I think a stripped 311 would be a good pick. The Vex should also be one to consider !

My Vex~



There is another brand of knife that makes one just for women, due to the rules I won't say the name but here is their description of the knife, I'm sure a little google-fu will help you out:

More than half the world’s population is female – and yet Model ? is probably the first sheath knife designed from scratch to suit the hands and requirements of women. The non-aggressive blade design, the safe well-tailored handle, the robust leather sheath - everything breathes functionality. The clean lines are not an objective in themselves; it is rather the function that has governed the design of what has become a complete sheath-knife for everyday usage.

The convex-ground blade provides a blade profile that is extremely strong, while giving a sharp edge suitable for whittling with. The comfortable, ergonomically designed handle gives a good secure grip even in wet or cold hands and enables full control of the edge positioning. The knife is also hygienic, as it is easy to clean.

The powerful blade runs through the handle at full width, and as we use the world’s strongest special steel, we are confident that this knife is practically indestructible. If you want considerably improved edge retention, this handy knife also comes with a blade in laminate powder steel, called ?

I haven't handled or owned a Muppy, but I certainly love the Scrapmuk! I agree with what you said regarding the handle Ergos and the thickness of the blade; Scrap Yard really hit it out of the park with their Muk (better than the HOG Muk in my experience.) I am definitely considering a Scrapmuk, but I would have to get an LE or strip it. They are also nearly impossible to come by, unfortunately, and I sold mine when I decided that my collection was getting out of control. I really wish I didn't sell it.

Because it was pointed out that she has small hands --- for a woman yet --- I said the Cultie. That's not taking anything away from the other choices. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

The basic 4 would nice, maybe the active duty or the hc le and of course the muppy as well.

Mud puppy!

Rodent Solution is a great little knife.

I voted other because I'm not all that familiar with the ones you have in the poll.

My "other" would be:

Vex
Yard Keeper

I would have to say the 311. My wife is a smaller gal and she feels the handle on the ScrapMax is too long. She digs the 311 grip and it is a more capable blade. The ScrapMax is a bit light and might not give as much security in hand. I

I voted for the scrap muk I don't own one but had a really good conversation with lazi and MonkeyBomb the other day about it being a great knife for survival tasks. The ergo gives the user good control therefore more confidence during use, has a satin finish (at least the ones I've seen), has a nice belly on it for processing game/food prep and it kind of looks like a kitchen knife so it might be less intimidating for someone not use to using hunting skinning or utility knives like a 511 or larger.

I picked Scrapmax and/or Scrapmuk. Since she is new to knives, no point in spending a lot on a Cultie (my third choice). The Scrapmax might seem more similar to the kitchen knives she already uses. SY66 covered the positives for the muk.

Agreed. Like I said above, the Scrapmuk does seem to be one of the best choices given the incredible handle Ergos of the mudders, the non tactical look, and the fact that it is an excellent blade for both game processing and kitchen/food prep.

I have owned or at least used most of the knives I listed and I like them all very much, so my thought right now is that I will pick up 3 or 4 knives. I'll present them to her, let her use each of them until she decides which she likes best, and then keep the rest <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> for myself.

I'm thinking:
1. Custom Culti (I'll try to find a picture of what I have in mind for the handle)
2. Scrap Max 340, or whichever Scrap Max I can get my hands on.
3. Scrap Muk
4. Vex, or more likely a Custom Rodent Solution since the Vex is so hard to come by.

I can also let her try out my Basic 4 and other small Busse & Kin that I own. I would much rather get her something new than give her one of my users though.

I have a Vex and I love it. The ONLY reason I didn't recommend it is because the handle scales are so thin. I liken it to a well contoured wooden ruler. Carries very well but can create some hot spots after prolonged use.