What's a good knife (clueless girl trying to buy a gift)

D

displaced_citygirl

Joined
Aug 30, 2011
Messages
12
Hello!

So I'm trying to figure out a birthday present for my friend and I have decided a nice knife would be a good gift because he hunts, does all that outdoor stuff, likes those guy things, but I don't have the first clue about knives or what makes a good one etc. I went by Dick's Sporting Goods yesterday and the guy pointed me to the knife section where they were like in packages, but if he wanted something that came in plastic wrap and cost $20 he could get it himself. Since I don't know what he already has, likes, needs, I figured a nice, high quality, good looking knife would be a safe bet because it seems like the type of thing even if you already have one, you would always appreciate another one. And I thought maybe I could get his initials engraved on it or something. Anyway, I really don't know where to start looking or what is considered to be good quality. But if I'm gonna shell out some cash I want to make sure I'm not just paying for something cheap, you know? My price range is probably up to $100 or so, although if it was like $130 for the perfect one I could deal with that.

Thanks for your suggestions and I really appreciate any advice so I can hopefully give a good birthday present. :)
 
Please consider Benchmade Dejavoo. If I remember correct it is available on knifeworks.
 
You can get a Spyderco ParaMilitary2 for about that - maybe a bit more. He might appreciate it, that or a ParaMilitary (the old type). I know I'd be impressed with your research and sentiments :D

A Doug Ritter RSK folding knife is a good one too. Again a little bit more than you are looking to spend, but worth it.

For something more classic, maybe a Great Eastern #73 or #72 model
 
here is an active thread about production knives: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...e-top-10-production-knife-makers-in-the-world

All of the brands listed in that thread make good "user" knives.

Another option would be to check the knifemaker's for sale forum here: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/754-For-Sale-Fixed-Blades. You said he hunts, so I linked the fixed blade forum. GL DREW and BAcustomknives are just 2 of the many popular makers there who do excellent work at a really fair price (less than $200) and that would be a one of a kind gift.

hope this helps,

randy
 
Have any idea if he is tough on things or if he takes care of things and uses the right tool for the job? If the later one, a Spyderco Paramilitary 2 is a great knife and can be found online for just under a hundred. If he is more rough on stuff a Benchmade Griptilian might be good. Both of these assuming you're looking for a folding knife. Also, do you think he might carry it everyday, or if he might only grab it when heading into the woods?
 
The Buck 119 has never let me down. Very easy to maintain, sharpen, and looks nice. The model with the cocobolo handle.
I also like the Alpha Hunter, made by Buck. Those two, if you are looking to buy him a hunting knife.

As for EDC (Every Day Carry), you could buy him;

-Spyderco Endura
-Bencmade Griptillian
-Cold Steel American Lawman
-Kershaw Skyline
-Buck Vantage Pro

All under $100.00 dollars, and have a little bit extra. Good luck, and tell us what you will buy at the end.
 
If you don't know what he likes, I'd recommend talking to him about it.
getting a gift he likes and enjoys using is better than a surprise that he doesn't, IMO.
 
scrap yard knife company has a model 511 available on their website for approx. $90 + s/h.

swamp rate knife works has the Ratmandu available for $139 + s/h and you can choose different blade and handle colors so it would be very personal.

The ratmandu is considered an excellent knife by many and is made out of superior materials - plus its guaranteed for life.

Below is the link but they are closed due to maintenance right now.

http://www.swampratknifeworks.com/
 
Last edited:
Are we talking fixed blade or folding?

I would think any hunter would appreciate an Izula 2. They're a little over half your budget so it would leave room for engraving if that floats your boat. Knivesshipfree is a vendor on the forum and a great company to deal with. I absolutely love mine and it's on my belt as I type this. Would make a great hunting knife for field dressing too.

http://www.knivesshipfree.com/product_info.php?cPath=27_641&products_id=12454

Izula-II_600.jpg
 
I was thinking the fixed blade because I think it looks nicer if he wants to display it rather than use it. And SaMX, I don't want to ask him because it's a birthday present! I know he loves hunting and would definitely appreciate a nice knife I just meant I don't know what he likes in terms of equipment because I know nothing about it.

I'm going to check out the suggestions you guys have made and please keep them coming if you think of others or if my clarifications lead you towards one or another. Oh and I would say he's probably rough on things but is also very meticulous about keeping the stuff he values in good conditions (eg you could probably let the Bubble Boy like his motorcycle and not worry).
 
I vote for the Swamp Rat RatManDu:D:thumbup: or the Scrap Yard 511:thumbup:
Al
 
Oh also, is the RatManDu a knife that most people would have or is it more unique? (obviously you can't know for sure whether he has it, but like you know certain things are "staples" to any serious hunter whereas others would be more unlikely to have)
 
If you want to go for something he could really get a lot of use of, I think you should go for either a Leatherman or a Victorinox.

A multi-tool always comes in handy, you can carry them almost everywhere and they're always cool. If he's a hunter, hiker or outdoorsman he'll love it, even If he already has one.

You could go for one of the special editions or the high-end line of any of both brands. From Victorinox maybe the Hercules ($50) or the Swiss Tool Spirit X (a bit nder $100). From Leatherman maybe the Charge ALX or the TTi (around $100- $120). I think any of those are customizable.


Good luck
 
Last edited:
First - welcome to the forums.

RatManDu is a nice knife. If someone got me one, would be very cool. (even if I had one already) really cann't go wrong there.

Just an idea, but take him on a "birthday trip" and pick some thing out. (if you have a decent knife store in your area)

Gift Cirtificates don't have the same impact, but a credit at Blade HQ ain't a bad thing :D (just sayin')

Good luck.
 
Hes not likely to have it unless he is pretty into knives in my opinion. I think you made a really great choice by the way.
 
Couple other ideas:

ESEE makes some good knives. Readily available. ESEE 4 good choice.

BHK (Blink Horse Knives) also some very nice stuff in your price range.

Tons of good knives out there in your range.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top