How I Really Buy Knives

Discuss Spyderco's products and history.
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MichaelScott
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How I Really Buy Knives

#1

Post 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.
Overheard at the end of the ice age, “We’ve been having such unnatural weather.”

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ZrowsN1s
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Re: How I Really Buy Knives

#2

Post by ZrowsN1s »

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

The Lum is a good lookin blade. Hope you like it.
-Matt a.k.a. Lo_Que, loadedquestions135 I ❤ The P'KAL :bug-red

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vivi
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Re: How I Really Buy Knives

#3

Post 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.
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TomAiello
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Re: How I Really Buy Knives

#4

Post 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." ;)
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Albatross
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Re: How I Really Buy Knives

#5

Post 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
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Doc Dan
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Re: How I Really Buy Knives

#6

Post 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.
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Maximumsmoochy
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Re: How I Really Buy Knives

#7

Post 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.
Past: Dragonfly, Air, Rhino, Lil' Native, Techno 2, Caly Jr., Brouwer, Chap LW, Para3, N5, Watu, ‘Chef, Mantra 2, SSStretch, PM2, Smock, Shaman, Advocate, GB2, Kapara, Military, Bradley Bowie, Province

Present: P4 K390 FRN

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bearfacedkiller
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Re: How I Really Buy Knives

#8

Post by bearfacedkiller »

Do I want it?
Can I afford it?

Not a whole lot more to it for me.
-Darby
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ZrowsN1s
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Re: How I Really Buy Knives

#9

Post 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.
-Matt a.k.a. Lo_Que, loadedquestions135 I ❤ The P'KAL :bug-red

"The world of edges has a small doorway in, but opens into a cavern that is both wide and deep." -sal
"Ghost hunters scope the edge." -sal
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Naperville
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Re: How I Really Buy Knives

#10

Post 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.
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Re: How I Really Buy Knives

#11

Post 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.
:spyder: Shaman REX 45, Smock, Baby Jess Horn CE, Spydiechef, Schempp Bowie,Ti Fluted Military, Titanium Military, Native S30 V and G10, PM 2 in S35VN, and S110V, Manix 2 LW BD1 and SPY 27, Sage 5, Positron black CPM S30V, Chaparral w/Raffir Noble scales, SuperLeaf VG 10, Ladybug H1, Dragonfly 2 in ZDP 189 and Superblue/420J1 and H1, Delica in ZDP 189, Clipitool Standard, the Cook’s knife VG10, Santoku, paring and utility knives, all in MBS 26. :spyder:
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Re: How I Really Buy Knives

#12

Post 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:
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JonLeBlanc
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Re: How I Really Buy Knives

#13

Post 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
My collection so far: 52100 Military (2); 52100 PM2 (2); 52100 Para3; Stretch2 V-Toku; KnifeWorks M4 PM2; BentoBox M390 PM2; BentoBox S90V Military; Police4 K390; S110V PM2; SS Delica AUS-6; Wayne Goddard Sprint VG-10
Wish list: Hundred Pacer; Sliverax; Mantra; 52100 PM2 SE; Kapara
Doeswhateveraspidercan
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Re: How I Really Buy Knives

#14

Post 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!
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Bloke
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Re: How I Really Buy Knives

#15

Post 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
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MichaelScott
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Re: How I Really Buy Knives

#16

Post 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.
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TkoK83Spy
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Re: How I Really Buy Knives

#17

Post by TkoK83Spy »

Hahahaha, that's perfect Bloke!!!

I'm a combo of Darby and Bloke's posts.
15 :bug-red 's in 10 different steels
1 - Bradford Guardian 3 / Vanadis 4E Wharnie
1 - Monterey Bay Knives Slayback Flipper / ZDP 189
1 - CRK Small Sebenza 31/Macassar Ebony Inlays
1 - CRK Large Inkosi Insingo/ Black Micarta Inlays
1 - CRK Small Sebenza 31 Insingo/Magnacut

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