Looking for a special classic/traditional folder for my son.

[knarfeng]

Although I'm a BIG fan of GEC,the 1095 Carbon Steel blades would require some intermitent care over the next 15 years to prevent rust. A good coat of Renaisance Wax would help protect the blades. I am,however, also a big fan of D2 Tool Steel,used primarily by Queen Cutlery. While still a Carbon Steel,D2 has a high percentage of Chromium [around 18% I think] and is considered to be rust RESISTANT.
I also agree with the posters who say the young man will cherish ANY knife his father was thoughtful enough to purchase and store for fifteen years as a gift for his 16th birthday.

The first user I got my son for a user was Opinel #6. The friction folders are the safest for young hands, IMO.

But I think you're talking about a keepsake from his dad. For that, pick a knife that YOU love. There's no telling what he'll think is cool when he's older. Might as well have the gift reflect his memory of you.

I agree with both these gents. If you are going to store it for ~15 years, I'd recommend stainless steel blades as being easier to store successfully. (For this sort of thing, I would count D2 as stainless.) Give it a coat of oil and it will sit there fat dumb and happy until it's time to be carried.

I'd also agree that, if this is to be a special gift for him to remember you by, pick something YOU like.

 

[richstag]

Another thought. The first knife my dad gave me was a knife that he carried most of his life. Yeah it was already worn and broken in, but that only made/makes it that much more special to me. Just a thought

 

[Doug Add]

Another thought. The first knife my dad gave me was a knife that he carried most of his life. Yeah it was already worn and broken in, but that only made/makes it that much more special to me. Just a thought

I like this idea.

My dad never has never been a knife guy. I do have one that belonged to my grandad, but he carried it less than a year. I really wish I had one of his knives that he put through the paces.

 

[300Bucks]

AM,

As far as the "fancy or real deal" Buck Stockman is concerned. Here is what I might do.....The 303 Buffalo Scale is still available from multiple sources. The auction sites have them frequently. I will go way out on limb and say they may not be around in 15 years, making them more desireable as collectables.

As far as just the ole run of mill 301 Buck goes, I go with the yellow scale as a classic look. In this version make sure you get one made in 2012, the date stamp on the tang will be a backwards half-circle with a dot in the center -) make - a dot. Date codes: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/716179-Buck-Date-Codes

If you want to make it a quest (but do-able), David Yellowhorse Buck or 90's brown jigged bone 301s are pretty frequent on a auction site.

The other knives mentioned are nice also... 300Bucks

PS I lean to Javelin's idea.

 

[Pokerface]

As far as just the ole run of mill 301 Buck goes, I go with the yellow scale as a classic look. .

This is actually the exact Buck that I had in mind when I asked about the 301. Also, the Boone and Crockett editions, but I'm wondering if these are worth the money.

I'm really liking the Queen 44ACSB FOLDING HUNTER and the 49CZ CATTLE KING from their Curly Zebra line, both in D2 steel...however, I'm going to have to worry about preserving the liners rust free aren't I?

[/IMG]

 

[Railsplitter]

Another thought. The first knife my dad gave me was a knife that he carried most of his life. Yeah it was already worn and broken in, but that only made/makes it that much more special to me. Just a thought

I like this idea.

My dad never has never been a knife guy. I do have one that belonged to my grandad, but he carried it less than a year. I really wish I had one of his knives that he put through the paces.

I think Kevin and Doug are onto something here. You could pick out your favorite knife now and carry it until you're ready to give it to your son.

It's your call of course, but I think this is worthy of some serious consideration.

 

[Pokerface]

Knarfeng,

I'm also in San Diego. Is there any place that you know of here in San Diego (or within 50-60 miles) where I can take a look at quality knives? Or am I just stuck with looking at these online?

 

[knarfeng]

I fear I am not a good source of information on San Diego knife shops. I do all my shopping online. Since I'm in this for the long run (You never know, I turn 60 this year. I might have another 30 years.) I pays my money and I takes my chances.

I am told that Wright Knife in La Mesa shut down. They have a web site with a phone number. You might see if they exist in any other form and if there is somewhere you could go to handle their knives.

There used to be a nice knife shop in Julian. If it is still there, I don't remember exactly what they carry. I've not been to Julian in a few years, so I don't know if it is still there. (IIRC Last time I was in Julian was prior to the startup of Great Eastern.)

 

[reader1]

AM515,

The GEC Northfield #72 in Cocobolo Wood (one of the always reliable GEC handle materials) with the Clip Blade and Long Pull you show above, is a great knife. The threaded Bolster is a favorite of mine.

I am sure that your son will be very strong, but the #72 has one of the more reliably soft Pulls available on any GEC knife. This will make it easy to open without issues, AND to Lock and unlock. The Clip Blade will be best on the #72. I have several #72 Wharncliffes, but they sit too high on this model and they almost fall open. The Clip is usually the main blade on the Stockman. It fits that the you chose the Clip Blade #72.

The #72 is light and thin, but a good general size for carry in the world your son will inhabit, unless everyone goes to the new Chicago 2" limit or bans knives entirely.

I have never been a Father, but I would introduce my son to a simple single blade knife at the earliest possible age. I was doing family food prep in the kitchen or in the car on the road well before I was ten. Very different times.

Sincere congratulations on Fatherhood.

Mike H.

PS: 300 Bucks
Those 303 Buffalo Scale knives are stunning. I had never seen them before.