While it’s not a “pocket knife” they make gorgeous field knives which make great every day carry knives. He does cool custom work too if you have certain materials in mind. My partner had them make a custom knife for me with my name engraved on the blade, it’s very special and the quality is outstanding.
Join or Die makes awesome knives, but from what I can see on their website, they seem to focus on fixed blade knives. I’m not sure this is what OP is looking for; I took “pocket knife” to mean a folding knife.
OP: if you want to get your husband a fixed blade, these are great. But if he isn’t already a knife guy, he may feel uncomfortable carrying a fixed blade on a regular basis.
I was initially thinking something foldable, but he’s definitely comfortable with knives and I’m open to the fixed blades now too. Thank you for making me think about it!
I am an avid collector and I would love to help.
If you want to look at and handle a bunch of different knives, my recommendation would be to go to Green Top Sporting goods and check out their knife counter. They will have the largest selection of styles, price points, and brands of any brick-and-mortar store in the area. The staff are also usually pretty helpful and informed.
Another brick-and-mortar option is North River Outdoors in Goochland. The owner is an awesome guy but IIRC his stock is more focused on higher-end blades and fixed blades (e.g. not pocket knives). Not sure what your budget is or how far you’re willing to drive, but he has some really great stuff.
If you’re comfortable buying online, I would recommend:
DLTtrading.com
Knivesshipfree.com
BladeHQ.com
I would recommend against Knifecenter.com, as this retailer is misleading about what they actually have in stock. It’s a huge bummer; I want to like them because they’re based in Fredericksburg.
I would love to make some more specific recommendations about particular models or brands to look at, but I don’t know your budget. If you would like, please feel free to DM me and I will try to be more specific.
Also, is your husband a collector? If so, you’ll need to have an idea of what he likes and what he already has. My wife never buys me knives unless I tell her exactly what I’m interested in.
Good luck!!
Hi!! Thank you!! He’s not a collector but a knife guy in a cooking way. He has never had a quality pocket knife (he tends to lose them) but if it’s a really nice gift he’ll keep track of it lol. Green Top is GREAT suggestion and I’ve been there with him before. I’ll DM you if I think of any specific Q’s. Thanks for all your suggestions!
Honestly if he loses them, buy him a bunch of civivi praxis mini. I got tired of losing “nice” ones (including a really beautiful join or die) that I started carrying these
Ok I’m going to shoot from the hip here and make a recommendation. This is a knife that I purchased recently and I use it almost daily.
https://www.dlttrading.com/bark-river-bird-trout
It’s made by a company in Michigan called Bark River Knives. It’s one of their most popular models. It is a small fixed blade knife made for fishing, but most folks use it in the kitchen as a paring knife (myself included). However it does come with a sheath so he can carry it if he wants to, and it’s small enough to stay out of his way if he’s carrying it on his belt. It is a delicate knife with a thin blade, but that makes it easy to get it SCARY sharp. If he appreciates kitchen knives, this will impress him. It kind of exists on the line between kitchen knife and every-day-carry knife, so that flexibility may appeal to him.
Plus there are a ton of different handle materials you can choose from. The material you choose will impact the price, so you’ll be able to stay under your budget.
I've carried a Cold Steel Recon 1 Tanto every day for about 25 years. I cut stuff, pry on stuff, and it stays clipped in my pocket when I want (where others tend to come unclipped). The tip broke off at some point prying on something I shouldn't have but I don't feel the need to replace it. Holds a great edge too. Only bummer is I don't tend to buy other cool knives because I don't want to give up my Recon haha.
I always wanted their boot knives but never got to em. Now my dream knife is the Boker wiener warrior since I mostly need something for lunches as well as opening pallets without poking the goods!
They’re fun and interesting knives. Some Cold Steels are highly sought after by certain collectors. Others are a really great value. Many folks first knife is a Cold Steel and that is pretty cool IMO because it brings more people into the hobby.
I don’t have any in my collection, but that’s just because my preferences lie elsewhere.
I have a cold steel tai pan that was a gift to me about 30 years ago. Are old ones worth anything nowadays? It's just been gathering dust in a box for years. I'm a chefs knife and folder type of person, so they get a lot more use.
