Xmas present

S

simonh

Joined
Nov 29, 2002
Messages
6
Hi all,

I am looking to buy a new knife for my father for Xmas and was hoping for some opinions on what to get.

Due to the fact that I (and he) live in the UK, it needs to be a folder, and have a blade less than three inches long. It also needs to be plain edged (just out of preference).

He currently carries an Opinel (don't know the number) which is older than God. It has been re-sharpened so many times it was starting to look like a Swedish fillet knife, until he managed to snap the point off. So the replacement has to be tough.

Having not long ago acquired a Böker Michael Walker designed liner lock with an ATS-34 blade I was thinking of something similar. I also like the look of the BM 705 and the 350 though I have never handled any BM knives, and the 705 costs nearly double the price for the Böker over here.

Any thoughts?
 
That is a very nice idea for Christmas! A couple of years ago my sister and brother-in-law got my fater a Delica (serrated). He carries that every day now!

I woulc recommend maybe something a little easier to sharpen first. Those opinels sharpen up easily, and ATS-34 may seem much harder to sharpen if you father is used to the Opinel. Not only is ATS-34 more complex, but the steel will be thicker on the models you have mentioned (I'm talking thicker at the edge, the spine doesnt really matter for this point.) That will make the knife harder to sharpen too.

I have always liked AUS-8 for a working folder. AUS-8 takes a very very very sharp edge, and is a breeze to sharpen, as far as stainless steels go. Check CRKT for some AUS-8 models. Also, spydercos are always great. Maybe a Benchmade mini-griptillian would be a great idea. 440-C is great steel and the griptillians come with the axis lock. I bet your father would get a kick out of that.

I hope this helps you out! Welcome to the forums, and do tell us what you decided.
 
Dang it!...When I noticed this thread, I was going to jump in and suggest a Spydie Delica!...(Good minds think alike :D.). Anyhow, a stainless (PE) Delica WOULD be a great choice as a gift, as the blade is slightly under 3 inches long, and the knife has a very solid feel to it. Also, since SS Delica blades are AUS-6 steel, it would be fairly easy to re-sharpen when needed.
 
A Victorinox SAK is another way you can go. The Soldier model is very useful and tough.

Paul
 
Not that it matters in what you get him, but just so you know, a knife of any size with a lock is considered illegal in UK. The Opinel MIGHT be safer, legally, due to the fact that the lock is manual and not automatic. If legalities are no concern I think the Delica would be a great choice.
 
Well it seems to me that Spyderco is the way to go.

The Delica II looks pretty smart with the stainless handle and the slightly shorter blade. I've got to make sure it's legal as he works in a prison and doesn't want to go setting a bad example now ;)
Of course the fact that it is less than half the price of the BM 705 is another bonus.

Being a former navy cook he seems to take pretty good care of knives. I am sure he can adapt to keeping a more advanced blade in good working order (though old dogs and new tricks does come to mind :D )

Anyway thanks for the help, it is much appreciated.
 
Hi one2gofst,

I know knives with locks are technically illegal in this country. But everyone I know wouldn't buy a serious knife without a lock and they are by far the most widely available sort of knife over here.

Having had several non-locking knives close on my knuckles over the years, I have carried one for more than 10 years. The locks are usually not obvious, whereas producing a knife from your pocket with a 4" plus blade (or an automatic knife) is just asking for trouble.
I also think some of the serrated designs and the more aggressive looking designs do seem to draw a lot of attention.

I did consider one of the Kershaw Ken Onion knives, but whilst they are technically legal (apart from the lock) as they are not spring operated, I felt that they would draw too much attention. Just about everyone over here knows 'flick' knives are illegal.

I never carry a knife on me if I am going out for the evening, it is just too dangerous. After seeing a schoolfriend get glassed with a pint glass (just avoided losing an eye) I have always been careful about where and with who I go out. So far I have managed to avoid any trouble but the last thing I want is to be involved (however indirectly) in some trouble and for the police to find any sort of blade on me.

Anyway, thanks for the concern.
 
I must admit that I don't understand the laws in the UK, but I would like to recommend perhaps a fine slipjoint. My current fave is the new line-up from Queen. I have two stockmans, with two more on order right now for Christmas gifts. They are sheeple friendly, and probably the most useful design that I know of. They come in D2 steel, which is a little tough to sharpen... but any diamond stone will be more than adequate. This is not a tactical knife, but one of the most useful utility designs out there. I know my dad would enjoy one, and he might just get one of the two I ordered!
Good luck on your search.
Mongo
 
The SOG Stingray with cocobolo handles is still available from some online dealers. This is a sturdy, but attractive, model. The recurved blade might be a bit difficult for your father to sharpen, but maybe a new sharpening system would make a nice accompaniment. It has a somewhat aggressive blade shape and a back lock, but is not a one-hand opener. I'm not sure what that means with regard to your country's laws.

As mentioned previously, the Alox handled SAKs would be a great choice also. Very sturdily built, with blades that would be close to the Opinel in sharpening ease and slicing ability. You could get a one-layer model, with your choice of one or two blades.
 
I have a Victorinox Soldier which comes with an Alox handle. I am quite fond of it. It rides in the glove box of my Ranger. I would recommend it as a way to have a sturdy knife that does not have the benefit of a locking mechanism. I have used it quite frequently and it has not closed up on me yet.
 
Ok I have been thinking (always dangerous).

I like the sound of the Spyderco but want to keep it absolutely 100% legal. In that case has anyone got any experience of the Pride, which is designed to comply with our knife laws.

If they are any good I may get two and leave my Böker at home :(

I have an aversion to Victorinox, the last knife to close on me was one (don't know which as I borrowed it from someone). It's probably an irrational thing, but there you go.
 
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