Help me pick out my birthday gift...

[BigBL87]

So, my wife's birthday gift is going to be me buying an "expensive" pocket knife. Expensive is definitely relative, haha.

I already have 2 Boker Kalashnikov Autos, one with a D2 drop point blade and the other an AUS8 tanto. Also have a Boker Dagger D2 2.0 OTF. I usually carry the D2 Kalashnikov, but will switch it out from time to time.

I'm NOT a Boker fan boy by any stretch and am willing to branch out, but their pocket knives have been a great bang for the buck which is why I have so many. My fixed blade requirements are pretty well covered, though I'm not necessarily opposed to a good deal. I have a couple Bucks, Moras, Cold Steel, and a Boker.

Anyway, not really looking for anything specific. I'm kind of leaning more towards a gentleman's type knife, since my Kalashnikovs are more than adequate for what I usually need. I would like a more premium steel, like Magnacut, S35VN, etc.. Not that I NEED it, but if I'm buying a more expensive knife I'd like nicer steel.

Right now here's what I'm thinking about. Prices are approximate, I qualify for some LE/government discounts which is how I get to some of them. A few would be pre-orders, but I'm willing to be patient:

Boker Urban Trapper Automatik ($139):

Urban Trapper US Automatik

The most popular gentleman's knife from the Boker collection as an explosive automatic version, equipped with the best blade steel currently available and handmade in Solingen - any questions? With the Urban Trapper Automatic, The US...

www.bokerusa.com

Boker Urban Trapper Cocobolo ($101):

Urban Trapper Cocobolo

The original model of the Urban Trapper from Brad Zinker has quickly developed into one of the most popular gentleman knives from Boker Plus. The extremely low-profile and slender design in combination with refined materials such as...

www.bokerusa.com

Hogue Deka Magnacut ($114):

Hogue Deka 3.25" Clip Point Folding Knife - Tumbled Black

DetailsIntroducing the Hogue Deka 3.25" Clip Point Folding Knife in a sleek Tumbled Black design. This knife is the perfect companion for your outdoor adventures or everyday tasks.With a blade length of 3.25", closed length of 4.25", and an overall length of 7.5", this folding knife is compact...

www.primaryarms.com

Kershaw Bel Air ($149)

https://www.knifecenter.com/item/KS6105/kershaw-6105-usa-made-bel-air-duralock-kvt-folding-knife-cpm-magnacut-blackwashed-drop-point-blade-bright-nickel-cerakote-aluminum-handles-reversible-deep-carry-clip

Spyderco Military 2 ($140)

Military™ 2 - Spyderco, Inc.

Designed by Spyderco co-founder Sal Glesser as the perfect knife for forward-deployed military personnel, the original Military Model is one of the cutlery industry’s most iconic designs. More than 25 years after its original release, the eagerly ant...

www.spyderco.com

Spyderco Native Chief Salt Magnacut ($127)

Native Chief™ Lightweight Salt CPM MagnaCut® - Spyderco, Inc.

This Native Chief Lightweight Salt proudly combines the best qualities of the lightweight Native Chief platform with the unparalleled edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance of CPM MagnaCut steel. Full-flat ground for optimal edge geometry and ...

www.spyderco.com

 

[bratch]

Houge Deka is on my short list and probably my pick from that group. Following that would be the Salt.

I just bought a Buck 110 Hunter Sport which I’m enjoying for another option.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

I vote for for the Mil. 2.

 

[Mk-211]

I'm really liking the Kershaw Launch 16.


That or the Spyderco Mil. 2

 

[BigBL87]

I vote for for the Mil. 2.

I'm really liking the Kershaw Launch 16.

View attachment 1192799
That or the Spyderco Mil. 2

I do like the Kershaw Launches.

And the thing I like about the Mil 2 is it gives me a larger knife so actually does fill a different role.

 

[hso]

Hogue makes the Ritter Auto RSK and it is my recommendation. Hogue exceptional quality, Ritter design based on decades of real experience, and MagnaCut.

Doug Ritter Auto-RSK® Knifeworks Exclusive - Black G-10 / Stonewashed MagnaCut (54136)

Doug Ritter Auto-RSK 54136, 3.44" Stonewashed CPM-MagnaCut Drop Point Plain Blade, Black G-10 Handle - Knifeworks

knifeworks.com

 

[WestKentucky]

I’m voting for anything not by spyderco. I have tried to like spyderco and just can’t get used to the ergonomics. With that said, get your hands on those knives and see what feels right and what feels wrong. Spyderco may be what fits you, and they are a very well respected knife maker who use good materials. From what I’m seeing I would go with Kershaw, either the bel-air that was linked in initial post or the Launch that @Mk-211 suggested. The ergos of those knives fit me pretty well, as do most knives made by Kershaw.

Again, just like guns and cars, you need hands on test drive to know what you’re going to like. Go somewhere that carries that type of product and see what you find.

And I think I need to find a bel-air to try out.

 

[MarshallDodge]

I have a Hogue HK Exemplar and like it. The Deka would be a good choice.

 

[Armored farmer]

I really like my otf for my casual dress (not work) knife. It shoots the blasde with a satisfying *snick*....and shoots it back in just as quickly.
Microtec makes good ones....mine is a $100 Cobratech. It has been just fine. D2 steel. Several sizes .

 

[RetiredUSNChief]

I'm leaning towards the Spyderco Native Chief.

