Many, if not most, dads appreciate a good knife. Fortunately, there are several great options at varying budget levels for you to consider when you’re shopping for Father’s Day. You don’t need to spend a ton of money to get something awesome. That said, if you and your siblings want to go in together on one, there are a few pricier options that are worth the extra expense.
Knives: They’re What Dad Really Wants this Father’s Day
Swiss Army Hiker
The Hiker is one of my favorite Swiss Army Knife models, and it makes for a great Father’s Day gift. And at under $30, it’s a budget-friendly option. It features the usual knife blade, screwdrivers, bottle opener, and such. But the addition of the wood saw is what seals the deal for me. The saw works great for making small notches when you’re bushcrafting, or even if you’re just messing around in the backyard. Every dad should have at least one Swiss Army Knife.
Buck Alpha Guide Select
It’s hard to beat a Buck when it comes to value. An excellent fixed blade knife, the Alpha Guide Select is well-designed and well-made. Dads will love that it’s comfortable in hand, even with extended use. The blade is a hair over four inches, giving him plenty of knife to get the job done without being clumsy or awkward. The Alpha Guide comes with a nice nylon sheath. At just under $70, it’s a great value.
Spartan Blades George Raider Dagger
Les George designed this dagger with its obvious WWII inspiration. Admittedly, it’s not as useful on a daily basis as the other knives on our list. But if Dad is a WWII buff, he’ll definitely appreciate getting one of these for Father’s Day. It isn’t just a showpiece, either. The 7-inch SK5 steel blade is razor sharp and ready for action. The injection-molded sheath is suitable for left- or right-side carry. At about $120, Dad will be impressed with the quality while you avoid going broke.
Smith & Sons Mudbug
The Mudbug from Smith & Sons Knives is a robust folding knife. It’s the perfect Father’s Day present for a dad who does a lot of work, whether that’s on the clock or around the house. It’s a locking folding knife, somewhat similar in size to the Buck 110. It has a classic design that’s been upgraded with modern materials. It’s made to be used and abused.
DLT Trading has it in a couple of different colors. Personally, I like the teal. It’s a bit less than $200, so it isn’t a cheap date. But it’s also not a one-night stand, as the Mudbug will be around for a long time to come.
Bark River Knives Adventurer 3V
Pocket-sized fixed blades are popular, and for good reason. A fixed blade doesn’t need to be opened prior to use, just pulled from its sheath. And in some situations, speed could be important. The Adventurer in CPM 3V steel is an excellent choice for this application. Dad will love that it’s small enough to easily carry while large enough to do real work. It’s available in numerous handle materials. The base model in black canvas micarta runs about $225 at KnivesShipFree.
