Recommend a knife for my brother?

P

pedalinbob

Joined
Jan 10, 2004
Messages
153
My bro carries a cheapie knife, which he seems to like.
I believe it is a Chinese knife of unknown quality, with metal handle, pocket clip and a thumb stud.
I only had a brief look at it, but it was longer than my EDC (3" blades), probably about 4".

I would like to get him something a bit nicer, with a budget of $50 or less.
It will need a pocket clip (not sure if he likes tip-up or tip-down, but he carries it clipped inside his right pocket), plain edge blade somewhere around 4" in length. Any handle will do, but I think he likes the feel of something substantial (he is a big guy with very large hands).

I have considered:

Byrd Cara Cara in G10 or the metal handle. Looks like a lot of knife for the money. I have a Meadowlark and really like it.
Spyderco Native (?), which I believe is well-regarded here. Might be a bit short, though.
A Kershaw model (he might enjoy the assisted opening, but I worry about accidental deployment).

Any other ideas?

Thanks,
Bob
 
Check out the CRKT line, they have some nice cheap folders.
The Ka-Bar Dozier folders are also nice and cheap.
 
Really don't think you can go wrong with the G10 Cara Cara. Especially if prior to that, he was carrying a no-name knife. Any reasons why you're hesitating on buying it? Looks, maybe?

Do you have preferences on handle, lock, or opening mechanism type? Do you want it to be similar as possible to the knife he has now, or do you want him to try something completely different?
 
Another :thumbup: for the Endura (preferably waved) and Cara Cara G10.

You could also try the Buck 110.
 
ThreeWorlds said:
Really don't think you can go wrong with the G10 Cara Cara. Especially if prior to that, he was carrying a no-name knife Any reasons why you're hesitating on it? Looks, maybe?

Do you have preferences on handle, lock, or opening mechanism type? Similar as possible to the knife he has now, or something completely different?
Click to expand...

Hmm...I am not sure what type of lock his knife has...I may try to find out by asking his wife if she knows. I believe it might be a lockback...but I'm not positive on that.
That is what I get for not paying attention when he showed it to me. I do know for sure that it was not a name-brand knife.

I only hesitated because I couldn't recall all of the possibilities, and knew this forum would be helpful.
I believe a thumb-hole or stud would be fine....but, the only minor concern about the thumb hole is that he has BIG thumbs, and I wonder if he wouldn't have trouble getting good purchase.
However, the Byrds have a much larger hole...

I think the Delica (which I love) might be a touch small.
The Dozier is an excellent choice (I have the thumbhole model)...but, might also be a bit small, blade-wise. It is also very light (which I like), but might seem too "delicate" to him.

I will have to check out the CRKT line.

Soo...at the moment, I am looking at the Byrd Cara Cara, Spyderco Endura, and the Kershaw JYD II (I think they carry these at my local Wally-world).
 
I'll second the Cara Cara and the JYD II. Both are great knives with substantial heft and build. Spend that little extra to get the JYD II, and I'm sure he'll appreciate it, I mean, hey it's a free knife!

Daniel
 
Check out the Kershaw Storm II about $35.00

- Large folder, but slim
- Re curve blade
- Has thumb studs and a flipper
- Frame Lock
- US Made

You won't believe what $35.00 can buy.
 
Spyderco Native, Native3
Delica
Centofante3
or if you want bigger knife, than Endura.
All of them great blades
 
I'm often amused at how people don't even bother to look through the thread before pressing post.

Anyway, if you're set on deciding between the Cara Cara, Endura, JYD II, and various CRKTs, I'd have to say (having handled all of them except of course all CRKT models) that it's a tossup between the Cara Cara and the JYD II. I love the Endura, and a Waved Endura III is actually my EDC, but for the money I think the Cara Cara is the clear winner, and it really is built like a tank. I have yet to meet someone who wasn't impressed by the G10 Byrd line. Of course, the wave option for the Endura is a nice touch, but from what I can tell on the forums the wave is really a love/hate thing, so as a gift, I'd say play it safe.

The JYD is a bit of a different knife; still a good workhorse, but I think it's a bit wider in the hand, flashier with the AO and the clip, and curvier (some would say nicer to look at). Will probably draw more attention than your other options.

Haven't heard much about the new line CRKT models, but many people think highly of the M16. Personally I don't like them and I think they run small. I liked their S-2 models, but that's discontinued and a bit pricier (one selling for ~$70 in Exchange forum).
 
Spyderco Delica or Endura. Although I'm not big on axis locks the only thing that even comes close for the money are Benchmade's Griptillians but they are a bit more expensive.

If you really want substantial for around 50 bucks check out the Buck Strider 889.
 
I own both the Byrd Cara Cara in G-10 and the Junkyard Dog II. I like both but I much prefer the JYD II. Yes it costs about 25 bucks more but the flipper is easy for any size hand and fun to play with. Also the handle is larger and a bit better for larger hands as your brother has. It's American made and top quality for $46. I got mine from Grand Praire Knives and got a great price. Personable service too!:thumbup:
 
The Buck Omni Hunter (folder) is a good all-around cutter. Thumb wells, fat 3.5-4" blade that comes with a sharp edge, curved rubber handle that conforms well to the hand, a ridged spine for the thumb. Got mine for $40. Hasn't failed me yet. It's simple blade-wise, but it's good when you just want the meat and potatoes.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top