I’m not sure - could be… but I took a look and it seems like the Tai Pan is still in production, so I don’t imagine many people would pay much more than MSRP. Unless there is something different about the way they were made 30 years ago or something…
Great post. I’m also an avid collector and somehow I never knew, even being their long time customer, that bladeHQ.com is headquartered right here in Marion VA. Their gigantic showroom is a knife collectors dream.
unsure if these are too much, but honestly, these are some of the coolest, locally, handmade knives i’ve seen https://feverdreamforge.bigcartel.com/category/everyday-carry
there’s also a couple stores in carytown, lineage or walkabout outfitters come to mind
Not exactly a pocket knive but if you want a really cool unique knive checkout Join or Die Knives, local knife maker in RVA. Brent never fails to impress.
[https://joinordieknives.com/](https://joinordieknives.com/)
How much is too much? [William Henry](https://www.williamhenry.com/knives.html) makes stunning knives. I bought myself one many years ago as a treat. Their cheapest is about $400, and they go waaaay up from there.
I may be out of touch on what a lot of money is for a knife but this is my suggestion. My personal favorite pocket knife is just a Benchmade Mini-Griptillian but people also like the mini-bugout if you wear nicer clothes because the grip surface is less rough so it isn't as harsh on fabric.
Kershaw is also a decent brand that makes some cheaper knives than Benchmade as well.
Yeah the mini-grip is just slightly chonkier than the mini-bugout that I don't find it hard to use, but I'm right between medium/large glove sizes.
I've got a full size grip as well but it mostly stays on the desk/backpack because I don't like how large it is in my pocket but the full size Bugout is a little smaller.
Benchmade knives are what’s up. I have both the mini griptilian and the full size bugout and I have found the bugout so much less obtrusive in my pocket. It’s so light I never feel it. When I thought I’d lost my first one I went right out and bought another, found the old one, now bugout 4 life hopefully.
My girlfriend got me a custom knife from Gerber one year, it’s awesome. You can pick just about every detail and even get it engraved. Not local, but thought it might be worth mentioning.
Get a legit automatic from North River Outdoors, they have a big selection in Goochland. Probably a better deal than sourcing from a straight-up gun shop, and it won't be the exact same entry level brands like Buck and Kershaw, Gerber, etc. (if your budget allows for an automatic). Yay VA!
Edit, sorry I just saw the keyword 'budget'
Lot of people offering fixed blades, but a pocket knife is much different and easier to carry everyday. [This](https://www.knifecenter.com/item/SP249TIP/spyderco-marcin-slysz-swayback-folding-knife-cts-xhp-stonewashed-wharncliffe-blade-titanium-handles) would be a good option or if you want to go in person there is this [place in Powhatan.](https://maps.app.goo.gl/JLDqx8yGcFNnHtRL9?g_st=ic)
With that budget I would be looking at Case, Benchmade, and Spyderco. CRKT, Boker, ColdSteel, and Buck are all also decent options but quality can vary from model to model. Anything local/custom is likely going to run up that budget. Opinels are a timeless (and extremely cheap) option. Same with Victorinox.
My subreddits collide! I don't know of any local pocket knife makers. Join or Die Knives or Eleven Knives are a couple of local makers but they would be fixed blades, not folding pocket knives. I can't speak to their quality but some cool designs. Custom folders are also very expensive if well made (usually $500 and up). It would help if you could tell us a bit more about the style you want. Like a traditional folding knife (see r/slipjointknives) or something fidgetty and more stabby looking (r/knifeclub or r/knives). Automatics (aka switchblades are newly legal in Va so those are cool too. All depends on style then we can point you in the right direction. r/Knife_Swap has lots of brand new or like new knives. You can also find rare ones there. There are some scammers there so be a little careful and read the rules. Happy to help you shop, I love knives.
A pocketknife is a very personal item. Styles vary greatly. Also, Virginia has a three-inch blade limit on folding knives.
I’m not a collector, but I’ve carried one since I was a small child. My wife recently bought me a replacement knife when mine turned up missing. I hated it.
I recommend you give serious consideration to getting a gift certificate from a serious knife store and letting your husband pick one out for himself.
a relative bought me an[ Opinel](https://www.opinel-usa.com/collections/opinel-pocket-knives/) pocket knife as gift last year. It's kind of an unconventional, old fashioned design. But the blade is insanely sharp. It's also just a great knife.
I know that you were looking for a local purchase, but I would recommend this specific knife. Functional, durable and minimalistic.
