Sometimes I get knifed out for short periods, but often some use or other comes up that re-energizes me. Most recently, I started training in defensive knife systems -- if I'm a knife knut, I might as well know how to use the damn things in all manner, right? And training has led me to pursue types of knives that I hadn't considered that seriously before. And furthermore, a bunch of knives that I have that you'd think would be great for defensive use now turn out not to be so great, due to the particularities of the grip I use. Voila! Brand new interest opening up, with brand new knife characteristics.
A few months ago I decided that I end up putzing around the property breaking down boxes and randomly trimming plants often enough that I wanted the best knife possible for it. Looking for such a knife was a blast. I decided a fixed blade and neck carry (with other carry options possible) would be best. The knife should be incredible easy to draw and very stable in the hand, so I started looking at things like Fred Perrin's knives. Ultimately, my quest ended with one of Frontsight's Hideaway's, because not only did it fit the bill overall, but the design lets me open my hand and use my fingers to manipulate things without putting the knife down, and then close my hand to cut again (!!!). Wonderful resolution, but of course the search for ever-improving solutions is 90% of the fun.
A bunch of years ago, I became intensely interested in light high-performance utility and camp knives. Ultimately I designed the TTKK as a best solution for me, but I had fun buying and using other knives that fit the bill for this kind of thing, too.
Joe
