Hunters birthday gift help needed

J

JoshBH

Joined
Feb 14, 2017
Messages
5
Hello blade forum,

Before I posted this, I had been browsing through the forum and seen some of the most beautiful/mean looking blades, you guys have some real talent! I'm feeling good about being here. As you guys can see from the title it's a hunters birthday coming up and that hunter would be my father. As far as I can remember he would go out hunting every weekend with a group of friends/fellow hunters and not come back until the weekend-end. I have been with him a few times but unfortunately, the hunting life isn't really for me. This means I have no idea what I should be looking for in terms of a present for my father and was hoping you guys would point me in the right direction.

Anyway, in about a month he will be 55 years of age and there is a hunting trip planned to celebrate. I want to get him a new knife for when he is out but I have no idea what to get. I have checked the site below which I use for most things but there seems to be nothing unique on there. I would like a blade that is unique and inscribable if possible, this way it will have a special feel to it. If this s not possible any suggestions on what you think an old boy like my pops would like is very welcome. As far as what he hunts for, I'm not too sure. It's been a while since we have been out together but I know he loves to camp overnight when he goes hunting. So maybe a knife that could help towards that side of things? If there is any other information required just let me know guys and I will add it on below.

Looking forward to speaking with you all! Thanks
https://www.easyprices.com/
1891989775-IMG_6722.jpg
 
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Something like the K-6 made by Bob Dozier would be outstanding for hunting. Many of Bob's knives are geared toward hunting. Take a look.
 
A custom shop buck 110 would be an excellent gift.
The world famous Buck 110 has been carried by generations of hunters since its introduction in 1964.
I'm not 100% sure on this but I believe you can have buck later etch the blade for you.
There's also the buck 119 which has been carried for even longer.
 
Fixed blade:

m4_ul.jpg


Lionsteel M4 - M390 steel will hold an edge for a very long time. Comes in 3 different choices of wood or black g10. I'm partial to the olive wood pictured. Nice sheath and impeccable build quality. Good for hunting and camping tasks. They're very reasonably priced from bladehq right now too.

Folder:

SP41PDBL5.jpg


Spyderco Native 5 Lightweight in S110v - Made in Colorado. Traditional back lock is easy to manipulate. S110v is VERY stainless yet holds an edge for a very long time. Knife is very lightweight but completely bulletproof. This is what my uncle, an avid hunter, carries with him.
 
Price range is the biggest question. Either way, regardless of what model you pick, make sure you can tell him about the material used in, such as the blade steel and the handle material. Also, on its geometry. This way, not only will he be impressed, but he will also know the effort you put into getting the knife for him. Best of luck. By the way, m390 is all the rage for blade steel and if you pick a company like benchmade or ZT they will sharpen it for free for life as long as you cover the postage.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 
Your price range will help a lot with suggestions. I would say get him something personalized as well.

My Pops recently retired and had his 70th Birthday. He loves to go clamming and really loves opening and steaming the clams. I have never seen anyone open clams as fast as he does, so I got him a new clam opener (Fiddleback Forge Duke) and engraved it. It was a big hit!

https://flic.kr/p/R9uedJ https://www.flickr.com/photos/57703464@N02/

If we can help with ideas just let me know!
 
I'll list a few through the price ranges. Once you get into the 100 dollar range theres tons of knives, I just listed a few, and anything over 200 is just style points in my opinon

10-30
Any mora
Buck 673
Cold Steel Finwolf

40-60
Buck 119
Buck 192BR
Schrade CHF42D

90-150
Benchmade Hidden Canyon
Cold Steel SRK San Mai III
Esee 4 or 6
Tops B.O.B
Lon Humphrey White Tail
Becker BK2 (on the thick side for hunting)

200+
Chris Reeve Nyala
Any other Lon Humprey
Most custom and handmade knives start in this range, you can search around for one you like.
 
When it comes to budget I'm not really sure what to expect in terms of pricing, maybe a little crash course on pricing would go down a treat? sorry guys.
 
Does he LIKE knives?

I'm making a big assumption he does!

If so, try and find out what turns him on.

