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Dad is getting a knife for Father's Day, help me decide
6/3/2012 7:33:25 PM
Dad has worked his tail off helping me around the house the past few weeks.
Mid 60's and retired he is not into giant tactical knives.
When he uses one of mine around the house (Hinderer XM-18, Spyderco Police, Emerson Commander) he gets a funny look on his face and digs in his pocket for his old Schrade Trapper.
I really want to get him a decent knife with a pocket clip so he can see what he's missing.
I just bought a Gaye Bradley Spyderco which should be here tomorrow but it may be to big for him.
I was also looking at the Benckmade 940 or 480.
Both have a blade more profiled like he uses now and are not near as big as what I carry.
Gayle Bradley
940
480
I've had axis lock knives in the past and always catch the nail of my little finger when reaching into my pocket. He may not, but it is a concern.
The 480 does not have a clip but the pouch could easily clip to his belt. Is it more prone to loss without him realizing it?
I know taking him out shopping and let him pick it out would be best but there are not any big knife shops in the area who carry the quality I'm looking for.
Other suggestions?
Mid 60's and retired he is not into giant tactical knives.
When he uses one of mine around the house (Hinderer XM-18, Spyderco Police, Emerson Commander) he gets a funny look on his face and digs in his pocket for his old Schrade Trapper.
I really want to get him a decent knife with a pocket clip so he can see what he's missing.
I just bought a Gaye Bradley Spyderco which should be here tomorrow but it may be to big for him.
I was also looking at the Benckmade 940 or 480.
Both have a blade more profiled like he uses now and are not near as big as what I carry.
Gayle Bradley
940
480
I've had axis lock knives in the past and always catch the nail of my little finger when reaching into my pocket. He may not, but it is a concern.
The 480 does not have a clip but the pouch could easily clip to his belt. Is it more prone to loss without him realizing it?
I know taking him out shopping and let him pick it out would be best but there are not any big knife shops in the area who carry the quality I'm looking for.
Other suggestions?
6/3/2012 8:33:23 PM
I am a big fan of the Axis lock knives. I have a Benchmade 710 that is my EDC. I think it has a slimmer handle profile than the 940:
6/3/2012 8:49:43 PM
I own and really like both the 480 and 940, but they are very different knives. I carry my 480 Shoki in my slacks to work every day. It's a nice gents folder that generally won't scare too many people.
The 940 is a lot of blade in a small package.
I'd also look into the Spyderco Sage series. Those are on the smaller EDC side and look nice as well.
The 940 is a lot of blade in a small package.
I'd also look into the Spyderco Sage series. Those are on the smaller EDC side and look nice as well.
6/3/2012 9:21:47 PM
940 all the way.
6/3/2012 9:57:41 PM
My edc, of 14 years or so, is a Benchmade 710, the first axis lock. I love the axis lock and have NEVER had an issue with it. My dress carry is a first production 940. The 940 is a great knife. Go with the 940 and he will not be disappointed.
6/3/2012 11:42:17 PM
I have a Spyderco Navaja and love it.. So, my vote is for the Spyderco 
I don't think you can go wrong w/any of the ones you posted.
I don't think you can go wrong w/any of the ones you posted.
6/4/2012 12:44:07 AM
I do not want to derail your thread. I sincerely want to challenge you to consider an idea, and that is all.
Sounds like your dad is starting to get up in years. Sounds like you are possibly at the point in life that you can do nice things for your parents.
Pockets knives are nice. We all enjoy certain ones more than others. Still, there is something special about a quality fixed blade. Every man should own at least one good knife in his life, maybe one that he would not buy for himself. I would encourage you to consider a Randall Made fixed blade. If not now, maybe for his birthday or Christmas. Randall's are the kind of things men pass through the family. I am sure there is a style he would enjoy.
I do not mean to jerk you around. Dads are not forever. If we are lucky, they are around long enough for us to show them how much they mean to us.
Randall Made knives
Sounds like your dad is starting to get up in years. Sounds like you are possibly at the point in life that you can do nice things for your parents.
