I bash the French like mad on just about everything, but there's a group of them that make some of the best dress knifes for the money...

http://www.laguiole-elite.com/laguiole_elite.htm

I've actually visited one of their factories in Thiers; they still make a fair amount of their product by hand and it's quality work to boot.

Corkscrews and base knives start around $50 and are excellent for the money; on top of that, you don't find too many folks running around with their products. I had a damascus and fossilized mammoth tusk piece commissioned for my father's 60th birthday and own a few of their cheaper models, in addition to giving a few away as gifts, so from top to the bottom end of their product line, they make good equipment that gives a personal touch to any gift.




JaTo e-Tough Guy Missouri City, TX 99 Contour SVT #143/2760 00 Corvette Coupe