IMO, if he hasn't ALREADY got one, you can't go wrong by buying him a classic Ka-bar. Can never have too many of them, just saying! I like the 1211 but there are a lot of commerative issues with USMC stamped on the ricasso, leather washers, etchings... I like the plain one with kraton handle and kydex sheath - that makes it more practical.

The other knife I really like is the cold steel recon tanto, you can get it in San mai or AUS-8. It's basically like the SRK but bit longer and is a tanto. Yes, it's a U.S. tanto style but check the blade stock out, it's really thick. If he doesn't have one, and has never had that style of tanto it could be a nice gift. Yeah, the blade profile may not be great for skinning, field dressing etc but it will baton surprisingly well, not that I recommend you do that with your fighting knives.

I agree, as bushcraft, hunting knives, these are probably bad choices, but what I'm going for is "second kind of cool" - that is my second kind of cool, fighting knife collecting, even though I hope to God I never ever EVER EVER end up in a knife v knife situation.

Find out what his second kind of cool is, what he has, what your budget is, maybe someone here can help?

First kind of cool?
- Multitool. I've carried a Swiss Army knife (the same one!) for nigh thirty year. See if he's got one. Don't get one that's got everything and the kitchen sink on it though.
- New flashlight - find out what he has. Some of the newer ones are really nice with a bright (disorientatingly bright) strobe setting. If he doesn't have one, I'm pretty sure he'd like one. I would anyway.
- is he a hammock guy?
 
JoshBH said:
Hello blade forum,

Before I posted this, I had been browsing through the forum and seen some of the most beautiful/mean looking blades, you guys have some real talent! I'm feeling good about being here. As you guys can see from the title it's a hunters birthday coming up and that hunter would be my father. As far as I can remember he would go out hunting every weekend with a group of friends/fellow hunters and not come back until the weekend-end. I have been with him a few times but unfortunately, the hunting life isn't really for me. This means I have no idea what I should be looking for in terms of a present for my father and was hoping you guys would point me in the right direction.

Anyway, in about a month he will be 55 years of age and there is a hunting trip planned to celebrate. I want to get him a new knife for when he is out but I have no idea what to get. I have checked the site below which I use for most things but there seems to be nothing unique on there. I would like a blade that is unique and inscribable if possible, this way it will have a special feel to it. If this s not possible any suggestions on what you think an old boy like my pops would like is very welcome. As far as what he hunts for, I'm not too sure. It's been a while since we have been out together but I know he loves to camp overnight when he goes hunting. So maybe a knife that could help towards that side of things? If there is any other information required just let me know guys and I will add it on below.

Looking forward to speaking with you all! Thanks
https://www.easyprices.com/
1891989775-IMG_6722.jpg
Click to expand...

So whats up with the easyprices.com link in your post?
 
T.L.E. Sharp said:
Fixed blade:

m4_ul.jpg


Lionsteel M4 - M390 steel will hold an edge for a very long time. Comes in 3 different choices of wood or black g10. I'm partial to the olive wood pictured. Nice sheath and impeccable build quality. Good for hunting and camping tasks. They're very reasonably priced from bladehq right now too.

Folder:

SP41PDBL5.jpg


Spyderco Native 5 Lightweight in S110v - Made in Colorado. Traditional back lock is easy to manipulate. S110v is VERY stainless yet holds an edge for a very long time. Knife is very lightweight but completely bulletproof. This is what my uncle, an avid hunter, carries with him.
Click to expand...

May have to look into getting the M4. Looks like a great knife to use.

The Native would work although it isn't traditionally a hunting knife.

Consider a GEC #42 Missouri Trapper if you can find one. Makes a very good woods knife if you like slippies.
 
T.L.E. Sharp said:
Fixed blade:

m4_ul.jpg


Lionsteel M4 - M390 steel will hold an edge for a very long time. Comes in 3 different choices of wood or black g10. I'm partial to the olive wood pictured. Nice sheath and impeccable build quality. Good for hunting and camping tasks. They're very reasonably priced from bladehq right now too.
Click to expand...

This for $125 is hard to beat.


