knife suggestions for crotchetty old men

Runs With Scissors

Runs With Scissors

Joined
Dec 3, 2000
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I'm looking to replace a pocket knife my father recently lost. It was a Fallkniven U2, and I'm about a day away from ordering him a new one, but...would like to find something better. The U2 is an awesome little knife, but my fathers hands are badly deteriorating, and I'd like to find something that's just a little bit easier to open and close, but I do want a premium blade on it.

As the title implies he's a picky crotchetty old fart, so there are a few paramaters I'm seeking

premium blade quality
easy opening closing
blade probably no more than 3"
very lightweight
pocket clips aren't appreciated
pimpy or exotic looking knives aren't appreciated
carbon steel probably won't be appreciated
basic simple drop point blades are a good thing, as are simple flat grinds- no recurves or anything.
no fixed blades

So far I keep coming back to that U2, inspite of the fact that I'd rather find something a bit easier on his forepaws. He wasn't interested in a Spyderco Dragonfly he saw, and probably not real interested in one of the Calypsos, Delicas, etc. (otherwise I'd track down a ZDP 189 Calypso real quickly)

So, now that I've set such broad parameters...any ideas?:D

Thanks for your input!
 
Looking to keep the price closer to $100 or so, although Doziers are incredibly nice knives.

The Fallkniven Tre Konkor is real nice looking, and I'm VERY much liking the Benchmade Opportunist.
 
The best ones I've seen lately are right here on this forum.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=429436

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=438758

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=437458

I think T.A. Daivison does a great job on the classic style knives.

Dozier if you can afford it.
oops, both my suggestions are over $100.00 >< The green micarta is a steal at $175.00 though, keep a look out on the knife maker forum folders for sale. HE has a ton of work you can see there.
 
What is it about the Delica that you don't think would appeal to him? How about a Jess Horn lightweight?
 
Padawan said:
What is it about the Delica that you don't think would appeal to him? How about a Jess Horn lightweight?
Click to expand...

Not sure what's so much better about the aesthetics of a Gerber LST or a Fallkniven U2 that so far surpasses the Spyderco knives- I just remember him saying that many of my Spyderco knives were too "futuristic":confused:

Nope. It don't make much sense to me either.

Griptilians are too fat and bulky, as I recall.

Those TA Davidsons are gorgeous, but...a bit above the proposed budget.

Thanks for all the suggestions thus far!
 
Has he seen the Jess Horn ZDP-189 sprint?

jess.jpg


This is one of my favourite knives I own, and if you remove the clip, it should fit all the criteria you've listed, plus it can be found for less than $100 (but hurry, as it was produced in limited numbers).
 
You can get the KA-Bar Bob Dozier designed folders. Come in D2. I have seen them on Ebay for 60-70

One is called "Thorn" and the I dont remember, but I liked it better than the Thorn.
 
Ring said:
You can get the KA-Bar Bob Dozier designed folders. Come in D2. I have seen them on Ebay for 60-70

One is called "Thorn" and the I dont remember, but I liked it better than the Thorn.
Click to expand...

I was going to suggest the same thing, so now I will second it. Those D2 kabar Dozier's look pretty dang good.

Too bad he doesn't want a fixed blade... I just got a Bark River micro II canadian. It is small enough to slip the whole knife/sheath into a pocket. It has really impressed me so far.
 
Have you considered a Queen slipjoint with D2 blade(s)?

Simple, elegant, D2 steel.
 
The Russell UPK is a tiny little knife, the nail nick might not be the best if he has problems with his hands.

roscony has a good idea with the Oppertunist from BM. Classic looks, good materials and no clip.
 
If he's the kind to lose knives (and many pensioners - like my father - are very forgetful...), buy a job lot of stainless Opinels in an appropriate size.

image.asp


As he loses 'em, replace 'em.

maximus otter
 
Runs With Scissors said:
Not sure what's so much better about the aesthetics of a Gerber LST or a Fallkniven U2 that so far surpasses the Spyderco knives- I just remember him saying that many of my Spyderco knives were too "futuristic":confused:

Nope. It don't make much sense to me either.
Click to expand...
I'm not real excited about the looks and blade shapes of most Spyderco knives, myself. Hey, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, no? But I'll tell you this: Of the three folders I have, my Spyderco Delica 4 is, without question, the easiest to operate, and the most comfortable and secure in the hand. Plus the VG10 holds an edge nicely. When it does need sharpening, its straight-forward edge of VG10 sharpens right up.

I suggest he try a Delica 4. He may never come to love it, but I'd be surprised if he didn't soon come to like and trust it.
 
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