I'm new and a woman and need help!!!

Damascus is nice for an art knife or something beautiful to look at. But there are many better steels (some are state of the art steels) that would be more appropriate for the needs you outlined. Even the more basic steels like 1095 or the great ATS34 make great, easy to sharpen workers. On the other end, the S30V seems to one of the latest. Both the Sebenza, as well as Spydercos and many others use this steel successfully.

Buying a knife used to be much easier, when the choices were fewer!!!
 
Damascus looks pretty, that's all. $500 will get you 3 decent working folders. A $500 knife will be a VERY nice custom
 
Damascus appears to be as good at holding an edge as any other steel ...some say even better. The only possible drawback to damascus is that it will rust if neglected ...but nothing that periodic oiling and waxing (i.e. taking 'care' of it) can't solve.
If you're spending $500, find a nice custom damascus folder from one of the 'up and coming' makers ...there's plenty of them around here.

The beauty of a damascus blade makes all other knives 'second rate' ...but that's only my opinion :)

Here's three in the price range you're talking about:
Hawes Gold-Lip
p490n1.jpg

Fassio’s Scandinavian Folder
p759n1.jpg

207 Blue Walrus
p476n1.jpg
 
GarageBoy said:
Damascus looks pretty, that's all. $500 will get you 3 decent working folders. A $500 knife will be a VERY nice custom
"decent"?!?! For almost anyone, $200 is enough for an excellent folder and an excellent fixed blade. Knives that would easily satisfy the basic requirements: Opinel ($8), CS Voyager ($40?), various excellent Spyderco's ($40-80), various excellent Benchmades ($100). If you want to spend money, Sebenzas and Striders are superior knives. But a BM 806 will do practically everything you will ask of it...
 
Pam,

Fallkniven are about to release two new folders (supposedly this month) that will both be elegant, functional, and extremely well made. The TK3 will have a wooden handle, and the TK4 will have a rubber handle. The laminated SGPS blade will be one of the most advanced blades in the world. If you have a chance, check them out.

David
 
Just a couple of things to consider, just because he had a lockback before (we are assuming that right because it was old and he had it for a long time) does not mean that he wouldnt be thrilled with a one hand opener, I know my dad was impressed with it a few years ago when he saw mine, he was still in the era of stag handles and mild steel blades lol)

OK, back to the serious stuff, money.

$500 is a fiendishly large ammount to spend on a worker. He is a big chap and needs a big knife. He sounds pretty strong too, so a 'tough' knife is a must. He is a machinist so he will appreicate somethign well made and choice of material.

I would like to suggest a TOPS CQT Magnum with the Spear Point.

topsknivesstore_1802_2640049


Its very big and very tough and holds up to a lot of use.
 
Welcome to the forums Pam. You did mention traditional. And a USING knife. And for a guy with big paws. The Dozier made large Folding Hunter fits this bill. It is the last model shown in the pic by fellow member TorzJohnson. The D2 steel can take an edge and can hold it far longer than most on the market. Pocket clip is removeable. And can be carried in a simple nylon belt pouch. The simple handle design is unrestrictive. And feels like a real user in the hand.

www.dozierknives.com

Unfortunately :( , Bob is not taking orders for folders at present. He is catching up on back orders. But do try one of the various dealers who carry Dozier mades such as the already mentioned Billy Cochrane at www.vintageknives.com

Good luck on your purchase.

N2
 
From your post, I can tell that you are looking for a special knife for a special person. Because he used to own a machine shop he would appreciate a precise knife. I would recommend a large Chris Reeve Classic Sebenza. They are US $345. You don’t need the wood inlays or the special graphic decorations. You don’t need a Damascus blade. The Sebenza is made to be a working knife. It is a simple design with few parts. It is made to the closest tolerances and from the finest materials. It has one main advantage over other knives. The Sebenza is made to be disassembled by the owner. That voids the warranty on most other knives. You can use the Sebenza hard and get it dirty. It is easy to take apart for cleaning and lubricating. If it gets beat up, Chris Reeve will refinish it for a small fee. If I could only have one knife, it would be the large Classic Sebenza. There really is nothing better!
 
Some really good suggestions here.

Still, I think it would be nice to get him two knives.... one for beating around the farm and one that he can carry to town, which is why I suggested that Oar carver's knife. Or something like this Queen http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=QN48CSB which might remind him of the knife his father carried, and he could keep it in his pocket when he goes to church or shopping or family reunions, or whatever.

And, maybe a fixed blade like or large lock-back clip-on folder like a Sebenza for beating around on the old homestead.
 
I think all-in-all you should look closely at the Chris Reeve large sebenza. I know a few people like the man you describe and I think the Sebenza with plain handles is the way to go. They can be found for $300-$400 if I'm not mistaken. Although I do not own a Sebenza I have handled one and I own another Chris Reeve knife that I myself have carried about 18hours/day and used quite hard since I got it (just recently). These are truely fine pieces of craftsmanship and very hard workers. A machinist will certainly appreciate the precision fitting also. Plus the Sebenza is FAR more traditional IMHO than a spiderco or a Dozier. Simple, VERY rugged, precise subtle elegance is my impression of the Sebenza. Take a look at them here on Chris' website. http://www.chrisreeve.com/sebenza.htm
 
From your post, I can tell that you are looking for a special knife for a special person. Because he used to own a machine shop he would appreciate a precise knife. I would recommend a large Chris Reeve Classic Sebenza. They are US $345. You don’t need the wood inlays or the special graphic decorations. You don’t need a Damascus blade. The Sebenza is made to be a working knife. It is a simple design with few parts. It is made to the closest tolerances and from the finest materials. It has one main advantage over other knives. The Sebenza is made to be disassembled by the owner. That voids the warranty on most other knives. You can use the Sebenza hard and get it dirty. It is easy to take apart for cleaning and lubricating. If it gets beat up, Chris Reeve will refinish it for a small fee. If I could only have one knife, it would be the large Classic Sebenza. There really is nothing better!

I agree totally, if it will be used everyday....dont bother with damascus or wood inlays...they will wear fast(cosmetically) if you decide on a large sebenza and it isnt his style....you can resell very easily :D
 
You guys are awesome. I never expected so much fantastic advice. Too bad there are not more forums like this one. It shows you not only know but really appreciate knives.
I can't thank you enough

Pam :p
 
Along with the Buck 110 stock or custom I (and others)mentioned earlier, how about a Greco Falcon Folder or Greco Whisper folder. These are no-nonsense, made to be used knives. They aren't the prettiest, but they are tough as all get out. Also, John Greco is a really nice guy.
Greco Knives
 
spatengal said:
You guys are awesome. I never expected so much fantastic advice. Too bad there are not more forums like this one. It shows you not only know but really appreciate knives.
I can't thank you enough

Pam :p
.
More imporantly (IMO) It shows we know how to treat people.
If we can be of any more assistance, we'll be happy to help.
Thanks for letting us help.
 
Spaten Pils, by favorite brew. I dont think you need Damascus. For a big man in the outdoors I suggest the Spyderco Manix.
 
Just to clarify, a damascus blade made and heat treated with care will perform up there with anything of equal design especially on a folder. It does take a more care, but damascus knives have done well and in some cases won in major cutting competitions. When forged by a knowledable smith you get unusual looks and very good performance.
 
A lot of good suggestions here. I'll add something a little different...A Victorinox Soldier. This is a knife that moast anyone will find useful.

Paul
 
Back
Top