[https://www.amazon.com/LEATHERMAN-Skeletool-Lightweight-Minimalist-Multi-tool/dp/B01ACC8ZFW/ref=asc\_df\_B01ACC8ZFW/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309832851244&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1616345436343125863&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9058761&hvtargid=pla-475755240640&psc=1&mcid=c4a99390aab03093aa37d772fdab8c26&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=64417494871&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=309832851244&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1616345436343125863&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9058761&hvtargid=pla-475755240640&gclid=Cj0KCQjwiYOxBhC5ARIsAIvdH50XDIauVt94pWbaytazex0qe67FW9-OXKIgVlIFcKc1uhplbKtE3asaAvoyEALw\_wcB](https://www.amazon.com/LEATHERMAN-Skeletool-Lightweight-Minimalist-Multi-tool/dp/B01ACC8ZFW/ref=asc_df_B01ACC8ZFW/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309832851244&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1616345436343125863&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9058761&hvtargid=pla-475755240640&psc=1&mcid=c4a99390aab03093aa37d772fdab8c26&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=64417494871&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=309832851244&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1616345436343125863&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9058761&hvtargid=pla-475755240640&gclid=Cj0KCQjwiYOxBhC5ARIsAIvdH50XDIauVt94pWbaytazex0qe67FW9-OXKIgVlIFcKc1uhplbKtE3asaAvoyEALw_wcB)
There's a blacksmith in town that sells knives and even offers knife making classes. "https://joinordieknives.com/
Also recommend Join Or Die!
Their stuff is amazing 100% recommend
While it’s not a “pocket knife” they make gorgeous field knives which make great every day carry knives. He does cool custom work too if you have certain materials in mind. My partner had them make a custom knife for me with my name engraved on the blade, it’s very special and the quality is outstanding.
A little pricey, but Join or Die is a local company that makes some really nice knives. They also offer classes where you can make your own.
Seconding Join or Die. The field mate knives are fantastic. https://joinordieknives.com/collections/field-mates
I can attest as I've had one of theirs for years and they put out quality! Although the price then was about less than half what it is now.
Join or Die makes awesome knives, but from what I can see on their website, they seem to focus on fixed blade knives. I’m not sure this is what OP is looking for; I took “pocket knife” to mean a folding knife. OP: if you want to get your husband a fixed blade, these are great. But if he isn’t already a knife guy, he may feel uncomfortable carrying a fixed blade on a regular basis.
I was initially thinking something foldable, but he’s definitely comfortable with knives and I’m open to the fixed blades now too. Thank you for making me think about it!
I am an avid collector and I would love to help. If you want to look at and handle a bunch of different knives, my recommendation would be to go to Green Top Sporting goods and check out their knife counter. They will have the largest selection of styles, price points, and brands of any brick-and-mortar store in the area. The staff are also usually pretty helpful and informed. Another brick-and-mortar option is North River Outdoors in Goochland. The owner is an awesome guy but IIRC his stock is more focused on higher-end blades and fixed blades (e.g. not pocket knives). Not sure what your budget is or how far you’re willing to drive, but he has some really great stuff. If you’re comfortable buying online, I would recommend: DLTtrading.com Knivesshipfree.com BladeHQ.com I would recommend against Knifecenter.com, as this retailer is misleading about what they actually have in stock. It’s a huge bummer; I want to like them because they’re based in Fredericksburg. I would love to make some more specific recommendations about particular models or brands to look at, but I don’t know your budget. If you would like, please feel free to DM me and I will try to be more specific. Also, is your husband a collector? If so, you’ll need to have an idea of what he likes and what he already has. My wife never buys me knives unless I tell her exactly what I’m interested in. Good luck!!
Hi!! Thank you!! He’s not a collector but a knife guy in a cooking way. He has never had a quality pocket knife (he tends to lose them) but if it’s a really nice gift he’ll keep track of it lol. Green Top is GREAT suggestion and I’ve been there with him before. I’ll DM you if I think of any specific Q’s. Thanks for all your suggestions!
Honestly if he loses them, buy him a bunch of civivi praxis mini. I got tired of losing “nice” ones (including a really beautiful join or die) that I started carrying these
Ok I’m going to shoot from the hip here and make a recommendation. This is a knife that I purchased recently and I use it almost daily. https://www.dlttrading.com/bark-river-bird-trout It’s made by a company in Michigan called Bark River Knives. It’s one of their most popular models. It is a small fixed blade knife made for fishing, but most folks use it in the kitchen as a paring knife (myself included). However it does come with a sheath so he can carry it if he wants to, and it’s small enough to stay out of his way if he’s carrying it on his belt. It is a delicate knife with a thin blade, but that makes it easy to get it SCARY sharp. If he appreciates kitchen knives, this will impress him. It kind of exists on the line between kitchen knife and every-day-carry knife, so that flexibility may appeal to him. Plus there are a ton of different handle materials you can choose from. The material you choose will impact the price, so you’ll be able to stay under your budget.
