Perhaps its time for some good old discussion.
I make the decision to purchase a knife because:
1) I like the way it looks
2) The price was right
3) I'm a steel snob and it had a steel I was seeking.
4) I like certain brands
5) I use a knife so I look for ?
6)?????
Then I'd like to look deeper. eg: if you purchase a knife because you like the way it looks;
would a picture, that you could look at, serve the same purpose?
Does the steel matter, which cannot be seen by looking?
Does quality matter?
first, then, I make the decision to purchase a knife because I;
??????????????????
Question every answer.
sal
Dialectic - peeling back the onion
I make the decision to purchase a knife because I:
1) Buy often based upon appearance. Either beauty, or the appearance of capability for some task I do/want to do.
2)Want value for my money. The price, comparative to other prices is usually important. I demand good service, so don't shop at a few places that might offer knives for a few bucks less, but have reputations of problems with customers. I think for most knives, I see the price as being in a niche I am willing to pay. If I think a knife is really overpriced, I simply won't buy it.
3) Am a part-time steel snob. This is somewhat true in the 2 customs I've ordered. Part of the reason I wanted the Native FRN is because of the steel. I paid $15 more for a 154CM blade on my Camillus EDC than the 420HC-bladed model cost. I've never decided not to buy a knife because of the blade steel.
4)Favor the knives of 3-4 brands. I "dis-favor" 2 companies for their style, and because of many comments I've read on the forums, and occasionally I really don't like the manner of their fans.
5)Look for utility in my knives, or for positive ability to do specific tasks.
6) Think something I'd call a "cool factor" enters into some of my knife purchases. For instance, I have absolutely no need for, and probably would not carry one, but I want a SOG Sculptura. They're inexpensive, and cool.
I guess that to some degree a picture can replace a knife, if it is one that I badly want, love the appearance of, but simply cannot afford it. I've saved nearly 800 pics of knives on my PC, almost all of them custom. I don't think I'm a person to plaster my walls with posters of knives.
The steel in a blade matters in some ways, not in others. Were my health better, and I could do many activities that would require frequent, even hard use of a knife, I think steel would be much more important to me. Still, part of it is a quality thing. I have yet to buy, nor am I ever very likely to buy Cold Steel knives -- with a couple exceptions -- partly because they brag up AUS8 the way they do. I think they have chosen to attempt to ballyhoo ignorant customers, and take the risk of antagonizing more knowledgeable customers.
Yes, quality matters to me. A lot. A good part of that is in terms of value. I think good fit and finish should be provided with every knife, or else they should be so cheap it is obvious that they are junk. I think that if a knife is in a certain price point area, that it should have good fit and finish, and be constructed of materials appropriate for that price zone. I always want to feel that I got value for the price I paid, regardless of what that price is.
Stare
1) Buy often based upon appearance. Either beauty, or the appearance of capability for some task I do/want to do.
2)Want value for my money. The price, comparative to other prices is usually important. I demand good service, so don't shop at a few places that might offer knives for a few bucks less, but have reputations of problems with customers. I think for most knives, I see the price as being in a niche I am willing to pay. If I think a knife is really overpriced, I simply won't buy it.
3) Am a part-time steel snob. This is somewhat true in the 2 customs I've ordered. Part of the reason I wanted the Native FRN is because of the steel. I paid $15 more for a 154CM blade on my Camillus EDC than the 420HC-bladed model cost. I've never decided not to buy a knife because of the blade steel.
4)Favor the knives of 3-4 brands. I "dis-favor" 2 companies for their style, and because of many comments I've read on the forums, and occasionally I really don't like the manner of their fans.
5)Look for utility in my knives, or for positive ability to do specific tasks.
6) Think something I'd call a "cool factor" enters into some of my knife purchases. For instance, I have absolutely no need for, and probably would not carry one, but I want a SOG Sculptura. They're inexpensive, and cool.
I guess that to some degree a picture can replace a knife, if it is one that I badly want, love the appearance of, but simply cannot afford it. I've saved nearly 800 pics of knives on my PC, almost all of them custom. I don't think I'm a person to plaster my walls with posters of knives.
