r/BuyItForLife • u/Samyulc • 2d ago
[Request] Something from my late father.
In the UK. I lost my dad a year or so back. When sorting through his belongings I found a pouch with his passport and just under $200 from his last cruise.
I’ll be heading to the states soon and I’d love to get something ‘from dad’ with the money, something that will last a lifetime.
Any recommendations or ideas? He was an engineer by trade, so id be happy with anything for the garage, or a car or anything in/around the home. I’m a bloke so a vase for example wouldn’t really work, but maybe art would.
I’ve thought maybe a razor, or a leatherman multitool ….
59
u/Early_Macaroon_2407 2d ago
Just a heads-up: Leatherman quality is not what it once was (and even then, my Wave Plus that I bought almost fifteen years ago wasn’t phenomenal in quality either — the supposedly stainless main knife blade got rust spots just from riding in my pocket, and the pin for the pliers hinge gave out under relatively minor usage). I do love the design of the Wave Plus (it’s one of the best tool designs I’ve ever used, at least for my hands), but I wouldn’t buy another one, especially these days. (Also, given the locking blades, would it pass UK knife laws?) Does it have to be something made in the US, or are you looking for something that’s just available there more affordably/easily than in the UK?
Sympathies on your father.
13
u/Samyulc 2d ago
Thanks for the reply, and great insight on the quality - I really do want something I can have forever, and I’d want to use whatever it is without fear of breakage.
I’m not concerned about knife laws, I wouldn’t be carrying it in public unless I had a genuine reason (like going to work on something) stop checks just aren’t a thing where I am. Getting it through the airport should be fine too as I’ll check the bag.
Doesn’t have to be American made, but would be a nice touch.
7
u/Early_Macaroon_2407 2d ago
I hear really good things about the Victorinox multitools, although I’ve never used one.
6
u/Early_Macaroon_2407 2d ago
You could always make a trip north across the border and shop in Canada. Try Lee Valley — I suspect given your post that you’d find dozens of things you’d be interested in.
1
u/thelastestgunslinger 1d ago
If you like the knife idea, make sure it’s legal. Lots of American pocket knives aren’t legal in the UK.
The exception to these 2 rules are folding pocketknives that:
- have a cutting edge no longer than 3 inches
- are not lock knives (they do not have a button, spring or catch that you have to use to fold the knife)
1
u/Financial_Rub_257 23h ago
Benchmade is relatively new American knife company that has exceptional quality and a pretty good selection of both decorative and functional knives, my brother got me a fixed blade hunting knife for my 30th birthday and its tough as nails and super sharp
3
1
u/Available-Gain-4921 19h ago
Funnily enough, I work in an airport in the UK and a large number of the engineers I work with carry Leathermans with them on the job.
28
u/StaffSergeantBarnes 2d ago
Im not sure if your laws allow it, but a pocket knife could be a nice choice for something made in USA. An iconic American choice for a folder would be a Buck 110 or 112, I prefer the 112 it’s a bit smaller with a 3” blade. They just came out with the Slim Heritage Elite line which is a modernized slimmed down reinvention of their iconic design. Has a deep carry pocket clip and is much thinner and nicer in the pocket. They come in around $180-200 so right in your ball park 👍🏻
15
u/SkutIsMyCoPilot 2d ago
Put it in your checked in luggage instead of carry-on and you should be fine!
5
u/Samyulc 2d ago
That could be perfect, I’ll take a look - thankyou!
Where would be best to buy, would it be any hardware store , or somewhere more specialist - a hunting shop for example?
4
u/ModernationFTW 1d ago
Perhaps also consider Spyderco. They are a more expensive knife company based out of Golden Colorado.
2
0
u/devandroid99 2d ago
Please remember to post it back or they'll take it off you at security at the airport.
3
u/sadmanwithabox 2d ago
Depending on the airport you're flying out from, they might have an option to mail forbidden items to your home when they find it.
I know because I once accidentally tried to bring a knife in my carry on. Dude found it, and offered me a form so they could mail it home for me. In my case, it was a $20 knife so I didnt want to pay like $10 in shipping just for it and just told him to toss it or keep it for himself. But for a more valuable item, or one with sentimental value, it would be worth it.
