Looking for suggestions.

K

Kim Cusano

Joined
Nov 24, 2018
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I want to get my 18yo son a pocket knife for Christmas. He is currently going to school to be an aircraft mechanic and it’s on his list of tools for next semester. I’d like to keep it around 100 dollars.
Thanks Kim
 
I'm more of a traditional knife kind of guy but a Griptilian seems to be pretty popular around here. My only contemporary knife is a Spyderco Delica, which I'm very happy with.
You might split your budget between a knife and a multi tool to cover all bases.
Any idea what he he might be using the knife for?-- Someone with a little more knowledge in contemporary knives will probably be along soon. Kudos to your son for his ambitions.--Welcome to BF--KV
 
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This pocket knife is going to be subjected to a lot of abuse if it's in that field. Honestly, unless it specifies otherwise, a utility razor and some blades may easily be the best choice.
If they really want a folding pocket knife, I would suggest something like the Cold Steel Tuff Lite, or perhaps a Voyager of the same brand. You want something strong, reliable, and not so expensive that there will be any hesitance to use it.

The most expensive knife I would recommend for this purpose is a Spyderco Native or Manix - the LW versions. They're straight-up cutting tools with grippy handles and excellent blade steels. If he doesn't know his way around a sharpening stone, then I really would push for a good utility razor and some Lenox Gold blades. A dull knife is a real hazard to the user.
 
A mini Griptilian gets my vote. He could use and abuse that knife and if anything did happen to go wrong, $30 and he gets a a brand new blade. Though, 154cm is a good, tough stainless that should be able to handle the job just fine. It’s one knife I’d recommend to anyone looking for a smaller, but very capable knife.
 
Buck 110? It has both war time and peace time experience in that field.

If you want a CPM-154 blade, get the SK Blades "Smoke Jumper" (clip point blade with red handle) or "The Badge" (drop point blade with blue handle)
Both have a stone washed CPM-154 blade and a FRN handle.
Under $40 each, plus free shipping.
 
McFeeli said:
A mini Griptilian gets my vote. He could use and abuse that knife and if anything did happen to go wrong, $30 and he gets a a brand new blade. Though, 154cm is a good, tough stainless that should be able to handle the job just fine. It’s one knife I’d recommend to anyone looking for a smaller, but very capable knife.
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Only drawback is that the Grips have horrible handles.
 
Leatherman Surge. He'll appreciate the tools, and it does have a one-handed blade as well. Get him the not extender and bit kit too.
 
In Desolation said:
Only drawback is that the Grips have horrible handles.
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To some. I personally dislike the way the full size Griptilians feel, almost held off on getting a mini just because of that. Once I finally did get a mini in hand, my opinion changed completely. They feel much sturdier because of the full liners.

As for the handle material itself, I love it. It doesn’t chew up my pockets and makes it easier to retrieve. Some complain that it feels too “plastic-y” for them, and to that I say get an -1 model. I’m more than content with the Valox.
 
Leatherman Skeletool is hard to beat. Decent tool options, one hand opening with a blade lock, and pocket clip. It really is an excellent tool. I've gifted a few of them and everyone I've given them to loves them.

It'll run ~$60USD. Toss in a DMT DiaFold course/fine dual sided sharpener for another $40 and you will have set him up very well for all manner of tasks. And, he'll be able to maintain the blade edge. Tell him to come here to learn how. :)
 
McFeeli said:
To some. I personally dislike the way the full size Griptilians feel, almost held off on getting a mini just because of that. Once I finally did get a mini in hand, my opinion changed completely. They feel much sturdier because of the full liners.

As for the handle material itself, I love it. It doesn’t chew up my pockets and makes it easier to retrieve. Some complain that it feels too “plastic-y” for them, and to that I say get an -1 model. I’m more than content with the Valox.
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I'm just not big on polymer handles.
 
Being a mechanic for a time when I was younger, I carried both a 110 & a Gerber multitool. Used both multiple times equally. I also carried a mini Mag-Lite. Three pouches on the belt left more room in the pockets.
 
Thank you for all your responses. I am going to check out all your suggestions and make a decision from there.
Kim
 
I am a mechanic and I like my Ontario rat 1 in D2 holds an edge good and is inexpensive.
So all the grease that is on it used to be brown handle now is black don’t bother me.
 
I am an aircraft mechanic, since waaaay back in my military days.

A Leatherman is a great idea... get him the Wingman!

Nobody trashed their knife on any of our aircraft, the shop had all the tools we needed to get the job done.

Where's he going to school, Kim?
 
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