How Do You Tell Someone Their Knife Is Crappy?

Tell him the truth.

"They sharpened easily but that's because the steel is pretty soft. It won't hold that edge for very long because of that. If you'd like I can point you in the direction of some better designs that are pretty inexpensive. That knife will work, but for less than $50 you can get one that will really impress you."

Then tell him to buy a Delica or Centophante 3/4 from Newgraham.com. :D
 
"Hey, those are pretty cool.......look here, this is what I'm carrying nowadays..."

Then proceed to pull your Benchmade etc. out of your pocket and hand it over to him/her. Briefly explain the premium blade steel and handle materials and how well they perform. Discuss ergonomics, fit and finish, and let them handle the knife. If the blade is an assisted opener, show them how it works and let them try. They will light up with a smile when that blade pops out in their hand, and will be instantly sold.

Say something like "Man you should see some of the stuff they are doing with knives nowadays."

There are better communication methods and many ways of introducing people to better knives than just being outright, blunt and rude.

I would take offense to some of the responses here.
 
TFin04 said:
Tell him the truth.

"They sharpened easily but that's because the steel is pretty soft. It won't hold that edge for very long because of that. If you'd like I can point you in the direction of some better designs that are pretty inexpensive. That knife will work, but for less than $50 you can get one that will really impress you."

Then tell him to buy a Delica or Centophante 3/4 from Newgraham.com. :D
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That is similar to what I say . Had a few guys who I sharpened knives for , they asked me how often I sharpen my using knives. When I told them once a week or so they get a few swipes on the sharpmaker , they begun to ask questions such as " why do my knives stay sharper longer ?"

It is then I will explain to them , in general terms , the diff between steels and proper HT , and also blade maintenance.

Usually they will have their " ah ha ! " moment and ask what they can get for $XX amount.

They may not need a custom or even a $100 user , but I will help them find the best bang for their money.

education...not criticism is the way to go.
 
I never want to come off as some snob. When a similar thing happened to me, I told him they were "not bad" and showed him my knife which he liked a lot. I told him I usually spend a lot of money on my tools and he replied that he usually just gets the job done with his cheaper stuff. I respected that but told him about how great it was to own something so well made. I kind of felt like a snob saying that though. I ended up offering to sharpen his opinel because it was the only decent knife he had. Gave it back to him literally hair whittling sharp and he cut himself later with it of course! HAH!
 
Its a tough subject. I have a couple of family members that used to give me hell for carrying expensive knives and told me how there S&W or Colt knives were just as good. I bought them both a Benchmade 942 for christmas and they have seen the light of S30V and Axis locks. Sometimes it just takes showing them the way.
 
The key for me getting into this was having someone explain blade steel to me. That is neutral enough of a topic. I would go that route as opposed to saying "your knives are _____ whereas my knifes are _______. You say "154cm vs vg-10 vs 440 and so on is why I made my choice to buy whatever it is you are talking about." Makes it less personal and more educational. Why compare knives? Just talk about yours over time and he will figure it out. Then he will decide that he needs to step it up or that he is happy with flea market blades. At that point, if he is happy with 5 dollar knives be happy for him. Not worth the risk of offending a friend. As long as you know the guy well enough and can tell he won't take it as arrogance that you know what you are talking about.
 
Ozy said:
I bought some pretty tragic knives when I first started....I didnt have the mindset to search for 'custom folding knife' manufacturers, or spend more than 50 dollars on a POCKET KNIFE.

Ignorance is just that, its not derogatory, and so no need to critisize, just piqe their curiosity and show them some different flavours.
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yeah urgh... first three knives were a Zytel CRKT M16, Gerber Paraframe and an S&W SWAT with a mall-ninja black coat finish. All but the Gerber are gone and I'm trying to get rid of it too, after carrying some real folders they just felt... cheap.

He'll see the light!
 
yes, if throwing their blade in the trash....give them a spyderco or kershaw...but not a spyderco or kershaw catalog.
 
