On the cutting edge — women + knives

Camo Mom

Some of my most prized possessions are knives given to me. They were given to me as a token of love, which makes them even more special. Recently my husband gave me a small Old Timer pocketknife from his dad’s collection. That is a cherished piece of cutlery, as I can picture my late father-in-law using the knife in his daily farm chores.

Some of my most cherished possessions are knives given to me. Top is a Queen Cutlery knife that was my father's. Second one down is a yellow handle Case from my husband. Third one down, an Old Timer that was my father-in-law's. Knife on right was from my son, Travis. Photo courtesy of Tammy Ballew.

A few years ago, my son, Travis, gave me a handsome Marbles hunting knife that was instantly at the top of my list of admired treasures. I know this was a gift from his heart, because he has a mutual respect for knives. Marbles claim “a bit of history in every blade.”

Knives are the perfect gift idea that fills most any price range. For years it was a family tradition of ours to give all our sons a hunting knife for Christmas. A couple years ago while attending the NRA Annual Convention, I wanted to purchase a knife to take back home to my husband, Bart, who was unable to attend that year. Babbs and I scoured the acres of vendors’ booths until I found the perfect knife for him. I had a particular shape and length blade I was searching for, which was a good thing because I may still be there trying to decide on which one to choose.

Maybe Babbs and I will give some training seminars on these throwing knives (when we get good at it). Photo courtesy of Tammy Ballew.

The range in quality steel, shape of blade and usefulness was tremendous. When we got to the S.O.G. booth, there lay the exact knife I was looking for. My husband, of course, loved it and carried it every day. One day he was visiting with a friend of his who was terminally ill. His friend said to him that he sure wished he had a knife like that. Bart, who is such a kind and giving person, gave him his prized knife. What a guy! I know how much that knife meant to my husband, but it meant more that he gave it to his dying friend.

The trend of women and knives is not a novel infatuation, it’s a tradition that has carried forward for many, many years through our foremothers. I recently contacted Alicia Hunt, Public Relations Coordinator for Benchmade Knife Company, and she related that “a lot of women will purchase knives as gifts for others; whether it’s for the holidays, Father’s Day, birthdays or other major life achievements.” When purchasing a knife for themselves or asking for a recommendation, Alicia states, “it usually depends on what activity they plan on using the knife for; i.e., hunting/fishing, outdoor activities, everyday carry, law enforcement/military, as each knife is designed with a specific purpose.”  Benchmade does have a pink knife which tends to appeal to some women, which portions of the proceeds go toward breast cancer research. Alicia has found that, in general, “women gravitate towards the smaller, lighter knives.”

Natalie Hafner checking out the Case Knives at the Shepherd Hills Cutlery booth at NWTF Convention. Photo courtesy of Tammy Ballew.

On my most recent adventure into the “knife world,” I searched the vendor booths at the NWTF Convention. There were several custom knife makers dispersed throughout the convention floor and many popular knife manufacturers. While visiting with Randy Reid of Shepherd Hills Cutlery, I noticed a mother/daughter duo admiring the beautiful outlay of Case Knives on the show table. I learned from the mother, Paula James, that she lets her 13-year-old daughter, Natalie Hafner, choose a knife each year at the NWTF Convention, as a tradition. Natalie spent a lot of time admiring the Case knives before making her decision. I love seeing other women so enthralled with this legacy of knife collecting.

Mr. Reid stated that “most women purchase knives as a family tradition. Maybe their grandfather gave them one as a young girl.” I like the visual of a big smile and a look of admiration (from both parties) as a grandpa hands his granddaughter her first pocketknife.

Check out some of the knives available at www.queencutlery.com, www.benchmade.com, www.wrcase.com, www.marblesknives.com, www.kabar.com, and www.sogknives.com.

We would love to hear from other knife manufacturers as well so we can direct our readers to your site.