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I've often thought about getting getting him one of these as a gift but never bothered since he he's a bit of tool snob and has most "real tools" you could want, and they get serious abuse. However I had my Gerber Crucial with me over xmas and he practically stole it off me.
Any suggestions for something nice? Budget maybe £100 or so. I think a knife would be best, but pliers and a screw driver might be acceptable. Durability would be key, but good ergonomics important too. Quality steel is a must, something that takes and holds an edge well.
Any suggestions appreciated.
I've got a Leatherman Wave that i'm happy with.
I've got a Leatherman Charge that i'm happy with.
KucoI've got a Leatherman Wave that i'm happy with.
Sorry Kuco, I should have said I think something lots of blades/features might just annoy him. So less is more maybe.
I have a Leatherman Wave and a Victorinox Swisstool Spirit X, the Spirit just clinches it in terms of quality.
What's he going to be using it for? If it's a multi-tool for a gift, then the Leatherman is a really good choice, probably better than most Gerbers. If you think just a knife is better, then look for a quality steel (S30V, ELMAX, VG10, something like that) for the blade.
The only problem with buying a knife with a decent steel is that, for that price, you won't find much. I saw a knife blank here ([url= http://www.heinnie.com/enzo-s30v-scandi-blank ]linky[/url]) that is in that range that would give him a project at the same time though.
edit Scratch the above idea... That was a fixed blade
willard - MemberWhat's he going to be using it for?
Everything really. He's spends virtually all of his free time outside in the countryside, hiking, gathering firewood, odd jobs about the house etc.
willardThe only problem with buying a knife with a decent steel is that, for that price, you won't find much.
I was thinking that, but personally I've only looked at fixed blades (in terms of nice steel), which I don't think he'd be comfortable carrying about. What would I need to spend to get something decent in a folder? I could put it on the back burner and get him something for his birthday. I've looked at spyderco and benchmade in the past for myself but never got round to buying anything.
I personally have a Gerber multi tool ( can't remember the model) and it's been great plus they're very goood on repairs if you abuse and snap a blade 😆
If you dad liked your multitool that much why not get him one the same and have it engraved for him.....so he can't switch it for yours when he's bent or dulled a blade?
Suggsey - MemberI personally have a Gerber multi tool ( can't remember the model) and it's been great plus they're very goood on repairs if you abuse and snap a blade
If you dad liked your multitool that much why not get him one the same and have it engraved for him.....so he can't switch it for yours when he's bent or dulled a blade?
Cos I think he'd break it Suggsey, and also I'd maybe just like to get him something nicer. I love my Gerber but I just keep it in my camelbak in case of emergencies or around the house for opening beers etc, light stuff. It's developed a bit of play, but it's fantastic ergonomically.
There are some exotic wood handeled Opinels available. That's what I'd go for.
Leatherman come with 25 year warranty and I use mine at work as do others where I work, mix of Leatherman and Gerbers.
Leatherman Skeletool CX? It has very few things on it, just a decent blade, pliers, bottle opener and screwdriver bits. I've used mine for a hell of a lot, and it's invaluable.
Get him a Leatherman and an Opinel with a carbon steel blade. Yes, the steel will stain, but carbon steel will take and hold a better edge. You could maybe get him a less complicated multitool, plus a carbon steel Opinel and an Opinel folding saw, the saw would be really handy if he likes to cut stick for walking with, or pruning larger branches on garden trees.
Just a few suggestions, really, I know I'd love an Opinel, they're the classic folding pocket knife.
Have a browse through this website, its a fairly decent site to deal with.
http://www.heinnie.com/knives-and-tools/multi-tools
Spotted this the other day;
http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/leatherman-skeletool-a5220005?id_colour=180
a Victorinox Rangergrip, either Handyman or similar? Bigger ones have a (generally well regarded) folding saw blade, ideal for sticks. Wenger too make something like this.
Something specialer? The Wenger Mike Horn Ranger?
[img] 
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What about a Victorinox Rangergrip Handyman
Is that Victorinox?
If not, you know where to put it...
What about a Victorinox Rangergrip HandymanIs that Victorinox?
If not, you know where to put it...
Think it is, as stated. But if not, then take it up with the Youtuber 😀
+1 for Leatherman Skeletool CX, very sharp 😳
😳 gah, or even the one who linked the wrong video 😳 ok, let's see if I can do it right this time, and with this Wenger in my rear...
[b]Victorinox[/b] Rangergrip:
NB I haven't owned a Rangergrip so can only recommend via other reviews. I use both Victorinox Swiss Champ and Camper - Champ at home as multitool, or long trips, Camper as a general carry around when, er, camping 🙂
I like the Leatherman Surge? Have a few multi tools to choose from, Leatherman, Gerber and Victorinox, the Surge has the best tool set for me but the Victorinox is built better. Any brand will be easy enough to personalise to make it a nicer gift.
