Son's birthday present

jackknifeh · #1

I'm going to get my son a knife for his birthday and if anyone has ideas I welcome them. I decided on a Delica or Stretch based on what I own. He likes the Delica best. I just looked at the Centofante 3 and think that would make a good choice also. The blade needs to be around 3" or a little less. VG-10 or something similar. No ZDP-189. He works in an office type environment but also deals with lots of walk-in customers who I'm sure he doesn't want to scare away by pulling out a 4" blade. I decided to get opinions if anyone wants to give any because my experience with the different Spyderco knives is very limited. I've bought a few in the past few years and just now decided I want a Manix 2 but never even thought about one before. Now I see the Centofante I may get for my son but maybe I want one too. I've looked through the catalogs for the past 3 years or so but haven't handled anything except what I've bought.

My only concern is I want to get a knife he will like to carry. Maybe I should just get what I want and let him pick from those. That way he can handle them first.

Jack

akaAK · #2

Based on what I would consider to be "office type work" I think you are definately on the right track. Both the Cento 3 and Delica 4 FFG excel around the office. Both carry comfortably and are not particularly aggressive looking knives. You may want to look at the Caly 3.5 (I have a Caly 3) which would be a perfect office carry, deep carry clip, excellent slicer, very refined handle.

I have been a big fan of the Delica 4 G10 which is discontinued but still available someplaces. Adds some weight to the knife and makes an already solid platform that much better in my mind.

fast.ed · #3

I faced the dilemma of working in an office and not wanting to carry a knife that might raise eyebrows. So, I carried a Ladybug to the office, a cute tiny knife but still has some serious cutting power. I also had a larger knife that I carried when I was off work. It might be the answer for your son.

tonydahose · #4

you might want to take a look at the kopa line if you can find a relatively cheap one.

2cha · #5

I'll second the Kopa idea if you can find one. The Balance is also great and very non threatening. Dragonfly in stainless is also a terrific knife within your parameters. Caly 3 is slim and not scary.

jackknifeh · #6

fast.ed wrote:I faced the dilemma of working in an office and not wanting to carry a knife that might raise eyebrows. So, I carried a Ladybug to the office, a cute tiny knife but still has some serious cutting power. I also had a larger knife that I carried when I was off work. It might be the answer for your son.

Thanks Ed. I've been thinking about getting a ladybug for myself but was afraid someone would ask me what model it was. I didn't want to say "I love my ladybug" at the gun club. :D That's a joke of course but isn't there supposed to be a "manbug" coming out sometime. I don't think it's in this year's catalog though.

Jack

Donut · #7

You could probably do an S and when people see it they'll be distracted by how pretty it is. :)

Not a hard user, though.

jackknifeh · #8

Donut wrote:You could probably do an S and when people see it they'll be distracted by how pretty it is. :)

Not a hard user, though.

What is an S?

Jack

Donut · #9

Silver: http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=269
Black: http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=268

It's a little shorter and wider than a Delica, has 440C steel skeletonized, aluminum handle, it's very light, has a wire clip, compression lock, and is an all around neat knife.

Donut · #10

*As I put away my Manix 2 and pull out my Meerkat because I'm going to a meeting.*

The Meerkat would be a nice choice, too. Or one of the other LBK's like a Lava (might be tough to get), Chicago, Leafstorm, Urban (slipjoint), they might be good options.

Creepo · #11

Depends on your budget and how expensive of a knife do you feel confident in getting him. You raised him but how familiar is he with knives?
For an office environment I would opt for something a bit classier, maybe a Sage1 or someting, a bunch of other good suggestions here already. :)
I say the Dragonfly is also a very good choice, in SS, G10 or FRN.

phillipsted · #12

+1 for the DragonFly 2. My FRN version is lightweight, small enough to pocket, even without a clip, and packs cutting power on par with almost any other folder.

Plus, my co-workers think that it looks "cute" and non-threatening. But my son's Scout Troop think that it "cuts bigger than a 2 inch knife".

TedP

jackknifeh · #13

phillipsted wrote:+1 for the DragonFly 2. My FRN version is lightweight, small enough to pocket, even without a clip, and packs cutting power on par with almost any other folder.

Plus, my co-workers think that it looks "cute" and non-threatening. But my son's Scout Troop think that it "cuts bigger than a 2 inch knife".

TedP

I was looking at the Dragonfly today. Speaking of cute, my son works with a couple of cuties but they may be threatening. :) Also, if boys in the scouts like it I think that says a lot. In my limited experience with boys I'd think they wouldn't like a knife unless it was big and had been in a movie but that shows what I know.

Jack

bh49 · #14

I will third Kopa. Great gents knife. Great for office environment. But at least twice as expensive as Delica/Cento.
Our of your choices I would go with Cento3.

vaa · #15

Bradley Air once it comes out. If you need it soon a locking Kiwi is nice for the office. If you want him to have a pocket clip, the Urban is nice along with the Kopa, Cricket, SS Dfly or Balance would all be nice and they give you options for your spending budget.

GohawnFG · #16

+1 on the D'fly. I find that to be one of the most user friendly (and non-knife-people friendly) EDC blades. Won't break the bank either. I opt for the G10 myself, but the FRN models are lightweight and just as versatile.

RIOT · #17

he liked the Delica.

get it!

.357 mag · #18

I hope this doesn't sound weird to you but can I start calling you Dad? :)

jackknifeh · #19

.357 mag wrote:I hope this doesn't sound weird to you but can I start calling you Dad? :)

Call me anything you want but I'm not buying you a knife! :D

Jack

jackknifeh · #20

I've made a decision. I'm going to buy a Delica w/FFG & VG-10 and a Centofante 3. I'll give him the choice and I'll keep the other. I have a Delica saber grind, ZDP-189 and want the FFG w/VG-10 also. I also would like a Centfante 3. This way he'll have a little choice and I'll get the left overs.

Thanks for all the help on choices,
Jack