22-rimfire said:
Something like the K-6 made by Bob Dozier would be outstanding for hunting. Many of Bob's knives are geared toward hunting. Take a look.
Click to expand...

This +1 But is more money yet heirloom quality.


Thetimefarm said:
I'll list a few through the price ranges. Once you get into the 100 dollar range theres tons of knives, I just listed a few, and anything over 200 is just style points in my opinon

10-30
Any mora
Buck 673
Cold Steel Finwolf

40-60
Buck 119
Buck 192BR
Schrade CHF42D

90-150
Benchmade Hidden Canyon
Cold Steel SRK San Mai III
Esee 4 or 6
Tops B.O.B
Lon Humphrey White Tail
Becker BK2 (on the thick side for hunting)

200+
Chris Reeve Nyala
Any other Lon Humprey
Most custom and handmade knives start in this range, you can search around for one you like.
Click to expand...


There is not one knife in that last that I would want as a hunter, especially Lon Humprey. Lon's knives are great but way to thick in my opinion for hunting. Edit: well maybe the Esee 4 but not really


What I would do is get a few links saved on my phone, take my dad out for a beer and a nice steak, show him the links and get a conversation started. Let him pick it out and then buy it. :thumbup:
 
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Do you want something that he will process game with? Or do you want a knife that he will keep in his pocket for all the many small tasks around camp and in the woods that a knife can be used for?

Do you know what he carries now? Does he have a sheath knife that he carries on his belt? Or a clip knife that rides in his pocket?

They are really completely different knives that do different tasks. Sure, each kind can be used for the other, but many prefer to use a more task specific knife for that task than something else. I actually like using my folding knives to clean game but I'm probably in the minority.

Some people don't like carrying stuff on their belt like a sheath knife that depending on the sheath and where it's carried, can make sitting down a pain. Some people don't like having stuff in their pockets, especially if they tend to like to wear tight jeans.

I personally like carrying a good folder with me in the woods for the majority of tasks. A fixed blade can come in handy but I personally use them a lot less than a folder I can quickly pull out, open, use it, close it, and put it away, all with one hand. I also don't feel the need to chop on stuff with a knife and if I do, it's usually something that a machete works better for. I also don't feel the need to cut my firewood to size and chop and split wood to make a fire. I know if everything is wet you can need to get to the inside of a piece of wood to get dry material to start a fire. But I also try not to tromp around in the woods when it's raining or at least not for an extended amount of time. I've lit thousands of fires that didn't have any wood split or cut to size as it's collected and placed on the fire and once a section burns off, it's picked up and the next section slid into the fire.

Anyways, I'm starting to ramble and go off topic. Try to let us know what kind of knife or cutting tasks you are wanting the knife to do. Let us know the type he currently carries if you know though you don't need to be super specific with a brand and model number. Also a price point you want to stay around. Under $50 is junk up to some decent value knives. Up to a $100 and you can get a pretty nice knife that works well but usually concentrates on function and not always pretty. Over $100 can get a pretty darn nice knife that works good, has good materials, and can look good to boot. Over $200 is really nice and likely something to admire and be proud of and that works really well. They usually get prettier and use more fancy materials as you go up in price from there though junk knives can be bought at any price point.

I'll try to think of others and wait for your reply but what I'm inclined to suggest right off the top of my head would be:

A Benchmade Crooked River:

img-benchmade-crooked-river-01.jpg


Edit: If he isn't a big knife guy you may want to think about the type of blade steel. Does he sharpen his own knives? Have them sharpened by a service? Use a fairly dull knife?

There are higher end steels that will hold a working edge for a long time. However, they are a double edged sword if you'll excuse the pun. Because they are also hard to sharpen and it's much easier to touch them up often to keep them sharp then letting them get butter knife dull which just about requires power tools or good equipment and a couple hours of time. The cheaper steels don't hold an edge very good and might require a touch up or 2 while getting thru cleaning an entire deer or pig. But they are easier to touch up and don't need specialty equipment as much and a decent knife sharpener can use the top edge of a truck window or the bottom of a ceramic coffee mug.

