Father’s Day is just around the corner, which means it’s time to show dads (and dad wanna-bes) some love.
But what do you do for dads who don’t wear ties and don’t need any more ceramic mugs? Sable Fox Forge has you covered for all of your tactical, blacksmithing, military, adventure Father’s Day gift ideas.
Tactical/Military Father’s Day Gift Ideas
No idea where to start? Find your local Army Navy Surplus Store.
“If you are on a budget, hit up your local Army Surplus store. You will find a ton of tactical/military gear: anything from holsters to fatigues, packs to boots, etc. I frequent the store when I want high-quality gear for half the cost.”—Ethan
1. GORUCK RUCKSACK
If you’ve got a bigger budget, Ethan recommends a GORUCK rucksack.
“I personally own the GORUCK Rucker, and it is the most durable, comfortable, useful pack I’ve ever had.”—Ethan
The Rucker comes in two sizes (Don’t freak out—if he’s under 6′ they recommend the 20L, and if he’s over 6′ go with the 25L. Super simple.) and four color combos. They start out just below $200, but it might be the last bag he ever needs.
2. G-Shock Watch
If you want to keep Father’s Day at least a little on the traditional side, you can put a tactical spin on a classic Dad’s Day gift with a G-Shock watch. How fancy you want to get is entirely up to you and your budget, but there is something for just about every budget.
“They are extremely durable, efficient, stylish, and are literally worn by thousands of military personnel on a daily basis. The best part: visit your local WalMart.”—Ethan
(Shown right: The G-Shock Master of G, GG1000-1A5. It’s a mid-range G-Shock, at $320.)
Wilderness Survival Father’s Day Gift Ideas
For the dad who is into camping, survival, and self-reliance—but doesn’t necessarily need tactical gear—check out one of these cool things.
3. Pocket Survival Stove
ReadyMan is a veteran-owned organization teaching and equipping people to be self-reliant. Pretty much everything they offer—from gear to online classes—looks awesome, but the Pocket Survival Stove is a favorite around here:
“All of their Survival Cards are awesome, but this thing is a revelation. It includes so many of the best elements of some of the other cards … and it’s a stove. For $27? No-brainer.”—Timothy
4. BioLite CampStove
Since we’re talking about stoves, BioLite has a more advanced option if it better suits your man’s needs and style. They have a few, but the CampStove is Timothy’s favorite.
This stove is a little bigger and heavier than most guys want to try to stuff in a backpack, but it’s a great little tool for camping. It has a fan with two settings that makes using and controlling the fire really user-friendly. It’s useful for food prep, and nice for a quick fire. And … it uses sticks to charge your phone. C’mon.
Another bonus: your local REI store might have one in stock, if you don’t have time to order online.
5. Birler Axe
The CRKT Briler Axe by Elmer Roush is the perfect balance of efficient and tough. It’s small and light enough to pack, but it’s sturdy enough to keep up in the field.
“Outstanding pack axe at an outstanding price. It was designed by a Vietnam war vet who now has 30+ years of blacksmithing experience.”—Timothy
And CRKT gear is also available just about anywhere. Use the dealer locator on their website to find a store in your area.
Blacksmithing Father’s Day Gift Ideas
If your man is getting into backyard blacksmithing, there’s no end to the tools he probably wants or needs. If he hasn’t mentioned any, consider some of these:
6. Wolf’s Jaw Tongs
A lot of guys start smithing with vice grips, ’cause they just need something to grab red hot metal with—so they use what they have. But what he really wants is a pair of wolf’s jaw tongs.
7. Anvil
If he doesn’t have a real anvil, he needs one. “A good sized anvil can be really expensive, brand new. Try calling or visiting some local antique stores. They do sometimes have one tucked in the back somewhere, and if they do they usually don’t know what they have—so they’ll let go of them for great prices.”—Timothy
Bonus Idea from the SFF Crew
“If your dad is a cigar smoker, consider a cigar caddy. It’s a traveling humidor and it is dirt cheap. They’re compact and crush resistant, and can be purchased for under $25. I personally own one of these, and it works like a charm.”—Ethan
