Spyderco Forums

Hey guys,

I have a co-worker that has become interested in knives since seeing mine. Since he is new to knives, a pastor, and a family man; I was hoping to get him something at or around $50 that is classier and won't scare sheeple...just in case he has a need to use it in front of church members or his wife/kids.

I was thinking of a green Tenacious. My main question is, is Knife Works the only place that engraves knives? I would like to get the knife engraved/etched with his name.

What defines "classier" for you. I consider my tenacious the beater it sees use all day. For a gents knife or people friendly I use my centofante 3. Just my thoughts what would I know I've been rocking a Tasman lately for edc. Tasman gets most comments lol yellow too.

Not sure on engraving.

Are you picking the Tenacious because he was admiring yours? If it was me I would probably go with something like a Cat G10, Dragonfly Salt or a Delica in a fun color just to be on the more conservative side.

What materials are you looking at? Frn g10? What kind of lock?

Alchemy1 wrote:Hey guys,

I have a co-worker that has become interested in knives since seeing mine. Since he is new to knives, a pastor, and a family man; I was hoping to get him something at or around $50 that is classier and won't scare sheeple...just in case he has a need to use it in front of church members or his wife/kids.

I was thinking of a green Tenacious. My main question is, is Knife Works the only place that engraves knives? I would like to get the knife engraved/etched with his name.

Get him a Dragonfly. NO ZDP! Sharpening issues. Or if you can increase the $ just a bit the G-10 Manbug is the PERFECT knife. Please don't get him anything from the value group. Not to say anything bad about them. I've used them, my son loves the one he has. But, to give a "value" anything as a gift is a little "not so good". The FRN Manbug is also an option for about $35 I think. I have both and if anyone got me a FRN Manbug I've appreciate it very much. It is a very solid and dependable knife. Shouldn't scare anybody.

Good luck with this. Getting a gift is harder than buying for yourself somethimes.

Jack

What immediately came to mind is the Urban leaf. Too expensive and disco'd.

Maybe a Dragonfly SS? or even a Squeak? D'Fly SS would be perfect for engraving :) See what a local jewelry store would charge for engraving?

Concerning what I said about the value knives and the "not to good" comment. I thought about that and didn't mean to insult you, your friend or Spyderco. If I did do that I apologize.

Jack

jackknifeh wrote:Concerning what I said about the value knives and the "not to good" comment. I thought about that and didn't mean to insult you, your friend or Spyderco. If I did do that I apologize.

Jack

The Value knives are good for what they are and meant to be, value knives that are terrific for getting a job done, but might be a bit lacking in some of the finer points of F&F as well as class of material if you're talking to a knife nut :o . If a bit classier gift is in order I would suggest staying away from the China options as well. I've experienced a few and while great for the price they don't seem to feel as nice as other more mainstream Spyderco models made elsewhere.

Cento 3 & everybody will be happy :)
O.

I just don't want to get him something "tactical" or that will be "scary" looking to the average Joe/Jane. This will be his first knife EVER (yes, he is a grown man...older than me, even). Thanks for the suggestions...keep them coming.

I was not offended by anything said here. This is just a gift I am getting just to be kind and because I like knives (and guns for that matter) so much I just can't let someone who is interested not have one...LOL There is nothing that can be said that I will take offense to.

He was admiring my Ranger Green DigiCamo Dual Gunner Grip Strider SnG today, but he seems to like any knife I carry. Everything from a PM2, to a ZT 0561, Lionspy, or my Striders. I think I have just sparked his interest in knives and he just needs something to start out with. I like the guy and all, but no way in the world am I spending hundreds on a knife for him or giving him one of my expensive knives...LOL

I think a Delica is pretty much the quintessential Spyderco folder. Some would prefer it a tad longer but it's legal almost everywhere and slices like a demon.

I concur with Jack - the DragonFly 2 is the way to go. Small, lightweight, and non-threatening - while being eminently useful. Mine gets more pocket time that any other Spydie.

TedP

jackknifeh wrote:Get him a Dragonfly.

I'll second that. Another idea would be the SS Cricket. You can readily purchase one for about $50 to $60 bucks, it is small and "sheeple" friendly, and you could always have one/both sides of the SS scales engraved or personalized. The Cricket also makes a killer money clip. Good luck!

Blerv wrote:I think a Delica is pretty much the quintessential Spyderco folder. Some would prefer it a tad longer but it's legal almost everywhere and slices like a demon.

I would tend to agree with this. Its a good starter, and with the available colors, it seems to be much more people friendly. Get him a blue or a green maybe?

Blerv wrote:I think a Delica is pretty much the quintessential Spyderco folder. Some would prefer it a tad longer but it's legal almost everywhere and slices like a demon.

This would be the perfect intro knife to spyderco. Great mid-size knife, wonderful ergonomics for almost anyone, if you look around you can find a ffg in your price point, all sorts of wonderful colors to choose from.

Delica was my introduction to Spyderco, a SS Delica 3 and nearly every day since, there is a Delica in my pocket, currently my Waved Delica 4. For an introductory knife, I think the Delica is a perfect option.

In short...what Blerv said.

I'd say get him a Squeak...

Its got good steel...ergonomic for such a small light knife...its not scary in the least....and I think you can get it for just under $50 if I recall correctly. Its become one of my favorite knives period.....I think it would make a perfect gift...

My opinion is that EDC and sheeple friendly knives should be below 3"

I go for a persistence and you only spend USD30, built like a tank and very good in value. And if your friend gets bitten, let him do his collecting on the more expensive knives. There are a few people in the forum who got bitten by the Tenacious as their first Spyderco knife.

Shall USD 30 will make you feel cheap. I go for the the salt dragonfly, or salt 1 in SE. Maintenance free for non-knife people, almost VG-10 performance on the SE, and yellow is people friendly. Typical all around knife in any situation.

Id say centofante, des horn, sage 1/4 or chaparral if you can stretch a budget

I buy many Spydercos to keep as gifts for friends .... just to be nice! Favorites that fit any situation (and which I personally use regularly ... as in I always have one of them on me any any given time) are:
Cat
Dragonfly 2
Squeak

Of the three, I have to say that I favor the Squeak. Slip joint, non-threatening, holds well in hand, easy to touch-up with a strop. I tend to gift Squeaks more than the Cat or Dragonfly. I give them out with a small (like 4 inch) double sided strop (which I make from half inch pine with 3" wide belt leather). I load one side with green chromium oxide compound. The other side I leave plain. I show them how to strop the blade to keep it sharp and they are good to go. It will never need sharpening unless they do something to damage the edge.