ANYTIME I gift, it is Spyderco. My name is riding on it too.
Paramilitary 2 is ALWAYS the right gift...in any flavor you want...as cheap as $110 for S30V blade-steel.
I love to gift the Caly 3's, particularly in ZDP-189 and carbon fiber. If he wants longer than 3" blade, get the Caly 3.5 in ZDP-189.
The Sage series is wonderful, although I am not fond of Sage 4.
If he "needs" heavy-duty" EDC, choose the Gayle Bradley... 3.5" blade.
Can get the Stretch (3.5" blade) in ZDP-189 which is a great slicer...good kitchen knife for veggies also.
If it's a "purse-knife" for a lady, I reco the Gayle Bradley "Air" in M4 steel.
Watch out for his state regs regarding what max length blade he can legally carry...
Have fun. It is great fun for me. Glad I have so many relatives and friends..