The steel in a blade matters in some ways, not in others. Were my health better, and I could do many activities that would require frequent, even hard use of a knife, I think steel would be much more important to me. Still, part of it is a quality thing. I have yet to buy, nor am I ever very likely to buy Cold Steel knives -- with a couple exceptions -- partly because they brag up AUS8 the way they do. I think they have chosen to attempt to ballyhoo ignorant customers, and take the risk of antagonizing more knowledgeable customers.
Yes, quality matters to me. A lot. A good part of that is in terms of value. I think good fit and finish should be provided with every knife, or else they should be so cheap it is obvious that they are junk. I think that if a knife is in a certain price point area, that it should have good fit and finish, and be constructed of materials appropriate for that price zone. I always want to feel that I got value for the price I paid, regardless of what that price is.
Stare
I just recently purchased a knife which happened to be my first spyderco (the Native II). I needed a new knife, and I happened to catch the Maxim review of the spyderwrench, so I checked the spyderco site. Aesthetically, the knives were very appealing, so that is what was behind my first purchase. I knew nothing about steel type or even quality for that matter, so the majority of my choosing was based on "the look." After doing a little reading on the site and noticing that there were a lot of very happy spydie owners I decided that I wanted an Endura. The spydie hole was very appealing, and the knives "appeared" to be great quality. So, I found a local dealer and went to get my endura. Well, they didn't have many spydies to choose from, so I checked out the Native (lightweight at first). The blade was sharp, and I liked the way it felt in my hand. It was a good size, and I decided that I wanted that knife. I had it a day before I returned to trade for the Native II with the SS handle (I thought it looked better than the ltwt).
It was after I purchased my spydie and played with it that I started posting. I've learned a lot about the different steel and blade functions, and I feel as though I am much more informed for future knife purchases. I like that spydies have a warranty. I like that I can send my knife back to the factory to have a complementary sharpening. I like the fact that the CEO takes time to post messages to the spydie fans. Even though I didn't initially get the knife I was looking for I bought spyderco for the reputation it had. I will definitely buy another. I still love the way they (spydercos) look, but my next purchase will obviously take into consideration all the information I have learned in this forum. I am much more mindful of steel type and material content thanks to you guys. This forum gets more posts every day than any other forum I've ever visited...that has to say something good about these knives.
It was after I purchased my spydie and played with it that I started posting. I've learned a lot about the different steel and blade functions, and I feel as though I am much more informed for future knife purchases. I like that spydies have a warranty. I like that I can send my knife back to the factory to have a complementary sharpening. I like the fact that the CEO takes time to post messages to the spydie fans. Even though I didn't initially get the knife I was looking for I bought spyderco for the reputation it had. I will definitely buy another. I still love the way they (spydercos) look, but my next purchase will obviously take into consideration all the information I have learned in this forum. I am much more mindful of steel type and material content thanks to you guys. This forum gets more posts every day than any other forum I've ever visited...that has to say something good about these knives.
1. A knife must have a certain visual magnetism to catch my eye in the first place. After I look, then I see if it has what I want.
2. Price will not keep me from having a knife I want unless it is so expensive/scarce that I will not carry it for fear of losing it.
3. I don't think that I am a steel snob. I enjoy my G-2 blades just as much as my 440V. If it doesn't break and doesn't require sharping every week it works for me.
4. Brand means less than quality and features.
5. I use a knife so I look for one that will not close on my fingers, not rust itself dull in my pocket, and not break if I get a little frisky with it.
6. Pride of ownership. I like to have a knife that when other people see it they want one too!
I just about wore out two picturs of the Chinook before I got one. Pictures are good if the product fulfills the promise. (It did!)
For steel and quality see 3 and 5 above.
2. Price will not keep me from having a knife I want unless it is so expensive/scarce that I will not carry it for fear of losing it.
3. I don't think that I am a steel snob. I enjoy my G-2 blades just as much as my 440V. If it doesn't break and doesn't require sharping every week it works for me.
4. Brand means less than quality and features.
5. I use a knife so I look for one that will not close on my fingers, not rust itself dull in my pocket, and not break if I get a little frisky with it.
6. Pride of ownership. I like to have a knife that when other people see it they want one too!
I just about wore out two picturs of the Chinook before I got one. Pictures are good if the product fulfills the promise. (It did!)
For steel and quality see 3 and 5 above.
