"Guilty Pleasure" Knives...

My mini barrage. I usually despise assisted openers, but I won a MB in a raffle. I love it!
 
Was recently browsing the forum and came across this thread here: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1385590-I-want-a-quot-Tactilol-quot-Knife!

It seems that the OP was occasionally prone to bouts of "Ninjavitis" :D and wanted a folder that would satisfy his unreasonable and perhaps, dare I say, unfathomable, need to be "tacticlol". Anyways, I found the thread to be great and entertaining in many ways and on many levels, and it got me thinking; assuming (yes, I do know what assumptions make out of "u and me" ;)) that the majority of members of this forum are people who have been into blades for long time and enjoy this hobby with some degree of seriousness, are newcomers and are (hoping?) to end up the former, and all sorts in between the two, how many people have a blade(s?) that they enjoy that by a lot of accounts they shouldn't as seasoned hobbyists? Bad manufacturer reputation, lower material quality, bad or generally poor QC/F&F etc. Just curious to see what the responses are like and if people do have knives that fit this bill, why it falls into this category for them.

I'll start off with my most recent purchase, the CRKT Fossil Compact with Veff Serrations. My first 2 knives that I bought were both CRKT's and I actually kind of liked them both (M16-10KZ and a M16-13SF), but after deciding to take the hobby of "collecting (and using) pointy things" seriously and joining this forum, the knowledge that I'd gained from this site steered me towards other makers that generally have a wider informal approval rating (at least here anyways) such as Kershaw, Benchmade, etc. Anyways, long story short, I saw the same model sans serrations at my local store and had a chance to handle it. I LOVED the design and feel of it, but over $100 for 8Cr13MoV and G10/aluminum...:eek: So I kept putting it off until...NO MORE!:
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And I honestly couldn't be happier (paid a bit under MSRP too)! All this despite all the nay say towards the company (I do tend to agree with it though) and the materials used in this "$100" knife. Not a knife many people may find good by "popular" standards, but I just can't help but like it... ;)

You're welcome!

Somewhere in there is a link to the original thread that originally inspired the thread that you enjoyed so much.

In the end, I couldn't go through with the purchase. I've been spoiled by nicer knives, and I can't go back.

Currently, a CKRT/Lightfoot M1 fulfills my "ninja needs", and is actually somewhat practical.



A high-water mark for CRKT, as far as I'm concerned: good heat treat, nice ergonomics, the older, manual version of the LAWKS. The paddle clip is secure, and the weight is confidence-inspiring.

As for the thread, I suppose it was a way to remind myself not to take myself so seriously, because I have problems with that, and it can get you trolled something awful, around here.

And the ninja-vitis? Truly, I have no idea. Maybe it's just fun to walk around, secretly knowing that you could whip that big monster out, and make everybody in the room jump with surprise.

The knife. The knife! (what were you thinking? :p)
 
You're welcome!

Somewhere in there is a link to the original thread that originally inspired the thread that you enjoyed so much.

I did see the link and took a look through that old thread...:)

In the end, I couldn't go through with the purchase. I've been spoiled by nicer knives, and I can't go back.

Currently, a CKRT/Lightfoot M1 fulfills my "ninja needs", and is actually somewhat practical.


A high-water mark for CRKT, as far as I'm concerned: good heat treat, nice ergonomics, the older, manual version of the LAWKS. The paddle clip is secure, and the weight is confidence-inspiring.

Really like the look of that M1, and while I don't mind the Auto-LAWKS, the manual LAWKS system is smoother and more to my liking in my (limited) experience with it. Just curious, was the M1 part of an additional line-up for CRKT that complimented the M16 series, or was it replaced by the M16 series?

As for the thread, I suppose it was a way to remind myself not to take myself so seriously, because I have problems with that, and it can get you trolled something awful, around here.

And the ninja-vitis? Truly, I have no idea. Maybe it's just fun to walk around, secretly knowing that you could whip that big monster out, and make everybody in the room jump with surprise.

The knife. The knife! (what were you thinking? :p)

I also agree that sometimes, with a lot of hobbies (firearms, pointy things, cars, etc), it can be easy to be so into them that at times, the fun may slip away??? While I'm not saying "don't take a hobby seriously", IMO, it's good to lighten up on the topic every so often (why I think I enjoyed that thread so much!).
 
