Blade etching

Boattale

Boattale

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Joined
Nov 27, 2019
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Here's another knife dislike that I suspect puts me in the minority. But here goes. I cannot stand the blade etching that seems de rigeuer on so many slip joint knives lately. Looking at you GEC, Colonel Coon, RR and so many others lately. Seems like mostly another way to sell a knife with no relationship to performance. Just leave the blade plain please.
 
RickHuf said:
But if it wasn't for the blade etch, how would we know that this was not a plain old standard product



(I'm not much of a blade etch fan, either)
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Bear & Son makes the Weed Knives?!? 🤯

I "thought" that was one of the brands by the owner (I forget the name) of the Schatt & Morgan brand, up in MI. ... 🤔
 
Boattale said:
Here's another knife dislike that I suspect puts me in the minority. But here goes. I cannot stand the blade etching that seems de rigeuer on so many slip joint knives lately.
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There is nothing new about folding knives with etched blades. Its been done for decades, probably well back into the 19th century or more. Its just something that goes along with traditional style knives.
 
Arathol said:
There is nothing new about folding knives with etched blades. Its been done for decades, probably well back into the 19th century or more. Its just something that goes along with traditional style knives.
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I wasn't around in the 19th century. Feel free to like them as long as I don't have to.
 
I like a good etch, it’s just one of those cool little aesthetic things. They go away with use and if you polish them off, so I’d rather they do them than not, all things being equal.


BUT… it must be said, from an economic perspective, put me in the “less etches” camp. let’s say I am not sure if I love a knife or not. It’s highly sought after and acquiring it cost me a notable amount of effort, angst, and not a little treasure. Now, if it didn’t have an etch, I’d be able to judiciously carry it for a couple of days, and not really worry. A quick polish and I’d be back to 99% condition. With an etch, the blade is more or less permanently stained by any patina, since flitzing will remove the etch as readily as the patina. This is a great thing for “old school retail,” the etch is like a guarantee the knife is unused. But it’s annoying in today’s market when we’re all mostly buying and trying used knives. Less etches would probably mean buyers could try the knife a bit and not feel like they were throwing away lots of money, which would probably mean more lightly used knives changing hands, and better prices for everyone, in the long run.
 
This one is about 25 years old, I'd say half the etch is gone, another 25 years and it will probably all be gone. Moral of the story is, just use the knife and before you know it the etch will be a distant memory! OH
Schrade-33-OT-Weyerhauser.jpg
 
etches arent terrible if they can be removed i guess? i remember a while back maybe it was the moore maker, the etch was either so deep or lazered in, it wouldnt buff off. had to go back out for sale after that mod attempt
 
waynorth said:
I love etches!!👏 They are often expressions of the cutlers pride; they add dimension to collectibles, and I've never had an etch limit how well I can slice a tomato!! 😂
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Yep. Charlie waynorth waynorth - I remember when you bought a Remington from Mike knifeswapper knifeswapper . Mike had two available - one with the Remington etch and one without. You paid almost double for the one with the etch.
 
I'm indifferent, I can see both sides to it but then again there's the old analysis paralysis that comes in. Or maybe it's just my adhd 🤔
I'd rather not have them on most knives, it can be a bit much going on sometimes but as stated before they go away with use. Then again with some knives it's nice to see them on. In any case there's plenty of choices to choose from, variety is the spice of life 😉

view




*Edit, I should clarify, in all honesty I actually have been diagnosed with ADHD. I don't want to come across as taking any mental issues lightly.
 
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GaiusJulius said:
I like a good etch, it’s just one of those cool little aesthetic things. They go away with use and if you polish them off, so I’d rather they do them than not, all things being equal.


BUT… it must be said, from an economic perspective, put me in the “less etches” camp. let’s say I am not sure if I love a knife or not. It’s highly sought after and acquiring it cost me a notable amount of effort, angst, and not a little treasure. Now, if it didn’t have an etch, I’d be able to judiciously carry it for a couple of days, and not really worry. A quick polish and I’d be back to 99% condition. With an etch, the blade is more or less permanently stained by any patina, since flitzing will remove the etch as readily as the patina. This is a great thing for “old school retail,” the etch is like a guarantee the knife is unused. But it’s annoying in today’s market when we’re all mostly buying and trying used knives. Less etches would probably mean buyers could try the knife a bit and not feel like they were throwing away lots of money, which would probably mean more lightly used knives changing hands, and better prices for everyone, in the long run.
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That's what I was trying to say. Thanks.
 
Modoc ED said:
Yep. Charlie waynorth waynorth - I remember when you bought a Remington from Mike knifeswapper knifeswapper . Mike had two available - one with the Remington etch and one without. You paid almost double for the one with the etch.
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I remember that knife well! Best 1123 I ever encountered! And I doubled my money when I sold it!!😲
 
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