1) I am almost always initally drawn to a knife on the way it looks. I see most knives as works of art, and certain ones appeal to me more than others for looks. I also sometimes am drawn to a knife due to looks when its simplicity and performance show through on the outside, my Calypso Jr. lwt is an example of a knife that many of my friends don't like the looks of, but I find beautiful just because of the pure function of the design.
2) I'm not as intimidated by price as I once was. I currently have knives that are users in many price ranges with several more high price custom users coming in the next year. If the knife appeals to me and I decide I want one, I will more than likely buy it. Some I will buy off pictures alone, and others only after I have held one.
3) I do consider myself a bit of a steel snob. I tend to buy more knives in the steels that are considered "high end" or "exotic" than ones that are not. I more or less consider ATS-34/154-CM as my favorite user steels in a folder, and they are my baseline that other steels are compared to. I have a hard time looking at a folder if the performance level of the steel is not up to that of those mentioned or VG-10, not only for edgeholding, but for toughness and corrosion resistance. Fixed blades are another story... I want something ultra tough, and with great edge holding. Right now, INFI is what is in my users, and I have one in 3V on order. I am relitavely hard on a knife when I have it, so I expect it to live up to whatever I through at it. I take care of my knives though, and they don't get overly abused, thats why I carry more than one.
4) I do have a bit of a brand loyalty to a few knife companies and to a few custom makers. They are the names that come up when someone asks for a recommendation on what to buy, and they make up a majority of the knives in my collection. I am a big supporter of things like our forum knife to show this loyalty as well. It is nicely displayed with my others, the centerpiece of my Spydies.
5) I use knives for all different purposes. Some are great camp knives, some are great for EDC, some are great for wet conditions, etc. I try to pick the knife to best suit the environment I am going to be in. This helps me use the knives for what they were designed for and gives me a good reason to continue to expand my collection<img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
6) There are some knives that just call to me, I don't know it it's cool factor, pride of ownership, or what. They do not particularly look good, and some of them don't even perform all that well. Some of them are illegal to carry anywhere, some are 50 state legal. But there are just a few that I HAVE to have. They don't fall into a real category, I'm not picky about the steel, and I could care less about the performance... There's just something there calling for me to buy it.
I don't think a picture can replace a knife. The feel of the steel in my hand, the texture of the handles, and the beauty of the grinds can never be replaced by a 2D image.
Again, steel does sometimes make a difference in my choice of knives. There are a few I have not purchased just because I was not fond of the steel offered in the design. One other thing you have to consider when looking at the steel in a knife is the companies record with heat treating. Some knives can be in the same steel and yet seem very different due simply to one heat treat being much better than the other.
Quality is one of my highest concern. Not just of the knife, but of the company. Some places make flawless knives, but the people who make them are extremly um... "difficult." I rarely buy knives from those companies/makers. I also can't deal with a knife that was manufactured in a sloppy manner. One of my favorite things about Spyderco is the quality of the people that work there and that of the product produced by them.
2) I'm not as intimidated by price as I once was. I currently have knives that are users in many price ranges with several more high price custom users coming in the next year. If the knife appeals to me and I decide I want one, I will more than likely buy it. Some I will buy off pictures alone, and others only after I have held one.
3) I do consider myself a bit of a steel snob. I tend to buy more knives in the steels that are considered "high end" or "exotic" than ones that are not. I more or less consider ATS-34/154-CM as my favorite user steels in a folder, and they are my baseline that other steels are compared to. I have a hard time looking at a folder if the performance level of the steel is not up to that of those mentioned or VG-10, not only for edgeholding, but for toughness and corrosion resistance. Fixed blades are another story... I want something ultra tough, and with great edge holding. Right now, INFI is what is in my users, and I have one in 3V on order. I am relitavely hard on a knife when I have it, so I expect it to live up to whatever I through at it. I take care of my knives though, and they don't get overly abused, thats why I carry more than one.
4) I do have a bit of a brand loyalty to a few knife companies and to a few custom makers. They are the names that come up when someone asks for a recommendation on what to buy, and they make up a majority of the knives in my collection. I am a big supporter of things like our forum knife to show this loyalty as well. It is nicely displayed with my others, the centerpiece of my Spydies.
