Knife for my dad?

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COMP3_329

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Jul 26, 2015
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Alright guys... Christmas is coming up and I'm thinkin about getting my dad a new knife. Here is the problem... He is not a "knife guy" yes he uses/carries everyday but he almost took a heart attack when I showed him my $300 ZT. The thing is he had just bought a knife that same day and was super pumped to show me.. Turns out it was a cheap (what I would call junk) knife. He wants to appreciate the nicer knives but he can't wrap his head around the thought of paying $100+ for one. So my question is what would y'all choose? I'm thinking maybe a mini grip? He isn't big on larger knives but I'm leaning towards a PM2 also ... Any thoughts are appreciated (sorry for the book I wrote ^^^)
 
BM grip and PM2 are both awesome knives. I have given one of each to non knife guys and they ended up loving them. One buddy out of state I don't even believe owned a pocket knife before I mailed him a Griptillian, now he carries it every day.

Get him something quality but not outrageously priced so that he can test the waters. He will probably appreciate the locks, good steel, etc, then maybe come to understand why some knives are priced a little higher.
Best of luck.
 
Welcome! Not too long a post at all.
I think if you give us a price max, and maybe what style (classic, tactical,) he would like we could point you in the right direction.
Very cool of you to get him a knife, I'm actually making one for my dad this year.
 
I'd like to stay under $150 . We both are fireman so I'd say more tactical then traditional. He isn't big in the fancy bling type knives . That's why I was thinking keep it simple with the mini grip/PM2 . He likes smaller knives so that's what's keeping me from getting the PM2 . I've never held a PM2 but I absolutely love them (if that makes any sense) so I'm not %100 sure on the size . But right now he is carrying a knock off delica so I kinda feel like he would fall in love with the PM2 if he could get used to the larger size
 
If you think he would adapt well to the compression lock on the PM2, that would probably be a good choice. It's not one of Spyderco's top selling knives for no reason. :D
 
Buck Vantage is worth a look, come in 2 sizes and with different steels depending on the version.
 
Yeah, PM2, Griptilian, or maybe even the Triage.
I think the ZT 0350 can be found for 150,,
Oh and the Manix 2! Handled it and just loved it,, super smooth action and prefer it's lock to the compression on the PM2,, although that's a great lock too.
 
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My advice would be to keep it relatively inexpensive and utilitarian looking. Maybe a Manix 2 Lightweight in BD1. That's partially because BD1 is highly corrosion resistance and sharpens very easily. I'm certain your dad is a bright guy and he'll figure out how much it cost. If he's like many people and the knife is too spendy or too classy it'll end up as a safe queen, not a user.

Adding, if you really want to spend the money on him, maybe look into an AA compatible EDC flashlight to go with it. It's an EDC item many don't carry and they come in handy all the time.
 
I can relate to the OP. My father does not understand knives at all and it is tough to give him one when I know he will not appreciate it for what it is. I did give him a Kershaw Leek a few years ago and now you will not find him without it.

I would say a Mini Grip would be a great call. I have discovered that a lot of people my Pops age really like the Axis lock while having a slightly tougher time with a frame lock.

Another knife to consider, I know it is a little bigger and over your budget, but the Benchmade Triage would be perfect for any Fireman.

What ever you decide, I want to say thank you both for the job you do!
 
Great! One knife comes to my mind.
Spyderco Manix 2 LW CPM s110v.
3oz for a 3+ inch blade with a VERY super steel.
You can find them for around $110.
 
I love my spyderco techno, small and tough enough for any task. Best of all it easily disappears in the 5th pocket of my jeans. It's not blingy but also not tactical so it doesn't scare anybody.

-kielpo
 
Even "old heads" who aren't "knife knuts" usually appreciate the name Buck...

Go with a Buck 110 from the Buck custom shop... s30v blade even if you dare... Be the best knife he ever owned...
 
Benchmade Axis Stryker -full or mini. Full liners, g10, flatter in pocket, sweet.

Good luck in your search. :thumbup:
 
strategy9 said:
Even "old heads" who aren't "knife knuts" usually appreciate the name Buck...

Go with a Buck 110 from the Buck custom shop... s30v blade even if you dare... Be the best knife he ever owned...
Click to expand...

I second this... You can get something special engraved on it right from Buck.
 
I'll bet the Grip or PM2 would make a convert out of anyone as a gift. You mentioned that the pm2 may be a little bigger than he likes. But I think it's one of those models that you fall in love with on the first day of use. The form and function is just so smooth and versatile that you almost forget about the size. At least until you really need more blade, and you're glad it's there. So yeah, my vote would be the pm2.
 
Thanks guys! Gave some really good points and some awesome knives .. Haven't decided yet but I'll def let y'all know which one he ends up with . Thanks again guys
 
All have noted some good knives. Where are you located in SWVA? I'm originally from Wise Co. but I'm currently stationed in WA. I would suggest taking him to Smokey Mountain Knife Works down near Gatlinburg as a father/son day and see what he like as they have a huge selection good quality knives.

Another option is since you're both firefighters create an account at govx and check out their selection. Great benchmade prices
 
I'm also a fireman. Will he be carrying the knife at work? How about the ZT0566? It's a lot like the XM-18 that I carry at work, but a bit smaller at 3.25" (good for your dad's preference). It's a great hard use folder for emergency services guys.

Or, how about the Buck Vantage Pro? My captain was always interested in my knives, and asked me to recommend him one around the 50-100 dollar mark. He ended up with the Vantage Pro. It's a sweet little knife. The Bos treated S30V is really nice. I might prefer it to the S35VN on my Sebenza and XM.
 
Will it see hard use for his work as a firefighter or general cutting tasks? If it's the latter, given his preference for small knives consider a Spyderco Chaparral. It's about the same size as the Dragonfly but much nicer. Very smooth to operate and an excellent cutter.
 
I have the ZT 0560bw and he ain't a big fan of it . Thinks it's way to big for EDC . Knowing him he is probly gonna put this knife threw hell and back . Probly gonna end up getting the PM2 and hope he can get over the larger size (if not I'll keep it haha)
 
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