Chariotz, to answer your question, the M1 was a separate collaboration between CRKT and Greg Lightfoot.

Although it happened about the same time as the (Kit?) Carson-designed M16/M21 series.

Mr. Lightfoot is a distinguished maker in his own right, and his customs command respectable prices. I liked his designs when I was just learning about the wider world of knives on the Internet. At the time, eighty dollars (the MSRP of the M1) was quite a sum for my late teens/early twenties self. It's one of the knives that has been with me the longest, and continues to give me a smile every time I pick it up.
 
Chariotz, to answer your question, the M1 was a separate collaboration between CRKT and Greg Lightfoot.

Although it happened about the same time as the (Kit?) Carson-designed M16/M21 series.

Mr. Lightfoot is a distinguished maker in his own right, and his customs command respectable prices. I liked his designs when I was just learning about the wider world of knives on the Internet. At the time, eighty dollars (the MSRP of the M1) was quite a sum for my late teens/early twenties self. It's one of the knives that has been with me the longest, and continues to give me a smile every time I pick it up.

It's a shame that the line seems to be discontinued (as is the similar IMO 'Hammond Cruiser' line-up) as it really does look like a nice design!
 
It's a shame that the line seems to be discontinued (as is the similar IMO 'Hammond Cruiser' line-up) as it really does look like a nice design!

The Cruiser was a larger knife, with a blade that tapered to a pretty acute point, and the ergonomics weren't as nice as the M1.

I had both. As well as an M16 (felt small and hard to control), and others. CRKT was my gateway drug, and I abused it thoroughly!

Most of them left eventually. I still have the M1, a Dogfish, and two Ripples.

If you're in the right place at the right time, M1's come up on that auction site (not a paid vendor, so no proper names), but they're mostly the tan, partially serrated ones. If you can live with the teeth, you can still find them.

Actually, since Greg Lightfoot's makers' mark is a shark, maybe the serrations should have been the standard model.....
 
The Cruiser was a larger knife, with a blade that tapered to a pretty acute point, and the ergonomics weren't as nice as the M1.

I had both. As well as an M16 (felt small and hard to control), and others. CRKT was my gateway drug, and I abused it thoroughly!

Most of them left eventually. I still have the M1, a Dogfish, and two Ripples.

If you're in the right place at the right time, M1's come up on that auction site (not a paid vendor, so no proper names), but they're mostly the tan, partially serrated ones. If you can live with the teeth, you can still find them.

Actually, since Greg Lightfoot's makers' mark is a shark, maybe the serrations should have been the standard model.....

Definitely a fan of 'Teeth' :D! Although, since I live North of the border and it seems our CBSA agents like to confiscate flippers, AO's and knives with the axis lock, stopping them from crossing the border, trying to buy one second-hand from any sort of vendor from the good ol' US of A doesn't inspire me with a lot of confidence. And I'm not sure how many options there are for me up here in-country...oh well, a guy can wish.:subdued:
 
My guilty pleasure knife is usually something that looks aggresive and has a military type look. (Not crazy saw teeth or "tacticlol" designs, but generally a dagger or a bayonette styled knife like a Kabar/EK/Sykes Fairbairn/Glock knife or clip point bowie style. My other guilty plesure is tomahawks. My useful knives are all bushcrafty or general ourpose knives. The TOPS War Bowie pictured below was a guilty pleasure purchase. I just thought it looked badass. I liked the look of the big old clip point bowie knife. Turns out the TOPS War bowie has excellent fit and finish and is differentially heat treated. The knife got used and suddenly I realized it is very well suited for numberous outdoor tasks. My guilty pleasure turned into one of my favorites. So much so that I bought another and stripped and customized it. Here is a pic...

 
The TOPS War Bowie pictured below was a guilty pleasure purchase. I just thought it looked badass. I liked the look of the big old clip point bowie knife. Turns out the TOPS War bowie has excellent fit and finish and is differentially heat treated. The knife got used and suddenly I realized it is very well suited for numberous outdoor tasks. My guilty pleasure turned into one of my favorites.

