Knife trends you just don't understand?

[kontei]

Don't know where you live and work. But where I live, it's not the duty of an employee, to bring their own (crappy) tools for work. A companys chief has to equip his workers with good tools.

Can't understand the other arguments, too... the squeezer has zero grip and the the toothpick is just crap. Thank god, that in most SAK's this toothpick is falling out of his hole from alone earlier or later.

Anyway, all of your tasks can be done easier and and more comfortable with e.g. a Spyderco Manbug K390.

[kontei]

I don't understand why so many people love the so called multi-tools like victorinox. Who needs such nonsense like can-opener, mini wood-saw, trashy mini-scissors, and so on..? All you need today is a good little knife like a manbug or even a small opinel. We don't live in 1920 anymore.

Everybody's preferences and uses are not the same. During a period of more than a decade, before I ever even heard of Spyderco in the late '90s, my sole EDC knife was a SAK Spartan. It did everything I needed a pocketknife for at the time, and more. There are things an SAK or other quality multi-tool can do that only a single-bladed knife cannot.

Yes, I've opened many cans with my SAKs. Not all cans have pull-tops. Also turned screws (within the limitations of a folding tool), did light prying and staple removing with the bottle opener/screwdriver blade, loosened overly-tight knots with the corkscrew, scraped with the can opener blade, tightened the screws in my glasses with the mini-screwdriiver that's stored in the corkscrew, etc. Yes, the implements can be used for multiple purposes they weren't originally intended for. Uses that could easily chip or snap the tip off the blade of a single-bladed pocketknife. All it takes is a little creativity.

The only other alternative is to carry a toolbox with the dedicated tools everywhere you go. I don't know how many people are gonna be willing or able to do that.

I like my Spydercos, but I still always carry a Victorinox SAK on me, and I always will. It always sees some use on a daily basis.

Jim

When I got my first cheykain knife (Manbug VG10), I never ever used any of my SAK's.

[TkoK83Spy]

You're clearly outnumbered here with your thoughts on the SAK. At this point...silence is golden bud

[kontei]

You're clearly outnumbered here with your thoughts on the SAK. At this point...silence is golden bud

A SAK may be better than nothing. But a really good thing is better than a thing that can multiple things, but all bad. Even many experienced SAK fans say, that in the end the best SAK is that Alox one with only a single blade.

[ladybug93]

weird for this to turn to a sak thread, but i've been very happy with my rangergrip 79. i also like the camper model for a standard sized sak and the farmer for when i need to go dressier.

i was kind of under the impression that all knife people were big fans of the sak even if they never carried them. it's just an obvious thing that's accessible for everyone everywhere. maybe it's because i grew up watching macguyver.

[vivi]

I don't understand why so many people love the so called multi-tools like victorinox. Who needs such nonsense like can-opener, mini wood-saw, trashy mini-scissors, and so on..? All you need today is a good little knife like a manbug or even a small opinel. We don't live in 1920 anymore.

I carry a Micra. I find it handy for a variety of things. Keeping my nails clean and trim, small screw drivers for simple tasks like swapping batteries in toys and adjusting misc small screws, the scissors can be nice for zip ties, threads etc. and the micro screw driver is nice for scraping out small areas like the lock recess on a lockback folder.

I don't carry Victorinox knives much but something like a Spartan makes for a very versatile EDC in my opinion. I'm more of a Leatherman Rebar kind of guy for larger multis.

[vivi]

You're clearly outnumbered here with your thoughts on the SAK. At this point...silence is golden bud

A SAK may be better than nothing. But a really good thing is better than a thing that can multiple things, but all bad. Even many experienced SAK fans say, that in the end the best SAK is that Alox one with only a single blade.

Pocket sized multitools are obviously going to be worse than full sized, dedicated tools. But they have their place. The Micra in my pocket and Rebar in my glove box can handle a lot of situations without having to dig through a tool box.

Also, manbugs and ladybugs are small enough they're awkward for my XXL hands. Victorinox Spartan doesn't have that issue. It's small but feels more useable.

[vivi]

Seeing this one a lot lately, so.....

...skipping out on a model you otherwise would like because it comes in a steel you already own, or similar to one you already own.

