So, I'm gettin married (bummer I know)

K.O.D.

K.O.D.

Sell your cloak buy a sword
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This isn't happening until July, but I wanna get a head start. My question lies in that I want to get knives for my four groomsman as thank you gifts. Now I don't wanna go overboard spending or anything, but I need y'all's expert opinions on what to get. One already carries a knife (Kershaw Blur), two will definitely carry when they can (one's a teacher, one works for the US Department of Education). Do I go modern folder or traditional/SAK? I know as much about traditionals as I do gynecology. So if I go that route, I'll need some serious edumacation. So, to make it simple:

1) Traditional or Modern
2) Recommended Budget (obviously spending more on the best man)
3) Specific knives to consider
4) 3" blade or smaller. 2 live in Chicago, one in St. Louis, one in Dallas and I'm not sure of the knife laws of the last two. This is not a requirement, just something I thought might be pertinent.

Thanks for your time!

Bernie aka K.O.D./Kitten Of Death
 
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I don't know what "overboard" spending is for you, but based on what you said, ease of use, and getting a really sweet knife that will last, the Benchmade Ritter Mini-Griptilian in M390 jumps to mind. They are a knifeworks exclusive and $130 a pop if I remember correctly. Alternatively, you could just get a few regular griptilians and save some money, I'm just partial to the blade shape on the Ritters. That being said, M390 may not be the best steel for a knife novice...once it gets dull (even though it will take forever), you need a decently skilled hand at sharpening to restore the edge.

A lot of people who don't have an account on bladeforums recognize the name "Benchmade," and the axis lock is very safe and user friendly.
 
I think an engraved SAK Alox would fit the bill nicely. Could get different models for each groomsman depending on how they might use a knife (outdoorsy- Alox Farmer etc). Budget is up to you but $30-50 each would be a nice grooms gift IMO.
 
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Too bad for the blade length restriction. I'd suggest getting each one a regular Kershaw Skyline and get the best man a Damascus version. I think the SAK route will be the best option though to comply with the blade length requirements.
 
Silvanus said:
Too bad for the blade length restriction. I'd suggest getting each one a regular Kershaw Skyline and get the best man a Damascus version. I think the SAK route will be the best option though to comply with the blade length requirements.
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Not really a requirement, just a thought.
 
Get Kershaw leeks and have something engraved on each one. It will be unique to the occasion.
You could include a flashlight with the knife for the groomsman, or something of the like.
 
I got all of my groomsmen Case medium stockman knives, in black G10 and stainless. Combines classic traditional design, with ruggedness of newish materials, and stainless so that the guys wouldn't have to worry about upkeep. They were a big hit.

I had the main blade laser engraved with the first initial, last name of each person.

(image robbed from web)

CA-6234-Case-BlackG10-Stockman.jpg
 
Ajack60 said:
Get Kershaw leeks and have something engraved on each one. It will be unique to the occasion.
You could include a flashlight with the knife for the groomsman, or something of the like.
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I was in my cousins wedding recently. He's not a knife guy but he knows I'm into knives. He got us all these stainless steel MTech knives with wood scales and had our names engraved in the wood portion. They are by no means the nicest knife in the world but I'll always keep it for the sentiment. Its not the worst knife I've ever held either.

I like your idea and I think the Leek is an excellent choice of knife to do it with.
 
Modern or traditional depends on the recipients' taste in knives. You know them better than us.

As to budget, if you can spend between $50-100 per knife, then there are lots of very cool options available.

Here are some ideas:

-Alox SAK. Cadet, Pioneer, Farmer, whichever one you like. They are well built, affordable and have a little engraving plate on the handle. Something like a Cadet is legal almost anywhere and handy for most people (it's also available in several colours).

-Spyderco Dragonfly or Delica. You can get stainless steel handled Dragonflies and have the handles engraved, or have the blades laser etched. If you want something a bit larger but still under 3", the Delica would be my choice (and it comes in different colours).

