yes, that's a very good idea !!!

In few years ago, friends/coworkers offered me a knife, as a birthday present.
They knew I had a small blades' collection, so they thought I would be happy with such a gift.
But that knife was an horror to my eyes ...!!!!!!!!!!!... and I did not succeed to conceal my disappointment..... <img src="/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />
So I got back to the retailer and choose another one, a bit better for my taste.
And a few days later, I had to organise a small exhibit of my different knifes, swords etc..., hoping they would understand my reaction.

Frenchy -


I feel your pain <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> Few years ago, my wife spent good amount of money on a knife as gift for me. It was as opposite as you could get from what I would have gotten. Tried hard to hide my dismay; she very graciously insisted that I exchange it for another, which I did. She now asks for recommendations before buying something like that. On balance, she's the same way about clothing <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I wouldnt buy the knife.
I would find a good knife dealer/shop/supplier and buy a gift voucher for roughly the $ amount of the Benchmade model that he liked.
That way he gets the present, a knife and the enjoyment of finding the knife that he wants. You at least dont give a dud gift, and if the knife that is picked is a dud, its not your fault <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I would agree with Biggzie. Also my Grandmother was supersticous (sp) and believed that you never give someone a knife or or you will cut your relationship. (She gave a penny and let you buy the knife from her)

Stay Safe.

Yeah I saw it in the movie once. Somebody gave someone a blade and he gave him back a nickle for it. Hah. Good to know the story behind it all.

There are some outstanding knives available in the market today. As many people mentioned it is a matter of personal preference which one fits you. I mean we had here on ETS countless posts about which knife to carry and why not. Probably the best suggestion I read so far was to buy a gift certificate and let him choose. Still I will give you my 2 cents on some of the blades I carried over the years.

Sebenza Large: Great solid knife with excellent steel, smooth operation, solid lock and clean design.

Microtech Tarzuola: Good knife with fancy mechanics for the opening but a nice all around blade.

Buck Strider combo folder: probably the best bang for the buck. Simple solid even if little rough around the endges. This would be my choice as a gift.

Never got into Spydercos and CRKT but they also have some good quality knives.

I stopped carrying more expensive knives with me because I don't want to loose them. I'm absent minded sometimes and I run a lot and to loose a $300 knife would be a pity. I also don't like serrated edges because I have no idea how to sharpen them and I'm little impatient to send it back to the manufacturer.

Good luck. If you decide to get a knife save the recipt. If the big guy doesnt like the blade and wants to exchange it don't worry. Sometimes it is really hard to please a knife nut. After all it is a thought that counts. Think of it as us guys buying you clothes. We kind of know what you want but we will get color and size always wrong (even if you write it down for us).