Get him a Leatherman and an Opinel with a carbon steel blade.
^This. Every one should have at least one each of these!
Another vote for the Opinel. Something on here a while ago prompted me to look up the history of the company and the knife. I knew they were a classic, just didn't know how much!
Worth a read:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opinel_knife
Dibbs - Member+1 for Leatherman Skeletool CX, very sharp
It was top of my list before I bought my gerber s0 I borrowed a skeletool but just couldn't get on with it. I didn't like how it felt in my hand I it was very easy to nip myself with the pliers.
kerbdog - MemberHave a browse through this website, its a fairly decent site to deal with.
http://www.heinnie.com/knives-and-tools/multi-tools
I had a nosey there and I think the SOG power duo looks close to what I had in mind, primarily pliers and a knife. The sheeps foot blade is a plus too. Though SOG are not a brand I have any experience of. The Leatherman Freestyle looks good too though.
Skeletool is nice but losing the screw driver bits is a pain. Mine now lives in my camelback & I take a leatherman sidekick to work. All I really need in a leatherman.
For a plain knife, Mercator Black Cat.
Don't forget to look at the Victorinox Swisstool variants, some have a measuring rule on the handles. Yes I'm a Victorinox fan...
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Ignoring the multi tool part completely, what about something along these lines:
[url= http://www.steelcitycutlery.com/pocketknife.html ]Little Mester[/url]. A bit posher than the opinel. Heaps of variations to choose from.
twicewithchips - MemberIgnoring the multi tool part completely, what about something along these lines:
Little Mester. A bit posher than the opinel. Heaps of variations to choose from.
That's very nice, though someone needs to help them with their website. It might just be a bit too nice to wreck.
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At the minute I am thinking along the lines of this
[img] 
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or this
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How old is your Dad? is he or was he in the SAS? if young outdoors SAS then your two black options are spot on . If an old tool snob, then the Little Mester is the answer . I am on the look out for a new knife having sharpened the life out of my swiss army knife over twenty odd years.
Of all the above the Ranger Grip is the one I like, but only because I inherited a walnut handled single blade pocket knife from my Dad so the Little Master would duplicate that which I have (and never use because it is too nice and too loaded with emotion.)
How about a Michael Morris friction folder? He'll make one to your specifications, so you can spec it as UK legal to carry. There was a 3 month waiting list last time I ordered from him though.
[url= http://www.michaelmorrisknives.com ]www.michaelmorrisknives.com[/url]
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crankboy - MemberHow old is your Dad? is he or was he in the SAS? if young outdoors SAS then your two black options are spot on . If an old tool snob, then the Little Mester is the answer
No was not in the SAS. He's in his early 60s and while I know where you're coming from re the looks he's not exactly flat cap and slippers yet. Looks aside I'm after functionality, first and foremost. The little mester looks like a lovely piece of craft work that's also a good knife, no doubt. However for beating up/ruining and hard use I think the construction of more modern knives would be better suited. It's nothing to be precious about. The black finish blade is probably my personal taste tbh.
Looking at Boker too, this is lovely. Titanium goodness.
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They even do a damscus steel variant with steel from the cannon of a eurofighter, or pieces of the Tirpitz !! But when you get over a few hundred quid you're well passed something you might drop in the forest.
5thElefant - MemberHow about a Michael Morris friction folder? He'll make one to your specifications, so you can spec it as UK legal to carry. There was a 3 month waiting list last time I ordered from him though.
Very interesting.
[url= http://www.txtoolcrafters.com/collections/browse-by-brand ]something special[/url]
I'm love my Griptilian, mind your fingers had the best price, I've a discount code for Them and Heinnie, hit me up if you need it.
Spyderco ukpk is the most useful pocket knife I own. Got a couple of the more expensive locking folders and they don't get used as much. £50 for the cheaper version or £200 ish for the s30v/carbon fibre jobbie, if you can still find one. Legal to carry in public and one hand open close. Very easy to keep sharp. You can get them in coloured scales too so they look a little less scary to 'normal' people 😉
What's the definition of legal to carry in public?
What's the definition of legal to carry in public?
Non locking, sub 3"
What's the definition of legal to carry in public?
Non locking, sub 3"
This. Strictly speaking, Opinel fall outside this as they can be locked open with the slotted ring, but I doubt if anyone would worry too much about that. Spyderco do a number of UK legal knives, the little Squeak is a very handy knife, that can't be closed when you're holding it, and there's a regular penknife with a longer legal blade.
Squeak,
[IMG]
[/IMG][IMG]
[/IMG]
Shows how the choil stops the blade closing on your finger.
tymbian - MemberWhat's the definition of legal to carry in public?
