Pocket knife grad gift question

[daepp]

I just went through a knife/carry thread that's 13 pages long, but I did not find what I was looking for.

My 18 year old son is graduating from high school in a week. Due to a very busy last month or two I am behind the eight ball in getting him a gift.

I want something he can own for the rest of his life. It doesn't have to be uber expensive, just something that will last. I was thinking of a pocket knife (he loves them!) that maybe I would get engraved with his name or school or year etc.

Maybe under $300 and engraveable? He already has a couple of small Bucks, a very nice Boker/damascus, etc - all under $150. And FWIW, he never loses anything.

Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks!

p.s. Or a better idea for such a keepsake?

[masraum]

Benchmade makes very nice knives, including some that could be engraved, and many are under $300.

[Scott Douglas]

Craftsman Mechanics Tool Box set.

[HardDrive]

Buck 110 50th Anniversary edition. Will last a lifetime.

BUCK

[MRM]

I have a Swiss Army knife called the Tinker that I was given at about that time in my life. I carried it daily for years until security started screening for metal everywhere I go. It is extremely high quality, fun to hold, and more useful than you can imagine. It's between $40 and $50. I love mine so much that I've given several for gifts and it's always been a success.

Another thought is something like a silver dollar or other keepsake. When I was very young my father bought new uncirculated limited edition Eisenhower 40% silver silver dollars for each of us kids. He told us he'd give us ours when we graduated from college. I coveted that coin until I graduated and I demanded he give it to me. He really wanted to keep it himself, but he relented and I still have it. I was in an antique shop a couple of weeks ago and saw the exact same coin kit for sale. I bought it for my college freshman son with the same plan to give it to him when he graduates from college.

And then there's always the old standby of giving him a watch. Lots of good ones at $400 and below.

[ThomO]

I am getting both of my sons craftsmans tool set for grad

[daepp]

Mostly for him but also because I loved doing it, every Christmas since he was about 8 I've bought him Craftsman tools. His toolbox is full (actually and also I hope metaphorically) now that he's ready to leave the nest!
Thanks for all the suggestions so far. Also he is majoring in EE and often wears dress pants.

[vash]

ZT0350TSST
!!!!!

My next knife.


Sent via Jedi mind trick.

[JAR0023]

Originally Posted by masraum

Benchmade makes very nice knives, including some that could be engraved, and many are under $300.

...and Benchmade has a laser engraving service. -J

Lasermarking

[JAR0023]

Originally Posted by vash

ZT0350TSST
!!!!!

My next knife.


Sent via Jedi mind trick.

I love my 0350 with one exception. It sticks up to high out of my pocket and no one is making a deep carry clip for it b/c of the two screw format. Left handed the clip sits high on the knife. Right handed the clip sits lower and there's half inch of knife sticking out of your pocket. Nitpicking aside the 0350 is a very solid knife. Holds an edge great which is good b/c the recurve to the blade makes it a little harder to sharpen. -J

[gassy]

Spend $50 more and get a Chris Reeve small Sebenza. Last knife he'll ever need.

[aschen]

I say something classy not "tactical" for a grad gift.

[HHI944]

Small Sebenza is right around your price range and Chris Reeve Quality is hard to beat. I've not owned any of his folding knives, just fixed blades, but I've handled them a few times and they're spectacular feeling knives...very solid and look great as well.

[atcjorg]

nothing says I love you like a Ka-bar

[scottmandue]

My brother gifted my dad a Camillus No. 11 Lockback Folder...
Being old school he didn't know what to do with it and tossed it in a drawer...
When he was cleaning out his desk he gave it to me.
Probably a lot more low end than what you are looking for but I was going to put it up on eBay.
If you are interested PM me.

[Nostril Cheese]

[fred cook]

Check out the Boker brand folding knives with a damascus steel blade. Each one is unique, they tend to hold an edge well and can be real works of art. They come in a variety of sizes from very small to belt holster size. I have a couple of these knives and they are my favorites.

[wildthing]

Slightly off topic but why would I get a ZT over a regular Kershaw (as a grad gift of course)?