Need advice - would these be good gift choices?

dun_gal · Post by **dun_gal** » Sat Dec 03, 2005 3:45 am

Hello all,

I need help choosing a Christmas gift for the gentleman I'm dating. I have two specific knives in mind as far as size, shape, folding, locking etc .... but I don't know anything about quality. I am a knife neophyte and I don't want to make a goof up on this gift.

USE: he will probably carry it all the time - handle it a lot - but actually use it now and then. It isn't purely for collecting - maybe a future gift will cover that. He really likes the type that he can flip open with one hand. He's retired military - and he's responsible with knives, etc.

First: I found two that would probably appeal to him in style:

(1) Buck Alpha Hunter Folder, Drop Point, Rosewood, ATS34 Steel. I like the rosewood handle better than the case handle choices. It looks like the handle would be comfortable for him.

(2) Case Russlock in either (a) 6.5 Bonestag or (b) Pocketworn Red. I like the pretty look of this design. I have heard Case is sometimes collectible.

How are these from a quality standpoint?

Both are priced around $50. I'd like to stay under $75 if I can.

Are there other knives I should consider?

Can you help me out with ideas and opinions?

Thanks!
Lynn

CAlife · Post by **CAlife** » Sat Dec 03, 2005 4:26 am

i know buck is a quality tool company and that cover all their knives as im sure case does as well. im not a long time fan of case so i wouldnt know about them but im sure the buck alpha folder is a great knife. im not too sure on one hand opening of the case knife but i know that the buck with the thumb studs will work out perfectly for that

dun_gal · Post by **dun_gal** » Sat Dec 03, 2005 4:51 am

I'm leaning toward the Buck - so I'm happy to hear the quality is high. Thanks for your point of view. It has been hard to research this gift without asking him too many questions about knives. He'll get suspicious of his Christmas gift if I ask him too much. You fellas are hard to surprise sometimes.

CAlife · Post by **CAlife** » Sat Dec 03, 2005 7:01 am

when getting a buck though, you have to be careful of the ones that are made in china. its only a few models and im pretty sure that the alpha hunter isnt made in china(yet) but if you're going to be looking around for another, you should ask people or go take a look yourself and check to make sure that it says made in the US.good luck!

El Lobo · Post by **El Lobo** » Sat Dec 03, 2005 2:32 pm

dun_gal,

Welcome!

You can view and buy the knife you are talking about right here, in our host Bryan's online store.....

http://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/aap ... &submit=Go

It is available in several configurations, and this knife is still made in Idaho, U.S.A.

Bill

JOE62 · Post by **JOE62** » Sat Dec 03, 2005 3:41 pm

I'd go with the Buck , only because Case knives are just too pretty to use and abuse. Bucks are definitely excellent workhorses.

dun_gal · Post by **dun_gal** » Sat Dec 03, 2005 4:21 pm

Thank you for the welcome and for the good information. I looked at the host's site and his prices are very close to the best I've found - so I'm happy to place my order there (as soon as I make my final decision).

This might sound like a dumb thing to ask, but here it goes. Just because it is labeled as a hunting knife doesn't mean it isn't handy for other things, right? I was trying to wheedle more info about what he likes about the knives he has, and figure out why he uses certain ones as opposed to only looking at others that he owns. As he says, he likes all knives, just likes having them to carry around or show off with his dad etc., even the cheap little pocket knives he used to buy when his grandpa would give him some change to go to the store. So, for a guy who likes almost anything - this couldn't be a really bad buy, could it? He's been known to forget he has several in his pockets at a time - for no particular reason other than he likes them. I'm hoping this becomes one he likes.

PA Knives · Post by **PA Knives** » Sat Dec 03, 2005 9:30 pm

Sounds like a very lucky man to me. Do you have a sister

Welcome to the forum

Bryan · Post by **Bryan** » Sat Dec 03, 2005 11:06 pm

Hey!

Now I'll know what my honey is up to if she starts snooping around my stuff asking questions with a sudden new found interest...

For a user, my vote goes to the buck with ATS34 steel.

Just because it is labeled as a hunting knife doesn't mean it isn't handy for other things, right?

Most are handy for other purposes. The ones with drop point blades are especially versitile and usefull for most cutting tasks. Some have a gut hook designed to skin animals. They would be geared more for hunting specific tasks.

Bryan

dun_gal · Post by **dun_gal** » Sun Dec 04, 2005 4:35 pm

LOL. Thanks guys. If I just disclosed how this gift questioning is done, I'm sure I'll be out of the secret club we women have for these things. Actually, as long as I've given away that much, I may as well tell you, when we ask about things we're hoping to buy for you, we throw in a whole bunch of other red herrings at the same time. That way, in case the gift getter gets suspicious, he still won't know for sure which thing he's getting

It's a tough job, but somone has to do it.

El Lobo · Post by **El Lobo** » Sun Dec 04, 2005 4:58 pm

We learn something interesting here all the time.

Bill

longbeachbum · Post by **longbeachbum** » Sun Dec 04, 2005 5:16 pm

Did you say he's going to pocket carry it, as opposed to a sheath?

I don't have a Buck Alpha Folding Hunter but if memory serves, it's a about a five inch heavy folder that's designed for sheath carry.

If it's for pocket carry I'd go with the Case.

You've got good taste in knives, incidentally.

dun_gal · Post by **dun_gal** » Sun Dec 04, 2005 5:22 pm

Thanks for the tip about pocket-ability. That sways me a little bit back toward Case. Such a tough decision, but I'm glad to hear that both are good.

Bryan · Post by **Bryan** » Sun Dec 04, 2005 9:17 pm

Jim has a great point about pocket carry. The Alpha hunters are bigger than anything I would want to pack around in my pocket. Have you looked at the Alpha Darado with the same handle material and ATS34 steel? They are about an inch shorter and much lighter....
http://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/aap ... nives.html

I'm probably just confusing the situation. I can't even decide on a knife for myself most of the time. I like them all

Bryan

dun_gal · Post by **dun_gal** » Sun Dec 04, 2005 11:28 pm

Thanks! I don't mind having another one to consider - it really might suit him well. At least with the good info I got here I don't feel any of the choices could be really wrong. I'll place my order later this week. Thanks VERY much everyone!