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How I Really Buy Knives
Posted: Tue Apr 23, 2019 10:58 pm
by MichaelScott
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.
Re: How I Really Buy Knives
Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2019 12:50 am
by ZrowsN1s
:D we want what we want don't we?
The Lum is a good lookin blade. Hope you like it.
Re: How I Really Buy Knives
Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2019 1:43 am
by vivi
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.
Re: How I Really Buy Knives
Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2019 7:26 am
by TomAiello
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."
Re: How I Really Buy Knives
Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2019 9:04 am
by Albatross
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
Re: How I Really Buy Knives
Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2019 9:20 am
by Doc Dan
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.
Re: How I Really Buy Knives
Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2019 1:58 pm
by Maximumsmoochy
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.
Re: How I Really Buy Knives
Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2019 3:25 pm
by bearfacedkiller
Do I want it?
Can I afford it?
Not a whole lot more to it for me.
Re: How I Really Buy Knives
Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2019 3:54 pm
by ZrowsN1s
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.
Re: How I Really Buy Knives
Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2019 4:19 pm
by Naperville
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.
Re: How I Really Buy Knives
Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2019 4:31 pm
by kodai78
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.
Re: How I Really Buy Knives
Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2019 5:00 pm
by Mushroom
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:
Re: How I Really Buy Knives
Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2019 5:04 pm
by JonLeBlanc
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
Re: How I Really Buy Knives
Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2019 9:05 pm
by Doeswhateveraspidercan
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!
Re: How I Really Buy Knives
Posted: Thu Apr 25, 2019 5:16 am
by Bloke
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
Re: How I Really Buy Knives
Posted: Thu Apr 25, 2019 7:42 am
by MichaelScott
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.
Re: How I Really Buy Knives
Posted: Thu Apr 25, 2019 7:50 am
by TkoK83Spy
Hahahaha, that's perfect Bloke!!!
I'm a combo of Darby and Bloke's posts.