I think a traditional is a good choice, provided it’s what YOU like and plan on using/carrying.
My dad carried the lockback below the whole time I was growing up, broken tip, bad regrind and everything. It has about zero monetary value, but it’s worth a lot to me; it’ll be worth a lot more to my kids and even grandkids.
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My dad is 80 now, and carrying something Texas Toothpick-ish. He’s quite fond of it and uses it all the time. I really don’t know the spicifics of the knife, nor do I care. Unless he looses it, it’ll never leave the family.
In the same regard, a few years ago my dad gave his old tackle box to my kids, thinking they could turn some of the vintage fishing lures for a few bucks. He said they could have anything inside, unless we found an old beat up slip joint—it belonged to HIS dad! We found the knife and he was elated!
One of my rationalizations for an occasional CRK purchase is my confidence that, in-spite of use, they will outlive me and make great heirlooms—legacy marks included!
Sorry OP, I didn’t mean to take over your thread. I’m trying to say buy what you like best and use the crap out of it; that’s what will make it really valuable to your son—whatever it is.