Help with picking a knife

D

Deebs

Joined
Aug 5, 2015
Messages
7
Hey, I know nothing about knives. But my son is graduating from army boot camp. An I would to get him one that he can use and will last. I started searching the web 3 weeks ago, and wow there's so much. I do want to get him a folding knife. Past that, just a good quality one. There are army ones I seen, but there so cheap. I was nervous about quality. Any suggestions.
 
Without knowing what your budget is, I suggest you get a knife designed for this exact situation — the Spyderco Military — or its smaller cousin, the Paramilitary 2. Congrats to you and your son!
 
Price range?
Blade length? (or overall size)
Without narrowing at least those two down, suggestions will be all over the place & of limited value.

I'm a fan of Zero Tolerance knives. Spydercos are hugely popular, and of good quality. MAP has turned some people away from Benchmade; but there are still some I'd buy. Kershaw (sister company to Zero Tolerance) has some solid, lower priced options. The list goes on - no offense to fans of any maker I didn't mention - but your budget for this knife will help narrow the suggestions. (there's no sense sending you to look at $300-450 knives if you're thinking $150-200, or telling you about sub $100 knives if you're thinking $250-300).
 
My budget would be around $200. Plus a little won't hurt. One he put in his pocket so not huge. Not a knife guy but 3.5 to 5" closed I think would work.
 
Maybe a Leatherman Skeletool CX? It has a very functional blade in a good steel, but it would also give him a solid, lightweight multitool he could carry. Depending on his MOS quick access to a screwdriver or pliers could be just as important to him as the blade.
 
I'm not sure of his MOS. Hell he will get out of boot camp and come back and finish his senior year or high school then go to AIT. But I want as just a knife.
 
If you think your son would prefer a heft tank of a knife, get him either a Zero Tolerance 0300, 0350 or 0566. If you think he would rather have a light but still very durable highly recommended knife, get him the Spyderco Paramilitary 2. I own the pm2 and the 0350 and I like them both. The 350 has a recurve blade, which some people do not like. And the spydercos have a thumb hole which some people aren't fond of. So it really comes down to personal preference
 
Well I like the paramilitary 2. So next question. You guys helped so is there a way to purchase it from the board.
 
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There is also the Benchmade 940 Osborne, touted as one of the best EDC (everyday carry) knives ever made...Ultra light at the 3 oz mark, has the axis lock, and a nice lil slab of S30v steel or S90v depending on price you wanna pay. Aluminum handles or carbon fiber also depending on the model...This knife has been a best seller and in production for several years, it is time tested and a proven design...At least check it out before commiting to a Spyderco.
 
A Benchmade will suffice...

A HK 14715 would be a good choice, if you like a bit smaller, the HK 14716.

Your son would be well served by either knife, much as our country will be well served by your son.
 
Well I like the paramilitary 2. So next question. You guys helped so is there a way to purchase it from the board.
 
You could enter Paramilitary in the search bar and check to see if someone on this forum is selling one. This is probably the best place I can think of to purchase knives.
 
Thanks blade ninja, I have found it online. But if the board could get credit or paid something. I want to do that.
 
Fish Boy said:
Without knowing what your budget is, I suggest you get a knife designed for this exact situation — the Spyderco Military — or its smaller cousin, the Paramilitary 2. Congrats to you and your son!
Click to expand...

Fish Boy nailed it. I suppose there are more...but not better choices...IMO, of course. :)
You had better wait until he's at his more permanent base and have him check out what limitations he may or may not have, concerning carrying a knife.
Thanks for caring and thank him for his service.
 
If you go over to the Exchange, in the "For Sale By Dealers" section, you will see...

For Sale: Production Knives (Dealer)

In there, you will find many on-line retailers who are paid dealers on this site.

Purchase from them with confidence.
 
I would scour the exchange here for a LNIB benchmade rift, 710, or griptilian or spyderco manix 2 or even a Manix xl for use with gloves, looking to spend around $100. In addition get him a custom fixed blade.

JK Knives Mini Potawatomi would be a nice carry option as well as being out of the way when not needed (in link below)

Taking the size of the Mini JK into account, either can be a daily carry for general utility. Plus, having something made for him would have some meaning that would likely cause him to want to carry a piece of home with him that he would bond more with over time and usage.

JK Knives, take a look at these for an idea.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1313406-October-Specials
 
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Deebs said:
Thanks blade ninja, I have found it online. But if the board could get credit or paid something. I want to do that.
Click to expand...

It builds credibility with the buyer/seller on the forums and allows for a wealth of incoming and outgoing knowledge. That's where the, "credit" comes in.

There's a Paramilitary 2 online right now for $170. Go get it from this guy but hurry up. These sell fast.
 
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