Knife rec for my dad, who's going through chemo?

D

Dutch_Henry

Joined
Sep 27, 2011
Messages
51
Hi all,

I'm looking for your recommendations for a knife to gift to my father, who just finished up a long course of radiation and is in the midst of rough cancer treatment.

Here are a few parameters:
  • Leaning toward a thin, slicey fixed blade. Something good for kitchen prep, like cutting up fruit and cheese while you're sitting there feeling like a$s.
  • Classic looks, something to remind him of the outdoors and camping. But this is a food prep knife--no batoning or heavy use, maybe some whittling or cutting cord on occasion.
  • Non-coated blade and a steel that's easy to strop back into shape.
  • Blade around 3" or so. Something that if it's left on his tray in the hospital, nursing staff aren't freaking out.
  • Hoping to keep it below/around 100, and I'm open to the used market and closeouts.
There's a lot out there that offers incredible utility. I'm looking for something that's just a pleasure to hold and to use, to make him smile. What should I consider?
 
Checkout the knifemakers forum fixed blades for a custom one off. Best to your dad.
 
A large 111mm Victorinox swiss army knife would do those things easily. The One Handed Vic Sentinel comes to mind. Simple knife, one blade. Easy to open. No nail nicks.

Choosing a knife for an older person depends on what they like if you expect them to use it. I recently purchased a White River Backpacker Pro which is a really nice small knife with about a 3" blade. I like it a lot.

There are obviously hundreds of potential knives he might like.
 
Based on your requirements, I'd go with the style commonly referred to as "bird and trout knife." Do some research along those lines. You'll probably find several threads along those lines here.

Personally, I like some of the AG Russell offerings which are way below your price point. Check out the Woodswalker.

Best wishes to your dad.
 
A couple random folder suggestions:
- Lionsteel Opera
- DLT Buck 110
- CK/Lionsteel Shuffler, Dom or Roundhead
- EnZo Birk 75

I think a folder is less threatening in the hospital environment. The one's I mentioned have a more traditional camping look to them and should work well for some food prep.

Fixed Suggestion:
- Condor Mini Indigenous Puukko
- Kellam Knives Hawk Puukko

Don't look tactical, classical outdoor shape, fairly thin stock.

In any case, all the best to your dad, hope he'll get well soon.:):thumbsup:
 
You guys are awesome. Thank you so much. And headslap, can't believe I didn't think of bird & trout knives. That's almost exactly what I'm looking for. I'm going to start paging through some different makers, to see what can find. Anyone have any favorites?

b00n--a Buck 110 was the first "real" knife my dad gave me, when I was 12, right after I passed my hunter safety course. I still use it to this day. I liked the look of that Kellam puukko--a little more shape to the handle than the most traditional offerings. And when you think about someone who's in a weakened state, I think that any sort of indexing to prevent slips, that's pretty important.
 
The Buck 102 model would probably work pretty well for this application. Thin blade. Traditional shape....
 
SpySmasher said:
Based on your requirements, I'd go with the style commonly referred to as "bird and trout knife." Do some research along those lines. You'll probably find several threads along those lines here.
Personally, I like some of the AG Russell offerings which are way below your price point. Check out the Woodswalker.
Best wishes to your dad.
Click to expand...

I'm not usually a fan of CRKT, but the Mossback B&T might be just what the (knife) doctor ordered. Under budget, too.
Good thoughts being sent for your dad right now.
 
It might be a little thick for food prep, but I have a gently used (could almost pass for new) Kellam Falcon Puukko, made by Ahti in Finland, that I would be happy to send you for your dad at no charge. It meets all of your other criteria, and it's an absolute pleasure in hand. They run about $60 new.

I have no idea what the etiquette is here, and whether a knife you got as a gift would in your eyes make a suitable gift for your dad (or would make it more meaningful? I truly don't know!), but under the circumstances I would have felt like a heel if I didn't at least make the offer. No pressure, no worries at all if it's not your jam. :)

These are old photos, but it's sat in my knife drawer (separate from its sheath) for the past ~3 years and still looks basically the same.

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LL Bean sells a knife they call their Small Hunting knife Stacked leather handle, slim shape and 3.5" blade. I believe it is imported. About $50.
 
Dadpool said:
It might be a little thick for food prep, but I have a gently used (could almost pass for new) Kellam Falcon Puukko, made by Ahti in Finland, that I would be happy to send you for your dad at no charge. It meets all of your other criteria, and it's an absolute pleasure in hand. They run about $60 new.

I have no idea what the etiquette is here, and whether a knife you got as a gift would in your eyes make a suitable gift for your dad (or would make it more meaningful? I truly don't know!), but under the circumstances I would have felt like a heel if I didn't at least make the offer. No pressure, no worries at all if it's not your jam. :)

These are old photos, but it's sat in my knife drawer (separate from its sheath) for the past ~3 years and still looks basically the same.
Click to expand...

Dadpool, that's a genuinely kind offer, far above and beyond. Let me put some thought into it. I would want to pay though or offer something in trade...the generosity of your offer is meaningful in itself. As I was growing up, Dad always had a little puukko in his tacklebox. I think it was a Marttiini. I know he likes the style.
 
What about the Victorinox rosewood paring knife ?
It's about $20, and they sell a sheath for their paring knives that only cost around $5.
 
Impossible to beat Bark River, from what I've read and hear. No personal experience with one yet, but I've had my eye on the
Bark River Bravo Micro Fixed Blade Knife Tan Camo G-10 (2.25" Elmax Satin
And plan to get one soon.

It's about $160 though.
 
BeyondTheBox said:
Impossible to beat Bark River, from what I've read and hear. No personal experience with one yet, but I've had my eye on the
Bark River Bravo Micro Fixed Blade Knife Tan Camo G-10 (2.25" Elmax Satin
And plan to get one soon.

It's about $160 though.
Click to expand...

I'm not a Bark River fan by any means, but I actually like this one. It, unlike many of their other models, uses really thin stock and cuts very well. It's a bit expensive, but a lovely knife.
 
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