Well, I don't own a S&W, so I can't say for sure.
I do own several benchmades, and am happy with them. You could do a lot worse than a benchmade of some sort. Just because I have the plain edge version, I can recommend the BM 710 with partially serrated blade, if you must have serrations (I prefer a plain edge myself).
Then, of course, there's Doug's
knife, which is a benchmade with better steel and a specially designed blade and handle. I have one of these, and it's nice.
I'm not sure I'd want a knife as a gift. I'm kinda particular about this stuff. Better would be to get your guy to mention his preference, then buy that. To knife people, not just any knife will do. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />