My daughters first knife was a Leek with coral scales. Gave her that and a standard leek, she will have forever.

She now collects knives too

I carry the Benchmade Mini Grip without serrations.

quote:

Originally posted by sig operator:
4x5, your daughter marches to her own beat as evidenced by being in the ROTC.
Personally, I would not buy her a knife without her input. There are many good suggestions here to show her.

This^^^

Which branch is she in? What occupational field does she plan to specialize in? What colors does she like? Would she prefer a pair of pliers that happens to also have a blade on it or a knife that has some additional tools?

What does she consider, "always carry a knife"? Does that include when she's PT-ing in shorts and t-shirt and something she can comfortably EDC in yoga pants?

A few suggestions - these are 'Hall of Fame' caliber knives in terms of quality and popularity, made in USA, <$100, and thin & light enough to clip inside running shorts.

Kershaw Leek - so popular, it has over a hundred variants. It is as another member put, a dress knife. The tip is very thin and easy to break. It's more like a scalpel and letter opener. Hard use outdoors will break the blade.

Kershaw Skyline - lighter than a Leek and almost as thin, but w/ a much more rugged blade suitable for outdoors usage.

Benchmade Mini Griptillian - great knife that barely sneaks under the $100 cutoff. A little thick compared to the others here though.

Spyderco Delica 4 - the knife that put Spyderco on the map and changed the face of EDC knives.

Syderco Endura 4 - if you want larger than the Delica

IMO, all the above are can't-miss selections. A few more I like that are less well-known are:

Kershaw OD-1 - out of production and hard to find. Similar to the Leek but w/ sturdier blade and w/o spring-assist opening. It has a unique opening system that's as fast as Speedsafe yet doesn't require wrist flicking action.

HK/Benchmade Ally - very compact knife that also has a glass-breaking tip

SOG Twitch II - gentleman's knife alternative to the Leek


If you open up your selection to knives made outside USA, the choices are staggering. There are great knives coming out of Germany, Switzerland, Japan, Taiwan, and even China.

BTW, you might consider cross-posting your inquiry in 'The Essential Edge'.

Spyderco endura, light and easy to replace and damned near bomb proof. That and a multitool will do 90% of what she needs. I have plenty of custom blades but when hunting the endura goes in my pocket or the H1 hawksbill.



When she graduates then a nice field knife.

quote:

Originally posted by Skins2881:
Kershaw Leek



Made in USA, well under $100, easy one handed operation, light weight and small. It's an inexpensive knife, but great value. Also if she loses it, it's not a great tragedy.

I'm no knife guy, but I've had one for years and like it very much, other members may have better suggestions.

Also it's spring assisted so depending on local laws may not be allowed.

This is my EDC and I couldn't be more pleased. And this coming from a guy who likes the Benchmades....

If you do get a Leek consider getting it engraved...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D...e8-8731-197ef284cbe4

Do Not Let Her look at Elkabong's black friday WTS ad in the classifieds.

The Smoky Mountain Knife Works has the Kershaw BlackWash Composite Blade Leek on sale for $54.99

Seemed like a good deal.
Didn’t know I needed a knife, but it seems like a nice knife and a good price.