Just one more thing to think about. I personally like the steels that hold an edge for a long time but I've taken the time to learn to sharpen them and most people, including many here, wouldn't want the task of sharpening a dull knife in these steels. Honestly, I wouldn't want the task of sharpening a dull one either which is why they are touched up often and about when they start to not shave arm hair.
 
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Bark River Hunter model in 3V would be excellent. Check it out at DLT or KSF. I believe you can get things engraved if you choose there for a modest price.
 
T.L.E. Sharp said:
Fixed blade:

m4_ul.jpg


Lionsteel M4 - M390 steel will hold an edge for a very long time. Comes in 3 different choices of wood or black g10. I'm partial to the olive wood pictured. Nice sheath and impeccable build quality. Good for hunting and camping tasks. They're very reasonably priced from bladehq right now too.

Folder:

SP41PDBL5.jpg


Spyderco Native 5 Lightweight in S110v - Made in Colorado. Traditional back lock is easy to manipulate. S110v is VERY stainless yet holds an edge for a very long time. Knife is very lightweight but completely bulletproof. This is what my uncle, an avid hunter, carries with him.
Click to expand...

DAMNIT why do I open these threads to try to help. You just cost me $155 T.L.C. Where should I send you the bill?.....That M4 is sexy, currently trying to decide between the M4 and M5, researching Slepinr steel as I'm not familiar with that product but I love me some M390. I can tell you as a hunter and tracker, the M4/M5 is going on my tracking belt. Hope that helps. To a non-knife person $155 probably seems like a hell of a lot of money for a knife, that M4 looks to be every bit worth it.
 
Amoo said:
DAMNIT why do I open these threads to try to help. You just cost me $155 T.L.C. Where should I send you the bill?.....That M4 is sexy, currently trying to decide between the M4 and M5, researching Slepinr steel as I'm not familiar with that product but I love me some M390. I can tell you as a hunter and tracker, the M4/M5 is going on my tracking belt. Hope that helps. To a non-knife person $155 probably seems like a hell of a lot of money for a knife, that M4 looks to be every bit worth it.
Click to expand...

Just ignore anything Lionsteel then. Making me go broke seems to be their main motivation these days.

As far as your M4/M5 dilemma goes, just get both.
 
T.L.E. Sharp said:
Just ignore anything Lionsteel then. Making me go broke seems to be their main motivation these days.

As far as your M4/M5 dilemma goes, just get both.
Click to expand...

I feel you, I was |-| close to picking up a T.R.E. and found the Spider Monkey, which I'm hoping to order from Whitty when they get more back in stock. I think the Spider Monkey will better suit my needs.

In regards to a fixed blade for tracking/hunting work, I have been looking for a while and nothing quite spoke to me. Well nothing until you decided to post that picture. As an example, was walking in goat pasture today with neighbor and we saw a water moccasin. He grabbed a fence post, I grabbed the dog, CRK Small Inkosi did the rest. Had I been alone and in the woods I may not have had the hands to get the folder out and need a faster drawing fixed blade. Since I can't carry two, I won't get both, but I will most likely end up with the M4 as part of my collection. Everything about it says it should be a great hunting knife.
 
Amoo said:
I feel you, I was |-| close to picking up a T.R.E. and found the Spider Monkey, which I'm hoping to order from Whitty when they get more back in stock. I think the Spider Monkey will better suit my needs.

In regards to a fixed blade for tracking/hunting work, I have been looking for a while and nothing quite spoke to me. Well nothing until you decided to post that picture. As an example, was walking in goat pasture today with neighbor and we saw a water moccasin. He grabbed a fence post, I grabbed the dog, CRK Small Inkosi did the rest. Had I been alone and in the woods I may not have had the hands to get the folder out and need a faster drawing fixed blade. Since I can't carry two, I won't get both, but I will most likely end up with the M4 as part of my collection. Everything about it says it should be a great hunting knife.
Click to expand...

Buy me. Buy Me. Buy me:D:D





Mike over at collectorknives.net (a bladeforum dealer) is great. :thumbup:
 
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