Bonus points if you keep your folders at factory edge angles and never really test the steels you have to see what they're capable of

It'd be one thing if people were doing controlled testing to see how X and Y steel stack up in terms of edge holding or corrosion resistance, but turning your nose up at a given steel when you typically just open the mail and break down a box or two? Don't get it personally.

I'm happy when a design I like comes in a steel I know works well for me. I'll gladly take 440C, BD1N, VG10, S30V etc. in a pocket knife.

I agree with this. Especially if the model is being skipped with the expectation that it will be released again with a different steel. Sales tend to dictate the future of certain models, so it’s generally counterintuitive (or maybe spoiled ) to omit buying the first version of a knife with the expectation that there will be enough sales to support a following version.

In my opinion, blade steel gets blown way out of proportion these days. To me it seems like blade steel marketing over the past few years has done a lot to skew the perspectives of many buyers but especially new buyers. It’s almost as if all blade steels must placed somewhere in a strict hierarchy of worst to best and there is often a correlation with price.

Not everyone has what it takes to be a true “Steel Junkie” but they still want to feel like their part of club. (I have to admit there are some cool people in that club, so I don’t blame anyone for wanting to be included.) In their effort to become a “steel junkie” some people are unknowingly just becoming “steel snobs” instead.

Yep, I'd agree. I've tried everything from 420j2 to k390, and I've discovered I'm fine with well heat treated steels like 440c, h1 pe, 8Cr, SK5, 12c27 etc. for most applications.

I'd never turn down a design for S30V or VG10. Those steels work great for me too.

I enjoy trying new steels but if I'm in the mood for ice cream I don't need a new flavor to enjoy myself. Sometimes some well done vanilla is all you need.

[Traditional.Sharpening]

Asking for input on what steel is "best/better/more awesomer" and completely ignoring someone who makes a concise post referencing the fact that there is no better or best in general when it comes to steel any more than it comes to there being a 'better/best' shoe or wardrobe. This depends a great deal on many factors and we almost never get this kind of information upfront in the thread as to how the person sharpens, uses knives, experience level, etc.

That part doesn't bother me so much but it's really the hordes of people jumping in saying 'x' steel is better/best is most frustrating because again we know little about those same questions : sharpening, scope of work, experience in cutting. What ends up happening typically is that the large number of responses which are going down the lines of what the OP is seeking.... ie: the best steel is X... tend to be accepted and someone pointing out there is no best steel will be ignored.

[Netherend]

Hating on other knife enthusiasts preferences and new knife collectors
We are all supporting the same market and driving innovation with our demands. I welcome anyone who wants to join in on the hobby. I would love to see more knife enthusiast in the wild(not the internet) . I could talk about knives for hours but most people just look at my like I have ten heads when I start talking to them about lock types and steel.

Increased popularity would also help people push for knife laws that make sense and are safer for the user . Not every knife is a weapon. All of my knives are tools to me. Locks make my knives safer.
I wish I could carry an auto where I live because they seem safer to carry since you do not engage directly with the blade.

I welcome everyone who is interested in knives and recommend a Spyderco knife for anyone who wants to join in on the hobby

[TkoK83Spy]

Asking for input on what steel is "best/better/more awesomer" and completely ignoring someone who makes a concise post referencing the fact that there is no better or best in general when it comes to steel any more than it comes to there being a 'better/best' shoe or wardrobe. This depends a great deal on many factors and we almost never get this kind of information upfront in the thread as to how the person sharpens, uses knives, experience level, etc.

That part doesn't bother me so much but it's really the hordes of people jumping in saying 'x' steel is better/best is most frustrating because again we know little about those same questions : sharpening, scope of work, experience in cutting. What ends up happening typically is that the large number of responses which are going down the lines of what the OP is seeking.... ie: the best steel is X... tend to be accepted and someone pointing out there is no best steel will be ignored.

I agree. My favorite is when someone posts a picture of 5 different knives in 5 different steels and claims one to be the best steel and it's so awesome...yet they still have the factory edge on all 5 knives. How can you possibly tell anything about the steel when all you've done is MAYBE just a few swipes on a Sharpmaker.

