How To: Pick a Knife to Gift for Father’s Day

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Want to buy your dad a knife for Father’s Day but don’t know where to start? Rest assured, we are here to help! Fortunately, no matter what you buy, Dad is sure to love the thoughtfulness behind the gift. However, to be sure Dad can get the most use out of his knife possible, here are some points to consider:

Size– From machetes to mini hunting knives, it does not take an expert to know knives come in many shapes and sizes. Small knives are beneficial for several reasons: they are easy to carry, handy, and can perform for most routine tasks. Most of these knives are commonly referred to as as “pocket knife,” although there are many variations of the pocket knife as well. Pocket knives will often have a clip on the backside which will hook on a persons pocket making it accessible and comfortable to carry.

While pocket knives are a staple accessory for most men, they are not always strong enough or sharp enough for more rugged tasks. Fixed blade knives, a knife where the blade does not fold back into the handle, are often more durable and reliable than their smaller counterpart. These knives require a sheath to carry them in, to protect the blade as well as the carrier. I have found that some men put as much pride into their sheaths as they do their knife. Most fixed blade knives are used for hunting, skinning, camping, and other outdoors-men tasks.

Handle Material– Functionality, durability and eye appeal are all factors that come into play where the knife handle material is considered. Wood is a common choice for knife handles for many reasons. Wood can withstand many uses as well as be rather eye catching. Unique grain patterns, especially with exotic woods, can dramatically increase the value of a knife. The downside to wood handled knives is they can become slippery when wet. I like to think this gives character to a knife, so I don’t necessarily mind it.

Bone is a common handle material as well. Bone has a uniqueness of its own from varied textures and colors to varied types of bone. Bone is fairly hardy, but runs the risk of chipping or cracking if dropped on hard surfaces. Hard rubber or polymer are also common handle materials that, although less attractive, favor the pocket-book and are extremely durable for high-use, working knives.

Metal is another popular choice among knife manufacturers that will withstand years of abuse. It is very common among folding pocket knives.

Blade Material– The two most popular kinds of steel used for blade construction are stainless steel or carbon steel. The answer to which is better can be debated for hours. Stainless steel blades can take a beating and are virtually indestructible. However, some complain they lose their edge faster than carbon. They can also be more difficult to sharpen due to the hardness of the metal.

Carbon steel knives are usually known to maintain a good edge longer than stainless steel, but can rust faster in the elements. Serrated blades are another popular choice for certain tasks such as cutting cord or rope efficiently. Serrated blades come as either a full serrated blade or a combination blade that is part serrated and part plain.

So there you have it! Hopefully you have gleaned a basic knowledge of knives to allow you to pick the best one for Dad. Of course, always feel welcome to stop by one of our locations. One of our knife experts will be more than happy to give you personalized assistance in making this Father’s Day truly special. Happy Father’s Day!

 

— Scott Miller, Knife Buyer

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June 6, 2014 |

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