5) I use knives for all different purposes. Some are great camp knives, some are great for EDC, some are great for wet conditions, etc. I try to pick the knife to best suit the environment I am going to be in. This helps me use the knives for what they were designed for and gives me a good reason to continue to expand my collection<img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
6) There are some knives that just call to me, I don't know it it's cool factor, pride of ownership, or what. They do not particularly look good, and some of them don't even perform all that well. Some of them are illegal to carry anywhere, some are 50 state legal. But there are just a few that I HAVE to have. They don't fall into a real category, I'm not picky about the steel, and I could care less about the performance... There's just something there calling for me to buy it.
I don't think a picture can replace a knife. The feel of the steel in my hand, the texture of the handles, and the beauty of the grinds can never be replaced by a 2D image.
Again, steel does sometimes make a difference in my choice of knives. There are a few I have not purchased just because I was not fond of the steel offered in the design. One other thing you have to consider when looking at the steel in a knife is the companies record with heat treating. Some knives can be in the same steel and yet seem very different due simply to one heat treat being much better than the other.
Quality is one of my highest concern. Not just of the knife, but of the company. Some places make flawless knives, but the people who make them are extremly um... "difficult." I rarely buy knives from those companies/makers. I also can't deal with a knife that was manufactured in a sloppy manner. One of my favorite things about Spyderco is the quality of the people that work there and that of the product produced by them.
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Clay Kesting
- Member
- Posts: 1241
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
- Location: Sydney Australia
I've bought or traded quite a few knives over the last few months but only two of them have been keepers. They are my Chinese Folder and CF Dragonfly. It is hard to single out what makes them so special as it is a case of the whole being more than a sum of the parts but the thing that attracted me first, in both cases, was the design. I couldn't resist the Chinese Folder from the moment I first saw the custom version and I have always thought that the Dragonfly was the most elegant of the small Spydies. However visual appeal alone would not ensure that I kept them and a picture certainly wouldn't suffice as I don't keep any knife that I don't use (or at least could imagine myself using <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>). In each case the ergonomics are excellent and the knives perform extremely well due to their flat ground blades and excellent edge geometry. The steel used is also important and I have rejected knives that I otherwise liked due to what I considered to be inferior steels. I also prefer handles of aluminium or micarta to FRN or G10. Therefore trying to put these factors in some order of importance, I get the following list:
1. Brand loyalty- for a number of reasons, I only collect Spydercos.
2. Visual appeal
3. Ergonomics
4. Cutting efficiency- preferably flat ground blade.
5. Blade steel-preferably ATS-34 or better.
6. Handle material-preferably micarta or Almite.
7. Price- I always seem to be able to find the money if I want the knife badly enough <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>.
8. (Just thought of this, it probably should be higher up) <b>WOW </b> factor, these days the knife has to really grab my attention as being different from everything else in my knife roll.
Clay
Don't worry that the world might end tomorrow, in Australia it's tomorrow already.
Edited by - Clay Kesting on 8/24/2001 5:55:50 AM
1. Brand loyalty- for a number of reasons, I only collect Spydercos.
2. Visual appeal
3. Ergonomics
4. Cutting efficiency- preferably flat ground blade.
5. Blade steel-preferably ATS-34 or better.
6. Handle material-preferably micarta or Almite.
7. Price- I always seem to be able to find the money if I want the knife badly enough <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>.
8. (Just thought of this, it probably should be higher up) <b>WOW </b> factor, these days the knife has to really grab my attention as being different from everything else in my knife roll.
Clay
Don't worry that the world might end tomorrow, in Australia it's tomorrow already.
Edited by - Clay Kesting on 8/24/2001 5:55:50 AM
Howdy,
I first look at knife manufacturers that I have had good luck with: customer service, fit and finish, materials were as described.
Secondly, a design that appeals to me. One that is functional and does not have too menacing of an appearence.
If it passes these two criteria, I consider blade steel, handle material, lock type, price, etc..
Take care,
stu
I first look at knife manufacturers that I have had good luck with: customer service, fit and finish, materials were as described.
Secondly, a design that appeals to me. One that is functional and does not have too menacing of an appearence.
If it passes these two criteria, I consider blade steel, handle material, lock type, price, etc..
Take care,
stu
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Sword and Shield
- Member
- Posts: 2050
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
- Location: USA
1.) Looks are very important to me in a knife. If the knife is ugly, I won't touch it with a 10-foot pole. If it looks that good, I sometimes will forgive a minor flaw elsewhere.
