Should you buy a good quality knife as a gift...

I would get something inexpensive and easy to sharpen, but still high quality. Now, what is inexpensive for you? $50? You can find used Griptilians, Delicas etc for that if you look hard enough. Maybe some Case knives? SAKs? I've given cheap, quality knives I've found in antique malls etc. I made the mistake of giving my little brother, who was about 14 at the time, a Benchmade 42S (he was in awe of bali flippers he saw at the Chesapeake knife show). Over the years, he has gotten several high quality folders, including a Benchmade 32 and AG Russell scout knife, even though I got both at great deals. A Delica 4 etc. One of his favorite knives is a Colonial made three spring yellow stockman. He takes it to work and when he is in the woods, uses it for everything (he's 16). I would save the nicer stuff for later.
 
+1 on this. If they aren't really "into" knives they won't appreciate the difference between $130 knives vs $30 knives. If you buy them the knives you can always teach them how to sharpen with a stone.
Jiggy said:
I wouldn't buy someone a good knife unless they were really into knives. But no I've only bought knives for my girlfriend and I sharpen them for her.
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I agree. I Spyderco Military or a Sebenza or something like that is going to be pretty pointless unless you know somebody wants one. With all the really nice offerings that Buck has these days (and numerous other makers)...you can give a very nice knife. I mean you can't go wrong with a Buck 110. Everybody will recognize it as a "brand name", it is equally at home in the woods or "tactical" environment, it is wood and brass and thus traditional,it is a lockback and thus modern, and bottom line it is a darned good knife for $40.
 
No. My buddy is one who'll use the knife as a screw driver so nothing expensive. However you might look into companies that do free sharpening. All you have to do is pay 5 bucks or so for shipping. I think spyderco and benchmade do it. I'm sure there are others.
 
If I give a knife as a present, I try to provide them with a knife that is within their realm of experience. If they seem to be a one-hand type person, then that is what they get. Typically it is slip joints and SAKs are high on my list of presents. Other than kids I'm trying to educate, the knife (if given) fits into their world as I understand it.
 
Davor said:
I thought about buying two mid range priced folders $130 range to a friend and my brother. My only problem is that they don't even own a sharpening kit or less know how to use one. I'm concerned buying such a high quality knife will just go to waste when the blade dulls. I bought another family member a Global kitchen knife, but knew very well I had to accompany the kitchen knife gift with a Spyderco sharpmaker. I can't afford to buy a knife and a sharpening kit together.

Anyone have the same issue?
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I never buy nice knives for folks who can't sharpen. Waste of money.
 
You could get them a quality knife in the $30-$50 range and a sharpening device (like a sharpmaker).
 
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I tend to gift SAKs as they are cheap quality blades. The small classics are really appreciated in my experience :)
 
I think anyone would appreciate a leatherman or a SAK, even just to leave them in in their desk draw for household chores, but anything else your average person who doesn't spend much time outdoors wouldn't appreciate it, and would rather get a nice pen or a scarf or something.
 
It is weird how things work out. Instead of asking the recipients if they would like a knife, people come here and ask complete strangers how they think the recipient will react.

Just ask your brother and friend if they want a knife, then show them pictures of what you intend to buy. If they are not interested, don't bother. If they are interested, go for it. It should make no difference to you how they use the knife. You are just giving an object, not an object with a contract for how and when and where they should use that object.
 
HoosierQ said:
I mean you can't go wrong with a Buck 110. Everybody will recognize it as a "brand name"
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I guess it depends on the audience. I'm just getting into knives (haven't bought one yet but I'm shopping for something quality but inexpensive) and I've known for years about brands like Benchmade, Spyderco, and Kershaw, but I would not have recognized Buck as the name of a knife maker. Maybe it's because I'm not looking at camping style knives but just saying...
 
Chocula said:
It is weird how things work out. Instead of asking the recipients if they would like a knife, people come here and ask complete strangers how they think the recipient will react.

Just ask your brother and friend if they want a knife, then show them pictures of what you intend to buy. If they are not interested, don't bother. If they are interested, go for it. It should make no difference to you how they use the knife. You are just giving an object, not an object with a contract for how and when and where they should use that object.
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I some-what agree with that. But, some times people don't really know they need a knife until they start using them. Then they realize things like opening boxes with keys is silly. Another problem with giving a non-knife person a knife is that they will like it until it gets dull and then they won't use it any more. giving a sharpening system with the knife will greatly increase the chances that the person will use the knife regularly. Even if they don't use the gifted knife all that much, just about everyone has a few dull kitchen knives laying around that need sharpening.

It also helps to get non-knife people a smaller, lighter weight, non-intimidating first knife. I would recommend a blade in the 2.5"-3" range and nothing that looks too tacti-cool.
 
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dboeren said:
but I would not have recognized Buck as the name of a knife maker. Maybe it's because I'm not looking at camping style knives but just saying...
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Buck makes good knives and not all of them are for "camping". For example, buck's vantage line is an excellent pocket knife choice in it's price range.
 
Just goes to prove my point though, there are people who are thoroughly unfamiliar with Buck as a knifemaker :) Just opened up their page and yes, they clearly do make more than camping knives.
 
I say why not gift a knife... Although, I find knives are a personal taste and everyones is different. I'd say take them to a shop and have them get a feel for what they like, then buy that.

If you don't want them to know take them any way and watch what they like and then come back and grab it or buy it online.
 
None of my friends are really into collecting knives such as me. I have given away Bucks 110's and SAK's to outdoor type friends in the past but would be hesitant to go above a $50.00 price range as I doubt the extra quality would be appreciated.
 
Both my brother and MIL pointed out that they wanted a knife. My MIL told she wanted a Global knife. She started to sharpen her cheaper knives on a stone. I found a global utility knife for $52 and at the same time bought her a Spyderco Sharpmaker for another $50. I think it was $100 well spent for a family member. I decided to get my brother a Spyderco Sharpmaker and just take him to a knife store after he has used it and recommend he buy a nicer knife. BTW MIL has very little cash while my brother is doing fairly well. For my friend, maybe a sweater. After a few items, gift costs add up.
I have an overall agreement that the Sharpmaker is the best gift to start a knife novice on. Once their kitchen knifes and pocket knives become nearly razor sharp, they will move onto higher quality blades.
 
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