ETA: I didn't mean to be so verbose. Skip to the bottom and the poll if you don't care to read everything.

The back story:
My lady is very big into animals, specifically learning about their anatomy, she loves nature and is very open to new experiences, even if they're outside her comfort zone. She is really intrigued by the idea of learning how to be self-reliant in the wilderness and is eager to learn survival skills. She wants me to take her into the wilderness for a few days and teach her what I know about surviving off the land. She's especially excited to learn how to snare and process game.

Two small caveats:
She has little to no experience using knives for anything but cooking. AND
She is very timid when it comes to knives. She doesn't mind that I collect them, but she doesn't like holding them or using them. She is very smart, creative and intuitive, so I think she will adapt well, and I also think that once she learns to handle a blade properly, she will be less timid.

I am planning on getting her a blade for when we go camping, but need to find the perfect one so that she will feel comfortable using it. Given her feelings about knives, I want something that does not look like a tactical defensive knife, so a non-coated blade would be preferable. Even more preferable would be a very aesthetically pleasing custom knife, possibly with a natural handle material (I could always have a custom handle made for it.) Also, it will have to have a handle that is comfortable and secure in small hands.

I will be carrying a small, medium and large blade with me, so the primary purposes of the knife I want to get for her are game processing (mostly small game and fish) and food prep. Another reason that I am having a hard time deciding is because my instinct is telling me that I should get a blade that CAN handle more strenuous tasks in an emergency.

I have a few knives in mind, but can't decide on what to get. I want to surprise her with it, so I don't have the option to have her try out a few models before making my decision.

I've put together a poll of my top picks. If you think of a blade that I haven't, definitely let me know.

Too Long; Didn't Read:
I want to get a knife for my girl who is very timid around knives, but wants me to teach her wilderness survival and how to process game. Pick what you think would work best for a woman with small hands and not much experience with handling knives.

What are your top two picks for the best blade(s) to get my gal? multiple choice, up to 2 choices
	ScrapMax (any model)
	Basic 4 LE - Anorexic
	Cultie
	Scrap Muk
	Hog Muk
	Weiner Dog
	Custom Rodent Solution (Hollow Ground & Satin)
	3-11 Stripped
	SAR-3
	Other (Please Specify)
Votes accepted starting: 08/31/12 01:31 PM
View Results

I voted the Basic 4.

ALSO consider the MBC... A bit more girly...

I bought a 311 for my girlfriend, and the grind just is too unrefined for her, since she doesn't have enough strength to get past that. And it is not that pretty stripped. Grindlines and that...

ScrapMax 340, hands down.

Upgrade her to a Basic 04, once she learns how to use a knife. Actually...I would argue that once she upgrades, she'll revert to the 340 for processing game and for finer work. She'll use the Basic 04 for camp chores and making traps.

Vex with tan canvas or green linen handles. Perfect knife and the handles can pass for wood (very noncombat knife). Thin enough for fine cutting thick enough for some abuse. Get a leather pouch sheath for it too.

ScrapMuk is good too but the "weird" shape might turn her off.

I voted for the basic 4. Small enough to tackle any game processing, uncoated and has enough backbone you could baton with it if needed. Anything smaller then 4 compromises utility I think. I also think the 4" length lends itself to a better mental state in the woods for most as in they feel safer with a weapon on them. I also choose it over the Scrapmax because I dont think anyone in a survival situation wants to try and sharpen Elmax in the woods, others motivation may very.

Also...where's my 1311 Option? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I voted other simply because I think the Mud Puppy would fit the bill well. I think any of the other stainless models you listed should be more than adequate.

While the Vex is an excellent suggestion, I think it will be near impossible to get his hands on.
I have never seen on the exchange...

I think he wants to save himself the hassle of stripping it <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I forgot to put the mud puppy as an option! That is one of my top candidates right now.

Thank you all for the fast responses!

Right now, my top choices in no particular order are: Basic 4 LE, Muppy, Custom Culti, and of course the Scrapmax 340
I still can't believe I missed out on the Blade Ganza!! I planned on getting several Scrapmax 340s. The 340 would probably be my first choice, but I feel I need to use one first.

The Vex is a good idea too; I hadn't even considered it.

Maybe the 1311 is a good choice if we ever want to dissect a rhino.

The mud puppy is my favorite scrap yard knife, but I voted scrap muk for this use. The steel is virtually maintenance-free, it is thick but not too thick and the design is patterned on a time tested wilderness/survival knife. It also has an extremely comfortable and durable handle which would be a plus in any wilderness situation.

If edge thickness is an issue I'm sure the steel will accept a somewhat thinned out edge just fine.

I went with scrapmax and the weiner dog- two handy blades that are small and manageble.