Advice for Gift Knife
 

My brother was kind enough to send me an Al Mar Mini SERE for my birthday to replace a Benchmade that had served me for a long while (issued to me when I got to Group) but went missing. I was touched by the thought and research he put into choosing that particular model as he's not a military type, so the connection would not have been obvious without real research.

So now with Christmas approaching, I thought that it might be nice to return the favor and select a fine EDC for him.

He is a chef in Chicago, so the first big issue is that the city has a 2.5" limit on blade length for "concealed" knives, which limits most of the obvious contenders. He is also a city-guy, so more looking at a "gentleman's" style than an outdoor or tactical knife.

Some options I've been looking at:

-Spyderco Dragonfly 2, probably G10 as I like the feel better but understand its not as sexy a steel. Most likely candidate checking most blocks. The limited edition with zdp-189 & nishijin would be nearly perfect, but $$$ and hard to find.

-Spyderco Lil Native, which has both G10 and sexy steel, US made, but form factor and handling more controversial than Dragonfly apparently

-Spartan Nymph, a little smaller than I was hoping for but seems very nice. Wish blade was closer to 2.5"

-William Henry Pikatti Ares, just about perfect but $$$

What else is out there that I should be looking at?

Criteria:
-Gentleman's Style
-Willing to consider lock vs slip
-Good quality cutting knife, he's a chef and knows sharp knives. VG10 or better.
-Don't love Spyderco FRN, prefer either G10, wood, or metal handle
-prefer as close to 2.5" as possible without going over.

I know we got some great knife makers here and they can probably show some of their best products. I thought I’d have a quick look for something nice but not too expensive.

https://www.coldsteel.com/micro-recon-1-tanto.html

https://www.coldsteel.com/micro-reco...ear-point.html

Both have a 2” blade.

So much more in 3” and 3.5” from so many companies. I love my BM folders and long ago accepted SpyderCo as utility knives that when they get dull I bought a new one.

I really like my Kershaw Leek but it has a 3" blade.

The Kershaw Scallion has a2.25" blade https://kershaw.kaiusaltd.com/knives/knife/scallion

The CRKT Eros Compact is 2"
https://www.crkt.com/eros-flat-handle-compact.html

The Case Slimline Trapper is one of my favorites but a little over 3"
Having said that it is a very traditional looking and the jigged bone handles just reck class
https://www.casexx.com/Details/?Prod...5307&Patid=187

the Case Swayback Whancliffe is a heck of a knife
https://www.casexx.com/Details/?Prod...7018&Patid=190

for a small using knife I like the Wharncliffe style blades

He may have given you a hint..

Al Mar - I have carried two of Al's "gentlemen's blades" for over 30 yrs.

http://www.almarknives.com/product-c...-carry-knives/

Like many things, the earlier models, because of who & where they were manufactured are sought-after by collectors.

The smaller is a Hawk and the larger is an Eagle Talon, I believe :munchin

Spyderco and Al Mar are always good choices.

Great to see the Al Mar knives posted!

Pro tip, be sure to bring up Cold Steel around the Spartan Blades guys.

I haven't made a knife with a 2.5 inch blade since kindergarten :D

Bill, you might want to dust off your old drawings

Seems like slip joint and "world knife" are all the rage these days :mad:

My current "world knife" is a SOG Micron 1 :(

Grateful for the advice!

Went with the Mar Hawk... seems a fine knife, hope he likes it!

Speaking of smaller knives, this is the one I designed for Chris Reeve Knives, 3 inch blade slip joint.
https://www.sixtysixmag.com/chris-reeve-knives/

Beautiful knife.

Looks like what my Umnumzaan might birth if it had a baby.

Updating y'all:

Knife was a big hit!

So much to learn about knives I'm finding... sharpening in particular seems a real art and skill. I picked myself up an EdgePro Apex kit and am working on the knives I have so when I finally save up for the Spartan Harsey I won't destroy the fine work. :D