Action or Looks?

Between two otherwise identical knives, which would you choose?

  • The better action

    Votes: 62 80.5%

  • The better looking covers

    Votes: 15 19.5%
  • Total voters
    77
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I also went with action. However I am pretty forgiving about it. I dont mind if the pull isn't super strong so long as it feels smooth and consistent. The 97 I got from black mamba black mamba is pinchable. Hard to explain it but while not a stiff pull it doesn't feel weak either. From halfstop to open it snaps into place nicely, firm but not aggressive imo. Snaps closed nice and easy to,but firm enough that once it clears the halfstop the spring brings it home with a nice "click".I have a couple older knives that feel like they're going to fly outta my hands when they snap open,and you better make sure no fingers are in the way closing either. While not hard pulls they do open hard,if that makes sense. I dont like having to hold them back,I feel a knife can have too strong/quick of an action sometimes. Definitely dont like mushy,weak,or gritty. One should not ever have to push a knife with a backspring all the way closed.
 
I voted for the action Jeff but I'd probably keep both. I wouldn't do anything to the one with poorer action but it might come in handy for some of the experiments that I like to do. You know I've done some pretty radical tests - tin roof comes to mind - with some pretty nice knives and having one to experiment with that has a poor action would make doing an experiment with it easier on my conscience. All that said; if I'm going to need a knife I can depend on, i'm going to use one with the best action I can find regardless of appearance.
 
I would only say this to a group of fellow knife enthusiasts but I can actually lose sleep over a decision like this. I feel for you, Jeff.

I voted covers because generally speaking, I'm a little more flexible with walk and talk than I am with aesthetics. As long as the action on the better looking knife isn't horrible, that's the one I would choose.
 
As many of you have guessed, I actually do have two identical knives that fit this scenario. I thought I would see your reactions without spilling too much info. In fact, both knives are beautiful, one just happens to be more my style, my personal preference. Nothing wrong with the other one, looks-wise. Both knives have good actions, it's just that the one that I prefer the looks on has slightly weaker, though still acceptable, closing snap. Pulls are about a 5 on both, but the better looking one has a little slower closing snap on the secondary, though still decent, and I haven't done any cleaning, yet. With a little effort, it may snap just as well as the other one, but I haven't cleaned it yet either.

Now, any of you who have already voted, does this additional info change your mind? If so, you can change your votes.
 
You said one has better action and the other has better looking covers. I assume the action on both is acceptable? If that is the case, I'd keep and use the better looking one. What can I say, I've always had a soft spot for pretty girls.

In my experience the walk-and-talk of most knives improve as they break in.
 
In a situation where things aren't necessarily "bad" in either aspect, I think I'd lean towards the better looking knife.

It would be a lot easier to choose if one was truly ugly, or if one had zero walk and talk, but if they're both within the realm of acceptability, I'd go towards aesthetics.
 
This is a tough question without seeing and feeling both.

I despise any gap. I like a stronger pull. Nice walk and talk is satisfying to me. More so than slightly prettier covers. But weirdness on covers, bone showing pith/voids etc I'd choose the nicer covers. As long as the pull and action is not terrible, I'm ok. I've had actions get much better after a a flush and clean. I had one action that was a 12 on a pull of 1-10. A nail tearer for some.one who loves the early GEC gators at a 9.5. I worked this joints and eventually spit out a sliver of steel!!!

Some pulls and walk and tall can't be remedied easily.
 
Action for me hands down, Jeff. I've been in your same situation, too, and have always picked the action. I've got two camel bone 92s en route, hoping that one of them has pulls firm enough for my liking. With this particular example I am hoping for pretty covers, too. But I won't keep a knife that had a soft pull and dissatisfying snap.
 
It really depends on how different they are. If their looks are pretty similar, with one marginally better, but the actions are way different, then go with the better action. If they're the other way round, go the other way round. If they're super close in action but not in covers, go with the better covers.

If they're both super similar with little distinguishing them either way...
Go with the action.

If you're really good at modding actions, go with the covers.

There's a lot of factors to consider here. My personal method is to go with my gut. Put them both on a table, close your eyes and do the action. Put them back on the table. Open your eyes, and see if one really draws you THAT much more to it than the other.

Then go with the better action.
 
Buck 110,112 and 301 gives me both great action and great looks, so I don't have to pick between action and looks? :)
 
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