Pockets knives are nice. We all enjoy certain ones more than others. Still, there is something special about a quality fixed blade. Every man should own at least one good knife in his life, maybe one that he would not buy for himself. I would encourage you to consider a Randall Made fixed blade. If not now, maybe for his birthday or Christmas. Randall's are the kind of things men pass through the family. I am sure there is a style he would enjoy.
I do not mean to jerk you around. Dads are not forever. If we are lucky, they are around long enough for us to show them how much they mean to us.
Randall Made knives
6/4/2012 8:12:28 AM
Originally Posted By KYVENOM:
I do not want to derail your thread. I sincerely want to challenge you to consider an idea, and that is all.
Sounds like your dad is starting to get up in years. Sounds like you are possibly at the point in life that you can do nice things for your parents.
Pockets knives are nice. We all enjoy certain ones more than others. Still, there is something special about a quality fixed blade. Every man should own at least one good knife in his life, maybe one that he would not buy for himself. I would encourage you to consider a Randall Made fixed blade. If not now, maybe for his birthday or Christmas. Randall's are the kind of things men pass through the family. I am sure there is a style he would enjoy.
I do not mean to jerk you around. Dads are not forever. If we are lucky, they are around long enough for us to show them how much they mean to us.
Randall Made knives
I do not want to derail your thread. I sincerely want to challenge you to consider an idea, and that is all.
Sounds like your dad is starting to get up in years. Sounds like you are possibly at the point in life that you can do nice things for your parents.
Pockets knives are nice. We all enjoy certain ones more than others. Still, there is something special about a quality fixed blade. Every man should own at least one good knife in his life, maybe one that he would not buy for himself. I would encourage you to consider a Randall Made fixed blade. If not now, maybe for his birthday or Christmas. Randall's are the kind of things men pass through the family. I am sure there is a style he would enjoy.
I do not mean to jerk you around. Dads are not forever. If we are lucky, they are around long enough for us to show them how much they mean to us.
Randall Made knives
I certainly appreciate the quality of Randall Knives.
This is intended as something to be used and abused.
I bought him a Buck Damascus 110, years ago that just sits in a drawer someplace.
I know something like a Randall would do the same.
6/5/2012 12:30:15 AM
Originally Posted By cpd670:
Dad has worked his tail off helping me around the house the past few weeks.
Mid 60's and retired he is not into giant tactical knives.
When he uses one of mine around the house (Hinder XM-18, Spyderco Police, Emerson Commander) he gets a funny look on his face and digs in his pocket for his old Schrade Trapper.
I really want to get him a decent knife with a pocket clip so he can see what he's missing.
I just bought a Gaye Bradley Spyderco which should be here tomorrow but it may be to big for him.
I was also looking at the Benckmade 940 or 480.
Both have a blade more profiled like he uses now and are not near as big as what I carry.
Gayle Bradley
http://ts3.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=4716914058723922&id=9a6151f545c66f3ce64f7dc1c6c04fdd
940
http://ts1.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=4610875612266988&id=376d56a49554052575393335451f8255
480
http://ts2.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=5009792164561909&id=9990adfea636d341488eaf5dc7073a56
I've had axis lock knives in the past and always catch the nail of my little finger when reaching into my pocket. He may not, but it is a concern.
The 480 does not have a clip but the pouch could easily clip to his belt. Is it more prone to loss without him realizing it?
I know taking him out shopping and let him pick it out would be best but there are not any big knife shops in the area who carry the quality I'm looking for.
Other suggestions?
Benchmade 15050 This one looks a lot like what he's used to, plus it has a pocket clip. It might be bigger than what you're thinking, however.
Don't discount the mini-Griptilian!
If you can get past the "Harley Davidson" on the blade, the 960 is a great knife design with great steel.
There's also Benchmade's Small Axis Bone Collector that has a modified sheepsfoot blade and walnut handles.
Benchmade's Lone Wolf "Swale" might fit the bill also.
