I wonder if it bothers knife companies/makers.....

[ToddM]

When people don't use their knives?

Bigger companies probably don't as care much I'd imagine they are in it more for the business end of things and for many of their employees it's probably more job and less of a passion. I wonder about smaller mid-tech, or custom guys. I know some custom firearm guys that get really annoyed to see their creations not being actually used, and they are usually most happy when they see one of their guns that looks like it's been a "daily driver".

We've had a few knife picture threads recently and the ones that really surprise me are the "Take your (insert X brand here) out of your pocket and show them" threads and 90% of them look like they could pass for brand new, not a scuff on the pocket clip or the blade.

Not passing judgement on anyone, and I have no doubt there's guys using their knives much harder than I ever will, but it's almost like knives have become more of a fashion accessory than a tool by the amount of use in many of the picture threads. My larger concern is are we going to start seeing knife companies react to and cater to that trend down the road, if they are not already.

 

[rje58]

When people don't use their knives?

I don't know if it bothers them at all - but I bet it doesn't bother them much. What would bother them much would be if people didn't BUY their knives.

We've had a few knife picture threads recently and the ones that really surprise me are the "Take your (insert X brand here) out of your pocket and show them" threads and 90% of them look like they could pass for brand new, not a scuff on the pocket clip or the blade.

Which photo are you more likely to post on a public forum? A picture of the new sports car you just bought? or a picture of the economy car you've been driving to work for the past seven years?

 

[kaotikross]

I think that maybe members of this forum probably take a bit better care of their knives than the average Joe on the street, i could be wrong but i bet I ain't.

 

[bradlox]

they all know we are hooked .

 

[jfalkos]

I think both of you are missing the OP's point. Sure new stuff is cool to show off, and sure we here on bladeforums know how to treat our knives, but the point of a knife is to cut stuff. I for one am much more impressed by a knife if I see that it's been used heavily. I think companies like seeing use as it serves as a testament to their manufacturing. I picked up my Benchmade 9100 used, and the fact that it still fires hard shows their superior engineering.

 

[Buddyleet]

I am currently not using my Swamp Rat. It does however make a great desk top decoration.

 

[RBid]

I'm a knife *user*, with a total of 4 folders and 1 fixed blade (2 retired daily carried folders, 1 fixed blade for outdoors, 1 folder that I probably won't use for sentimental reasons, and my current EDC folder). I'm thankful that collectors and fashionistas are Hell-bent on getting quality pieces, with quality steels. Whether the blades get used or not, makers know there is a market for tools built to perform. Whether it's a well designed and built, inexpensive tool or a great design constructed with top tier materials, makers are putting out a LOT of great stuff

 

[longun]

Knives are tools, and word of mouth and reputation sells a lot of tools. I'm sure there are some companies that will produce junk, then go out of business after making a profit.
The smaller mid tech and custom makers probably do not have an advertising budget. So they rely on word of mouth advertising. If they don't go the extra mile with customer service and make a quality product that the consumer wants to use and is proud of using, they will not last long.

 

[DShiflet]

I think both of you are missing the OP's point. Sure new stuff is cool to show off, and sure we here on bladeforums know how to treat our knives, but the point of a knife is to cut stuff. I for one am much more impressed by a knife if I see that it's been used heavily. I think companies like seeing use as it serves as a testament to their manufacturing. I picked up my Benchmade 9100 used, and the fact that it still fires hard shows their superior engineering.

I really don't think the company cares. You paid your money, THAT is what concerns them. Once you've spent the money, I really, truly believe they don't care if you use it to cut stuff, if you keep it on your wall as a trophy, or if you put it in a jar and bury it in your backyard.

 

[PURPLEDC]

I think just like anything opinions will vary depending on the maker in question. I honestly dont think anyone should care if someone uses their knives or not. We all like knives for different reasons. We all have different hobbies and tastes and honestly I just care that there are others who enjoy knives period. If that means one guy only will buy a knife if he plans on using it within an inch of its life and another guy only likes them as a form of art and chooses to look at them only then so be it. Who am I to say how someone should be enjoying their luxury goods. And thats really what knives have become is a luxury good. There is no real NEED for a traditional knife these days. Its a preference. And a preference that doesnt really require you to spend more than $30 to get something that can do nearly any knife related task and do it well. Anything past that? Pure luxury. Some people drive their ferraris, others rub them with a diaper.

On another note, I think its rather ridiculous for a maker to expect every person that buys their product will use it to its full abilities. I have a hard enough time beating on a $200 folder. I nearly cant do it with knives costing double that. Its just not in my budget. Likewise, I think its rather unrealistic to think a soldier, police officer or EMT living off of their paltry check is going to be buying high end custom tacticals to abuse. The guy who can afford to do that probably wont find themselves in a situation needing to do so. So if a maker is really hell bent on seeing their creations get a workout I would recommend they try and keep prices realistic.

 

[scottabrandeberry]

I know that Thomas W. from Kershaw/ZT would much rather that their knives be used than to exist as safe queens. Including the limited editions...

 

[Franciscomv]

I've talked to some custom makers and they all like to see their knives put to good use, but they also admit that they like having wealthy collectors who are ready to invest in safe queens as customers, too.

A user is probably not going to pay for too many bells and whistles, materials or features that aren't practical. A collector who's looking for a display piece allows the maker to work with fancy materials and techniques.

Some makers cater more to users, others tend to make more collector pieces.

And on the comment about most knives shown here on BF looking brand new, many people only take pictures of a knife when they get it. I know I don't go around photographing every time I use my knife. Also, most of us rotate so often that putting noticeable wear on a single knife might take years.

 

[Invective]

I know that Thomas W. from Kershaw/ZT would much rather that their knives be used than to exist as safe queens. Including the limited editions...

Same with Spyderco's Sal Glesser.

"We would rather be the knife in your pocket, because it "works" better, than the knife in your showcase, because it "looks" better."

 

[DShiflet]

And on the comment about most knives shown here on BF looking brand new, many people only take pictures of a knife when they get it. I know I don't go around photographing every time I use my knife. Also, most of us rotate so often that putting noticeable wear on a single knife might take years.

Yep. When I get a new knife, I take a picture then, and that's pretty much it, unless the knife gets modded in some way later on. And right on the second part as well, my uses for a knife don't involve "hard use and abuse", I work indoors, and my knives are basically used for opening(and breaking down) boxes, opening mail, opening packaging/wrappers for food, CDs, and DVDs, cutting the zipties that the newspaper delivery comes in, and occasionally cutting an apple, so it takes a long time to put significant wear on my knives, even if I didn't rotate them with some frequency. I mean in the last week I've carried a Kershaw Leek, a Kershaw Scallion, a Kershaw Kuro, a Kershaw Rake, a ZT 0350TS, and a Byrd Crossbill, so...