[vivi]

Asking for input on what steel is "best/better/more awesomer" and completely ignoring someone who makes a concise post referencing the fact that there is no better or best in general when it comes to steel any more than it comes to there being a 'better/best' shoe or wardrobe. This depends a great deal on many factors and we almost never get this kind of information upfront in the thread as to how the person sharpens, uses knives, experience level, etc.

That part doesn't bother me so much but it's really the hordes of people jumping in saying 'x' steel is better/best is most frustrating because again we know little about those same questions : sharpening, scope of work, experience in cutting. What ends up happening typically is that the large number of responses which are going down the lines of what the OP is seeking.... ie: the best steel is X... tend to be accepted and someone pointing out there is no best steel will be ignored.

I agree. My favorite is when someone posts a picture of 5 different knives in 5 different steels and claims one to be the best steel and it's so awesome...yet they still have the factory edge on all 5 knives. How can you possibly tell anything about the steel when all you've done is MAYBE just a few swipes on a Sharpmaker.

Couldn't agree more. Placebo effect.

[Sharp24/7]

Asking for input on what steel is "best/better/more awesomer" and completely ignoring someone who makes a concise post referencing the fact that there is no better or best in general when it comes to steel any more than it comes to there being a 'better/best' shoe or wardrobe. This depends a great deal on many factors and we almost never get this kind of information upfront in the thread as to how the person sharpens, uses knives, experience level, etc.

That part doesn't bother me so much but it's really the hordes of people jumping in saying 'x' steel is better/best is most frustrating because again we know little about those same questions : sharpening, scope of work, experience in cutting. What ends up happening typically is that the large number of responses which are going down the lines of what the OP is seeking.... ie: the best steel is X... tend to be accepted and someone pointing out there is no best steel will be ignored.

I agree. My favorite is when someone posts a picture of 5 different knives in 5 different steels and claims one to be the best steel and it's so awesome...yet they still have the factory edge on all 5 knives. How can you possibly tell anything about the steel when all you've done is MAYBE just a few swipes on a Sharpmaker.

Couldn't agree more. Placebo effect.

I think a lot of folks aren’t very judicious with their choice of words. In so many cases, “best” more or less equals “my favorite”. But I do agree, if your use is limited, humility is especially called for. More so in the presence of very experienced users.

[olditguy]

Hating on other knife enthusiasts preferences and new knife collectors
We are all supporting the same market and driving innovation with our demands. I welcome anyone who wants to join in on the hobby. I would love to see more knife enthusiast in the wild(not the internet) . I could talk about knives for hours but most people just look at my like I have ten heads when I start talking to them about lock types and steel.

Increased popularity would also help people push for knife laws that make sense and are safer for the user . Not every knife is a weapon. All of my knives are tools to me. Locks make my knives safer.
I wish I could carry an auto where I live because they seem safer to carry since you do not engage directly with the blade.

I welcome everyone who is interested in knives and recommend a Spyderco knife for anyone who wants to join in on the hobby

I wouldn't quite use "hating", but everything else yes.

[kontei]

I would say "sorry" for my last posts in this thread. I was in a bad mood + some beer. Of course, everyone should have his personal opinion wether a SAK is usefull or not. It was not my intention to provokate. Sorry, again.

[Steeltoez83]

I never understood why folks stab trees with their edc and take pictures of it. Just something I don't understand. But if it makes them happy power to em.

[RustyIron]

I never understood why folks stab trees with their edc and take pictures of it. Just something I don't understand. But if it makes them happy power to em.

No, not power to them.
And no power to the people who stab tables and railings that don't belong to them.
Not cool.

[Bolster]

I never understood why folks stab trees with their edc and take pictures of it. Just something I don't understand. But if it makes them happy power to em.

Well, some trees have been known to seduce people's spouses, others trees have been heard to utter racial epithets, and yet other trees have given away vital state secrets...so I think we have to understand the rage before we can denigrate the act. It's called "arboreal justice," I think (there are so many types of 'justice' these days that it's hard to keep track).

[cabfrank]

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[Naperville]

I've never been employed at a top line knife manufacturer so there are a lot of trends in the knife world that I do not understand.