Look for something low maintenance to start. The HCLE and HCLE4 would be very good, MPLE also, as they are satin and stainless, and not too expensive on the exchange. How about a folder to start? Get her used to EDC and using it as a tool for all kinds of chores.

A BIG +1 to that! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

You guys left out some of the most popular models ever, the SS4, BAD, CABS, and RMD

Also the HRLM for small hands. My 10yo at about 5' 100# prefers the RMD.

First off, what is the handle material and color of your Culti? That looks nearly perfect for her, but I am slightly colorblind, so I can't tell if it's the hue of green I would want. Nevertheless, it looks perfect! Great looking knife you have there!

I considered the HRLM, RMD, BAD, and CABs. I have handled and own (or have owned them all). While they are some of the best, the only one I would consider for her would be the CABS and I like some of the other options better.

I showed her my BAD and although the handles were perfect, the spear point blade shape was a turn off. She would likely grow to love it, so it is definitely an option once she's more comfortable around knives.

I personally don't like the HOG MUK handles very much, but the drop point hunter would otherwise be perfect! Now if Jerry were to finally release the long awaited MINI MUK!!!! I think we'd have a clear winner:



I hadn't even thought about the SS4, having never owned or handled one. I think it looks pretty great. I would definitely strip it, and would prefer a version with tan or muddy handles (never seen one,) so it would probably take eternity to find

We are planning our first trip soon, so what I'm going to do is have someone, possibly a friend, add stabilized turquoise ambrosia handles to a Swamp Warden, or possibly Scrapivore. I'm going to let her use that for the first trip, along with my BASIC 4 LE and others. I think she will really like the custom scales and the fact that I picked out handles with her favorite color and had it made for her.

I have seen plenty of Scrapivore handle jobs, but cannot seem to find any examples of Wardens. If anyone has pictures or a link to a Warden that has had a nice handle job, please post it.
ETA: found what I think is an awesome looking Swamp Warden handle job. This would be perfect with the turquoise stabilized ambrosia and mosaic pins:

could you shop with her. i she picks it out she might be more comfortable with it and it is a excuse to spend time with her doing what girls love........ shopping. and you will not mind footing the bill.

I don't want her to know anything about it. If she finds out that's what I'm getting for her, she'll go out and but something for herself. I want this to be special.

I've decided what I'm going to do. I am going to get a Swamp Warden, strip and stonewash it, add turquoise ambrosia slabs with mosaic pins and orange liners (her two favorite colors), then I'm going to etch a pattern into the blade. Actually, I'll probably have her design the pattern for the etching, since I struggle with stick figures and she's an amazing artist.

If anyone knows the person who owns the etched Swamp Warden with what looks like G-10 handles that I posted above, let me know! I have some questions for them.

I think that will be really nice Ryan. Congratulations.

Just be sure to tell her it is a razor sharp piece of special steel. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Thanks Randy; I am glad you like the idea! Now to find a Swamp Warden. I have Scrapis and was thinking of giving her one of them, but I think the curves of the Swamp Warden will work better for her.

Safety is my number 1 concern, so I will definitely make sure that she practices with me around at first so that I can teach her how to cut safely. I'm sure that she will get annoyed at me after I keep repeating "think twice, cut once" over and over.

Flux empty that dang mailbox of yours.

LOL...... she must be one heck of a woman to go to all that work.