What a beautiful thing indeed! :)
 
Funny thread, I'll play along :).

I am guilty of tacticlol-ness Your Honour, the only mitigating circumstance I can call in in my defence is I was young in my knife age :D. Bough the FOX Predator I several years ago. Used it very little, frankly speaking. My older son now is in love with it (13 yrs. old… ninjery in full swing :D) and I let him use it on the trails. Have to say, beyond its mall ninja look, it’s a pretty good beast!

Evidences to the jurors' bench, please! :D

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Funny thread, I'll play along :).

I am guilty of tacticlol-ness Your Honour, the only mitigating circumstance I can call in in my defence is I was young in my knife age :D. Bough the FOX Predator I several years ago. Used it very little, frankly speaking. My older son now is in love with it (13 yrs. old… ninjery in full swing :D) and I let him use it on the trails. Have to say, beyond its mall ninja look, it’s a pretty good beast!

Evidences to the jurors' bench, please! :D

This juror finds the guilty of being tacticlol (and needing more jimping!)! ;) Despite the mall-ninja looks, the blade does seem to be on the beefier side which I guess could possibly lend itself to some outdoor usage like you mentioned...? Also to be 13 again :D While this may be a "Guilty Pleasure" blade for you, I don't think your son has any qualms about this blade...;) :)
 
So, this seems like the perfect place for my first post! Have been bombing around the forum for a few years and finally joined today....

Never having really been victim to the tacticool craze, I am more of a victorinox huntsman kind of guy ever since the boy scouts, but my number one guilty pleasure is the Kershaw Cryo II. I have been EDCing for about 6 months. I have it in blackwash and it's so comfortable, smooth opening, great lockout, and looks nice. I particularly like the deep carry and slim design that make 6oz feel like 3 in the pocket. None of these features overcome my guilt for 3 things...
1. 8cr13mov. What more can I say. Ugh
2. Made in China. The back of the blade looks so nice until you see that ubiquitous mark.
3. It's a knockoff. Man I would kill for a Zero Tolerance 0560BW Elmax Hinderer.

Sure is cool to show to anyone that "don't know jack" about blades. Otherwise I use that sucker and get it right back in the pocket pronto...
 
So, this seems like the perfect place for my first post! Have been bombing around the forum for a few years and finally joined today....

Never having really been victim to the tacticool craze, I am more of a victorinox huntsman kind of guy ever since the boy scouts, but my number one guilty pleasure is the Kershaw Cryo II. I have been EDCing for about 6 months. I have it in blackwash and it's so comfortable, smooth opening, great lockout, and looks nice. I particularly like the deep carry and slim design that make 6oz feel like 3 in the pocket. None of these features overcome my guilt for 3 things...
1. 8cr13mov. What more can I say. Ugh
2. Made in China. The back of the blade looks so nice until you see that ubiquitous mark.
3. It's a knockoff. Man I would kill for a Zero Tolerance 0560BW Elmax Hinderer.

Sure is cool to show to anyone that "don't know jack" about blades. Otherwise I use that sucker and get it right back in the pocket pronto...

I loved and used my huntsman for things it was never designed for as a kid. Never abuse - we used the saw on it to cut down small saplings and cut through 2x8s as my friends and I built a treehouse in the suburban Oregonian wilderness. I'm glad to see another huntsman fan!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
My guilty pleasure knife is usually something that looks aggresive and has a military type look. (Not crazy saw teeth or "tacticlol" designs, but generally a dagger or a bayonette styled knife like a Kabar/EK/Sykes Fairbairn/Glock knife or clip point bowie style. My other guilty plesure is tomahawks. My useful knives are all bushcrafty or general ourpose knives. The TOPS War Bowie pictured below was a guilty pleasure purchase. I just thought it looked badass. I liked the look of the big old clip point bowie knife. Turns out the TOPS War bowie has excellent fit and finish and is differentially heat treated. The knife got used and suddenly I realized it is very well suited for numberous outdoor tasks. My guilty pleasure turned into one of my favorites. So much so that I bought another and stripped and customized it. Here is a pic...


I really like the job you did over the coated blade, it brings out the hamon (if you can call if that?) and looks a lot nicer!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
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