Because "Chief"

 

[BigBL87]

Appreciate the insight guys!

I think I've narrowed down to 3, one of which wasn't on the list originally.

Kershaw Launch 15
Hogue Deka
Spyderco Military 2.

All will run me around $140ish, so cost won't be much of a factor.

 

[RA40]

A singular choice?! Those three are good choices in different categories. All...

The local shop received their shipment of Hogue knives... For the $ I feel they are quite nice carry pieces. Same for the Kershaw, fun to play with and the ones I had some time with functioned nicely with good production values. All great choices.

The shop I buy screws from locally makes the screws for Spyderco. I was happy to learn that even those small bits are USA made. Either way you have some nice ones narrowed down. Happy B-Day!

 

[BigBL87]

A singular choice?! Those three are good choices in different categories. All...

The local shop received their shipment of Hogue knives... For the $ I feel they are quite nice carry pieces. Same for the Kershaw, fun to play with and the ones I had some time with functioned nicely with good production values. All great choices.

The shop I buy screws from locally makes the screws for Spyderco. I was happy to learn that even those small bits are USA made. Either way you have some nice ones narrowed down. Happy B-Day!

Thanks! Right now I'm leaning hard towards the Deka. I just ordered a Kershaw Iridium with some spare hobby money, fidgeting with that crossbar lock should help me make a decision on if I like it enough to get the Deka.

I'd still like a "gentleman's" knife, just probably going to go a little less expensive on that, easier to justify that purchase, haha. Thinking about getting a Boker Modern Trapper Uno. The Nitro V isn't the most amazing steel, but I'm not exactly expecting it to do hard tasks either. Getting into knives has just made me a little bit of a steel snob!

 

[bratch]

I'd still like a "gentleman's" knife, just probably going to go a little less expensive on that, easier to justify that purchase, haha. Thinking about getting a Boker Modern Trapper Uno. The Nitro V isn't the most amazing steel, but I'm not exactly expecting it to do hard tasks either. Getting into knives has just made me a little bit of a steel snob!

Lionsteel has some good looking slip joints in nicer steels (M390).

 

[jmr40]

The Hogue Deka is a great knife and reasonably priced for the features.

The Buck 110 and 112 Slim Pro's are often overlooked. The 112 is about $100, the 110 about $110. They are slim, with SV30 steel and sitll have the traditional Buck look to them.

Amazon.com

 

[RA40]

Thanks! Right now I'm leaning hard towards the Deka. I just ordered a Kershaw Iridium with some spare hobby money, fidgeting with that crossbar lock should help me make a decision on if I like it enough to get the Deka.

I'd still like a "gentleman's" knife, just probably going to go a little less expensive on that, easier to justify that purchase, haha. Thinking about getting a Boker Modern Trapper Uno. The Nitro V isn't the most amazing steel, but I'm not exactly expecting it to do hard tasks either. Getting into knives has just made me a little bit of a steel snob!

That one is nice as well. The mid-tier steels are still good performers so the Nitro V would not put me of if the knife fits the hand and carries well. The aesthetics attract me over what steel the blade is in production pieces.

 

[BigBL87]

That one is nice as well. The mid-tier steels are still good performers so the Nitro V would not put me of if the knife fits the hand and carries well. The aesthetics attract me over what steel the blade is in production pieces.

Fair point. Really, for how little it will see actual use my "gentleman's knife" purchase really could probably be made of whatever steel. I just like the idea of a "nice" steel as a pride of ownership kind of thing. Something like Nitro V, 14C28N, AUS-8, AUS-10, seems like kinda the sweet spot for me for value for non-hard-use knives. I'd add D2 but I already have my fair share of D2 so want to branch out a bit.

Really, I wear business casual a fair amount between work and other stuff, so just want something to fit that aesthetic while still being useful.

I'm also trying to lean towards non-Chinese manufactured knives nowadays as much as I can. It's not a deal-breaker, hence my Kershaw Iridium purchase, but if I'm paying a decent bit it's definitely a point in favor to be USA/Taiwan/Japan/German/etc. manufactured.

 

[RA40]

Completely get your feeling for not buying those, my sentiments as well.

 

[BigBL87]

Welp, gentleman's knife is now covered as well. Ended up getting a Boker Kaizen in S35VN, open box like new for $47. Can't beat that for S35VN steel. Now for the better to beg forgiveness than permission part with the wife.

 

[JShirley]

Houge Deka is on my short list and probably my pick from that group. Following that would be the Salt.

I just bought a Buck 110 Hunter Sport which I’m enjoying for another option.

This. Exactly, would be my recommendation. Now, if it was for myself, I would go for the Spyderco first but for others I would generally recommend the inverse.

 

[Lo-Profile]

My favorite carry knife is a Ontario Rat 1. Not expensive, but a very nice knife

 

[Boattale]

Lionsteel has some good looking slip joints in nicer steels (M390).

Good thought. Quite the mashup of traditional lines with modern construction and materials. They're nice.

 

[jahwarrior]

I'd probably go with Urban Trapper auto myself

 

[Ronnyvagh]

Choosing an "expensive" pocket knife is definitely a unique idea! I can relate to the joy of finding the perfect blade—I once spent hours searching for the ideal camping knife for my partner. Ended up stumbling upon a sleek, Damascus steel beauty that became a staple in our outdoor adventures.