Lifetime knife, will pass down...

Thought you ought to know that
Unless your son truly loves the designs,
It might have to boil down to
strong sentimental reasons
That he Might develop any possible interest
In your prepared heirlooms.
I imagine one might have to build up
A life time of fond knife usage memories
Somewhere within the context of a father and son relationship
It's really important to highlight the knife's actual usage
Through memories to really make that bond....
We're you trying to write a poem? Idk if it's the formatting (unnecessary line breaks) or the unnecessary capital letters but I find your post extremely hard to read... My mind tries to put a cadence to it but can't.
I've noticed this same affliction in several long time members' posts. I think it's some kind of metal poisoning.
Despite the somewhat unfortunate formatting of the first quote above, a couple of its author's points are well taken. Certainly, our OP's sentiments are warm and well-meant, though the process he envisions seems more than a little contrived, as if he's heard this story before (as most of us have) and wants to replicate that same feeling in his son.

There are things I have that were my Dad's that weren't specifically given to me by him as keepsakes, but just handling such objects, as pedestrian and un-special as some might be, bring back memories of him that make me smile. Just be a good, loving Dad and you'll live on in your children.
 
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Despite the somewhat unfortunate formatting of the first quote above, a couple of its author's points are well taken. Certainly, our OP's sentiments are warm and well-meant, though the process he envisions seems more than a little contrived, as if he's heard this story before (as most of us have) and wants to replicate that same feeling in his son.

There are things I have that were my Dad's that weren't specifically given to me by him as keepsakes, but just handing such objects, as pedestrian and un-special as some might be, bring back memories of him that make me smile. Just be a good, loving Dad and you'll live on in your children.

Heirlooms or not are REALLY trivial as compared to the bold part. You nailed it, my friend.:thumbsup:
 
The Case/Bose hunter will be a few hundred at least, I'm sure you know. At those prices you're approaching customs. Of course price is always a concern, but for a "lifetime" and/or "heirloom" knife, cost really shouldn't be as much of a problem. TA Davidson (Todd) was mentioned, and a knife from him would certainly fit the bill for a very reasonable price (usually $600 unless it's something exotic). He doesn't do lockbacks though. There's makers out there that do lockbacks, but usually the price is a bit higher than a comparable slipjoint. However, there's plenty custom makers that do liner or framelocks.

In my opinion the only reason (other than you really like the knife) to stick with a knife from a company like Case or Chris Reeve is because you're not just buying a knife to last a lifetime and be passed down, but you're also investing in the warranty from the company. A custom maker can make you something unique and truly personal, but any warranty will be limited by the span of the maker's career.
I'm trying to stick around $400, with the Case being around $365 and the Hinderer $425. The Case lifetime warranty is very compelling, I envision them being around awhile.
 
The Case lifetime warranty is very compelling, I envision them being around awhile.
Yeah, I thought that about Camillus and Schrade back in the day.

Pick a knife you will use yourself. I know you really want to make an heirloom out of this, but when it really comes down to it the most treasured keepsake might end up being your old fishing rod or your Filson hat or your wristwatch or some such.
 
Yeah, I thought that about Camillus and Schrade back in the day.

Pick a knife you will use yourself. I know you really want to make an heirloom out of this, but when it really comes down to it the most treasured keepsake might end up being your old fishing rod or your Filson hat or your wristwatch or some such.
Very good point, I'd use either, and if it becomes an hierloom fantastic, but if not, I've used a fantastic knife :)
 
We're you trying to write a poem? Idk if it's the formatting (unnecessary line breaks) or the unnecessary capital letters but I find your post extremely hard to read... My mind tries to put a cadence to it but can't.
Oh, really? Terribly sorry, not my intention to confuse anyone.
But awfully glad to have achieved a first with you ;-)
 
Really enjoying this everyone, and the CRK suggestions are well deserved. The Umnumzaan looks amazing, but the beauty below may be calling my name, now to find a dealer who can cherry pick one...
IMG_4861.jpg
You might consider putting an ad in the Wanted To Buy section of The Exchange. Somebody out there might have one they would part with and they could describe the knife in detail before you buy it. They could also provide individual pics which doesn't always happen with dealers.

Couldn't hurt and you can always edit your post if you find one elsewhere.

Keep in mind that as a non paying member you will only see your own post in the WTB section but paying members see all the posts since they are permitted to sell on the forum. Good Luck! Hope you find a good one.
 
This puppy is very tempting, I've never liked the looks of the Sebenza, but this one is a gem. Wish they weren't so insistent on putting lanyards, give me a second standoff.
chris-reeve-umnumzaan-tactical-folding-knife-71.png
The 'Zaan is a great knife and it's very easy to replace the lanyard pin with another standoff, screw, and receiver. CRK sells that assembly as a kit for 10 bucks plus modest postage.

Around here we call that the Norvox Mod after our BF member, @Norvox , who started a thread on his modification. Here's a link to one of my posts and pics in that thread with a few subsequent entries showing my installation. Of course, I like lanyards a lot, so I installed one much more to my liking than the modest CRK versions that I don't much care for.

My knife is the Wilson Combat version of the Umnumzaan--the StarTac--which features their signature and classic StarBurst pattern grips. I gave one to my son, but he kinda likes me anyway. :p
 
B
I think I'm ready to buy THE knife, for me. I want something I'll use daily for years on end and pass down to my 2 year old son one day. I'm debating between two, but open for suggestions.

Case Tony Bose Wilfred Lockback Hunter
Or
Hinderer XM-18 3.5 spearpoint or spanto

I know these two knives are abit at the opposite ends of the spectrum, but I really like both, and they are similar in terms of being lockable, and blade length.

One issue I've ran into, I'm a bit of a perfectionist, and it seems like finding a nice Case Wilfred Lockback hunter that doesn't have some dings or issues after setting on the shelf for a year is a bit like finding a needle in a haystack. I'm returning one due to sloppy bolster work, bolsters are completely uneven and shaped worse than a Case standard production knife.

In my eyes, you give me a perfect Case Wilfred Lockback Hunter vs a standard XM-18 and I'll take the Case, but finding a perfect old school, yet high end slipjoint/lockback not close to $1,000 is going to be rough. Most XM-18's seem to be uniform, and pretty good quality control.

Any thoughts, suggestions, etc?
Brad, I know a dealer with several wilfred hunters who, in my experience, would pick one out for you. Send me a pm if you would like details mate.

Matt
 
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.

6B474614-8958-4A3E-8E64-28C0FB0039A5.jpeg

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.
 
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.

View attachment 875881

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.
I really enjoyed reading that, glad you shared it!

I found a dealer willing to look through their stock, and hand pick one of these beauties (not the exact knife, just showing the model). Better yet, it was just a tad over 300 bucks. I was pulled in the Chris Reeve direction, but this old R1306 pattern is my all time favorite. I think Tony Bose carries the R1306 pattern as well. So thankful to have located a dealer that had 10+ on hand, and willing to sift through them finding the best one.

I ordered a leather pocket slip to go with it. Hopefully the knife and the slip are riding in my pocket 20 years from now with some stories to tell.

IMG_4861.jpg
 
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Have you considered a Les George VECP? I'm gonna need another since both of my sons want mine :)
 
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.

View attachment 875881

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.
Very true. Most kids of BF members and knife “collectors” that have lots of knives will be selling them ASAP if they’re not into knives. But one or two knives that they remember you using for years is a different story IME.

My wife’s favourite knife in the house is her grandfather’s mangled old no name folder he whittled with for over 60years. I would be surprised if it was worth $0.10. Worth more than any of my high end knives to her though.
 
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