Knife for Dad? Specs

M

manowar669

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Oct 1, 2002
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About a year ago, my dad said he needed a new pocket knife for work, as he broke yet another knife. He buys those cheapo $2-4 knives. So, I had a CS Med Voyager Tanto lying around, fully serrated. I didn't like the serrations, it was my first (and last) serrated knife, so I gave it to him. Well, it's getting worn and wobbly. He likes the knife alot (he keeps saying how great that knife is, personally I just think he was used to crap), so I want to get him another for his birthday (or something similar). He likes the Tanto (ok, americanized tanto) point. He mostly cuts open carboard boxes and other sundry office-type tasks.
Specs: 3" or less blade, tanto profile
lightweight (a small Buck-Strider would be too heavy I think)
I think he likes the Lock-back, but liner/framelock would be ok
Plain-edge for this one, as I can't sharpen his serrated blade.

My choices so far:
SOG X-42 mini-autoclip (BG42!)
Another CS Med Voyager, plain edge
CRKT M-16 EDC (thought maybe the metal handle might wear longer)



Anything I might have overlooked?
 
Originally posted by manowar669



Anything I might have overlooked?
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Have you thought about a different blade shape?

The Benchmade griptilian or Spyderco delica would be excellent choices.

If it has to be a tanto, then check out some of Benchmades offerings, like the 722. Or maybe Spyderco's Bob Lum tanto.
 
I offer you Benchmade 905. 2,95 ATS-34 americanized tanto style blade.
 
Originally posted by manowar669
He mostly cuts open carboard boxes and other sundry office-type tasks.
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As someone else who sticks to mostly sundry office-type tasks (geez, you make it sound so...dirty :~), I find that those 3" blade folders are a bit overkill for most office jobs. Additionally, anything much larger than 2-2.5" seems dagger-like in the eyes of my coworkers. For instance, unpocketing a Kershaw Leek is enough for my receptionist to have her fingers ready to dial 911.

Have you considered a true gent's folder? Something like a William Henry Monarch, Lancet or even the small Kestrel (which is in my pocket). Handle materials like carbon fiber and titanium are light enough for business dress, but these knives are still quite utilitarian and up to most office tasks. Their classiness also make for a nice gift. My father's a true tool nut, having spent his career as a engineer (though most of it in an office). Now retired, he loves my little WH Kestrel. I now just what to get him for his next birthday.


Not trying to disregard your original specs, but just thinking aloud here. Good luck in your search.

-patrick
 
Thanks for the replies so far. Yep, the tanto stays. I tried talking him out of it, but he likes it. He thinks he can just jam it through anything. Unfortunately, my dad would not appreciate a WH or other really nice knife like I do. He basically considers it a tool, and will beat it like a red-headed stepchild. I was surprised that the CS lockback loosened up that much in a year, he might pry with the blade (oh, the horror if it were a WH used to pry nails or box staples!)
Patrickb, I agree that 3" is maximum for this type of use. My co-workers just about freak out when the small sebbie I carry is opened.

Keep em coming guys, if there are any more. I will check into the BM offerings in the meantime.
 
Originally posted by manowar669
... Yep, the tanto stays. He thinks he can just jam it through anything... He basically considers it a tool, and will beat it like a red-headed stepchild. I was surprised that the CS lockback loosened up that much in a year, he might pry with the blade (oh, the horror if it were a WH used to pry nails or box staples!)
Click to expand...

You know, just as I was hitting the submit button, I got to thinking about the fact that he just about 'wore out' the CS you gave him. Good choice going with a nice strong Tanto blade/pry bar :~)
 
how about a CS med Voyager and a Sharpmaker. You can borrow it to sharpen his knife and yours as well.
guy
 
Kershaw Leek is enough for my receptionist to have her fingers ready to dial 911.
Click to expand...

Lol. I know the feeling. Then you get responses like: Is THAT a KNIFE?

But the solution is pick up a Kershaw RAINBOW Leak. Not are they just plain beatiful but the chicks love em! :D

Anyway, back to the subject. Have you considered giving your dad a BM 47? I know it may be a bit over the top but hemay just love it. Dont rule out fixed blades either like the small neck knives are easy to carry and dont get gummed up or loose. I am sure you could find a tanto one.
 
get a CRKT carson f4... should be able to get them dirt cheap down there(I paid 45cdn for mine, so 30usd and under). Wouldn't do any heavy prying with it, but it's held up so far.

and if he demands a tanto, then when he breaks the tip grind a tanto onto it. :)
 
How about a CRKT M1 (modified tanto)
m103k.jpg


The M1 is listed at 3.12"

edited because you already mentioned the M16...
 
M1 is too heavy. I have one myself, and like it alot. It's too heavy for my Dad, he would just leave it at home.
Guy g, I have a sharpmaker myself, just re-discovering how great a product it is (Just watched the video again today, and my sebbie is sharper than ever). I might have already made my mind up to get him another CS voyager (SOG mini-autoclip close second), just PE this time so I can sharpen it for him. I thought I'd throw this up to you guys for any other opinions.
Anybody have any opinions of the SOG knife {durability is main concern here}(maybe I'm just lookin for an excuse to play with BG42) or the CRKT (metal handles lasting longer?)?
Remember the light weight thing? The M1 is a tank (that's why I have one). My dad likes the CS Voyager because it's a lot of blade for the weight. (I know CS gets a bad rap here, but I bought the voyager for myself for that very reason. Lotta blade for the weight.)
I don't mean to drag this out, lots of great suggestions, and I appreciate all help, I just thought I was missing something.
The BM 905 is one I hadn't thought of (mini-stryker), that may be an option. Thanks MA_
 
What about the CS Recon 1 Tanto? It is a good sized, rugged looking folder. Maybe it's too heavy?

What about a fixed blade?

I'm sure there are less expenisve fixed blade knives but Fallkniven makes a rugged knife. It is not a tanto but the F1 is a heck of a knife.
http://store.knifecenter.com/pgi-ProductSpec?SWEDF1K

The Fallkinven S1 is outstanding but it may be a little too large (5").

Rich
 
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