Brick and mortar rules / In-hand blade size

unit

unit

Joined
Nov 22, 2009
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Am I the only one that seems to be a poor judge of size?

The past 4 knives I have purchased have all arrived either much larger or much smaller than I anticipated. Yes, every one of them was exactly the dimensions the manufacturer claimed, but for some reason once they get in my hand they all seem really small, or really big compared to my preconception.

I guess I need a good knife shop in my town so I can palm these things prior to purchase. I have dealt with some GREAT online shops, but walking into a brick and mortar shop and getting all touchy-feely with an item prior to purchase is a luxury I truly miss. If you have a good one in your area, do not take it for granted.
 
I agree. I thought that the Spyderco Kiwi was far too small for my uses, then I walked into a store (to order a DMT aligner) which just happened to stock it. Well, it fit my hand perfectly! Now I want one.
 
Unit, it ain't just you. It's very hard to scale a picture in your head with just numbers to work with. It's much easier when the picture includes a reference object, even something as simple as a quarter. One of our members composes very nice still lifes with such things as pistols and watches with the knife. Those pictures really tell you what size the knife is,
 
my only issue with the B&M store near me is that all of their items are at or above MSRP. I just can't afford the habit at those costs. I tend to go in and shoot the hay with the staff, talk about what is what etc. I have bought some custom work from the folks in there, and thrown them a couple of sharpening jobs to make up for my time spent not buying from them.
 
I usually try to draw the knife in question on a piece of paper. It gives me a pretty good idea of how long the handle/blade is.

I also try to google images to see pics of the knife compared to other knives i know. Youtube can also be good if the reviewer compares it to other knives and shows it in-hand.
 
There has been more than one time I have been seen holding a ruler up to a computer screen. I can save a picture and open it in a picture editing program. If I know a dimension then you zoom until the pic matches it. Then you have an on screen actual size version of the knife. It helps when you don't have a store around that carries anything you are interested in.
 
Had the same issue with small sebenza. Thought it would be too small, but at B&M it was pretty much a perfect size or me. We have one decent knife shop close, so I paid a little more to do business there (basically sales tax). But he's still pretty competitive. I don't mind spending a little more for a dedicated shop, but will not shop at the mall stores where full MSRP is the rule.
 
EricWL said:
I don't mind spending a little more for a dedicated shop, but will not shop at the mall stores where full MSRP is the rule.
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I understand that. I love to shop and support local, but I am only willing to spend a little extra to do so. MSRP or higher is hard to deal with when viable alternatives exist that provide equivalent service.

There are some great ideas posted here...perhaps drawing a scaled image and cutting it out to handle would be worthwhile. I really thought that all the youtube videos would give me the right idea, but sometimes you just have to hold it in your hand.

That said, I am finding that once it is carried a day or two I develop an even clearer image of what seems "right" to me.
 
FlaMtnBkr said:
There has been more than one time I have been seen holding a ruler up to a computer screen. I can save a picture and open it in a picture editing program. If I know a dimension then you zoom until the pic matches it. Then you have an on screen actual size version of the knife. It helps when you don't have a store around that carries anything you are interested in.
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Glad to hear that I'm not the only one who does this! :D

I've yet to be surprised by a knife bought sight unseen. Sometimes the ergos may surprise a little, but no disappointments so far.

I have found a local store that carries quite a few "good" brands, though, and I've taken to spending time there. Plus, they sell a great selection of cigars, and are very friendly. I've spent about $1500 there over the last 3 or 4 years.:eek:

Luckily, they sell William Henry, and Chris Reeve stuff, which is price-fixed, and they can't gouge you on the price. Wouldn't buy any of their other stuff at MSRP, though.

Daniel
 
FlaMtnBkr said:
There has been more than one time I have been seen holding a ruler up to a computer screen.
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Me too. :cool: I keep an old machinist's rule in my pencil cup, just for that.

My wife thought I was nuts - until I showed her an A.G. Russell kitchen knife, holding the rule up to the monitor, and compared to another we already had.

thx - cpr
 
FlaMtnBkr said:
There has been more than one time I have been seen holding a ruler up to a computer screen. I can save a picture and open it in a picture editing program. If I know a dimension then you zoom until the pic matches it. Then you have an on screen actual size version of the knife. It helps when you don't have a store around that carries anything you are interested in.
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+1000

that's what i do
 
That is one reason the For Sale forums are full of stuff heh. You will notice many knives are : just bought a few days ago, taken out to shave paper, etc.
 
As has been said already I think the problem would be solved if there would be more pictures of knives with a quarter or some other common visual refference next to them.
 
unit said:
Am I the only one that seems to be a poor judge of size? The past 4 knives I have purchased have all arrived either much larger or much smaller than I anticipated. Yes, every one of them was exactly the dimensions the manufacturer claimed, but for some reason once they get in my hand they all seem really small, or really big compared to my preconception.
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This is why I will NOT buy another knife without first handling it. I've learned my lesson twice about buying knives based simply on specs and what I think may feel good in-hand. What sucks is when you don't have any stores close by that stock quality knives.
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Splat
 
There are three local stores off the top of my head that have a nice selection of folders.

I rarely buy anything at these stores because the markup is ridiculous compared to buying online.

Times are hard , extra cash is scarce for me these days , got to make every nickel count it seems and if I can save $50 by buying online , I will do so in a hearbeat.

This whole 'support the local economy' thing is great and all that but like the old saying goes , money talks.... :)

Tostig
 
i have the exact same problem. got a gec toothpick [4 in.] in today. bought it for the appearance & i dont believe i've ever in hand felt a better knife. sure it's great as a carry & a sunday knife too. but in hand you feel the real magic, tottally unexpected just a sensual bonding.
 
B&M stores are fun, but I'd never buy from one. The prices are just too high. It's the same watches-cameras and computers. I buy all my stuff online.
 
Tostig, Godot, I hear ya and often feel the same. But if the BM stores (oops, that didn't come out right) don't sell a knife once in a while, how long are they gonna be in business? Nothing like heading down to your local knife store one fine morning and finding out they tore it down to build another video store...

Parker
 
catspa said:
Nothing like heading down to your local knife store one fine morning and finding out they tore it down to build another video store...

Parker
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I hear you, while I can not expect anyone to pay WAY over what a knife sells for on line, it is important to keep in mind the value of having a local place to help you out. In the end it is up to everyone to decide how much they are willing to pay to keep a great shop in their area.

I started this thread because I no longer have the option.

Please keep in mind that when I say "great shop", I am not talking about a place that has a good selection, high prices, and worthless know-nothings behind the counter. A "great shop" provides sufficient value to offset the higher price you pay locally.
 
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