All About Pocket Knives

I hope this is okay to put in this section, and I'm sorry in advance for the length!

I'm finishing up Christmas shopping and my significant other is into knife collecting. He hasn't really started yet, so I thought a nice pocket knife would be a good gift for Christmas! I'm more into watches myself, so I'm new to pocket knives for the most part aside from what I know from my dad and some small amount of internet research.

I'm looking for something of nice, durable quality, solid with a good weight to it, with at least two blades but three or four would be great. I'd like to get him something utilitarian that he can carry everywhere with him. For a first knife, something classy and kind of traditional would be nice.

Allll that and - here's where I meet my dilemma - I have a budget of $25. Well, I can actually go up to $35 and skip out on getting him an additional small gift if it'd make a notable difference in quality.

Most of the knives I've looked at within the $25 price limit have looked really nice but wind up being made in China. I know in the watch collecting community, most of us avoid anything with "China" stamped into it, but I'm not sure if it works the same for knife collectors. Most of the knives I've looked at include Steel Warrior and Boker Magnum. And like I said, they look pretty nice in the pictures, but I know nothing about the quality. I haven't looked in the $25-$35 range yet, though, so d'you think I'd be able to find something nicer if I raised my budget a bit?

These are what I've been looking at (I think he'd like the first the best):


So I know the style I'm looking for, but I'm still not too sure what would be my best bet to get him. D'you guys have any suggestions or recommendations? Any brands or sites you know that would be good for me to check out? I really appreciate the help!

Niko----sent you a private message with some choices and pictures----just click on messages,at top right hand corner--good luck,Monk

Hi Niko,
The bad news is, both of the knives you listed are made in China. The good news is there are some American made knives that will fit in your budget - with a little diligent shopping.
Bear & Son knives are made in Jacksonville Alabama:
http://www.redhillcutlery.com/index.php?cPath=42_241
Buck is an American classic - made in Idaho:
http://www.redhillcutlery.com/index.php?cPath=16_244
W.R. Case is made in PA:
http://www.redhillcutlery.com/index.php?cPath=5_270

I'm sure there are more than I've missed that will still fit your budget!
Good luck, and Merry Christmas!

Hello Niko,
Utica makes some decent knives (here in the US) that would fit in your budget. Most of them have bone handles, which I consider a plus. The patterns that are offered are kinda limited, but....Heres a link if your interested
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store ... .y=9&&&s=1 If you do decide to go the china route, the Colt brown bone knives probably deserve a look.
http://www.knifecountryusa.com/store/ma ... nives.html Good luck!!
Mark

hey ramrod, those UTICAs look goooood! Good price too. I may have to get one of those myself.

Blue,
I think so too! Bone looks good, and 1095 steel. What more could ya want?
Mark

I think your first knife should be a Queen or Schatt & Morgan. There simply is no substitute for quality. Most patterns can be obtained for a reasonable price and will last a lifetime,,,MY 2 CENTS!

Niko; yes, the country of origin is important in knife collecting.
Most collectors steer clear of the mass-produced, low quality China imports!

A word of caution on the Buck knives:
Although the link rangerbluedog posted is a great site for American made Buck's,
you must be a bit leary on other sites and ebay as some Buck knives were imported from China
through Taylor LLC.
In fact all the knives that have the Taylor LLC print on the box are from China.

If your just getting started, might as well get off on the right foot.
Most collectors stay with U.S.A., Solingen, Germany, and Sheffield, England manufactures.
There are exceptions with other brands also.

What about a Swiss Army Knife (SAK) for example? Good quality and the choices are almost limitless!
(must be marked: Victorinox or Werner)

I had to throw this picture in, reflecting on the title of your post

............. Joe