Handles: Camo, black or bright colors ?

I like camo just because it's cool and different.
But I do realize that it is not really practical for wilderness use.

I also like black (blade and handle) because it does not draw attention to the knife.
This is great for everyday "around town" or office carry.
But, again, it's not very practical for using in the woods.

Bright colors simply cannot be beat for wilderness use.

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Which one would be easier to find if you dropped it in the woods?
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For aesthetics, I prefer rich wood grain handles, or for feel and grip, any models with Spydercos G10, although the G10 on my Strider PT and Benchmade 705 are pretty comfortable, and the micarta on my Sebenzas is pretty comfortable. So, for everyday use, black is fine. I really dislike camo handles/blades etc, I see no use for them. Bright colors, as for instance my Spyderco Pacific Salt with yellow handles, on the boat, is a great idea. I hae seen orange handled Bark Rivers, among other companies, and think that if you are using it where there is a good chance you will lose it, that is a great idea. For everyday carry though, I get by fine with a dark colored handle. Nothing flashy. I do not like black blades, the coolness factor of them has worn off for me, and if they are not ground or sharpened correctly, I find that the finish can sometimes hinder the cutting ability.
 
I've never owned a knife with a brightly colored handle, SAK red is as close as I've come. I have lost two knives while working and will consider a bright color on the next purchase.

I recently bought a blaze orange windmill lighter - the blaze orange sure makes it easy to find when I misplace it :thumbup: . Good thread.
 
I really like Ironwood handles on certain knives, but I also am looking forward to the gray G10 on the JYD. That is probably because I am so fond of my Titanium handled knives, and black G10 is getting old, but I don't favor bright colored G10.
 
I've just started my search for a new fixed and a new folder to be used while hiking/camping/fishing/hunting and think I'll go with something brightly colored. Ive lost too much of various types of gear, especially under low light conditions. Black is d#$% hard to see, and camo . . . forget it ! It's gone :( And I also want a bright or satin blade - not painted black. Much easier to get a reflection off of it with your flashlight if you drop it in the dark. Between bright color and lanyards whenever possible, I should be able to keep these new blades for awhile . - - For guys who can't stand an orange handle, you can wrap your black one with colored electrical tape and remove it later - - though I think that can make the grip a bit slippery. - - Its taken me a little while to get over some bright color in a serious knife that might be used for survival (still won't go for pink no matter how well it might show up !) but it just makes sense in a field knife for survival type not military use IMO. - - -
 
I think what hinders many from choosing camo handles is the "ninja commando" factor. Many cheap junk survival knives came on the market with painted schemes sold to visually entertained children.

It was an instant clue to their knife knowledge, and carried over to the reputable makers selling camo birch, or other treatments. Most reputable makers have shied away since. Camo patterns on handles and blades are generally ineffective because of the reduced size anyway.

Subdued treatments are still popular, although I see and have experienced black actually gets noticed a lot more than I thought. It's also a reason why it was dropped from the ACU color line up. Black is used so much for "tactical" knives it's wearing out it's welcome. Doesn't help all the cheap imports use it, too, so it's becoming a downgrade to me.
 
A nice wood handled fixed blade is where it's at. When out in the woods add a bright colored lanyard and your set. If your real anal I guess you could get one of those devices that beeps when you clap attach it to the lanyard and you'd never lose a knife again. Of course take it off when you go to a concert or a play - it could be embarrassing when your pocket starts beeping during the standing ovation.
 
I prefer earth tones, but they can be difficult if not impossible to find if dropped in the woods. I had the handle of my BK7 wrapped in camo paracord for a while, but after a close call while camping i changed it to the neon green stuff you can buy at walmart. It doesn't look as good, but at least i can see it.
 
zenheretic said:
Didn't even notice you were from another country until you posted the above. Your English is fine! :thumbup:
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Thanks! :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

allenC said:
Which one would be easier to find if you dropped it in the woods?
knives079.jpg
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This picture pretty much ends the discussion!

I may add that a bright lanyard could be a solution, in case you don't want a bright knife.



BETO

====================
Sorry for my english :o
 
BigJimSlade said:
Bright orange G-10 rules. You can drop it in the dark and find it. Not much need for tactikewl up here.
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Yup. What he said.:D I love the bright colors, and was infact enroute to the garage to paint my Douk Douk blaze orange when I saw this thread.


a dark color is great around town, etc. But I've recently been learning to love brightly colored work/woods knives.

I really like the day glo blue color on some of the BRKT's.
 
I like a black handle with a silver blade, but I definitely agree that a bright colored handle is harder to lose.
 
I'll just echo the sentiment here. I prefer Darker, more subdued colors for EDC. The less attention the better. If I taking a dark handled anything with me into the woods, I throw a bright lanyard on it so it doesn't get lost.

I'm not a big fan of camo anything unless it is called for.
 
It all depends on the knife personally. Some look great with black handles, others just don't. I really like the tan handle scales on my Kabar Mule, the way it contrasts with the black but doesn't overpower you is great. Camo tends to look a little absurd, an overall subued color looks more "professional." I think that a dark gray would look great. Bright colors have their place but I don't see a real need. IMHO no one should be dropping a knife (as it should have good ergonomics and a mature user) and even if they do it should be secured somehow.
 
Because somewhere in the woods of my brothers farm is my Emerson that fell out of my pocket, most likely when I jumped down from a tree.
 
I've noticed that bright handled knives get stolen or "mysteriously dissappear" less Than black knives, and camo just looks cheesy to me, although I do sometimes play with different patterns on some blades. I don't like shiny blades at all though, and have taken to putting a patina on carbon steel blades with lemon juice. It leaves a nice semi gloss finish that does not reflect too much light.
 
The idea of camo handles is rediculous! Game are not going to pick out the handle on any knife (save for maybe orange). If it's not practical, I don't like it in camo. I really like black linen micarta.
 
Black is fairly good for use in the city (think: NKPs), but for wilderness, something bright (preferably orange), even if it's just a lanyard.
 
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