ROTC Grad gift?

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RH

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Close friend of the family is graduating college/ROTC this month, and I want to give a "sharp" gift. I've gifted an engraved Native to a West Point grad in the past, but I don't want to gift a showpiece - this kid is a hard charger. Excelled in every school they've thrown at him - survival, jump school, etc. Definitely an "operator" in the making. I want to gift something that is practical and will be used. I was debating between a quality tac folder or maybe one of the multi-tools that have AR15 / M4 specific tools included.

I'd like to keep it under $70, but that's not a hard limit.

Appreciate all your input, thx.
 
You may want to consider gifting a solid EDC knife, rather than gifting a knife intended to fulfill some sort of "tactical" or military-themed use. Sounds like the kid has a huge road ahead of him, and who knows where it will take him. A solid EDC knife will travel with him down that road, regardless of where it takes him.

If you're willing to spend $20-$30 more, I'd suggest a Benchmade 710. Strikes a solid EDC balance: perfect blade length, slicing, outstanding warranty, low weight, and sleek.

Regardless, I suggest setting a budget around $50ish OR $100ish. The $70 mark is rough in that it is difficult to find high-quality folders below $100ish, yet there are tons of solid options around $ 50ish. Few outstanding folders fall in that $75ish gap.
 
I guess I was unclear - yes, not looking for the Black Ops killer knife, but a solid EDC/"tac" folder that would be appreciated by someone who will definitely be a knife user. What do u recommend in the $50 range?
 
In that range, the mini-grip is a lot of knife is a package that you can always keep in the same pocket all the time.
 
You can get the Kershaw Blur in s30v under $70, if he doesn't like the assist, you can remove it and it makes a great manual folder.
Kershaw JYD 2.2 Composite is under $70, excellent blade. Will handle any task he decides to throw at it, D2 edge which is a great steel. Big heavy duty knife.

Okay, this isn't exactly under $70... but it's under $80? Is that okay?
Kershaw Rake - Again has the D2 edge and is a great heavy duty folder, this was my EDC for quite a while and I loved it. It's spring assisted but he may be able to remove that if wanted.

Kershaw Speedform 2 - A solid built knife in Elmax steel.
 
SPYDERCO resilience or C.S. Recon 1 or Lawman are always good ones


this may sound kinda tacky but if he is getting deployed a nice hard use watch rugged watch would be a good way to go, i kid you not
 
Leatherman Wave with his name and branch of service engraved on it ??
He'll find it incredibly useful and it will become an instant family heirloom. No need for the military specific tool ones like the MUT.
like this : JOHN L. WILSON , USMC
 
RH said:
I guess I was unclear - yes, not looking for the Black Ops killer knife, but a solid EDC/"tac" folder that would be appreciated by someone who will definitely be a knife user. What do u recommend in the $50 range?
Click to expand...

At around $50, it is difficult to beat the Cold Steel Recon 1 ($60ish) in terms of a rugged, strong, ergonomic, and relatively light knife that will function well under hard use tasks but still slice and EDC well. Strongest lock on the market, good steel (AUS-8 with a great heat treat; holds a good edge and is very easy to sharpen), and carries well in the pocket.

Others to consider: (1) Spyderco Endura [slimmer and a better slicer than the CS Recon 1, but not as strong in terms of tip strength and lock strength ($60ish)]; (2) Benchmade Griptilian [good, functional, all around knife; you can even get on customized from Benchmade to his taste ($80ish)];
 
Oakengroves said:
At around $50, it is difficult to beat the Cold Steel Recon 1 ($60ish) in terms of a rugged, strong, ergonomic, and relatively light knife that will function well under hard use tasks but still slice and EDC well
Click to expand...

agreed Recon 1 is a hell of a blade, if thats too large for his liking they he have smaller ones that hold up just as well
 
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