How I Really Buy Knives
- MichaelScott
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How I Really Buy Knives
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.
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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Re: How I Really Buy Knives
:D we want what we want don't we?
The Lum is a good lookin blade. Hope you like it.
The Lum is a good lookin blade. Hope you like it.
-Matt a.k.a. Lo_Que, loadedquestions135 I ❤ The P'KAL
"The world of edges has a small doorway in, but opens into a cavern that is both wide and deep." -sal
"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
Re: How I Really Buy Knives
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.
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
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."
A simpler way to state it is "I use it and it makes me giggle when I do."
- Doc Dan
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Re: How I Really Buy Knives
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.
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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Live pure, speak true, right wrong, follow the King--
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NRA Life Member
Spydernation 0050
Follow the Christ, the King,
Live pure, speak true, right wrong, follow the King--
Else, wherefore born?" (Tennyson)
NRA Life Member
Spydernation 0050
- Maximumsmoochy
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- Location: BC, Canada
Re: How I Really Buy Knives
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.
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
Future: Para3 Cruwear (someday)
Regrets: Most of them
Present: P4 K390 FRN
Future: Para3 Cruwear (someday)
Regrets: Most of them
- bearfacedkiller
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Re: How I Really Buy Knives
Do I want it?
Can I afford it?
Not a whole lot more to it for me.
Can I afford it?
Not a whole lot more to it for me.
-Darby
sal wrote:Knife afi's are pretty far out, steel junky's more so, but "edge junky's" are just nuts. :p
SpyderEdgeForever wrote: Also, do you think a kangaroo would eat a bowl of spagetti with sauce if someone offered it to them?
Re: How I Really Buy Knives
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
"The world of edges has a small doorway in, but opens into a cavern that is both wide and deep." -sal
"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
- Naperville
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- Location: Illinois, USA
Re: How I Really Buy Knives
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.
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 support the 2nd Amendment Organizations of GOA, NRA, FPC, SAF, and "Knife Rights"
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Re: How I Really Buy Knives
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:
Re: How I Really Buy Knives
Pretty much how I buy now as well. I'm long past buying for necessity.bearfacedkiller wrote: ↑Wed Apr 24, 2019 3:25 pmDo I want it?
Can I afford it?
Not a whole lot more to it for me.
:spyder:
-Nick
- JonLeBlanc
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- Location: Louisiana
Re: How I Really Buy Knives
I was thinking the EXACT same thing lolbearfacedkiller wrote: ↑Wed Apr 24, 2019 3:25 pmDo I want it?
Can I afford it?
Not a whole lot more to it for me.
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
Wish list: Hundred Pacer; Sliverax; Mantra; 52100 PM2 SE; Kapara
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Re: How I Really Buy Knives
Oh you Glorious BROTHER we are of a kindred spirit!bearfacedkiller wrote: ↑Wed Apr 24, 2019 3:25 pmDo I want it?
Can I afford it?
Not a whole lot more to it for me.
Re: How I Really Buy Knives
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
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
A day without laughter is a day wasted. ~ Charlie Chaplin
- MichaelScott
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- Location: Southern Colorado
Re: How I Really Buy Knives
Indecision is the key to flexibility.Bloke wrote: ↑Thu Apr 25, 2019 5:16 amGood 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
Overheard at the end of the ice age, “We’ve been having such unnatural weather.”
http://acehotel.blog
Team Innovation
http://acehotel.blog
Team Innovation
Re: How I Really Buy Knives
Hahahaha, that's perfect Bloke!!!
I'm a combo of Darby and Bloke's posts.
I'm a combo of Darby and Bloke's posts.
15 '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
-Rick
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
-Rick