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Turning 18 years old - what knife for this right of passage?

So you who know me also know about my grandson Aaron (Winter Shadow) . . . he just started college and will be turning 18 soon . . . so what do you think would be a good knife to gift him for this important right of passage into manhood? Most of you have experienced this step into manhood, I, clearly, have not, so I do not know what is appropriate. He already has the basics, a Leatherman Wave, a Buck 110, and a Buck 119. So throw some suggestions at me. Hopefully less than $100, or closer to $50. He likes fixed blades, especially swords, but a folder wouldn't be out of the question.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ms Data on September 12, 2015 at 18:40

I just noticed that Knife Depot will engrave on pretty much all of their knives. I will have to see what knives they have.

Permalink Reply by Steve Scheuerman (Manx) on September 12, 2015 at 19:24

I have to disagree with the idea that traditional knives are the main knives that can be sentimental and treasured. Fact is...my Zero Tolerance knives are two of my most treasured knives in my collection. Gifts one Christmas from my father and wife. Also my Blackjack Anaconda2 that I got with help from fellow member Gerald Hines. That knife got me introduced to iKC. I realise many folks here prefer the slipjoints (shudder) and the traditional patterns, but to say they are the ones that will be most treasured...I dunno. Personally, to me, I treasure the story or the sentiment that the knife was acquired by. Not just the pattern. A Kershaw or Spyderco can be just as treasured as a Case or Schrade. While I get that everyone has their own likes and dislikes, I have to stand up for the newer styles since no one else seems to. Lol. I don't like slipjoints. Period. I think they are a trip to the hospital waiting to happen. I much prefer a locking blade. My first knife was an Old Timer slipjoint, and even now it makes me nervous thinking about it snapping back on me. Viva le Modern!

Now to the original post. Data...for a coming of age knife, I would suggest finding out his preferences. Are there certain brands he loves? Certain types of steel that he likes? Handle materials/colours? There are some very cool Cold Steel folders and fixed blades. The Zero Tolerance 0200 can be found for around $100 I believe (fixed). There are some fantastic Kershaws too, and most of those are under $100. I know if you check the Benchmade site HERE they will also customise the knife for you. Click on a knife and hit Build Your Own. Lots of options out there. Can you give us more of an idea of what he's into?

FeaturedPermalink Reply by Charles Sample on September 12, 2015 at 19:53

Data, I got two Case knives engraved by xxCutlery.com. I got this one with the walnut case with the Case logo and my name engraved on it.

http://iknifecollector.com/photo/case-61749l-ss-amber-jigged-bone-m...

This is the fish knife that I had Matt. 4:19 and my initials engraved on it.

http://iknifecollector.com/photo/case-320094f-ss-fish-knife-2015-1?...

Permalink Reply by Ms Data on September 12, 2015 at 20:50

Manx,

When I was looking around on Knife Depot I was looking mostly at what I am familiar with I suppose. The Buck 110. Kershaw Leek and Blur, Benchmade Griptilian. All would be excellent choices I think. I think for sentimental value - and don't anyone laugh or call CPS - I think the Kershawk Leek would have the most sentimental value because once when Aaron was probably about 11, I was wrapping his ankles in camo duct tape and I started to cut the duct tape with my Leek just as he kicked, and my Leek went point-first into the thumb pad of my left hand. Thus causing a visit to my doctor and to a hand surgeon. Those Leek's have sharp pointy tips, trust me. But I think he would remember that - fondly - somehow.

Permalink Reply by Steve Scheuerman (Manx) on September 12, 2015 at 23:59

A great choice. Maybe I can help make it better. How about a Leek with a composite blade? Sandvik and CPM D2 steel. Amazon has them HERE, but you may be able to find a better deal elsewhere on the internet. A collectible knife, cool CPM steel, sentimental value and not so big that it will attract much attention. Maybe a nice pouch to go with it for belt wear? A camo pouch with a few bandaids inside? :-)

Hope this helps, Data!

In MemoriamPermalink Reply by D ale on September 13, 2015 at 10:30

I'll suggest a Queen Teardrop linerlock scaled in "honey amber stag" bone w/ D2 blade steel. The price is right in your range .. $50 ~ 100 .. $62 @ Clarence Risner site.

It is a quality constructed knife w/ high end blade steel @ an affordable cost. It'll still be functioning long after you & I are not.

In MemoriamPermalink Reply by D ale on September 13, 2015 at 10:37

... and @ that price .. you could add one of these. They're reasonably priced & add a touch of uniqueness.

D ale said:

I'll suggest a Queen Teardrop linerlock scaled in "honey amber stag" bone w/ D2 blade steel. The price is right in your range .. $50 ~ 100 .. $62 @ Clarence Risner site.

It is a quality constructed knife w/ high end blade steel @ an affordable cost. It'll still be functioning long after you & I are not.

Permalink Reply by Ms Data on September 13, 2015 at 15:38

Thanks everyone for helping me with ideas. I truly do appreciate it!!! I think it was Manx who got me started thinking in a new direction. Since I already have quite a few Leatherman tools, Kershaw Ken Onion's, not to mention the Bucks that could fill up a safe all by themselves, I think we should start a new tradition of collecting. So I think I'm going to get him a Spyderco Tenacious. I have zero Spyderco's and I think they are something he would like, and a lot of people collect them. Knife-Depot will engrave it too. Pretty sweet deal I think.

FeaturedPermalink Reply by Jeremy B. Buchanan on September 13, 2015 at 15:59

I am not a Spyderco fan myself, but I know there are a lot of them out there. I think that is a good choice. I am sure Aaron will like it.

In MemoriamPermalink Reply by D ale on September 13, 2015 at 18:47

You picked a winner ..&.. the engraving will add that uniqueness which will be treasured for a lifetime.

Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on September 13, 2015 at 19:19

Well i think Aaron will like it fine and the engraving will give it that special touch! BTW when does he turn 18?

Permalink Reply by Ms Data on September 13, 2015 at 21:58

Thanks everyone, and Jan, it is in a couple of months. I like to shop early, I already have most of my Cmas shopping done. Especially with engraving, it usually takes longer.