2.)Price isn't really a factor, unless there is another knife cheaper that is just as good. For example, I paid $50 for my Endura, while I could buy a Voyager for $120.
3.)Steels don't really make a difference, except for in a working knife. There, I want a very wear resistant steel that will stay sharp after a lot of use. Hence, I stay away from 420 steel and will go for 440 even if the price is a bit higher.
4.)Liking a brand is possibly the most important factor. When it comes to Spyderco knives, I know the quality will be extremely high right out of the box, and that gives me confidence.
5.)I need knives that will work very hard, so I need knives that are extra solid and I don't have to worry about failure.
6.)Cool factor. If a knife just strikes me, be it design, steel or whatever, that is a very big draw. I purchased my first Spydie because the knife just had everything I wanted: steel, looks, design, strength.
A major factor for me is value for money. If the knife's fit, finish and workmanship is a deal at $150, I will pay $150. If it is a steal at $20, I will pay $20. The knife must have fit, finish and workmanship appropriate to its price tag.
For example, a Voyager I handled once had a price tag of $120. The fit and finish was nowhere near appropriate for that price, so I did not buy it. Had the price tag been $50, I may have considered it.
Keepin' it real...real sharp, that is.
2.)Price isn't really a factor, unless there is another knife cheaper that is just as good. For example, I paid $50 for my Endura, while I could buy a Voyager for $120.
3.)Steels don't really make a difference, except for in a working knife. There, I want a very wear resistant steel that will stay sharp after a lot of use. Hence, I stay away from 420 steel and will go for 440 even if the price is a bit higher.
4.)Liking a brand is possibly the most important factor. When it comes to Spyderco knives, I know the quality will be extremely high right out of the box, and that gives me confidence.
5.)I need knives that will work very hard, so I need knives that are extra solid and I don't have to worry about failure.
6.)Cool factor. If a knife just strikes me, be it design, steel or whatever, that is a very big draw. I purchased my first Spydie because the knife just had everything I wanted: steel, looks, design, strength.
A major factor for me is value for money. If the knife's fit, finish and workmanship is a deal at $150, I will pay $150. If it is a steal at $20, I will pay $20. The knife must have fit, finish and workmanship appropriate to its price tag.
For example, a Voyager I handled once had a price tag of $120. The fit and finish was nowhere near appropriate for that price, so I did not buy it. Had the price tag been $50, I may have considered it.
Keepin' it real...real sharp, that is.
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vampyrewolf
- Member
- Posts: 7486
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
- Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
I make the decision to purchase a knife because:
1> Brand loyalty, my last 5 and my next, many additions will be Spydies
2> handling comfort, about 80% of knives don't fit my hand right.
3> steel and grind
4> weight, I want to know my knife is there(and when it falls out).
would a picture, that you could look at, serve the same purpose?
-You don't get to see my comp, but I have all the spydie pics as my screen saver... starting on c01 through the collection. My background is the one from Clay of about 8 Crickets.
Does the steel matter, which cannot be seen by looking?
the Steel can be done by feel better. If one feels 440v is better than vg-10, for both sharpening and proformance, then they will buy 440v.
Some are steelsnobs and only buy one type.
Does quality matter?
Thats why I buy spyderco...
We all start with 10 fingers. Those with Spydies have 9 to spare, Still need a thumb. Good thing I still have 8 to spare...
1> Brand loyalty, my last 5 and my next, many additions will be Spydies
2> handling comfort, about 80% of knives don't fit my hand right.
3> steel and grind
4> weight, I want to know my knife is there(and when it falls out).
would a picture, that you could look at, serve the same purpose?
-You don't get to see my comp, but I have all the spydie pics as my screen saver... starting on c01 through the collection. My background is the one from Clay of about 8 Crickets.
Does the steel matter, which cannot be seen by looking?
the Steel can be done by feel better. If one feels 440v is better than vg-10, for both sharpening and proformance, then they will buy 440v.
Some are steelsnobs and only buy one type.
Does quality matter?
Thats why I buy spyderco...
We all start with 10 fingers. Those with Spydies have 9 to spare, Still need a thumb. Good thing I still have 8 to spare...