A Frost rip off of a Desert Cruiser...as if those were cheap enough already.

Honestly, I like the soft steel, sharpens easy, wont hold an edge technique...educate them on the steel...
 
If somone asks your opinion seriously there is an impost to give it - the question ,as generally debated here, is how (tactfully is the consenus).

I'd go fit for purpose route - it the works for you good, I tend to use these because.....

Its like raising children there is no best way but a lot of options to consider in determining how you wat to do it.

The good thing about young people who do not know knives - they are good to give your crap ones too i.e Gerber paraframe going to a young man once I can trust him not to caryy it and get into trouble. On the other hand the Gerber LST micro is my constant companion due to its size - and I don't mind sharpening it regularly
 
I'm surprised no one's said this yet: point him to the forums here & encourage him to join. Just lurking around General Knife Discussion for a day or two will really open his eyes to what's out there. He can Google image search anything he doesn't know about.

There's my $0.02.

thx - cpr
 
If someone has a real interest in a subject their taste refines with time. Politely show what you have out of interest. It's never cool to bag someone else pride and joy just because you have a better knowledge of the subject or the cash to buy better kit. I was quite taken with my Gerbers at first but I now consider them second rate. I thought my Cold Steel Master Hunter was the bomb when I first got it but I now consider it a pig of a knife. Maybe I made a mistake by buying the stainless version rather than the CarbonV. I have acquired a Benchmade AFCK which is brillant in comparison. If only I had a plain edge instead of the combo. If a razor edge is your thing check out Svord knives from New Zealand.
 
LOL a few years ago I would have read this thread and thought; "What snobs!"
but now I'm reading it and going; "yup good point, yup I agree!" I'm a SNOB!
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but seriously if a knife works for someone and it's safe, than it's good, whatever the cost.
Like I've seen written here, "The best knife is the one you have on you!"

I have my Mora's and Tramontina's and I have my Busse's and Customs (and many more)
but I appreciate the range their is, and if they ask for more info or your opinion
I give it but in an educational and positive manner.
 
SPXTrader said:
I usually don't show my knife in a situation like that. If someone asks me to sharpen theirs, I return it sharp and if they ask what I think of it I say it took a nice edge, sharpened up easily or something like that. I don't see the purpose in comparing a $$$+ knife to a $ knife, regardless of what they paid for it.

Rarely do I do a knife comparison with a non knife nut.
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I'm the same way. Unless it's one of my buddies I don't show them my knife unless they ask. Most of them know I'm a knife guy and when they ask for advice I usually direct them to a benchmade or the like. I carry a chris reeve and when a non knife nut asks how much it costs they can't believe I would spend so much on a knife. I just try to tell them that fit finish and customer service are everything. Then ask them why people buy bently and rolex armani ect
 
He is obviously seeking your approval. Common ground and a chance to learn. Talk about the Mora being a great knife for the price. A knife is for cutting. Form and function. Gentle education is the key. He seems interested in learning. Share the knowledge. Compliment him on his interest and ask him why he bought those particular shapes. Lead him to this forum. Wealth of talent and a great bunch of people with a common interest. He can teach himself and you both will have something to talk about. Where else can you talk about knives? Maybe with my adopted grandson he has a drawer full, he is 9.
 
I might tell them that for mundane, everyday tasks, their choice is fine but that I chose my particular knife because someone's life might depend on it in a abnormal situation which could test the limits of even the best made knives. I might go on to offer possible survival/emergency/hard use scenarios which could arise during the person's daily routine (based on specifics such as job, urban and/or rural setting, travel, etc.).
 
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rick43t3 said:
You don't tell him that. You can lead a horse to water.......you know the rest. What you do is show him some nice knives and get him to want better knives. Like Tom Sawyer painting that fence. Lead him in, get him more interested in better cutlery.
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So you're why my knives aren't all Cold Steel folders and one Boker fixed blade! Grrr.

I mean, thanks!
 
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