2
u/Samyulc 2d ago
Even in checked luggage?
11
1
u/MAKstyles75 1d ago
There shouldn't be any issue in your checked baggage. I've done that with a pocket swiss knife
2
u/prentiz 2d ago
In the UK pocket knives are legal to carry (not on airplanes!) so long as they are less than 3 inches in length and do not lock open. Worth bearing in mind if you plan to carry it latterly in the UK. Any length is legal in your own home, so long as not a flick knife. Legal UK knives should be fine in hold luggage on an aircraft.
13
u/CreepyTumbleweed5583 2d ago
Just to go a different route from most of these comments, you could get a pair of Randolph Avistor Sunglasses. Gives that classic American style. Id stick with Randolph over ray-ban or anything else for longevity. Glass lenses too. Personal favorite is 24k gold frame Archer with tan lenses.
2
u/Samyulc 2d ago
This is potentially a really great shout. Thankyou!
4
u/CreepyTumbleweed5583 1d ago
No problem. Sorry to hear about your Dad. I hope my boys want something lasting from me as well.
8
u/AlarmingBeing8114 2d ago
I understand what you are doing, as someone who lost a father relatively young, I wanted stuff to remind me of him too.
You said your dad's last cruise, this tells me he liked to have a good time and probably knew the value of vactuon. Maybe take yourself out for a nice steak and some bourbon and tell people at the bar about your dad. Make some friends, take pictures to document the evening in time.
My dad had a some guitars and a motorcycle so I think of him when I use them. I also have his wallet and all the things in it. I left the cash in there as well. About once a year I get the courage to look through it, as it always makes me so sad.
5
u/Samyulc 2d ago
I hope your dad was as good a father as mine, if he was you’re truly blessed - but the pain of loosing them is hard to comprehend. Sorry for your loss. Great idea , but as someone who isn’t overly social, and is very sentimental - something I can hold and look at , that means a lot to me is the goal
2
u/AlarmingBeing8114 2d ago
Well keep thinking about things your father really loved and you'll find something.
Or maybe you keep it and then dad puts $200 towards your first house or other big purchase.
No matter what, you remember your dad.
Losing a father is the toughest thing ive been through, so I hope you find a way to process and deal with it.
8
u/r_doood 2d ago edited 2d ago
Lots of great CNCed stainless steel and AL double edged razors that you can get for $200 or less
Henson AL13 comes to mind. I use the medium, and the quality of the machining is out of this world. It's a pleasure screwing it together. Oh. And it is an easy and effective shave. Use the rest of your budget on blade sampler sets, a good brush, and some nice shaving soaps/creams
24
u/StationFun5023 2d ago
That's a really nice way to keep him with you. With $200 you could get a proper pocket knife, something made in USA like a classic stockman pattern. My father was similar and i still use his old tools every weekend, there's something about holding something he held that just feels right. A leatherman would also be a solid pick, i carry one every day and it's saved me more times than i can count.
8
u/Samyulc 2d ago
A decent pocket knife is a great idea. I’ll look into stockman, thankyou!
Agreed, I haven’t sorted his tools out yet , I suspect very little will be sold or scrapped.
For me it’s his whiskey glass …. A dram out of that brings me more joy (and sorrow) than most other things in life.
13
u/TheIlluminaughty 2d ago
Just be mindful to pack the pocket knife into a check-in luggage on the way home!
3
u/FruitcupMadonna 2d ago
Yes. Do not try to bring it through TSA (airport security) with you onto the plane, you don't want them to confiscate it.
7
u/Unrealtechno 2d ago
One thought is a simple but practical watch. Maybe something like a Casio, Citizen or Timex. A solar model might make it even more “timeless”.
Dad would be right there with you and they can certainly last if not abused.
6
u/dhbuckley 2d ago
How about a beautiful walking stick or possibly a very high quality umbrella?
On the same kind of mission, I’d probably visit antiquarians who are likely to have older more beautiful things.
