How do you buy a new knife?

I prefer to buy from local stores where people know me and I can handle the knives (not Walmart), but the selection is not great except for Benchmade.
 
Peregrin said:
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.
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This was my father's method, and his advice to me.
I don't always adhere to it, but I've always found that if I can wait 2 weeks, my cooler mind prevails.
I miss his sage and fatherly wisdom, but I was pleased to see it echoed here.
 
in order of criteria that matters to me:

1) is it made in China? if yes, pass.
2) is this a brand new design or well-known? if it is a brand new design I'd likely try and find some user reports/reviews before purchasing
3) is this a collector knife or something I expect to use immediately?

Not to diminish anyone who impulse buys knives, but its not something I really do any more....10+ years ago? absolutely made impulse buys. This thread reminds me of another one posted a month ago or so about how the OP was "bored" with most new production knives and tended to go toward customs. I can relate in part to that sentiment, however, I don't really buy customs either.
 
Another Shepherd said:
I prefer to buy from local stores where people know me and I can handle the knives (not Walmart), but the selection is not great except for Benchmade.
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I'd probably buy ALOT more knives if I lived in an area where knives are actually retailed in physical stores. the only knives available locally are 10 or so of the common production case knives models (which I like a lot but not really getting excited about them lately) and imported stuff from gerber
 
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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It's a Holiday.

It's a family dinner.

You are there.

That's how I interpret this!

Haha!

How do I buy knives?

I work overtime!
 
I have a little mental checklist for modern folders, which has changed quite a bit over the years. Assuming the design speaks to me on some level (if it doesn't, why would I buy it at all?) I just quickly run through my current list of preferences:

- flipper
- manual
- slow-roll opening method (studs, hole, etc.)
- excellent ergonomics
- no clip holes on the show side
- no serrations
- S30V or "better" (I know better is a simplification, but still)
- uncoated blade, preferably stonewashed
- texture on the show-side scale
- steel-on-steel lockup
- made in the USA
- not supporting someone who says bigoted crap
- not significantly similar to a knife I already own

This is how I wound up with my current collection: three Hinderers, an XM-18 3.0, XM-18 3.5, and XM-24 (all 13/13 on my list); and one Strider SnG (10/13: not a flipper, Ti-on-steel lockup, coated blade). Years of buying, selling at a loss (AKA renting), and reflecting on what I like and don't like have produced a list that rules out a lot of knives...which my wallet appreciates. ;)

The two most common dealbreakers for me are clip holes on the show side and a smooth show-side scale. It delights me how often I see a really cool knife, notice one or both of those things, and can just move on without wishing I owned it or even thinking about it ever again.🌴🍺

Knives that I don't think of as part of my core collection don't have to hit nearly as many criteria to make the cut. Like my Spyderco Pacific Salt: It's only a 7/13 -- but it's a perfect knife for hiking and backpacking.
 
EngrSorenson said:
This was my father's method, and his advice to me.
I don't always adhere to it, but I've always found that if I can wait 2 weeks, my cooler mind prevails.
I miss his sage and fatherly wisdom, but I was pleased to see it echoed here.
Click to expand...
Thanks! As I tell my wife, I occasionally have a worthwhile thought. :D ;)
Your dad was obviously a gentleman and a scholar!
 
Generally speaking I like folders in a certain size range (3.25" - 3.5") and I have a preference for ones with multiple deployment methods, e.g., studs and front flipper, hole and flipper, etc. I generally prefer blades with low tips, which rules out most big belly knives. I consider the country of origin, but don't rule out any on that basis. And since it's impossible for me to handle most knives before buying, I watch a bunch of Youtube reviews.
 
At this point:

No production knives-- custom and semi or perhaps midtech only.

No thumbstuds unless there is a second opening option.

No plain metal handles

Not tactical looking ie no tantos, partial serrations

No G-10 or FRN.

No Benchmade.
 
Simple:

1) I see a knife I can't live without

2a) I frantically sell everything I can think of that I can live without

or

2b) I put it on a credit card

or

2c) I suppose another option would be to plan ahead and have slush fund for such purposes, but that never happens

3) Either way I end up with a tangle of emotions involving anticipation, elation, victory and a tinge of guilt

4) Repeat, more often than I should

Welcome to my world.
 
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