Gallery: Gift Guide: 12 Knives for the Sharpest People You Know
Wusthof0101-Wüsthof-Cook's-knife-(amazon-photo)
For the New Chef: [Wusthof Classic 8-inch cook's knife](http://www.wusthof.com/usa/Products/Global-Product-Detail-Page.jsp?/classic/cook%27s+knives/8+inch+cook%27s+knife+4582/20/id-7587/) ($129.50). This is the best version of the most versatile, durable knife shape you can get. It's superbly balanced, made of great steel, big and tough enough that you can smash garlic and crack through lobster, but small and controllable enough that you can use the tip for detail work. The only reason this isn't *the* choice for experienced chefs is because they already have it. [Amazon link.](http://www.amazon.com/Wusthof-Classic-8-Inch-Cooks-Knife/dp/B00009ZK08/)
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For the Experienced Chef: [Victorinox Bird's Beak Paring Knife](http://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-Cutlery-2-Inch-Paring-Polypropylene/dp/B000VYL5TU/) ($9). This is one of those knives you don't know you need until you get it—and find yourself reaching for it daily. The main advantage of a bird's beak blade (or hawkbill, whatever) is how adept it is at peeling delicate fruits and vegetables. It's also great for very detailed cuts. The main thing your chef will probably use it for, though, is opening packages. That sharp point and curved blade is perfect for a backhand slice through a cryovac bag. They're so tough to sharpen, many chefs treat them as disposable. Good thing they're cheap. Buy 10; call it a lifetime gift.
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For the Hardcore Outdoorsman: [ESEE 6](http://eseeknives.com/esee-6.htm) ($124.66). They say nails are as tough as this knife. Its thick carbon steel blade and linen micarta handle scales are all there is to this knife, but both aspects simple and rugged. Use it to field-butcher a deer, drive tent stakes into hard-packed ground, even split firewood. [Amazon link](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0049TYBL2/ref=s9_dcbhz_bw_d0_g468_i1_bs).
Photograph: Kershaw0404-Kershaw-(amazon-photo)
For the Everyday-Carrier: [Kershaw Ken Onion Leek](http://kershaw.kaiusaltd.com/knives/knife/leek) ($80). Slim and smooth, the Leek clips to the inside of your front pants pocket without blocking access to that lint collection you're working on. Then, when you need it, its assisted-opening blade flashes out and clicks into place. You might spend more time playing with it than using it, which is not advised (but incredibly satisfying). [Amazon link](http://www.amazon.com/Kershaw-1660-Onion-Folding-SpeedSafe/dp/B0009VC9Y0/).
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For the First-Responder: [Benchmade Auto Triage](http://www.benchmade.com/automaticknives/auto-triage-family.html) ($290). Made for the men and women who use their knives to save lives, Benchmade's triage series is all about being fast and tough. The auto-opening blades (think switchblade) are secured with a strong lock that won't fail, and are available with opposing bevel tips, so you won't slice up your patient when cutting his pants off to get at an injury. The cutting hook on the opposite side is great for slicing seatbelts. (These knives are only available to people in the business, so you'll have to get one of your giftee's EMT buddies to buy it for you.)
Browning0606-Browning-Featherweight-Fixed-Semi-Skinner-(amazon-photo)
For the Hunter: [Browning Featherweight Fixed Semi-Skinner](http://www.amazon.com/Browning-Featherweight-Fixed-Semi-Knife/dp/B00JGUS2OQ/) ($48). If your gift-getter is going to be field-dressing game, get a knife that's made especially for that. This Browning is sick-sharp, has a large belly made for slicing through skin, and long, curved grip that lets you use your whole hand to control it.
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For the Fly Fisherman: [Wartech Butterfly Style Bottle Opener](http://www.amazon.com/Wartech-YC-S-3653-CH-Butterfly-Bottle-Opener/dp/B005HJHUKW) ($7). You don't need a knife while fly fishing, because a *real* sportsman releases his catch every time. You do, however, need a bottle opener, because those beers don't stand a chance against your mighty thirst. (Do not drink beverages in glass bottles while on the river. Thank you.)
Rapala0808-Rapala-Fish-n-Filet-(rapala-photo)
For the Commercial Fisherman: [Rapala Fish n Filet 7.5-inch](http://www.rapala.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-rapala-Site/default/Product-Show?pid=Fish%20n%20Fillet%20Knives%20) ($24). OK, some people fish because they need to kill the animal to eat or make a living. Hakuna Matata? Circle of life? I dunno: RAPALA. You'll find this knife on almost every fishing boat. Its 4-, 6-, 7.5-, or 9-inch blade holds a wicked edge, and the birch handle is grippy even when wet. And it floats!
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For the Model Maker: [Xacto Basic Knife Set](http://xacto.com/products/cutting-solutions/knife-sets/knife-sets/Basic-Knife-Set.aspx) ($26.59). Your father is never going to finish that wooden model of the P51 Mustang that's been sitting in his den for nearly 10 years, but you can still encourage him. This precision knife kit has every blade he'll need to clip those delicate wing struts, trim the paper cover, and craft that plastic canopy. In other words, now he has no excuse. ([Amazon link](http://www.amazon.com/Xacto-X5282-Basic-Knife-Set/dp/B00004Z2UB/)).
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For the Whittler: [Case Seahorse Whittler](http://www.casexx.com/DisplayPatternPageFH.asp?PatternAutoId=47) ($65 and up). Sitting on the porch in a rocking chair, shaping a stick into an intricate masterwork—no better way to drain the light out of a day. This knife is made for it, with three blades made for everything from pulling off large strips of material to getting in there and laying down fine detail work. ([Amazon link](http://www.amazon.com/Case-Cutlery-11399-Seahorse-Whittler/dp/B00FI0QUXI/).)
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For Your Mom: [Leatherman Style CS](http://www.leatherman.com/style-cs-24.html#start=25) ($24). The size of one of those pink erasers, this is a surprisingly useful little multi-tool, packing a scissors, knife, file, and tweezers. The scissors are so tight and sharp, you'll use them at home. ([Amazon link](http://www.amazon.com/Leatherman-831207-Style-Multi-Tool-Scissors/dp/B0032XVNMQ/).)
Opinel1212-Opinel-No10-Corkscrew-(amazon-photo)
For the Picnic Enthusiast: [Opinel No10 Corkscrew](http://www.opinel-usa.com/collections/opinel-beech-wood-handle/products/opinel-knife-no-10-corkscrew-picnic) ($33). When all you want your knife to do is set the mood, open the wine, and cut the cheese (lol), look no further. Lightweight, beautifully made out of beechwood and carbon steel, you'll feel like you're picnicking in France. Especially if you happen to be in France. ([Amazon link](http://www.amazon.com/Opinel-Degree10-Corkscrew-Cheese-Knife/dp/B001BEL9U4/).)
