Going to Africa this Aug & 2010 . How many PH's would appreciate a custom knife as part of the tip ? Or should I just give them $$$? I build knives in my free time. Sorry for the lousy quality of the pictures

Bill,

That's a bloody nice knife, but wouldn't be any use to a PH. The blade is far too long and is the wrong shape.

A youngish PH might appreciate a fairly short bladed skinning knife with a non slip handle though. Older PHs have probably got more than they need already.

Unless you know that he wants a specific item (like a scope or a rangfinder) give him cash.

Steve, That big Bowie was built for my son, Steve.... He's a crazy, 10' tall & bullet proof, benching 350+ pounds, 21 year old that wanted a knife to hunt wild boar with...no gun just a knife The other one is one I built for myself after visiting Hawaii and being influenced by the tiki gods.

Bill,

I've heard of that kind of hunting but always thought the guys who did it, needed their heads read! Bugger that for a game of soldiers!

$and $and$ are welcome. Forget your (nice made) knifes.
Money Speaks IMO

Seloushunter

I have given nice knives along with the Tip, but the money keeps the PH in business!

Bill,

Give anything you like as a gift and it will be appreciated but do not give a gift in lieu of a tip or part of a tip. Cash is always king with the PH and the crew.

Mark

One thing about tips that I haven't seen depends on where you're hunting. Gifts are good (when $$ is included) if you're hunting in areas where select items can be hard to get. If you're going to S Africa then just cash. The guys in S Africa can get their hands on anything they may want or need.
I would think a place like Zimbabwe would be another story. I'd like to hear what PH's have to say in that regards and what they would like or left behind (I know any unused bullets are always welcome).

I guess you guys answered my question. I was planning on $1K for my PH anyway. My knives are all made for the person & don't know him yet. Right hand or south paw, blade type etc.

I heard that my PH, Gideon Watts, had killed two leopards with his knife to save clients from a severe mauling & just thought it would be cool to know that he carried my knife to do it again if the opportunity arose.

Thanks,

It is really sad to see someone offering $1K as a tip for his PH.

I am going to take a few of the above 100,000,000,000 notes as tips for the PHs we will be hunting with

Saeed
I'm sure they will be thrilled to become millionaires. Throw in your leftover liquor too for them to celebrate with.

Toufic in Burkina Faso recommend the local Cabelas if you need some hunting items. This local cabelas is offering the best bargain cave ever.
In fact it's the local waterhole, the only bar in the bush. There trackers and local PHs are swapping knives, binocs, belts...and such that clients have given them.........for booze and sex. The bartender has a solid range of items for an unbeatable pricing.
Conclusion : what you feel a superb gift most of the time represents only a ridiculous tip.

I once gave a Tracker a cheep but well made French OPINEL knife, along with his tip.
I happen to be hunting the same area on another Safari and we bumped into this chap on his way somewhere, we gave him a lift and whilst we were driving he showed our Trackers the knife that I had given him. the two Trackers then proceeded to show off their ones.
They often appreciate a useful gift.

I bougth 4 knives on ebay for about $25 each. All were skinner types, browning and I forget the other brand. I gave those plus some camo clothing that I left behind for the PH.

I still tipped what I think was pretty fair.