Hi everyone,
One of my coworkers is retiring soon, so we asked his wife what she thought he'd like. She recommended a pocket knife with his initials and years of service engraved on it. She said that he'll likely use the knife regularly. I was put in charge of selecting the knife because I'm known as the office "knife guy". The only problem is that I tend to really overthink things. So I'm asking for 2 different sets of recommendations: 1) knife selection and 2) engraving.
Knife selection
Originally when my co-worker's wife said that he'd like a pocket knife, my mind immediately went to GEC because of their timeless designs and excellent quality. Then when she told me that it will likely be a daily user, I started looking into modern traditionals with materials that are less prone to corrosion if neglected. I ended up ordering a Viper swayback jack from Collector Knives. It arrived and it's a great looking knife, but it just doesn't scream "retirement gift" to me the way a more classic GEC does, so I'm beginning to doubt my choice. I also have a GEC #44 Buffalo Jack on order for myself, as a belated father's day present... but it could be repurposed as a retirement gift, and another one ordered.
Which would you choose as the retirement gift?
I have never had a knife engraved. Most of the pictures of engraved knives that I've seen are pretty unattractive. I haven't done much research, but from what i can tell, my options are either traditional engraving or laser engraving. In my opinion, laser engraving looks cheap. Which method would you recommend? Should all engraving be done on the blade or could some be on the bolsters?
Thanks in advance for any wisdom you are willing to provide!
One of my coworkers is retiring soon, so we asked his wife what she thought he'd like. She recommended a pocket knife with his initials and years of service engraved on it. She said that he'll likely use the knife regularly. I was put in charge of selecting the knife because I'm known as the office "knife guy". The only problem is that I tend to really overthink things. So I'm asking for 2 different sets of recommendations: 1) knife selection and 2) engraving.
Knife selection
Originally when my co-worker's wife said that he'd like a pocket knife, my mind immediately went to GEC because of their timeless designs and excellent quality. Then when she told me that it will likely be a daily user, I started looking into modern traditionals with materials that are less prone to corrosion if neglected. I ended up ordering a Viper swayback jack from Collector Knives. It arrived and it's a great looking knife, but it just doesn't scream "retirement gift" to me the way a more classic GEC does, so I'm beginning to doubt my choice. I also have a GEC #44 Buffalo Jack on order for myself, as a belated father's day present... but it could be repurposed as a retirement gift, and another one ordered.
Which would you choose as the retirement gift?
- Collector Knives Viper swayback jack in stabilized grey oak
- GEC Northfield #44 Buffalo Jack in autumn gold jigged bone
- Something else that is readily available
I have never had a knife engraved. Most of the pictures of engraved knives that I've seen are pretty unattractive. I haven't done much research, but from what i can tell, my options are either traditional engraving or laser engraving. In my opinion, laser engraving looks cheap. Which method would you recommend? Should all engraving be done on the blade or could some be on the bolsters?
Thanks in advance for any wisdom you are willing to provide!
Thus I think all answers will be in this vein and will be biased
Frankly, engraving knives, pens, watches etc mars them, it never looks good and it seems uninspired, can't stand it myself and however nice a knife it ruins it for me. I'd suggest having a little plaque made at an engraver or jeweller with his name and details so it CAN be displayed with the knife if he likes but if he prefers the knife unmutilated he can. Just my view, but you did ask