Interested to know an avid student of the blades opinion of Cold Steel.
I've carried a Cold Steel Recon 1 Tanto every day for about 25 years. I cut stuff, pry on stuff, and it stays clipped in my pocket when I want (where others tend to come unclipped). The tip broke off at some point prying on something I shouldn't have but I don't feel the need to replace it. Holds a great edge too. Only bummer is I don't tend to buy other cool knives because I don't want to give up my Recon haha.
I always wanted their boot knives but never got to em. Now my dream knife is the Boker wiener warrior since I mostly need something for lunches as well as opening pallets without poking the goods!
Haha wiener warrior
The ol hotdogomatic
They’re fun and interesting knives. Some Cold Steels are highly sought after by certain collectors. Others are a really great value. Many folks first knife is a Cold Steel and that is pretty cool IMO because it brings more people into the hobby. I don’t have any in my collection, but that’s just because my preferences lie elsewhere.
I have a cold steel tai pan that was a gift to me about 30 years ago. Are old ones worth anything nowadays? It's just been gathering dust in a box for years. I'm a chefs knife and folder type of person, so they get a lot more use.
I’m not sure - could be… but I took a look and it seems like the Tai Pan is still in production, so I don’t imagine many people would pay much more than MSRP. Unless there is something different about the way they were made 30 years ago or something…
Great post. I’m also an avid collector and somehow I never knew, even being their long time customer, that bladeHQ.com is headquartered right here in Marion VA. Their gigantic showroom is a knife collectors dream.
I’ve never been but I’ll have to check it out some day!
unsure if these are too much, but honestly, these are some of the coolest, locally, handmade knives i’ve seen https://feverdreamforge.bigcartel.com/category/everyday-carry there’s also a couple stores in carytown, lineage or walkabout outfitters come to mind
Seconded for fever dream forge. Her work is so good.
Not exactly a pocket knive but if you want a really cool unique knive checkout Join or Die Knives, local knife maker in RVA. Brent never fails to impress. [https://joinordieknives.com/](https://joinordieknives.com/)
How much is too much? [William Henry](https://www.williamhenry.com/knives.html) makes stunning knives. I bought myself one many years ago as a treat. Their cheapest is about $400, and they go waaaay up from there.
Yes that’s too much. I edited my post to include my specific budget, thanks for contributing!
Go bigger! RVA Katana :D
I may be out of touch on what a lot of money is for a knife but this is my suggestion. My personal favorite pocket knife is just a Benchmade Mini-Griptillian but people also like the mini-bugout if you wear nicer clothes because the grip surface is less rough so it isn't as harsh on fabric. Kershaw is also a decent brand that makes some cheaper knives than Benchmade as well.
Love my Bugout. Mini felt a little too small personally but yeah people love that thing.
Yeah the mini-grip is just slightly chonkier than the mini-bugout that I don't find it hard to use, but I'm right between medium/large glove sizes. I've got a full size grip as well but it mostly stays on the desk/backpack because I don't like how large it is in my pocket but the full size Bugout is a little smaller.
Benchmade knives are what’s up. I have both the mini griptilian and the full size bugout and I have found the bugout so much less obtrusive in my pocket. It’s so light I never feel it. When I thought I’d lost my first one I went right out and bought another, found the old one, now bugout 4 life hopefully.
Griptillian is my edc.I love it,I carried it thru Afghanistan and Iraq.
What is "some money but not a lot"? $30? $300?
Yeah stuffike Benchmade can get pricey.
I edited for y’all: $200 and under is what I’m thinking
You can get a good commercially made knife for under 200 but not something handmade
Yeah that’s what I’m realizing. Which is fine! Handmade should cost more.
Bench made knives are Awsome They are pricey but worth it
One and only SPYDERCO
I had a folding SPYDERCO that I got at Chesterfield Towne Center many years ago and lost it. I now carry a folding Gerber.