When i want to buy a knife(very often when i have ca$h)i take a look to design,steel and of course price steel is very important for me,but i will never buy a knife which i don't like design but which i like steel(i like vg10 bu i don't like moran's knives .i dislike steels like aus6 but i have buy a standard ss serr. with this steel(some gunsmiths friends say:"buy it, it is high carbon and then a good steel"
SPYDERCO is "the folding knife concept"
SPYDERCO is "the folding knife concept"
In Order of importance.
1) I buy a knife because I have a specific need. My last purchase was a Calypso Jnr Lightweight, there were other knives I "wanted" more, but the Calypso had everything needed for the purpose in mind. I've only ever bought one knife on looks alone (hmmmm Civilian).
2) Ok, I'm a bit of a steel snob, but I wouldn't not buy a knife if it had all the other features I was looking for. I'm also a bit of a handle snob. SS and G-10 for me - now if only that Calypso Jnr had come with G-10 <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
3) Yes the look of a knife is a definite factor. Who would buy a knife that they consider ugly ? The Spyderwrench is a brute, but it isn't ugly <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
I would say that Spyderco's can be an aquired taste. For a few years I didn't buy Spydrco's because of their clasic wedge shape. Now I prefer that shape over all others.
4) Because I buy all my knives mail order the brand of the knife is a big factor. Nothing worse than buying a "good" looking knife over the net only to find when it arives that it is a POS.
5) Through experience I belive that to a certain extent that you get what you pay for. Spyderco's may not be the cheapest folders out there but their quality is excellent. There is a fine line between paying a reasonable price for a quality blade and paying premium price for the name that is attached to it. TBH I wouldn't mind if Spyderco produced some of their standard models with all the expensive bells and whistles attched. I actually prefer the standard Spydercos to most of the custom colaborations.
A picture could never replace the actual knife. A large part of the enjoyment of the knife if the feal and use of it.
Function and quality in my mind are inseperable. The quality of the company is also a big factor.
1) I buy a knife because I have a specific need. My last purchase was a Calypso Jnr Lightweight, there were other knives I "wanted" more, but the Calypso had everything needed for the purpose in mind. I've only ever bought one knife on looks alone (hmmmm Civilian).
2) Ok, I'm a bit of a steel snob, but I wouldn't not buy a knife if it had all the other features I was looking for. I'm also a bit of a handle snob. SS and G-10 for me - now if only that Calypso Jnr had come with G-10 <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
3) Yes the look of a knife is a definite factor. Who would buy a knife that they consider ugly ? The Spyderwrench is a brute, but it isn't ugly <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
I would say that Spyderco's can be an aquired taste. For a few years I didn't buy Spydrco's because of their clasic wedge shape. Now I prefer that shape over all others.
4) Because I buy all my knives mail order the brand of the knife is a big factor. Nothing worse than buying a "good" looking knife over the net only to find when it arives that it is a POS.
5) Through experience I belive that to a certain extent that you get what you pay for. Spyderco's may not be the cheapest folders out there but their quality is excellent. There is a fine line between paying a reasonable price for a quality blade and paying premium price for the name that is attached to it. TBH I wouldn't mind if Spyderco produced some of their standard models with all the expensive bells and whistles attched. I actually prefer the standard Spydercos to most of the custom colaborations.
A picture could never replace the actual knife. A large part of the enjoyment of the knife if the feal and use of it.
Function and quality in my mind are inseperable. The quality of the company is also a big factor.
There are two reasons for me to buy a knife.
1. It is a substitute for a gun (hard to get over here).
2. It will be a part of my collection (I like knives).
The first reason is a selfdefense standpoint. I don´t use knives for "cutting stuff". The knives in this category always stays sharp for that one time I will need it/them. The coice of steel is important because I would rather have a fixed blade Strider WB with a 5mm thick tanto blade cryogenically hardened to about 60Rc than an opinel that folds in the middle and has a blade that will bend when it hits a bone and that cannot cut leather, plastic etc without getting resharpened all the time. It´s always nice to have too much and not need it than to have too little...
A folder is a compromise for me. It can be carried out of view and deployed in a fraction of a second if you are trained with it. A good steel will make sure that it cuts long and deep enough for me to survive.
The next thing I look for in a folder in this category is the lock. I really like the compression lock and the MT (I believe) plunger lock. They give me the confidence to use the knife really hard if the need ever would arise.
