How do you buy a new knife?

Buffalohump

Buffalohump

Joined
Sep 7, 2006
Messages
6,199
Serious question -- how do you buy a new knife these days? There is a such a blizzard of new models and companies I feel overwhelmed.

Beyond budget, my method is to narrow it down in the following way:

Country of origin -- I won't buy Chinese-made knives so that cuts out a lot!
Lock type -- I prefer the Axis/crossbar lock above all so that gets preference. After that, back lock and liner lock/frame lock.
Scale materials -- I avoid metal handled knives these days, preferring G-10 and micarta above all although I do like Carbon Fibre if it's not too pricey.
Blade steel -- I try to look for new blade steels if I don't have it already. Want to try Magnacut next.
Weight -- I tend not to carry heavier knives so now I examine weight quite closely

I like some sites (like Knifecenter for example), which allow you to search according to a lot of criteria.

I'm thinking a spread sheet might be in order! 😆
 
I currently have about 32 folders, and 15 fixed blades if I include kitchen duty knives, in my collection. So what I look for is stuff that I don't already have, something special that would make a particular knife stand out against the others, be it a new locking mechanism, a new steel, or new material in general or a particular use that isn't covered by what I currently own.

So, that thins out the herd quite a bit.

My latest interest was the Demko 20.5, just for the locking mechanism. Haven't pull the trigger yet because I find the knife ugly overall.
While my latest purchase was a Moki lockback. A tiny 2" bladed lockback handled in mother of pearl with abalone inlays; fit and finish on this knife is out of this world, and I mainly use it to cut cigars when in good company.

Then there are the "don't". For example, I've had two liner lock fail on me, so that locking mechanism is a no go from the start. And titanium frame lock I find boring, and do not like using them for a multiple of reasons, so they also are a no go. So that also contribute to thining out the herd quite a bit.

Pricing? Not an absolute, no. I like value, but it is what "I" perceive as value, so as they go up in price, they have to provide more "specialness" to me.
 
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And I thought this hobby was supposed to be enjoyable...not like doing taxes or going to the dentist.

Put me in the camp that buys what he likes...though aesthetics, steel, maker, construction and various other "things" go into the selection process.

Is it really necessary to itemize? As far as I'm concerned...no.

Have fun and let's keep politics out of the discussion please. (Thank you.)
 
I pretty much only buy from makers that I can stand behind, past that, the law determines what I buy. I follow the law, and so blade length can be a factor in my purchase. I won’t carry something that could cause a problem with law enforcement, not that I run into them but I respect the law of the land.
 
Blues said:
And I thought this hobby was supposed to be enjoyable...not like doing taxes or going to the dentist.

Put me in the camp that buys what he likes...though aesthetics, steel, maker, construction and various other "things" go into the selection process.

Is it really necessary to itemize? As far as I'm concerned...no.

Have fun and let's keep politics out of the discussion please. (Thank you.)
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Being overseas it gets harder. Not easy to get (high shipping costs and only some dealers ship abroad) and import duties and harder to sell if you don't like it. So somewhat more 'analysis' goes into the decision. I still find the research and 'weeding out' process enjoyable, I guess I am built that way. 🤷‍♂️
 
I don't purchase as often as I once did, but when I do it typically goes as follows:

1. See new knife release
2. It reaches out of the screen, smacks me upside the head and says "YOU MUST HAVE!!!"
3. It's not made in China
4. Check a handful of trusted knife pushers, starting with DLT
5. Click buy

If that doesn't happen then I'm rarely compelled to buy anything these days
 
I try to only buy two makers, Carothers Performance Knives or Vehement Knives. VK releases a midtech once a year or so, and Carothers I try to pick up only models that I really like, which is about two thirds of them, but that's usually two or three a year at most. I will jump on GEC releases, but mostly don't keep them, it's just because they're cool and fun to chase and resell easily.

Those are collection knives. I only keep one user folder, which I try to only change when I see something that I like a whole lot better.
 
Buffalohump said:
Being overseas it gets harder. Not easy to get (high shipping costs and only some dealers ship abroad) and import duties and harder to sell if you don't like it. So somewhat more 'analysis' goes into the decision. I still find the research and 'weeding out' process enjoyable, I guess I am built that way. 🤷‍♂️
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Well, see, here I thought you were an indigenous American based upon your user name...probably Comanche at that.

Now that I have the facts, and know you're not a character out of Lonesome Dove, well, I can understand your need to be more analytical.

:cool:
 
Typically I'll see something I like. I'll think about it on and off for a week or two, and if it's still available, and I still want it, I'll buy it. No other criteria involved. I've become a lot more selective over the last decade or so.
I will admit that BladeForums, and the internet in general, has caused me to spend a lot of money.
 
Blues said:
Well, see, here I thought you were an indigenous American based upon your user name...probably Comanche at that.

Now that I have the facts, and know you're not a character out of Lonesome Dove, well, I can understand your need to be more analytical.

:cool:
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In my MIND I'm out there on the Staked Plains, hunting buffalo and stalking Call and McCrae daily... in my body, I'm stuck here in Johannesburg, ZA. 😁
 
Buffalohump said:
In my MIND I'm out there on the Staked Plains, hunting buffalo and stalking Call and McCrae daily... in my body, I'm stuck here in Johannesburg, ZA. 😁
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Love it.

I hope my friend Steven65 Steven65 will chime in and provide his usual wisdom.
 
My knife needs are mostly the same as a box cutter/opener removing tags, and basic cutting needs.
Beyond that they are wants, not needs.
Too much analysis takes away most of the fun part.
 
I'll be honest, most of my collection is made up of impulse buys. I do tend to like what I buy, though, so that's good. 🤣

More to the point, though, I have to like the overall design, the blade shape (wharnies FTW), the ergos (or more precisely: if it's gonna fit in these huge mitts I call hands), and the steel. Bonus points if it's contains something that's not part of my collection yet, e.g. a new steel or handle material. Most of the time, the lock type doesn't factor into it as I don't really "hard use" my folders, so I'm not too worried about the lock failing me unless there's a QC issue with it. I don't really favor one lock type over another. They're all easy enough to use for me. Oh, and I try only to buy from reputable manufacturers. If I know nothing about the brand I tend to stay away from it.
 
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