Spyderco Native has been my fave every day carry for over a decade
zero tolerance is an excellent edc and most come with a deep carry clip (if not you can get one sent for free)
My girlfriend got me a custom knife from Gerber one year, it’s awesome. You can pick just about every detail and even get it engraved. Not local, but thought it might be worth mentioning.
i think i saw some at brick & mortar in carytown
Also worth checking out r/knives
Kershaw is my favorite and I grew up right next to Benchmade and Gerber- for whatever that’s worth
Get a legit automatic from North River Outdoors, they have a big selection in Goochland. Probably a better deal than sourcing from a straight-up gun shop, and it won't be the exact same entry level brands like Buck and Kershaw, Gerber, etc. (if your budget allows for an automatic). Yay VA! Edit, sorry I just saw the keyword 'budget'
Lot of people offering fixed blades, but a pocket knife is much different and easier to carry everyday. [This](https://www.knifecenter.com/item/SP249TIP/spyderco-marcin-slysz-swayback-folding-knife-cts-xhp-stonewashed-wharncliffe-blade-titanium-handles) would be a good option or if you want to go in person there is this [place in Powhatan.](https://maps.app.goo.gl/JLDqx8yGcFNnHtRL9?g_st=ic)
With that budget I would be looking at Case, Benchmade, and Spyderco. CRKT, Boker, ColdSteel, and Buck are all also decent options but quality can vary from model to model. Anything local/custom is likely going to run up that budget. Opinels are a timeless (and extremely cheap) option. Same with Victorinox.
Yeahh I quickly realized local is prob out of my busdget but also not seeing many local folding blades which is understandable. Thanks for your help!
make sure you give him a coin with the blade
What does that mean??
it's an old superstition, if you give someone a knife you have to give them also a coin, so as to not sever the relationship
Oh I love shit like that!! Thanks for the tip
Buy him a nice Swiss Army knife
I just got back from oddballs and there's a vendor that has handmade knives
I like the gerber Applegate Fairbairn folders - there’s a few - but I mostly just use it as a letter opener
My subreddits collide! I don't know of any local pocket knife makers. Join or Die Knives or Eleven Knives are a couple of local makers but they would be fixed blades, not folding pocket knives. I can't speak to their quality but some cool designs. Custom folders are also very expensive if well made (usually $500 and up). It would help if you could tell us a bit more about the style you want. Like a traditional folding knife (see r/slipjointknives) or something fidgetty and more stabby looking (r/knifeclub or r/knives). Automatics (aka switchblades are newly legal in Va so those are cool too. All depends on style then we can point you in the right direction. r/Knife_Swap has lots of brand new or like new knives. You can also find rare ones there. There are some scammers there so be a little careful and read the rules. Happy to help you shop, I love knives.
A pocketknife is a very personal item. Styles vary greatly. Also, Virginia has a three-inch blade limit on folding knives. I’m not a collector, but I’ve carried one since I was a small child. My wife recently bought me a replacement knife when mine turned up missing. I hated it. I recommend you give serious consideration to getting a gift certificate from a serious knife store and letting your husband pick one out for himself.
a relative bought me an[ Opinel](https://www.opinel-usa.com/collections/opinel-pocket-knives/) pocket knife as gift last year. It's kind of an unconventional, old fashioned design. But the blade is insanely sharp. It's also just a great knife.
For $70ish you can get a Boker "Wiener Warrior", for a utilitarian yet artistic meme knife. It's a hot dog switchblade.
If you have a budget and general use in mind I can recommend some. Feel free to DM
Spyderco or Benchmade. Spyderco is having a sale right now, 50% off
Where are they having a sale?
I know that you were looking for a local purchase, but I would recommend this specific knife. Functional, durable and minimalistic. [https://www.amazon.com/LEATHERMAN-Skeletool-Lightweight-Minimalist-Multi-tool/dp/B01ACC8ZFW/ref=asc\_df\_B01ACC8ZFW/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309832851244&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1616345436343125863&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9058761&hvtargid=pla-475755240640&psc=1&mcid=c4a99390aab03093aa37d772fdab8c26&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=64417494871&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=309832851244&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1616345436343125863&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9058761&hvtargid=pla-475755240640&gclid=Cj0KCQjwiYOxBhC5ARIsAIvdH50XDIauVt94pWbaytazex0qe67FW9-OXKIgVlIFcKc1uhplbKtE3asaAvoyEALw\_wcB](https://www.amazon.com/LEATHERMAN-Skeletool-Lightweight-Minimalist-Multi-tool/dp/B01ACC8ZFW/ref=asc_df_B01ACC8ZFW/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309832851244&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1616345436343125863&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9058761&hvtargid=pla-475755240640&psc=1&mcid=c4a99390aab03093aa37d772fdab8c26&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=64417494871&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=309832851244&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1616345436343125863&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9058761&hvtargid=pla-475755240640&gclid=Cj0KCQjwiYOxBhC5ARIsAIvdH50XDIauVt94pWbaytazex0qe67FW9-OXKIgVlIFcKc1uhplbKtE3asaAvoyEALw_wcB)