Looks??? Does it work? That is my only question. I started to browse the different forums about 6 months ago because I wanted to upgrade my knife I have carried for many years, a SS Delica. I thought that the Police was a good choice but after reading and learning a lot, my choices for EDC rotation are two: A Gunting and an Emerson Commander. Both are great knives. I did however think the Gunting was one of the ugliest knives that I have ever seen. Then I realised that it was the same feeling I had when I first saw a Glock. It´s not just ugly, it´s fugly.
The second category of knives are those that can be used in a confrontation but are only part of my collection. It´s nice if the knife in this category has a bit of history behind it and it has to be of good "user" quality. Like my L-UDT is a refinement from Charlie Ochs (Oxforge) "Black knife". When I get the cash I´ll get an original "Black knife" and display it next to the L-UDT. I just received a grey Matriarch. Nice history behind that one. Sold only to Israel, South Africa, a few LEO´s in USA and to BF members. It will look great next to my G-10 Civilian I´m receiving next week. And it will look even greater next to an original Tuffram coated Civilian, when I get a chance to buy one at a good price.
Nowdays I mostly look for knives to include in my collection.
So in conclusion:
I first look if the knife will fit into any of the two categories. This includes checking for quality/function (there might be a Gunting with a longer blade or some other very good invention that may retire the gunting).
Does it have a history behind it or will it likely be a knife with a history in the future?
When can I afford it?
Have a nice weekend,
Colinz
1. It is a substitute for a gun (hard to get over here).
2. It will be a part of my collection (I like knives).
The first reason is a selfdefense standpoint. I don´t use knives for "cutting stuff". The knives in this category always stays sharp for that one time I will need it/them. The coice of steel is important because I would rather have a fixed blade Strider WB with a 5mm thick tanto blade cryogenically hardened to about 60Rc than an opinel that folds in the middle and has a blade that will bend when it hits a bone and that cannot cut leather, plastic etc without getting resharpened all the time. It´s always nice to have too much and not need it than to have too little...
A folder is a compromise for me. It can be carried out of view and deployed in a fraction of a second if you are trained with it. A good steel will make sure that it cuts long and deep enough for me to survive.
The next thing I look for in a folder in this category is the lock. I really like the compression lock and the MT (I believe) plunger lock. They give me the confidence to use the knife really hard if the need ever would arise.
Looks??? Does it work? That is my only question. I started to browse the different forums about 6 months ago because I wanted to upgrade my knife I have carried for many years, a SS Delica. I thought that the Police was a good choice but after reading and learning a lot, my choices for EDC rotation are two: A Gunting and an Emerson Commander. Both are great knives. I did however think the Gunting was one of the ugliest knives that I have ever seen. Then I realised that it was the same feeling I had when I first saw a Glock. It´s not just ugly, it´s fugly.
The second category of knives are those that can be used in a confrontation but are only part of my collection. It´s nice if the knife in this category has a bit of history behind it and it has to be of good "user" quality. Like my L-UDT is a refinement from Charlie Ochs (Oxforge) "Black knife". When I get the cash I´ll get an original "Black knife" and display it next to the L-UDT. I just received a grey Matriarch. Nice history behind that one. Sold only to Israel, South Africa, a few LEO´s in USA and to BF members. It will look great next to my G-10 Civilian I´m receiving next week. And it will look even greater next to an original Tuffram coated Civilian, when I get a chance to buy one at a good price.
Nowdays I mostly look for knives to include in my collection.
So in conclusion:
I first look if the knife will fit into any of the two categories. This includes checking for quality/function (there might be a Gunting with a longer blade or some other very good invention that may retire the gunting).
Does it have a history behind it or will it likely be a knife with a history in the future?
When can I afford it?
Have a nice weekend,
Colinz
In addition to steel, grind, looks, feel, handal material, ease of opening, cutting ability and blade style, I like a knife thats seems finished and/or new.
To me a knife either needs to have a perfected old design, or a complete new one.
I find this to be the case with almost any spyderco.
Way to go Sal and team<img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
There is no consideration of poor quality in any Spyderco to me.
fisherman
To me a knife either needs to have a perfected old design, or a complete new one.
I find this to be the case with almost any spyderco.
Way to go Sal and team<img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
There is no consideration of poor quality in any Spyderco to me.
fisherman
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FREDERIC K
- Member
- Posts: 45
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
- Location: PARIS France
Appearance is important, but I have to admit I have bought knives that I first found ugly (spyderco jot singh khalsa for example). My opinion can change on this subject.
