started my boys with Case Knives (Sowbelly and Saddlehorn, Seahorse whittler, Bird hook, 88 Congress and Lg Stockman, Trappers, Hunter, Hobo...to name a few), all very nice...
but whatabout a GEC #15 Farm Boy Knife Rust Red Jigged Bone
1387041245503-1242669526.jpeg


and perhaps for the second a Queen City 01 Sway Bell Trapper Jigged Bone
1441289739356-1643473322.jpeg


a little pricey, but if not too young, then both very well made, classic 1095 steel...and as they are older youths on the cusp of manhood, knives such as these would be much appreciated and surely be fondly remembered . AS I tell my significant other, "there are worse hobbies and vices than this... Best of luck in your choice.

ASC
 
Last edited:
If I were you, I'd look for a couple of #77 single-bladed spear barlows from this recent run. Unlike the TCs, you can actually find them. They are pinchable. The blade has belly. They are not too big. 2-blade models are great, but they just won't carry them as often. There's just something special about a barlow (of course, maybe that's because a barlow was the first knife I ever bought with my own hard-earned money as a kid). Teach them about the general nature of carbon steel and they'll have an heirloom in their pockets.

 
Last edited:
I would go with the SAK Farmer. Useful, high quality, and wouldn't scare non-knife people.
 
I was given a Case 3318 Stockman as a boy and that is what i would give if i were in your position.

Jim
 
Case mini trapper is a great all around pocket knife, good for field work or just every day around the house jobs. I was recently given a GEC little Jack ( thank you Dickens, your a true gentleman) which will be my sons first pocket knife when he is ready. Not sure of the age of your nephews, they may already be well suited for a larger traditional. Just an option if they're a bit younger. Possibly something new traditional to start their journey? Maybe a beagle or coyote?
 
Last edited:
Something like GEC's #15 with a sheepsfoot and pen. Great combo to start with, and I think many here still like this combo. I think the sheep is a good starter because it's pretty hard to have it close on your fingers in use and you can't really jab anything either. The little pen provides a little versatility in a smaller-secondary blade. One with a bail would be good so it could be fastened to said boys to aid in keeping it from getting lost.
Take care,
Josh
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top