Off the top of my head it's illegal to have a folding knife with a blade longer than 3 inches. There's some reference to the type of locking mechanism too I think. If you have good reason (hunting, fishing etc) though you can justify carrying certain types of knife.
EDIT: I didn't refresh the page before posting.
Another vote for the Leatherman Skeletool CX
CRKT Wasp ,looks real fine .
What bit of your Gerber crucial did he use most and is the bit that looks like a carabinier a potato peeler ?
First question genuine as it sort of defines what to buy him.
Second question genuine as I can't work out what it is from Google images and the tool over all looks ace.
Legal in public is folding pocket knife blade under 3ins or reasonable excuse . is if it is over 3ins or locks the burden is on you to justify why you have/need it.
Legal in public is folding pocket knife blade under 3ins or reasonable excuse . is if it is over 3ins or locks the burden is on you to justify why you have/need it.
And what possible justification is there for carrying a shiv like this?
[img] [/img]
Quite right. Wearing a wedding ring on a thumb is unforgivable.
Saying that, at least the chap's also equipped for emergency oyster consumption.
Legal in public is folding pocket knife blade under 3ins or reasonable excuse . is if it is over 3ins or locks the burden is on you to justify why you have/need it.And what possible justification is there for carrying a shiv like this?
You really don't have much of a clue, do you? 🙄
Shiv! Jeeze it's a tiny little folding pocket knife with a blade around two inches long, which doesn't lock, and is perfectly legal in the UK.
That's why it's called the Squeak, as in pipsqueak.
Idiot.
The sqeek is under 3 inches and folds so you don't legally need to justify why you carry something that you could use to cut food string packaging make a quick tooth pick or tent peg or prune or take cuttings with or hand over to your mates wife in a pub so she can get a toy out of it's packaging for her son or even sharpen a pencil. I admit it would be a little more useful with a bottle opener built in.
And what possible justification is there for carrying a shiv like this?
CountZeroYou really don't have much of a clue, do you?
He's clearly trolling hard mate. Reuben if you really want to debate that start a thread I'm sure it'd be interesting. As above, sub 3" folding knives are legal. But I can just as easily (much more easily actually) buy
something like this with an 8" blade.
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or indeed
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Both vastly superior for stabbing someone.
You'd go flat blade over Posi? Interesting choice...
willard - MemberYou'd go flat blade over Posi? Interesting choice...
C'mon, I'm gonna sharpen it first. Can't do that with a pozi. You can't go around shanking people with a blunt screw driver, that's just barbaric.
jimjam – Member
From your posts:
Durability would be key, but good ergonomics important too. Quality steel is a must, something that takes and holds an edge well.Looks aside I'm after functionality, first and foremost.
However for beating up/ruining and hard use I think the construction of more modern knives would be better suited.
Any suggestions appreciated.
I use, and would certainly recommend, a Buck Alpha. One hand opening and closing is very useful.
Heinnie
BU279BK Rubber / Black Nylon Case £64.95
BU277 Rosewood / Leather Case £87.95
Locking 3 ½ inch blade so you need to be able to justify carrying it.
Which reminded me of this from the British Blades forum – Ask A Cop
Ross: “As I said before, if you are smartly dressed, polite, sober and can explain your possession of such a tool, you shouldn’t have a problem.”Ggfh666: “Just one question. What is smartly dressed?”
Ross: “Not wearing a white shell suit and a Burberry baseball cap”
PS The SOG PowerDuo is known to have problems with the plastic scales cracking.
How about something like [url= http://www.heinnie.com/kizer-titanium-lockback ]this[/url] is different or, if you think wood is a bit more subtle, [url= http://www.heinnie.com/maserin-touch-line-olive ]this[/url].
[url= http://www.heinnie.com/mcusta-basic-quince-damascus ]This[/url] is out of your price bracket, but is really quite lovely. It also has VG10 for the core of the blade/cutting edge and damascus for the outside.
Related question.
All of us with a Leatherman Wave or similar - obviously a locking knife under the law. Anyone ever had to justify carrying it as a cyclist? Seems to me it would be borderline as to whether it's 'reasonable' depending on the mindset of the magistrate of officer?
I'm not opposed to sensible folk carrying knives, but unless you're using it for work what's the purpose really?
I mean, how do us bladeless people survive?
I mean, how do us bladeless people survive?
You ask bladed people for help?
I use mine for work. In an office.
How about a svord peasant mini in wood handled flavour. Pretty little thing, sturdy as you like non locking but effectively locked if you are holding it. And cheeeeeeeap
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I justify mine because it came with my tool in this natty pouch. It even has an image of bikes on it. Main use seems to be cutting cable-ties.
