Graduation Gifts

Why a pocket knife works for a graduate

Graduation gifts tend to fall into two groups. Money, which disappears in a week, and framed things, which go in a drawer when they move out. A good folding knife sits in neither. It opens boxes on moving day, cuts tape in the new office and follows them through every job after that. Put the year on the blade and it also does the framed thing, without needing a wall.

One rule first. A knife is a gift for an adult graduate. If the person graduating high school is still under 18, check the law where they live and let a parent decide, or pick something else this year and save the knife for the college graduation.

Which folder for which graduate

Things worth checking before you buy

Lock type matters more than most buyers think. A liner lock or a back lock keeps the blade from closing on fingers, and our folding knife locks guide explains the difference in a few minutes. Blade length matters too. Most offices and cities are fine with a short folder, but carry rules change from state to state, so look at pocket knife laws by state for where they are moving.

If the graduate flies home a lot, tell them a knife goes in checked luggage and never in the carry on. Our flying with a knife guide covers the details. Learning this at the airport is an expensive way to lose a gift.

Engraving

A name, initials or the graduation year goes on the blade or handle as a paid add on at checkout, up to 20 characters. "Class of" plus the year fits comfortably. So does a short line from you, as long as it is short. See the engraving page for what reads best.

Care they will actually do

Damascus is high carbon steel, so it wants a wipe after use and a drop of oil now and then. If the graduate is not the type to oil anything, pick a D2 folder or one with a stainless blade. The pocket knife cleaning guide takes five minutes to read and saves the knife from years of pocket lint.

More gift collections

The EDC knife guide helps if you are choosing between several folders, and the everyday carry knives collection widens the search. For other occasions, the knife gifts page sorts the catalogue by who you are buying for.

Questions about graduation knife gifts

Is a pocket knife an appropriate graduation gift?
For an adult graduate, yes. It is useful from the first day and it lasts, which is more than most graduation gifts can say.

What should I engrave on it?
The graduation year, their initials, or "Class of" plus the year. Keep it under 20 characters.

Damascus or D2 for a first knife?
Damascus if they will look after it and like the pattern. D2 if they will throw it in a toolbox and forget about it.

Can a graduate carry it to work?
That depends on the workplace and the state. A small folder is accepted in most places, but check the local rules and any company policy.

How fast will it arrive?
In stock knives ship in two to three business days, made to order pieces take two to three weeks. Shipping is free within the US.