I hate to be that guy, but I need some recommendations

gmorel1916

gmorel1916

Joined
Sep 16, 2014
Messages
646
I searched around and couldn't really find a thread pertaining to this so here goes. I talked to the guys in the traditional a forum about finding a new traditional for my dad as a "Xmas/ congrats on beating cancer again" gift (shout out to the traditional a forum. You guys are awesome!). But I also wanted to get him something to introduce him to something a bit more modern since all he's ever really carried has been a traditional (nothing against tradtionals haha. I own a couple) and thus this thread was born. Not looking to break the bank, but want something that'll hold up fairly well as an EDC knife and was thinking maybe a flipper or assisted until he gets his strength back fully. Here's the kicker though, he doesn't like Kershaw. Couldn't tell you why, he just has something against Kershaw haha. So ideas on getting a person who's carried a traditional for 50 years their first modern EDC knife? Thanks in advance!
 
Last edited:
Benchmade sequel?
It's kind of cheap - my definition
Around +$100?

Or the cheaper 530 pardue
 
Assisted open... Benchmade's patented axis lock
Flipper... Hinderer designed ZT. If he doesn't like ZT either, try the highly rated Spyderco Southard.
 
Al mar falcons would float his boat. Its got a thumbstud and a lockback and the classic versions with a steel bolster and a micarta or wooden scales look nice. Heres a question... What style of traditional does he carry? Trapper, peanut, stockman or something else. It might help us narrow down a selection.
 
ZT 0770, 0770CF, or a 0350(if he's into that style). BM 707 or its big brother the 710, a mini Ritter grip, of course if he's into the axis style lock. There are an insane amount of information needed. Blade style, lock style, length, size, weight(if appropriate), gentlemans/tactical.
 
SOG Twitch Series... Twitch II or Twitch XL. Not bad assisted opening knives actually. There is a lock that might make him comfortable in terms of one opening inside his pocket. These are some of the very first moderns I purchased with the Twitch XL coming later. They make the II with wood grain scales. I gave away my Twitch II, but still have the XL. The XL is a fairly large knife.

I am not a big assisted opener fan, but I do carry a ZT 0770CF (which of course is made by Kershaw) which I like a lot. This is one of the few liner locks that I like. You could take the clip off although it is not a large clip. I don't own many assisted opening knives.
 
IF the cancer has knocked him down a lot, then he CANNOT open a flipper the "standard" way. Sometimes the detent or torsion bar can prevent a weakened man from opening it easily. I would reco any Spyderco...either Taiwan, Seki City, Japan, or Golden, CO.
My favorite (for him) would be Spyderco Sage 1, SAGE 2, Sage 3 carbon fiber, Caly 3 or Caly 3.5 in VG-10. I've had multiples of all of these, given many of these as gifts to friends and relatives, and every folder was beautifully made. These are basic 3" blades of good blade-steel. Of course, the Caly 3.5 has a 3.5" blade. These are light, around 3-4 ounces, will handle any casual EDC task and he will be proud of it...and you.
The Spydie-hole in the blade will allow him to open it nicely, even if he has to pull the blade out with his left hand, as some of us do anyway.
My congrats to your dad. I've worked with many fine gents, just like him, during my working days. May God bless his recovery.

All of those knives are in the approx range of $100-$145 from our supporting knife-shops.
best regards, Don
 
Have you looked at the Scagel Fruitport knives? They're the best blend of traditional and modern easy openers I know of. Another option would be a knife that has the blade high enough that it can be opened by "pinching" the blade to draw it out.
 
Sonnydaze said:
IF the cancer has knocked him down a lot, then he CANNOT open a flipper the "standard" way. Sometimes the detent or torsion bar can prevent a weakened man from opening it easily.
Click to expand...

Sonnydaze makes a good point there, I have a friend that just beat cancer as well and he was very weak for a while after. A smooth opening manual action knife could be better in this situation. Id recommend something like the Buck Vantage Avid with rosewood handle scales. Its a modern folder but with traditional elements . If you want to go full on modern though, Id go with the Spyderco Military. The Military I used to own was crazy smooth and easy to open. The larger thumb hole might work better for your dad. Its a little pricy, but without knowing your budget those are the two Id suggest.
 
IMO, for him, I'd consider something under 3" like a Spyderco Dragonfly or Delica.

Also, I would show him a Kershaw OD-2 ($16) or the new Amplitude ($25). Both are sweet flippers and the new Amplitude's sleek clean lines and all steel construction may just be a nice change of pace for a traditionalist. And he wouldn't even know it was a Kershaw till he opened it. ;)
 
You are looking for a friction folder. Several makers here do them in modern materials, and they look very contemporary. They are also easy to open. Not too expensive either.
 
if he doesnt like kershaw, i wouldnt rush to get him a zt either just in case theres a similarity present. id lean towards a spyderco or benchmade for something thats fast, easy, reliable and relatively affordable.

you could even check out the doug ritter line which is an even more affordable way to get good steel and an axis lock. id personally lean towards the spyderco paramilitary 2, but if you want something beefier, go benchmade/ritter

lastly, not sure of the legality where you are, but what about a dual action auto for ease?
 
Last edited:
I bought my dad a case peanut blue camel bone and a spyderco delica. He loves them both, uses them everyday. It's a great combo for around $100
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top