Most likely an actual knife/short blade of some sort. He isn't looking for anything fancy, just what will get the job done. If he has to bring his own metals he'll take that as a challenge, tbh... and it'll give an excuse for a second meeting later, too! :D

Absolutely sounds good for Lapis, and yeah, I hear you. No worries on waiting for Toph or, like, anything. We've got a whole month, yeah?