[url= http://www.allcocksoutdoorstore.co.uk/crkt-viele-wasp-lock-knife ]Wasp[/url]
Both vastly superior for stabbing someone.
But both far harder to conceal,which seems to be it's point.
Legal or not (and that's debatable, depending on circumstances) , I think you'd have a hard time justifying carrying the shiv to plod, except for shucking oysters.
I have seen two or three machetes and two fixed blades on Heinnie Haynes from Condor that I like so may order them in future.
As for OP, how about any of these?
[url= http://www.heinnie.com/blackfox-pocket-knife-78 ]Black Fox Pocket Knife 78[/url] @ £18.95.
[url= http://www.heinnie.com/boker-plus-exskelibur ]Boker Plus Exskelibur G10[/url]@ £54.95
[url= http://www.heinnie.com/magnum-timberman ]Magnum Timberman[/url] @ £15.95
[url= http://www.heinnie.com/magnum-first-responder ]Magnum First Responder[/url] @ £20.95 (I like this one)
[url= http://www.heinnie.com/ka-bar-dozier-hunter ]Ka-Bar Dozier Hunter[/url] @ £23.95
[url= http://www.heinnie.com/columbia-river-liong-mah-folder ]CRKT Liong Mah Folder[/url] @ £36.95 (I like this too)
[url= http://www.heinnie.com/boker-plus-knives-xs ]Boker Plus XS[/url] @ £38.95 (Good review this)
As for the legality just get away with whatever you can as you are not zombies hunting ...
^^^ I like that
How about this to go with it?
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Flintstones Swiss Army Knife
suburbanreuben - Member
Both vastly superior for stabbing someone.But both far harder to conceal,which seems to be it's point.
Legal or not (and that's debatable, depending on circumstances) , I think you'd have a hard time justifying carrying the shiv to plod, except for shucking oysters.
Clearly a troll, as you have no idea what you're talking about. A Squeak is hopelessly inappropriate for opening an oyster, or anything that requires leverage; the blade is only a couple of mm thick, and would snap off.
It's a tiny folding pocket knife for general day to day use, opening plastic packaging, cutting string, or zip-ties, all the things that you can't use your teeth or nails to open.
A shiv is a fixed bladed improvised weapon, as you really ought to know:
A shiv (possibly from the Romani word chivomengro, "knife"[1]) is a slang term for any sharp or pointed implement used as a knife-like weapon. The Oxford English Dictionary suggests shive, a razor, documented in 1915, as the root word.[2]The word in practical usage is frequently used when referring to an improvised bladed weapon. Shivs are commonly made by inmates in prisons across the world. A shiv can be anything from a glass shard with fabric wrapped around one end to form a handle, to a razor blade stuck in the end of a toothbrush. Synonyms include shank,[3] chiv, and chib (from Scottish slang, as exemplified in the novel Trainspotting, "chib" was originally a name for a blunt weapon such as a mattock handle or tree branch). These terms, along with "shiv", can be used either as a noun or a transitive verb, referring to the weapon or the act of attacking with such a weapon respectively.
In the USA, these improvised prison knives are called shanks.
And yunki, do you honestly never, ever find yourself in a situation where having a small knife would be really useful when you're away from house or office?
Or don't you ever get away from an urban environment?
I've lost count of the number of times I've cut back overhanging brambles from cycle paths and footpaths, for example.
Just to give a clear idea of what size we're talking about here, this is a pic of the Squeak open, compared to a normal penknife of a sort that pretty much every schoolboy would have carried in his pocket a century ago. Dickie, it's late owner, was 22 when he was killed at Arras in 1917, and it's clear from the wear on the blade he'd probably carried that knife most of his very short life.
That little knife would still be perfectly legal to carry, and indeed, I still do. The Squeak is obviously very much shorter, doesn't lock, and is no more dangerous to carry.
If I was going to use something as a weapon, that could really mess someone up, I'd use a biro.
[img][url= https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8616/16185469332_efe2acec9c_o.jp g" target="_blank">
Hmmm... Dodgy teen bracelets and weird ring, ww1 relics and talk of messing people up with biros, all mixed up with a fixation about carrying a sharp implement..
I don't feel safe knowing that such characters are roaming the countryside with concealed weapons 😉
willard - MemberHow about something like this is different or, if you think wood is a bit more subtle, this.
This is out of your price bracket, but is really quite lovely. It also has VG10 for the core of the blade/cutting edge and damascus for the outside.
Willard, those are some great suggestions, thanks. I've now gone from thinking I might buy myself a mini griptillian and something a bit nicer for dad to "needing" two of these
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sands
I use, and would certainly recommend, a Buck Alpha. One hand opening and closing is very useful.
Liking those too! I'm a fan of thumb studs and liner as well.