The only way price is involved is when it is really too high. I bought a Gunting one year after having seen it at Paris Knife Show, it is the time it took me to find one affordable here in France.
Steel is really important. It will not make me buy a knife but will undoubtly make me disregard one.
I have all my knives in front of me, Spyderco for the most. It is not that I purchase them because of the brand. I like perfection. That's all.
Use ??? What are you talking about ?? I am a knife addict. When I see it I need it.
The only way price is involved is when it is really too high. I bought a Gunting one year after having seen it at Paris Knife Show, it is the time it took me to find one affordable here in France.
Steel is really important. It will not make me buy a knife but will undoubtly make me disregard one.
I have all my knives in front of me, Spyderco for the most. It is not that I purchase them because of the brand. I like perfection. That's all.
Use ??? What are you talking about ?? I am a knife addict. When I see it I need it.
When I buy a knife, quality and reputation are the main things I look for. Blade steel comes next, then ergonomics and price. I can get over it if the knife doesn't look good( unless it's for a collection and won't be carried ) because after carrying it for a month, it won't look that good anyway.
The Clipiteer
...and i'm fresh out of bubblegum.
The Clipiteer
...and i'm fresh out of bubblegum.
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Windwalker
- Member
- Posts: 80
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
Sal...
I'm sure others have answered this same way, but I have to say it anyway.. :-)
Looks are important, but FEEL is even more so for me... It has to feel good, entice me to play with it, and cause me to use it! The tactile feeling is very important.
Quality is very important, steel is somewhat important, but not to the point of being a snob about it.
Price, up to a point, is not as important. If the rest fits, I will pay what I have to.. Of course I love a bargain! :-)
Now maybe you can answer one for me.
Is the Special Worker available? If so where, I haven't seen it at the places I haunt, nor have I seen it on the Web...
Thanks,
Windy
I'm sure others have answered this same way, but I have to say it anyway.. :-)
Looks are important, but FEEL is even more so for me... It has to feel good, entice me to play with it, and cause me to use it! The tactile feeling is very important.
Quality is very important, steel is somewhat important, but not to the point of being a snob about it.
Price, up to a point, is not as important. If the rest fits, I will pay what I have to.. Of course I love a bargain! :-)
Now maybe you can answer one for me.
Is the Special Worker available? If so where, I haven't seen it at the places I haunt, nor have I seen it on the Web...
Thanks,
Windy
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sam the man..
- Member
- Posts: 2936
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
- Location: Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
Oooooh! This one's a tough nut to crack! <img src="tongue.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
I go first for feel and handling. Though there are some knives that are really ugly, I must say that most of the Spydies are CUTE! Price is the next factor 'cos Spydernuts like me would have to pay four times as much, so, I'd be selective because on the user's end ~ I go for practicality. Most large Spydies have won me over the smaller ones... <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
Steel? Ummm well, I'm not fussy as long as Poppa Spyder and the Spydercrew would carry on by coming up with knives that are easy to maintain and absolutely useful! <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
Well, there are certain brands which I also use, but few has the warmth as Spyderco. I praise the attentive and caring Spydercrew for this! <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
Personally speaking, a large number of Spyderco knives have fulfilled my needs as far as quality without compromise is concerned! SO ~ Keep up the good work Poppa and Momma Spyder and the Spydercrew! <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
You know you'll never walk alone! <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
Sam
have spydies will travel
I go first for feel and handling. Though there are some knives that are really ugly, I must say that most of the Spydies are CUTE! Price is the next factor 'cos Spydernuts like me would have to pay four times as much, so, I'd be selective because on the user's end ~ I go for practicality. Most large Spydies have won me over the smaller ones... <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
Steel? Ummm well, I'm not fussy as long as Poppa Spyder and the Spydercrew would carry on by coming up with knives that are easy to maintain and absolutely useful! <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
Well, there are certain brands which I also use, but few has the warmth as Spyderco. I praise the attentive and caring Spydercrew for this! <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
Personally speaking, a large number of Spyderco knives have fulfilled my needs as far as quality without compromise is concerned! SO ~ Keep up the good work Poppa and Momma Spyder and the Spydercrew! <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
You know you'll never walk alone! <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
Sam
have spydies will travel