-Benchmade Mini Griptilian. Several handle colours to pick from, AXIS lock and I think BM offers engraving for a small fee.

-Karshaw Leek, Chive, Scallion. Since one of your mates likes Kershaw, one of these might be a good idea (unless you think AO might be an issue). There are loads of different handle and blade finish combinations. Even some of the damascus versions are under $100.

-Lionsteel Opera. Not cheap at $100 or so, but this knife has a nice mixture of traditional and modern styling. The olive wood and cocobolo handled models are elegant and functional. They come with a pretty leather sheath, too.

-Case or GEC are excellent options for traditional patterns. Case has some good looking CV slipjoints (I'm not a fan of their stainless steel line) with red or chesnut bone handles, for about $50 depending on the model. Stockman, Trapper, Mini Copperlock (if you want a locking knife), Muskrat, all nice and useful patterns. GEC has, in my opinion, better fit and finish and is a step up in quality (which is reflected on their prices). They have several very cool patterns with blades under 3", several handle material options and some have blank engraving plates on the handle. I've been using two of their first trappers (#73 and #42, I think they call them) in 1095 for a few years and have nothing but good things to say about them.
 
How about a sodbuster Jr in Chesnut bone around 50 bucks you could ingrave something on the blade. Also it's a classy carry for a teacher or anyone for that matter.
 
I would gauge your friends as to what you think they would be more likely to carry. Traditions are sweet, but if they have no appreciation for knives its never going to get carried. Modern folders are very nice, but for a wedding gift you need to watch your budget because we all know that the sky is the limit when it comes to what you want ;) You also want to make it a bit special because its from you and for your wedding.

Traditional; I agree with Tripton. Case Black G-10 and stainless. You get both the modern and traditional in one. My choice would be a 'Stockman' or 'Trapper' maybe even a 'Copperlock'

Modern; Spyderco stainless Dragonfly with engraving. Cold Steel Code-4 - something engraved.

Or since you have time... depending on which custom maker you choose. You could design your own or order a small(ish) fixed blade. I believe another member did this for his groomsmen.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1175860-Swarm-of-Hornets-at-my-Wedding

Enjoy your options!
 
I gave my groomsmen alox cadets, the best man got a red one. They all love them and carry them a lot.
 
Congrats on your upcoming nuptials.

K.O.D. said:
4) 3" blade or smaller. 2 live in Chicago
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While you can generally get away with violating the law if you're not acting like a moron, I believe the silly city of Chicago length restriction is actually 2.5" for adults, not 3" (and even less, 2", for persons under the age of 18).

See Chicago Municipal Code subsection f. of 8-24-020:

§ 8-24-020 Carrying dangerous weapons.

f. No person shall carry concealed on or about his person a or dagger, dirk, stiletto, bowie knife, commando knife, any blade of which is released by a spring mechanism, including knives known as “switch- blades” or any other type or kind of knife, any blade of which is more than two and one-half inches in length, ordinary razor or other dangerous weapon except that no person 18 years of age or under shall carry concealed on or about his person, any knife, the blade of which is two inches in length or longer. Provided, however, that this provision shall not apply to the following officers while engaged in the discharge of their official duties: sheriffs, peace officers, and corrections officers; nor to the following employees or agents while engaged in the discharge of the duties of their employment: conductors, baggagemen, messengers, drivers, watchmen, special agents and policemen employed by railroads or express companies; nor to persons lawfully summoned by an officer to assist in making arrests or preserving the peace, while so engaged in assisting such officer.
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The Victorinox cadet engraved is the way to go. The alox SAK's are a class act and they can go most places by being under the radar. Office and Chicago socially acceptable. The nail file works well on very small phillips screws. A lot of versatility in a very compact pocketable package.
 
This is my first post on here, but I'm not new to forums in general. When I got married I bought groomsmen each a Fenix E21 torch with their initials engraved on each side. They all still have 'em. I know this ain't much help in your search, but if you don't have any luck with the blades you could consider a nice torch. They're both versatile! Best of luck!
 
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