Are we in a "Golden Age" for production knives?

[heekma]

Howdy folks,

The other day I was handling the ZT 0350 with composite blade--heck of a knife, definitely on THE LIST, and it struck me:

Several years ago, a knife like that--that well made, with the fantastic composite blade, etc., would've been something you'd pay large dollars for from a custom maker--and would've gladly done so if you had the scratch, because it's just so damned cool.

The Kershaw Tilt, Speedform, Rake, ZT 0350--all amazing designs, fantastic construction, all at production prices. And that's just Kershaw for starters--look at the 760 and 755 from Benchmade, the Ti Military from Spyderco and a whole host of others, too many to mention.

Seems like a "Golden Age" for production knives to me--what a neat time to collect and use these great pieces of functional art.

Best,

Heekma

 

[jill jackson]

When you think about just what sort of knife you would get back in the 70's and 80's compared to what's available today, I think we definitely are way, way ahead on selection and value for the dollar. Back then it was hard to even buy a knife that was sharp, let alone with the steels and designs of today's blades, that are widely available.
My Dad said he'd have been in bliss back then with any of the folders that we take for granted today. Sure there was the Buck 110, but it didn't come very sharp(back then, now it does) but, there really wasn't nearly the choices we have now. No comparison at all.

 

[Ankerson]

When you think about just what sort of knife you would get back in the 70's and 80's compared to what's available today, I think we definitely are way, way ahead on selection and value for the dollar. Back then it was hard to even buy a knife that was sharp, let alone with the steels and designs of today's blades, that are widely available.
My Dad said he'd have been in bliss back then with any of the folders that we take for granted today. Sure there was the Buck 110, but it didn't come very sharp(back then, now it does) but, there really wasn't nearly the choices we have now. No comparison at all.

I agree.

We are in a whole different world today compared to back in the 70's and 80's. :thumbup:

Most knives back then were crap IMO, both folders and FB's compared to just about any decent knife we can buy now.

The $5 gas station and cheap Flea Market knives today are better than most of what we had available back then. Most of the knives we see people snear at today would have been excellent back in the 70's and 80's.

I would have been in heaven back then with some of the knives we have now if they had been available.

 

[tom19176]

Sad but true that the knives pre 1990s were not what our memories made of them. The new steel and cheap maufacturing have lead to very well made knives that are priced to sell. There were few well made knives back then, and they were very pricey when you did find them! The Buck 110s are cheaper today and better made......

 

[jill jackson]

Bucks use to come with a different edge grind than they do now. Even when I sharpen an older Buck it won't come close to the edge they have today.

 

[philwar]

Mostly true. But in 1980 my dad gave me a Kershaw 1050, and apart from its weight and lack of clip, it's still an awesome folder. FFG, strong lock, good steel, mirror polish, black micarta slabs, fantastic grip and ergo's... It wasn't all bad!

 

[DavidZ]

Howdy folks,

The other day I was handling the ZT 0350 with composite blade--heck of a knife, definitely on THE LIST, and it struck me:

Several years ago, a knife like that--that well made, with the fantastic composite blade, etc., would've been something you'd pay large dollars for from a custom maker--and would've gladly done so if you had the scratch, because it's just so damned cool.

The Kershaw Tilt, Speedform, Rake, ZT 0350--all amazing designs, fantastic construction, all at production prices. And that's just Kershaw for starters--look at the 760 and 755 from Benchmade, the Ti Military from Spyderco and a whole host of others, too many to mention.

Seems like a "Golden Age" for production knives to me--what a neat time to collect and use these great pieces of functional art.

Best,

Heekma

I agree, but with a caution. Everything is relative. In 30 years, the ones that we cherish now, may be considered "junk", or at best "old school". In the mid 1980's I thought the same that you do now, believe it or not. The Puma's back then rivaled some customs. That is why they are coveted and collected today. All of the great "senior masters" of today, were in their productive prime. It was glorious back then as well. Just my thoughts from an "old" guy!

 

[shunsui]

We have three remarkably prolific guys in Sal Glesser, Jerry Busse, and Mike Stewart setting a high standard for small companies. Spyderco, Busse Combat, and Bark River produce a tsunami of knife designs.

 

[Tostig]

I have to agree as far as modern designs go.

As far as Slipjoints go ? I wish I could walk into a hardware store 30 ( more or less ) years ago and score some of the sweetness that is so coveted these days.

Mostly true. But in 1980 my dad gave me a Kershaw 1050, and apart from its weight and lack of clip, it's still an awesome folder. FFG, strong lock, good steel, mirror polish, black micarta slabs, fantastic grip and ergo's... It wasn't all bad!

That Kershaw is beautiful , I had a chance to trade for one many years ago but I didnt... I wish I would have.

Oh well

Tostig

 

[Modoc ED]

Mostly true. But in 1980 my dad gave me a Kershaw 1050, and apart from its weight and lack of clip, it's still an awesome folder. FFG, strong lock, good steel, mirror polish, black micarta slabs, fantastic grip and ergo's... It wasn't all bad!

I have a knife exactly like that. Nobody makes a better production knife of that type today including the Buck 110. What did the Kershaw 1050 in was it's price -- $250.00 . That was a lot to pay for such a knife in those days especially when you could pick up a Buck 110 for little money.

As an aside, Kershaw still makes a fixed blade version of the 1050.

 

[jackman2]

Everyone but Gerber.