Appearence or Performance?

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Portman30-06

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Oct 18, 2013
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I believe I'm done buying knives for looks and more for what they will be used for and how well they can be used. Does anybody else have this sickness where you can't buy a knife without a purpose lined up? I can't just buy knives because they're cool looking anymore!
 
This is one of the reasons I decided to by a Strider SNG instead of a Sebenza. The benza is cool looking and all, but the Strider is a workhorse.
 
I keep both in mind. My uses are pretty light these days - most knives will perform cutting envelopes and boxes - so I do focus on appearance a bit more.
 
I have enough knives for any purpose I need. So I'm kind of the opposite. Now I only buy knives for fun :D
 
I'd never buy a knife just because it looks good. Performance is always #1. Both is even better.
 
Performance all the way. An ugly, comfortable handle, is just ugly. A pretty, painful handle, still hurts to use. This is also why I buy Krein's, Traditionals, and customs that I can choose thicknesses. I like knives that are at least .015" behind the edge. I just bought a GEC #99 that is sub .010" behind the edge in area's. Once you try a knife that cuts like an Opinel ect. It is hard to go back.
 
I buy for quality, excellence demonstrated in quality of machining and performance of the total object. The Manufacturer's Award at Blade each year seems to be evidence that the various knife-makers feel that Chris Reeve is the Man. That's Quality in my book, and quality will often/usually result in better performance. So yes, I like performance. I carry slab-sided Sebbies, and not the inlaid jobs. I'm happy with the snail-trails, knowing that the fine folks at CRK will make it all look like new, if I choose to send it in. I've had a lot of Sebbies; have never been disappointed.
sonnydaze
 
Portman30-06 said:
I believe I'm done buying knives for looks and more for what they will be used for and how well they can be used. Does anybody else have this sickness where you can't buy a knife without a purpose lined up? I can't just buy knives because they're cool looking anymore!
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I guess common sense and logic are "sicknesses" these days. It only makes sense to buy a knife to fill a role, even if you have more than one knife to fill said role. To me it makes no sense whatsoever to buy a knife just because it looks cool.
 
I bought one knife based solely on its looks and ended up returning it because the function aspect was almost completely absent. That knife was a CRKT Nirk Tighe.
 
I have never purchased or made a knife just because of a cool looking factor.

After I get a design made for a purpose, then I can dress it up!
 
Appearence or Performance? Change the spelling, sir. Thanks. Appearance IS important also.
 
Sometimes I'll buy a knife because of the way it looks, but definitely not if performance is compromised. Performance is always my primary concern when I make a knife purchase.
 
A knife can perform great be reasonably priced and readily available but if i don't like the looks i'm not buying it.
 
Function always trumps form IMO.
The only way to truly "abuse" a knife is to not use it.
I'd much rather look at the patina on my Case CV Sodbuster than the pristine blade on a custom made knife.
If I want art I go to the museum.
 
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