Ideal knife: Length, size and weight

golok

golok

Joined
Oct 20, 2000
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Has anybody found the perfect combination of the three attributes and produce a perfect or near-perfect knife?

I was thinking based on the popularity of certain types of knives, is there a way of gauging exactly what kind of knife appeals to the general population of knife users and collectors.

Some people like a thicker-than-normal blade. Others prefer a lightweight knife but it will be as tough-as-nails. Then there are those who seek to find the perfect balance as it rest on one's hands.

I am sure knifemakers have for decades been searching, researching and experimenting with the variables and coming up with some interesting results.

Then, there is the individual factor. Some "perfect" knives may not be suitable for a person with abnormally large hands. The same goes for those with small-than-average hands.

We are talking of the broad belt of average knife users. Perhaps there is an answer to this issue out there.
 
There is no knife out there that is perfect for everybody. Even if I found the perfect knife, it would only be perfect until my taste in knives changed, which happens quite often. I really am not interested in perfection, just in getting something I really like. Though I have seen knives that to me verge on perfection, I am sure that others would be able to find fault with something about these knives.
 
I do agree with Keith. "Perfect" has been an illusive concept for more years than I've been around... :)..., and I suppose we could all site passed models/profiles/styles, etc. of perfection that are a big "so what" currently (just guessing).

I suspect "Perfect" will always remain somewhere on the continuum of subjectivity.., but always have a place in each of our minds.. :)..., and I do believe that is a good thing..., and pushes the proverbial envelope for a vastly expanded number of very talented makers.


"Hunters seek what they [WANT].., Seekers hunt what they [NEED]"
 
Agreed. Perfect for one just don't cut it for another. I have looked for that perfect knife since the beginning and not found it as far as the three criteria you have set are concerned. Come close and have settled a few times but nothing coupling all those in one. I do have a current order with J.W. Smith that should come close to perfect as far as length, weight, and size are concerned since these were the three things I based this folder on! We will see when it comes if it does fulfill that "perfect" niche.
 
The quest for a perfect knife is fruitless because each knife was developed for a specific range of tasks. As I look at my meager collection I don't see an overall perfect knife. I do have a knife I consider almost perfect for individual tasks. I have a "perfect" hunting knife from Matt Harildstad -- here hunting means field dressing large game. I have a "perfect" combat knife -- a Chris Reeve made "Green Beret Knife -- should I get recalled to active duty from retirement (not likely but possible) I will take this worthy blade. I have a perfect one hand opener -- a Chris Reeve Sebenza. I have a perfect SAK -- a Fieldmaster. I have three perfect kitchen knives -- a Forschner 8" chef's knife, 6" boning knife, and paring knife. All the above are perfect for their intended uses. The Green Beret Knife would make poor hunting knife.

If I look at my knives in a vacuum and ask which one is perfect, my own idea of asthetics get in the way. I think my Scott Cook large Owyhee is near perfection but I can think of one thing I would do if I were having one made for me -- tapered tang. It isn't necessary on a knife of this size, but it would bring it near to perfection to me. I love it's ironwood scales, and although a tough wood, if I were to use it constantly as a utility or hunting knife, I would want micarta scales since they mar less easily.

Well, I don't think I've said anything you haven't already thought, but I think I'll keep looking for that "perfect" knife -- it changes from day to day for me!

Bruce Woodbury
 
Add my Sebbie's and the never ending search goes on, the one we all love so much, i hope. :p

If there was a "perfect knife" there wouldn't be a knife forum with so many members for sure, who on earth would be looking so darn much around here then??? LOL

Cheers!
James
 
The closest I think you can come to the perfect knife is the one you have with you that fulfills the task you are doing at the time well - anything beyond that is a goal/dream that can never be reached but always strived for due to changing nature of our needs at any given time - the fun is the striving and enjoying the ride! A song from "The Man of La Mancha" describes it as well as anything, "To Dream the Impossible Dream". I sure plan to keep up the search and enjoy all the great knives along the way.

Bill
 
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