Spyderco Forums

Some time back I developed a theory about how to buy knives. It was logical, efficient and a decent guide for making decisions amongst knives especially if one was concerned with usefulness, price and quality. It’s a shame I don’t follow it. Well, not really because my subjective seat-of-the-pants impulse-driven method has resulted in my acquiring some really good knives that probably wouldn’t have passed the logic test.

The One-Eyed Jack and the Ikuchi are two examples. Very different and amazingly cool and effective. Did I plan to buy them, do comparisons, evaluate their ergonomics and effectiveness? No. It was more like, I must have this knife but I’m not really sure why.

Tonight, thinking about selling a couple that I don’t use all that much I pondered what I would replace them with. Then I remembered that my actual grail Spyderco is a Bob Lum Chinese folder. It just resonates with me for many reasons. It’s one knife I want to have before I die. I found one; I ordered it. I’m happy.

So much for logic.

:D we want what we want don't we?

The Lum is a good lookin blade. Hope you like it.

I have two criteria for buying knives.

1 - Do I like it?
2 - Will I use it?

Pretty simple and effective. I can make do with 2-3 folders, fixed blades and multitools and feel I have all my bases covered. The rest is just for fun until I get around to selling some off.

The selection is so varied today that I pretty much settled on "must be both practical and beautiful (at least to my eye)"

A simpler way to state it is "I use it and it makes me giggle when I do."

TomAiello wrote: ↑

Wed Apr 24, 2019 7:26 am

The selection is so varied today that I pretty much settled on "must be both practical and beautiful (at least to my eye)"

A simpler way to state it is "I use it and it makes me giggle when I do."

Hopefully not in public. :D

I TRY to look at:

1. Do I like the looks?
2. Do I like the feel in my hand?
3. Do I have a use for it (real or possible)?
4. Do I simply want it for some reason?

To be honest, I do not have a use for most of the knives that I have. Some are simply for a change of carry, some are "what if". I could sell off a whole lot of knives (probably should) and never miss them.

By the time you are reading and posting on knife forums, it's a pretty thin pretence of logical/practical knife purchase habits.

Design aesthetic and enjoyment-in-use are my key values, neither of which hems me in too much during the selection process.

Do I want it?
Can I afford it?

Not a whole lot more to it for me.

TomAiello wrote: ↑

Wed Apr 24, 2019 7:26 am

The selection is so varied today that I pretty much settled on "must be both practical and beautiful (at least to my eye)"

A simpler way to state it is "I use it and it makes me giggle when I do."

I know what you mean the Police4 has a real giggle factor to it :D

Sometimes a knife's aesthetic does it for me, sometimes it's function, the best are those that combine both. Steel choice is a big one for me too.

1. Do I like the look of the knife? What does the blade shape and handle say to me materials and design-wise.
2. Is it well made? Where is it made? If it's a folder I'd prefer it not be a liner lock. If it's a fixed blade, I prefer full/exposed tapered tang.
3. Do I have a use for it?
4. Can I afford it? The most expensive knife that I have right now is $800. Not afraid to spend more, but it has to be in the bank.
5. Is it a Sprint Run? I rarely get in on them. Will it be available six months from now, while I plan for the purchase?
6. THE DEAL MAKE/BREAK - What steel is the blade? I refuse to buy it if I do not like the steel.

I would like to think that I have a rational process for knife purchases. I can’t buy everything I want. Won’t spend more than $400 again (it was a Chris Reeve knife). I strongly prefer premium materials (the steel and slabs) and for it to be a Spyderco. I buy locking folders. Then I see something I like and I order it. My last purchase was a Smock and I love it. It’s only S30V and Spyderco’s G10 CF fusion so it sort of meets my criteria but it didn’t matter, I just wanted it. Same with the Spydiechef before it, and probably the next knife too! All the rationalization is part of the fun I guess.

bearfacedkiller wrote: ↑

Wed Apr 24, 2019 3:25 pm

Do I want it?
Can I afford it?

Not a whole lot more to it for me.

Pretty much how I buy now as well. I'm long past buying for necessity.

:spyder:

bearfacedkiller wrote: ↑

Wed Apr 24, 2019 3:25 pm

Do I want it?
Can I afford it?

Not a whole lot more to it for me.

I was thinking the EXACT same thing lol

bearfacedkiller wrote: ↑

Wed Apr 24, 2019 3:25 pm

Do I want it?
Can I afford it?

Not a whole lot more to it for me.

Oh you Glorious BROTHER we are of a kindred spirit!

Good looking knife. :cool:

I don’t need anymore knives. :rolleyes:

Add to cart.

Good looking knife for sure. :)

I don’t need anymore knives. :rolleyes:

Proceed to Checkout.

I really like it. :)

I really don’t need anymore knives. :rolleyes:

What’s it matter, as if another one’ll make any difference? :p

Pay Now. :eek:

Hope I like it. :confused:

I really don’t need this knife. :o

Bloke wrote: ↑

Thu Apr 25, 2019 5:16 am

Good looking knife. :cool:

I don’t need anymore knives. :rolleyes:

Add to cart.

Good looking knife for sure. :)

I don’t need anymore knives. :rolleyes:

Proceed to Checkout.

I really like it. :)

I really don’t need anymore knives. :rolleyes:

What’s it matter, as if another one’ll make any difference? :p

Pay Now. :eek:

Hope I like it. :confused:

I really don’t need this knife. :o

Indecision is the key to flexibility.

Hahahaha, that's perfect Bloke!!!

I'm a combo of Darby and Bloke's posts.