Are you taken in by "overbuilt" marketing?

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I have a BM 810 and ZT0350 as my "overbuilt" folder. The ZT is actually not that big, and fits my hand perfectly. The BM takes the place of a fixed blade because its LEGAL to carry in my state and a fixed blade is not.

That's right, a 4" folder is legal to carry around, but a 3" fixed blade is not in some places.
 
BladeScout said:
Personally, I never saw the point of silly big overbuilt FOLDERS.

Maybe some people have misunderstood the concept of a POCKET knife.
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I agree with this. For me a pocket knife is a cutting tool and NOT a prybar. Not sure why anyone would use one otherwise unless they were just playing around or they have a specific job that they do that no one else does. If you're not sure if you need an overbuilt folder then you probably don't.

As for fixed blades, yes I was roped into that marketing crap when I first got interested in outdoors knives. And it's not just marketing. You get a lot of hype from loyal followers who are so wrapped up in the marketing and the fanboy community that they will actually make claims that are blatantly wrong. Ever hear that 1095 was superior in every way then 3V? I have, from a fanboy. Wild claims like that are a dead giveaway for something that's over hyped. Another reason I don't fall for it anymore is one day I added a mora to an oversized and obtuse edged fixed blade that I was ordering and that pretty much ruined my opinion that you need a giant and expensive chopper type knife. I still own one and I get use out of it but it is not my best performing cutting tool by a long shot. It's basically a froe with a handle. My knives now tend to be thin stock, thin bladed, and less then 5 inches in blade length.
 
Consumers have always been driven by the extremes. Each industry has their extremes. If you're asking yourself if they are they necessary, I think you're missing the point. Fastest, strongest, lightest, brightest, prettiest, longest, tightest, boldest...Consumers demand them, they spend hard earned monies on them. They are headliners. For everyone? Certainly not. Needed and necessary, but of course. Consumers wouldn't want it any other way.
 
I will admit to owning the smaller Spec Elite I from SOG, although it doesn't see much carry.

And what is that at the bottom, a balisong Trench knife hybrid?! ;)
 
I have been carring a knife since I was 10yrs old.
The only knives I had fail were the ones I was doing something it was not designed for.

Buck110. Tip broke becasue I was trying to use it as a screwdriver. --I used a screwdriver no issues

KaBar. Broke in half trying to pry open C-4 crates.-- prybar bar no issues

An original leatherman the jaws got tweeked becuase I was trying to
use it a improvsed spanner wrench.--- used a spanner wrench no problem--

as for knives.
If tanks work for you. Good.

But I dont need a tank
 
Oh, sure, I'm glad we have a plethora of options on the market... even though many don't appeal to me, it at least assures me that those that do, will stick around, most likely. (Although a lot of my favorite much more "traditional" designs have disappeared while more outlandish things come on the scene in droves... grrr...)
 
Kai Corp. said:
You must have missed the part of my post where I said...

"For everyone? Certainly not."
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Not at all. But I am a consumer and the "overbuilt folder" way, I don't want. I have no need for an "overbuilt" folder that isn't built to cut. I'm not that "extreme."
 
There is a reason the vast majority of my folders are Spydercos, they cut well. I generally go a bit more over built for my fixed blades but even then its within reason.
 
marcinek said:
Not at all. But I am a consumer and the "overbuilt folder" way, I don't want. I have no need for an "overbuilt" folder that isn't built to cut. I'm not that "extreme."
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I get it, lot's of folks don't need a Hemi with a Supercharger either. Want, now that is another perspective. :)
 
Farid 4.JPGIf you are talking overbuilt, how about a Farid locking knife that weighs in at just under 1 lb. and only measures 5" when closed and is 3/4" wide.Farid locking blade (1).JPGFarid locking blade (2).JPG
 
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I have only two such tanks, both Benchmade Adamas. Yes the strength of the thing was attractive but so is the design. The rest of my folders are decidedly not tanks. My old Buck 110 is sort of tank-like but I don't think that slim pointy blade would take much tank work. As it is, I bought it back in probably 1978 or 1979 and it still has its tip.
 
Underbuilt < Overbuilt < Built Just Right

Whether or not a knife is overbuilt depends on what you intend on using it for.
 
scotsmanspride said:
However in my line of work carrying a fixed blade is just not feasible...
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Thats exactly my situation. I cant carry a fixed blade on my belt because it would interfere with putting on my bunker pants. I carry 2 overbuilt folders at work, one in my regular pants and one in my bunkers. Ive never used them for anything other than cutting the usual things, but if I really need to use them, its good to know they will stand up.
 
Kai Corp. said:
I get it, lot's of folks don't need a Hemi with a Supercharger either. Want, now that is another perspective. :)
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In jest, I like a Hemi with a Supercharger AND a knife that excels at cutting/slicing! If I want a hammer I'll get one in my box.
 
Thankfully it has a sheath. I have a Uncle Henry Harley Davison version LB7 I bought in 1986.
It's quite a bit heavier and slightly thicker than my Hinderers.
It's the heaviest knife I own. New materials and manufacturing have shaved a lot of weight off current knives.
Not counting those trying to out do the other by over building just for the wow effect.
 
marcinek said:
Not at all. But I am a consumer and the "overbuilt folder" way, I don't want. I have no need for an "overbuilt" folder that isn't built to cut. I'm not that "extreme."
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Kai Corp. said:
I get it, lot's of folks don't need a Hemi with a Supercharger either. Want, now that is another perspective. :)
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I cant carry a HEMI in my pocket.

But as you said. The market drives the demand.
Im not one of them.


As for over built.
I carry 2 knives.
A spyderco or Benchmade for cutting and GP EDC
and a leatherman Skeletool for TANK stuff.
 
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