Seeking Gift suggestions

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floridaclipper

Joined
Dec 17, 2013
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159
Hello,

Life happens and I've been out of the loop for a bit. I'm seeking a gift for my Deacon at church. My first idea was an Alox SAK with filework by Tom Stratton. I was usually first in line at blade show to pick up a few of his items and enjoyed visiting with him each year. His work is fantastic. I can't seem to locate him (I don't use facebook), so if anyone can point me in his direction or him to me that would be awesome. My next idea was a gentleman's folder or perhaps a Benchmade maybe a Griptillian or an Osborne. I like the axis lock but am open to other suggestions. I do not like FRN and would prefer something nicer. He is very tall and has large hands so it would need to fit well. He is ex-military. Budget $200 give or take.
 
Doug Ritter RSK MK1-G2 in 20CV steel. Knifeworks exclusive.
 
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Thanks. That checks a lot of the boxes including the deep carry clip. I'm liking the mini red for me :) but I'm leaning toward the black or the Black and tan for him. I usually shy away from coated blades. Any feedback on how it holds up? I'll give them a call and see if a black clip and screws are available.

I'm still open to more options but I'll need to make a decision in the next few days to ensure it arrives on time.
 
I've got a Griptilian, and it's little brother. It's tough to find fault with either version. They can be found in all sorts of configurations, and they'll easily fit into your budget.
 
I have the little brother and really like it as I do most Benchmades. I probably have 6 or 7 folders and a few fixed blades from them. I find even the larger ones very comfortable in the hand and easy to open with long nails and as fast or faster than some of my autos. Size wise I thought it would be tough for a man to get a full grip on it, same with the emissary, and valet. I know what I like but a man's perspective is different. I do like other brands as well Protech, some ZT's, Spyderco's etc.

So far we have the Full Griptilian and the Doug Ritter RSK MK1-G2 in 20cv steel in the running.
 
If you get the Grip through the Custom Shop: 20CV is available...
I think it's $20
 
Depending on his branch of service, you may be able to find something with an historical tie-in.

Not a Ka-Bar, of course! The parishoners would be understandably nervous.

The Camillus TL-29 comes to mind, or it's civilian counterpart. Camillus also made the K818, a durable, Swiss Army Knife-like tool that could fit the bill.

If you want something modern, the Bugout would be a slim, light, discreet choice, but some people have complained about the mostly plastic scales having some "give" in them, that is not confidence-inspiring.
 
Lol. He may like a Ka-Bar. It would make the parishioners nervous though.

I believe he was in the Air Force. My first choice was a super dressed up up SAK or traditional. I just don't have a source at the moment. It's a classic gift and fits completely in pocket. I'll check out the Camillus but will pass on the bug out. I don't want to gift plastic scales. I want a good balance of function and looks.

I came across a Spyderco Delica 4 in Damascus VG10 with black pakkawood scales. What say you??? Is it comfortable in the hand and easy to carry and maintain? Still need to research if it has a deep carry black clip.
 
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One of the Gayle Bradley/Spyderco collaborations? The Advocate is pretty nice. I'm a pretty big guy myself - so I'm told - but I don't see it as a small knife despite it's fairly diminutive specifications. The GB1 is extremely cool and I understand the GB2 isn't far behind, if at all.
 
Life happened. Boss got covid. Working a ton. Finally have a day off. I found a shop about an hour from me that has the 535bk-4 Benchmade in stock. I'm taking a trip with a friend with and the suggestions above to see how it fits. It may work for a good edc. It's not scary looking, black clip, m390. I was hoping for nicer scales but these are not plastic and seem well done. I'd rather avoid a coated blade but we'll see how it works out and what else the shop has on hand.

1639666565295.jpeg
 
They're a really nice-looking knife! I think you're gonna like it.
 
Thank you all for your help. The 535-3 bug out was gifted this afternoon. . The 535bk-4 will be gifted later tonight. I hope they like them. Apologies in advance. I'm having trouble posting the image. They were both super stiff out of the box and needed adjustments and oil before wrapping to make them functional. This was the worst of any bench made I have purchased. At this price point I expected better. All ended well though and they are attractive knives.
 
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