Originally Posted By mic214:
I am a big fan of the Axis lock knives. I have a Benchmade 710 that is my EDC. I think it has a slimmer handle profile than the 940:
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y71/mic214/Knives/DSCN0215_edited.jpg
I am a big fan of the Axis lock knives. I have a Benchmade 710 that is my EDC. I think it has a slimmer handle profile than the 940:
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y71/mic214/Knives/DSCN0215_edited.jpg
The 710 is as big as the Spyderco Police that his dad doesn't seem to care for. I wouldn't recommend it. However, the 710's little brother –– the 707 Sequel –– would fit the bill nicely!
6/5/2012 9:02:31 AM
You say he hates all your "tactical" knives and yet thats what you want to buy him? What makes you think this one won't just sit in a drawer too?
6/5/2012 9:39:36 AM
Originally Posted By castiel:
You say he hates all your "tactical" knives and yet thats what you want to buy him? What makes you think this one won't just sit in a drawer too?
You say he hates all your "tactical" knives and yet thats what you want to buy him? What makes you think this one won't just sit in a drawer too?
I agree with this guy. I know you want him to see what he's missing with a clip etc but at his age he may be cool with what he's always used. I went through this with my dad and several knives just never got used.
That generation likes wood and leather they are not a glock generation plastic g10etc still =Chinese junk no matter how good it is. Of course that is just opinion.
6/5/2012 12:11:08 PM
You got me thinking since I had been thinking about doing the same thing for my Father in law. First I'll make no secret of the fact I am a huge Spyderco fan but the new Sage 4 with a partial wood handle may be a good comprimise and is of great quality
6/5/2012 12:15:45 PM
Originally Posted By mc556:
Originally Posted By castiel:
You say he hates all your "tactical" knives and yet thats what you want to buy him? What makes you think this one won't just sit in a drawer too?
You say he hates all your "tactical" knives and yet thats what you want to buy him? What makes you think this one won't just sit in a drawer too?
I agree with this guy. I know you want him to see what he's missing with a clip etc but at his age he may be cool with what he's always used. I went through this with my dad and several knives just never got used.
That generation likes wood and leather they are not a glock generation plastic g10etc still =Chinese junk no matter how good it is. Of course that is just opinion.
cpd, think about what he likes and get him a one very similar that may also be more modern. The key is that you say it will be used & abused, so getting one with a higher quality steel may be the best way to go. The Benchmade 15050 really may be the way to go if he doesn't mind a 3.7" blade. It's a regular lock back, wood handles, etc.
The Lone Wolf "Swale" with a 3" blade and a liner lock (wood scales) might be up his alley also.
6/5/2012 4:12:19 PM
Originally Posted By mc556:
I agree with this guy. I know you want him to see what he's missing with a clip etc but at his age he may be cool with what he's always used. I went through this with my dad and several knives just never got used.
That generation likes wood and leather they are not a glock generation plastic g10etc still =Chinese junk no matter how good it is. Of course that is just opinion.
Originally Posted By castiel:
You say he hates all your "tactical" knives and yet thats what you want to buy him? What makes you think this one won't just sit in a drawer too?
You say he hates all your "tactical" knives and yet thats what you want to buy him? What makes you think this one won't just sit in a drawer too?
I agree with this guy. I know you want him to see what he's missing with a clip etc but at his age he may be cool with what he's always used. I went through this with my dad and several knives just never got used.
That generation likes wood and leather they are not a glock generation plastic g10etc still =Chinese junk no matter how good it is. Of course that is just opinion.
Blade steels has progressed since "If it doesn't rust it's crap".
I would not consider the 940 or 480 "tactical".
Certainly the 480 is more of a "dress" knife and the M390 blade will perform better than his old Trapper.
I got to play with a Benchmade 483 today. Nice knife but I had a hard time with the thumb stud and his hands are bigger than mine.
I'm really leaning toward the 940. The handle profile is much slimmer than any of my knives and the S30V blade will be easy for him to maintain.
As long as he doesn't pry anything with it, like a Puma I bought him and he snapped the blade in half, the reverse tanto profile should work good for the way he uses a knife.