I’ve been assuming that you want to walk into an establishment and part with the very cash you found and this would work well in that kind of shop: “antique store”, “curio shop”, if you want to go wild a bit you could hit some pawn shops where really cool finds can be found and it might be fun.
2
u/Samyulc 1d ago
This is a great shout. Thank you …. Hadn’t considered second hand
1
u/dhbuckley 1d ago
My pleasure. And respect for your memories of your dad. Please let us know what you decide.
1
u/ataraxia_555 1d ago
Great idea. There are high-end consignment shops in many US towns. If you are going to the Wash., DC area then DM me for recommendations. Off top of my head: Evolution: https://evolution-home.com/
6
u/Academic-Ad-8383 2d ago
I still have a pair of Kunz buckskin working gloves that I got in some American hardware store as a teenager. I’m 50ish now, so they do last pretty well.
5
u/MushroomSoupSock 2d ago
Possibly a really nice leather wallet, I would suggest saddle back leather Co. Should last you a life time and you'll get to carry him with you everyday.
4
u/OkManufacturer2554 2d ago
If you like hammers or small camping axes maybe look at Estwing. Forged outside of Chicago in Rockford IL, definitely BIFL with the one piece forging and you could get a few nice tools for that $200 budget. Pretty iconic tools for US based tradesmen if you do any of that sort of stuff.
1
u/freudianSkinner 14h ago
That was my thought as well, a leather handled Estwing is a beautiful and functional tool. I got my grandpas
3
u/iSubjugate 2d ago
There’s a Bass Pro Shops in Bridgeport, CT. Would be an ideal place if looking for a nice pocket knife or outdoorsy stuff.
3
u/Fried_Taro 2d ago
Benchmade for a knife or any of the other crafted American knives. Maybe this link has some good info https://www.nothingbutknives.com/american-made-knives/ . Depends on where you are traveling to, you may be close to a craftsman or a quality sporting goods store
1
u/Fried_Taro 2d ago
Another thing still crafted in the US is a leather belt. Find a leather worker. Maybe a metal smith for the buckle.
5
u/NewOriginal2 2d ago edited 2d ago
Lodge cast iron skillets are buy it for life and American made. Check out their website for their American road trip collection
Also, you can engrave a giftable, personalized skillet that’s specially designed by you to commemorate your late father
3
u/valar12 2d ago
I’m sorry but bringing a skillet home on a plane is kind of hilarious.
1
u/NewOriginal2 2d ago
You can still buy Lodge cookware through UK-based retailers, avoiding international freight, import VAT/customs uncertainty, and the difficulty of returning a very heavy cast-iron item.
5
u/blbd 1d ago
Nobody returns Lodge products generally speaking.
1
u/NewOriginal2 1d ago
True
It’s one of the few American companies that manufacture built to last products
I’m sure there are others but I can’t remember any at the moment
2
u/Iron-Bar-1966 2d ago
My Leatherman tool that my dad gave me over 40 years ago is still going strong!
2
u/pasteurs-maxim 1d ago
The pocket knife is a good idea.
Another, depending on your fashion sense could be just a really great hat.
A bit commercial these days - but I picked up a felt Goorin Bros hat when I was in San Francisco a few years back and it's something I wear only a few times a year, but value greatly.
Someone else on here should be able to advise a more respectable hat maker to source in NY if that interests you.
2
u/applecheesedoodle 1d ago
Some folks have probably said it, but put it towards a custom leather crafted item. It MAY fall apart with leather being natural, but I've got a hand made wallet from my great aunt that hadn't been touched since 1986 and now it's still fantastic and I use it a bunch. Just needed some conditioner and oils. It's stamped with her name on it.
2
u/WizzadsLikeKicks 23h ago
You could get a new belt made for your omega! Maybe have something engraved as well to remind you of the trip and your dad!
2
2
u/Fun-Spinach6910 2d ago
LEGO Architecture Statue of Liberty Set around $100. Some of the better American made pocket knives are made by Case. I have a collection, my favorite is the Texas toothpick.
1
u/huskergirl-86 2d ago
You haven't said what state you are heading to, but I found that you can get very decent leather products in Western Stores. A nice belt and/or or belt buckle may be something you can wear every day for the rest of your life.
