Quick...!

M

Midwest Ninja

Joined
Jun 26, 2007
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906
My father is 52, and somehow he has made it all this time without a knife. Not a one. :eek:So naturally I want to buy him one. From what I've gathered, there are two, maybe three knives that I can afford and get in a decent amount of time. One is the venerable Buck 110. The other is some kind of an SAK. I was also considering some kind of old-style Case slipjoint, depending on what's available when I go into the store tomorrow. (As a side note, I'd like to thank the Traditional forum for getting me hopelessly fixated on a Case Russlock:o:D)

So the mission...should you choose to accept it...is to CHOOSE which one I purchase for this gentleman. You have 24 hours GO!

:cool:
 
Without knowing anything about what he uses a knife for, i.e. hunting, fishing?????

SAK, preferably a Victorinox Tinker. Great all around model.
 
http://www.newgraham.com/detail.aspx?ID=5709

Spyderco Endura 4 waved.

It is the knife I carry and it has displaced all others in my right front pocket.

Beautiful, strong, well made, Emerson's wave really works brilliantly for one-hand opening as the knife is withdrawn from the pocket, excellent tactile grip scales, subdued black pocket clip, not too small like a great many popular folders, back lock won't close on your father's fingers, terrific steel. Those who know choose Spy.....

Admirable of you to think of your father. If my father was alive this is the knive I would give him.

All the best,

oregon
 
SAK. Great knife to get someone hooked on. If your dad is into cool gadgets, maybe a 'Stay-Glo' model. You can also get the SAK models with alox (aluminum) scales with the blank engraving shield on one side, and have it personalized for your dad. (Any place that does sports trophies, etc. can do it for you.)

I always give away the little keychain knives from SAK, and everyone loves them. Take a look on SOSAK as well. They've got some interesting mod's occasionally.

Later on, get him something a little bigger. If your dad is like mine, he won't carry anything larger than a small pocket knife, until he sees the use of one. (If I give my dad a larger knife, like a tactical, he'll put it in his office and just look at it. He won't use it, because it's 'special'. Love my dad, but he's sentimental that way . . . )

thx - cpr
 
My thoughts are:

If you aren't sure whether he'd be into having a knife, or not sure if he's all that likely to carry something everyday, I'd say go with the SAK. Great knife for many tasks, and so even if he ends up just keeping it at his desk, it'll be useful for a good deal of tasks.

If you think he'd be into carrying a knife regularly, or is really wanting a knife, etc., then I'd say to get him a dedicated knife: Buck 110. 'Cause if he's into the knife-carrying idea, then I imagine he'd love the 110, and either it would start him down the road to knife addiction/collection, or it might simply serve him as one of the best/handiest tools that he can carry with him for many years to come.
 
He doesn't really hunt of fish, this would be just for general carry. Boxes, bags, you know the drill. I know the SAK is probably more useful, buut...the knife guy in me says "If 2-2.5 inches is good, well more is better, right?". But I suppose I'll end up getting him what he'll use the most. He made no mention of other tools, just a solid, reliable blade.

Any other suggestions while we're at it?
 
If he's mentioning wanting a "solid, reliable blade," I would definitely go with the Buck 110 (or another dedicated, preferably locking, knife). Other options that come to mind roughly within the price range that you're talking about are: Benchmade Mini-Griptilian, Vex, or 530, Spyderco Delica or Native, Kershaw Leek or Mini-Cyclone. Some of those may be a bit too expensive if your store sells at retail, but they're all great knives. My personal preference would be the Mini Grip, due to overall design and Axis lock. I'm not real fond of using lockback knives, but assuming your dad doesn't share my dislike for that lock, my second place recommendation would be the Spyderco Native (I hear they're commonly available at Wal-Mart). The Buck 110 is still a great choice, though.
 
My dad doesn't know jack about knives; that's why I'm buying one for him. :DHe can't handle liner/frame locks easily with one hand, so I doubt an Axis lock would be much better.

HOWEVER, most of the choices you named are on my list for MY next EDC.:thumbup:
 
Delica D4 combo edge in a nice foilage or british green. Pick any ten of the following descriptions, solid, reliable, pocketable, sharp, good looking, cheap (inexpensive), replaceable, non-intimidating, quick, lightweight, reputable, recognizable, safe, or customized clip location.

If he works around water, fishing or just lives in Oregon, go for a Spyderco Salt.
 
Get him a small stockman with bone handles.
It is a classic and does not take up pocket space, so might be carried.
It is also a classic design
Also freindly
Lots of blades for work or food
 
If your dad has never carried a knife I'm betting he won't feel comfortable lugging around a half pound tank like the Buck 110. (great knife, I own 3 of them, but they're quite heavy at 8oz)

I would look at something smaller and lighter for the light-medium duty use that you described. The limited edition Spyderco Co-Pilot is a great little knife with a 2" blade of VG-10 steel and a lockback that your dad should have no problem using. $59.95@ knifeworks.com

http://www.knifeworks.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=8368

spyc9.jpg
 
Wow, I hadn't realized the Buck 110 was so heavy!

So, from the way things are looking, I'd say some sort of lightweight lockback would be the way to go. My vote would have to go first to the Spyderco Endura, if you think a larger folder would be best, or the Spyderco Native (or possibly Delica) if you think a smaller knife might be better. The Spyderco Salt series would also be a great choice, but I think the corrosion resistance on the other models would be fine, and that your dad would get better use out of a steel that would keep its edge longer.

You'll have to let us know what you decide, and what he ends up thinking of the knife; I'm getting curious now.
 
fudo said:
A nice Queen slippie with D2 blades would be nice.
Click to expand...

I would vote for a small slippie, too. If he's never been into knives, a lockback is probably more than he would want to start with (maybe later...). A nice two-blade traditional slippie would probably be carried more than anything else, at least for a start. I've always been partial to the Canoe patterns and several companies have them.

D2 would be a great steel, but you'll probably end up having to sharpen it for him, so get something you don't mind working with.
 
SAK SAK SAK SAK SAK SAK SAK SAK. There is a reason it is the entry level knife for so many people. They can justify carrying it for more reasons than just the knife. Such as, I won't need a knife, but I might need a bottle opener, or a pair of scissors, or a nail file.
 
Smash05 said:
SAK SAK SAK SAK SAK SAK SAK SAK. There is a reason it is the entry level knife for so many people. They can justify carrying it for more reasons than just the knife. Such as, I won't need a knife, but I might need a bottle opener, or a pair of scissors, or a nail file.
Click to expand...

What he said. For those among us (all?) who find it inconceivable to face the day without something sharp close at hand, please keep in mind this is for a guy who has lived a half century without feeling the need to carry a knife. It's a different mind set.

IMHO, a SAK is the ideal gift because of:

1. Obvious value. Even my wife, who has little interest in knives, carries hers almost everywhere and uses it often (I get to provide maintenance :)). SAKs are a world standard for quality and utility, (almost) everywhere accepted by everyone from knifeknut to bladephobe.

2. A gateway to the world of knife. Many people have started out with a SAK and gone on to develop a wider interest in the subject. That's how I got here.

3. If not accepted into the recipients's lifestyle, SAKs will still be cherished for their design and construction. I have known several people gifted with SAKs they never use, but occasionally take out to admire, doubtless with fond thoughts about the donor ;) .

Why consider anything else? :confused::D
 
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