Recommend an EDC for an upscale antique store owner

the old SAK has earnt its character through its usage and its meaning to the owner, it doesn't need fancy jigged bone. An antique shop owner probably appreciates that...then again buying knives for people is fun, so in that spirit, maybe an old NIB alox SAK with the red alox scales and simple cross. The most elegant design Victorinox ever did, its tough and ages nicely. An old Alox soldier also fits the bill, assuming the tool selection is appropriate for your dad's EDC. It would be helpful to know what tools he really uses. e.g. if he needs scissors, then its back to the drawing board.
 
Jack Black said:
Does he wear a suit?



Which model? What tools does he use?
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I think these are great questions to answer before buying a knife for him. By this time in his life, if he's not a knife obsessed nut like us, he has most likely formed a strong opinion of what works for him. If he likes a SAK, maybe then that should be what you stick with, if he even wants a new knife. We have to be careful of trying to superimpose our views on others of what we think may be right. Maybe buy your dad a nice SAK with custom scales, or the store logo on the scales. It will all depend on what tools on what model he likes. If he likes a compact or executive, then it's not a wise choice to buy him a soldier or huntsman.

Carl.
 
Is this shop in Delaware, OH, or the state of Delaware? I am guessing Ohio, but if it's in Delware, I have a couple options you might want to check out.

I've always wanted one of these Victorinox 125th anniversary to carry, an off the wall suggestion, but hey:

swiss-army-heritage-knife.jpg
 
If you want a knife with a traditional look, check out the Case Swayback Jack in chestnut bone.

It looks classy, it’s small in the pocket, the Wharncliffe blade is perfect for opening boxes.
 
Ok, lots of questions and really interesting ideas. Thank you all. First, no suit. Business casual. Second, he uses the main blade and he uses the bottle opener. I don't recall him pulling out any other tools. The model is unknown, one of the smaller ones. Couple blades, maybe an awl, bottle opener, tweezers. Third, shop is in Ohio.
 
silenthunterstudios said:
Is this shop in Delaware, OH, or the state of Delaware? I am guessing Ohio, but if it's in Delware, I have a couple options you might want to check out.

I've always wanted one of these Victorinox 125th anniversary to carry, an off the wall suggestion, but hey:

swiss-army-heritage-knife.jpg
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Thank you for posting that. I really like it.
 
Stamped bolster GEC 1/2 congress with ivory scales!

Really, I think a lot of the GEC offerings would be nice.

Or a Red bone cigar pattern Stockman with dimpled bolsters from Tuna Valley.
 
This is all I have that comes to mind.
Simple and inexpensive with a little forced vinegar patina.
DSC01053_zps202fd1d9.jpg
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A.G. Russell has some nice knives. You may want to stop by his website, maybe get a catalog coming in the mail. There is a really neat looking Peanut inside the cover of his summer catalog. Made in Japan and finished in Arkansas though.
 
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Mack, I believe the cheapest I've seen it is about three and a quarter, online. Saw it in a shop for about four bucks. I don't think the steel is an upgrade either.

Too much $ for me to lay down for a daily user, but looks great.
 
For around $50 you could pick up a Boker Tree Brand "Beer Barrel" folder. I have the Canoe and Whittler pattern. The wood covers have a rustic charm to them and the carbon steel takes a very nice natural patina. Here's a photo of my pair when they were all new and shiny... :)

bb02.jpg


I'd also recommend something in Bird's Eye Maple from Queen if you can push the budget some. I've been very pleased with Queen's D2 and the scales are drop-dead gorgeous (yeah, my cell pic really doesn't even begin to do my Mini Trapper justice... :o)

queen01_zps8446aefc.jpg


Good luck! :)

-Brett
 
pinnah said:
I'm guessing that the SAK doesn't look old and antique enough?

If that's the case, if he likes the functionality of SAK, you might look into a US made older camper, best of all, one with jigged bone scales.
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I second that suggestion.

camillusarmyengineerspo.jpg


- Christian
 
I agree with Brett, Queen makes several that would be a great option, and the Bird's Eye Maple is way nicer in person. Every photo I've seen makes it look dull and grey, which turns lots of people off, but it really is a very pretty wood.
For a touch more class, if you can find a Queen in cocobolo from a few years back, that would be an excellent option. I have a cocobolo-covered toothpick that is very stylish.
 
OFCC Dave said:
Ok, lots of questions and really interesting ideas. Thank you all. First, no suit. Business casual. Second, he uses the main blade and he uses the bottle opener. I don't recall him pulling out any other tools.
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That being the case, I daresay he'd be disappointed with a knife that didn't have a bottle opener...? That narrows down the selection considerably.

~ P.
 
What about finding an old camp/scout knife and cleaning it up for him. I've found some pretty nice scout knives out there at flea/junk markets. Kamp Kings are all over the place, but I've gotten a Camillus, a Camillus made MADE IN USA, a Camilus made Remington and a John Primble Belknap Hardware (either Queen or Boker made), all on good deals and all but the Belknap at a junk mall. I know I'm forgetting one, but I've gotten some great deals, and some just needed a little TLC.
 
I like the look of those jigged bone knives. But he also has a keen appreciation for different hardwoods, and bird's eye maple is one of his favorites.
 
Victorinox makes a Spartan and a Huntsman with hardwood scales. Very nice and won't break the bank, not as nice as many of the examples in this thread but the only thing I can think of with hardwood scales, a bottle opener and sub $100.
 
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