Knife for my college-bound sister

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Krissig12

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Sep 11, 2013
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Gather, forumites, gather.......



Being the resident knife knut in my family, I have been tasked with researching and deciding on a knife for my sister, who is going to be attending college this fall. The occasion is technically her 19th birthday, but I like to think of it as a going away present that she can use throughout her college years.

The ground rules:

Her school doesnt specify blade length (WOOOHOOOO!!!!). The only thing it says is that fixed blades over 2.5 inches are not allowed, and you cant have any autos or any knives that are double edged

Im thinking it should be a folder, and no longer than 3 inches to make it more people-friendly

Im also thinking it should be a "socially accepted color". Not that black, grey, etc, are off limits. I just think its better if its a brighter color that she will be more likely to carry and use in public.

Under $200 if possible, but cheaper is always better, provided that its also good quality.

Im familiar with most of the knives from BM and Spyderco, so try throwing out some alternative options. I very well might get her a BM or spydie, but id like some other suggestions as well.

Best if it has a longer lasting steel, because I doubt she will ever sharpen it. She doesnt currently know how, and wont be bringing the equipment with her anyway. (Which is why I might just get her one of the little pocket sharpeners that lansky makes to go along with the new knife). But really, the steel wont be a deal breaker, so throw your suggestions out there anyway!

Also, err on the side of corrosion resistance when it comes to the steel. She definitely wont be maintaining it as much as most of us do.......

Oh and in light of the posting that's been going on, I'll add:
This is a knife forum. It is already decided that i am getting her a dedicated modern one handed opening knife. I have already thought about multitools, saks, etc, and come to the decision that those are out. Please stop suggesting them. Within the parameters established, go ahead and suggest a knife. But please stop trying to convince me that (blah blah) is all she needs....

Thanks in advance everyone!
 
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What school is she going to that you feel she needs a knife?? I'm sure there are more practical items a first year student can use,
 
Krissig, I'd honestly be thinking an Ontario RAT II in something like the orange or bright green color. What about a possible SAK? I mean, sure neither knife will last forever without sharpening, but neither would raise eyebrows with non-knife people.
 
Quiet, yup, the RATII was on my radar. So is the dragonfly.

Honestly guys, I COULD decide all on my own. Im just asking so I can get a few options that I would never have thought about before
 
I'd say some sort of multi tool like a leatherman of some sort. If she's a first year student, a few things like a screwdriver and bottle opener can be invaluable. Putting together that cheap college furniture is a pain without a multi tool. And who doesn't need a bottle opener in college;)
 
Small SAK with nail file, can and bottle opener and scissors. Knife blade is incidental unless young ladies are taught to keep them sharp. Likely you're also the kind of guy to ask for advice on what kind of safari rifle to buy for your wife.
 
I'm thinking one of the different colored Spyderco Delica's, not too costly if she loses it, VG10 steel that has good corrosion properties. Spyderco is well known and recognized
 
Krissig12 said:
Im sorry, but is this not a knife forum?
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It sure is.

Is your sister a member??



Everybody isn't into knives yet so many here seem to feel the need to convert people. Why the compulsion to force knives on others?
People aren't so dumb as to not figure out that they need a knife or not. So may crusaders in the world. Enjoy your passion and (hopefully) use your knifes as they were intended to be used. (killing zombies, fending off intruders and wild hogs, or breaking down cardboard God forbid!!) But why do so many feel the need to make everyone a knife person and mock those who aren't?
 
I gave my own sister an alox SAK Farmer, so that would be my suggestion. There are many other alox models available too, like the Cadet.

Another interesting option if she cooks or wants to be able to is the AG Russell Folding Cook's Knife II (FKA, The Hocho).

Also maybe a decent utility/paring knife?

You could buy all 3 under your $200 budget.
 
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Why do you feel the need to question his finding a suitable knife for his sister, and mock him for not agreeing with you?

He opened this discussion by explaining, "Being the resident knife knut in my family, I have been tasked with researching and deciding on a knife for my sister".

Leave it alone.
 
Esav Benyamin said:
Why do you feel the need to question his finding a suitable knife for his sister, and mock him for not agreeing with you?

He opened this discussion by explaining, "Being the resident knife knut in my family, I have been tasked with researching and deciding on a knife for my sister".

Leave it alone.
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Because it's silly and contrived.

Good day.
 
:thumbup: on the small fixed blade!

I've gifted a pink Izula before, but it was to a dude, lol.
 
jeffwithaj said:
It sure is.

Is your sister a member??



Everybody isn't into knives yet so many here seem to feel the need to convert people. Why the compulsion to force knives on others?
People aren't so dumb as to not figure out that they need a knife or not. So may crusaders in the world. Enjoy your passion and (hopefully) use your knifes as they were intended to be used. (killing zombies, fending off intruders and wild hogs, or breaking down cardboard God forbid!!) But why do so many feel the need to make everyone a knife person and mock those who aren't?
Click to expand...

I sort of get you but...

No one (at least in this thread) is mocking those who aren't, and none of us, probably not even Krissig, is trying to perform any sort of mass conversion here. I am guessing he knows his sister better than we do. He said he was tasked with finding her a knife. Other people from his family probably gave him this task. Perhaps even his sister.

My grandfather gave all of his grandkids pocketknives for their 16th birthdays. He had some stored and ready for those who were not 16 before he died. Despite having fallen somewhat out of fashion, they are still practical, nice and beautiful gifts. Even my non-knife cousins like and use theirs.

I already had enough knives when I went off to college so I made better use of a microwave. But again, I think we should assume he knows his sister and her needs better than we do, just maybe?
 
jeffwithaj said:
It sure is.

Is your sister a member??



Everybody isn't into knives yet so many here seem to feel the need to convert people. Why the compulsion to force knives on others?
People aren't so dumb as to not figure out that they need a knife or not. So may crusaders in the world. Enjoy your passion and (hopefully) use your knifes as they were intended to be used. (killing zombies, fending off intruders and wild hogs, or breaking down cardboard God forbid!!) But why do so many feel the need to make everyone a knife person and mock those who aren't?
Click to expand...

*Facepalm*

She always wanted a knife. I would like to see that she has a means of completing simple cutting tasks in her everyday life. I am not forcing my views on anyone, or trying to convert them. Also, who the hell do you think you are? You suddenly feel like you know what my sister wants or doesnt want?:thumbdn:

If I am posting on a knife forum asking for advice as to what knife I should get my sister as a present, do you really think I havent made sure that she wants one? I personally would feel much better NOT spending the money, but instead Id like to give her one of the most useful things she will get in the next few years, thank you very much. Please troll elsewhere
 
Krissig, getting back on topic, because I think what you're doing is awesome, I got a new one for you: Cold Steel Mini Tuff Lite. It comes in multiple colors, and is a VERY sturdy little blade. Light, and paired with a small SAK of some type, there won't be many jobs she can't tackle.

As a fellow "knife knut of the family", I think you're doing a good thing here. :thumbup:
 
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