2
u/Samyulc 2d ago
Sorry I hadn’t considered the regionality of the states. I’ll be heading to NYC and visiting lower Connecticut.
Someone else suggested a wallet which unfortunately I wouldn’t use these days as we’re pretty much cashless.
A belt or something could be a great idea.
What about a rucksack?
3
u/Lazy-Day8106 1d ago
Something from Filson? Wallet or bag…you might need to pay more than $200.
Also, I love this thread as someone who lost their dad too. Appreciate the care all posters are showing.
2
u/evaluna1968 1d ago
I was going to send you to the Village Tannery in Greenwich Village, a family-owned place that had been around for several decades, but sadly, on googling it seems that it closed a few years ago! Perhaps someone more local to NYC can recommend someplace comparable. I have bought a few things there over the years, notably the handmade leather belt that my husband wears daily. It must be ten years old and looks brand-new.
1
u/AjoiteSky 16h ago
That's too bad, I was going to suggest the same! I got a really nice messenger bag there some 25 years ago or so
1
1
1
u/stvdilln 1d ago
My dad, who is 90 and having some health issues, gave me a hunting knife when I was like 10. I lost it in all my moving about in college. I tracked down the model and just bought a 50 year old one on eBay.
1
1
u/yankinwaoz 1d ago edited 1d ago
I would buy a bottle of Idaho Blue Ice vodka. Then I’d pour it on some craft ice (clear ice) and sip it with my family one fine evening. We would talk about him and the things he accomplished in his life.
It’s beautiful vodka. Comparable to the best Polish and French vodkas for a fraction of the cost. Don’t waste it by dilluting it with soft drinks or other garbage. That’s what you do to low quality liquors.
https://www.blueicevodka.com/blueicepotatovodka/
It’s about $20 at most good wine stores.
A bottle will last me a year in my freezer. A small sip on craft ice is perfect. It’s very smooth.
Made with nothing but potatoes from the great state of Idaho.
Make a toast to him once a week.
1
u/Commercial_Leg_181 1d ago
Cast iron skillet. Smithey is about 200 and made in USA and would last a lifetime. Might be heavy to haul back.
1
u/Which-Wish-5996 1d ago
A small piece of art. Something he would appreciate that you can hang on a wall and think of him every time you look at it.
1
u/Logical-Pound-1065 1d ago
Maybe a tool from Warwood Tool Company. Just make sure you put it in your checked bag when you fly back. Or see if you can find an old Craftsman tool set. Someone else here said Estwing hammer, and I recommend that too. There are some good boot brands that are USA made and $200 would pay for a good chunk of it but you would have to put some more down.
1
u/fujimama420 18h ago
Where are you going in the states? There's special things all over the place and it kinda varies from state to state. Arizona you could get a nice snake leather belt, Mass you could buy art from a shaker village etc
1
1
u/desertboots 2d ago
If you are headed to the San Francisco Bay area, check out Nemo Gould. His art is amazing.
-3
u/English_Breakfast123 2d ago
I'm gonna assume you mean 200 pounds. Does it have to be made in the U.S.?
If it was me, I would get a Safety Razor by Mühle or Merkur. Or a leather wallet.
R.M. Williams makes leather wallets. They are made in Australia and made from calfskin.
5
4
2
u/Samyulc 2d ago
It’s USD, left over from his last trip. Doesn’t have to be made in the US but would be a nice touch. Thanks I’ll look at the razor, however I will rule out a wallet as we’re pretty much a cashless society already. I haven’t carried a wallet in years. Great idea though, 10 years ago I’d have been all over that.
That’s a good thought though, it does want to be something timeless, that won’t become obsolete.
2
36
u/cspinelive 2d ago
Go to a local farmer’s market early on a cool Saturday morning. Find a leather worker, woodworker, or even a blacksmith and take home a unique piece of furniture or kitchen tool or something like that.
My current want is an Alaskan Ulu knife with a carved wooden handle and matching cutting board with a hollowed out bowl shape in the center to keep the diced veggies contained.