Is heavy better?

Sure....I think most of us have a predilection to equate weight with durability. But after you try out a few different pocket knives for EDC, you begin to consider things like design, materials, and construction and then you think of the ratio of weight to strength in a whole new light. I think highly of the Buck 110....but personally would rather carry daily a Spyderco Endura. I've never liked carrying "weight" in my pocket or on my belt.

- regards
 
I was laughing at this because I'm the same way. I always hope something has a little heft to it, because then I will think it's cheap. I like heavy folders more then light ones. they move to fast an they get hard to control. I like metal framed guns the same way, I also shoot better with mf guns.

My limit? Rather have it over 4.
 
From an engineering standpoint, and all else being equal, a heavier tool will be stronger and more resilent than a lighter one simply becuase there will be more material present to reinforce the design. That being said, it is important to take into account the materials as well as construction. For example, a heavier tool can in fact be made weaker than a lighter tool by using pot metal instead of light weight composites.

When I pick up a knife (or any tool) the balance and feel in the hand is more important to me than sheer weight. Some knives feel too blade heavy to me and others too blade light. Others feel too slippery. I do also look for good materials and solid construction. When I find all of these things in a knife or any tool, I usually end up keeping it.
 
All else being equal, I always prefer the lighter knife. For instance, I quite like the design of the Zero Tolerance knives or the CRKT Pharao, but those are just too heavy for my taste.
 
I like large heavy folders(I have three different models, all are 6 to 7oz). They are beefy and strudy.
BUT... I bought spyderco moran, which weights 3 oz and is much better at both delicate and heavy prolonged work. I don't even mention carring it - it's a feather.
 
I personally like heavier knives.

The fact of the matter is heavy does not equal stronger or better these days.

There are some super strong lightweight materials out there and when combined with good engineering make for some super strong items that happen to be stronger as well as lighter than their heavier counterparts.

There are also lightweight products that use the "latest synthetics" just so they can advertise it and are so skimpy and cheap that I would not want to pay a premium for them.
 
I forgot to add one thing in my first post..

For knives that I use to chop/baton (fixed blades), I do look for heavier blades simply because they are more effective.
 
I tend to like the feel of heavier folders etc in the handd but I dont find them very practical for use. I love the feel of the buck 110 for example but I just do not like carrying them.

I tend to buy knives now for other things other than weight.Blade material, fit and finish, handle, lock type etc. I often buy knives before ever handleing them. It can be difficult to find a knife that fits:)
 
hwpaintballer said:
I think weight comes into play as either a positive or a negative depending on what type of item, how you intend on using it, and how strong or sturdy you hope for it to be.

low weight = :D
Running shoes
paintball marker
almost any clothing item.

heavy = :D
tools
Work boots
plates of food :D

So for me if I have to EDC it or carry it for long periods of time I prefer it on the lighter side, but if I use it for a work tool or for hard use then I like a little weight.
Click to expand...
A woman's anatomy comes to mind. Some parts should be heavy and some should be light if it is to do the job right. The finished product should be of average weight.
 
No, I don't equate weight with quality. That's why I always do a double take when someone says they don't like the "cheap" feeling of an FRN knife like a Cold Steel Voyager or an FRN Byrd Cara Cara. If you don't think they're strong enough, just try to break one.

The Buck 110 is a heavy knife, and all the weight is in the back end of the frame. The Cold Steel Recon 1s also are heavier because of the steel liners. The G10 grips also are, to me, uncomfortable. FRN feels smooth and nice, but it's easy to grip. I'd take a Recon 1 with the old grips any day even though both knives had liners. The original was just a smoother knife.

The Rajah has the same blade length as the Voyager X2, but people find the former to be more substantial than the latter because of its weight. In that case I have no doubt but that the Rajah is a stronger knife in every way than the Voyager or the Vaquero. But the Voyager and Vaquero are strong enough and they're easier to carry.

Benchmade also makes some nice, light knives without liners. One of my favorites is the Ascent.

Back in my 35mm photography days, I had the EOS 630s, the last of the really good Canon cameras. But it wasn't because of the steel inserts in the frame, the camera back was more solid and it was stronger. Now everyone uses plastic cameras. As for cell phones, I think they're getting too small. I stopped to look at a Windows computer phone and it didn't even use a stylus. I couldn't get my fingers to hit the right buttons onscreen and I don't have big hands at all. On TV today they showed Obama dropping his Blackberry and it was reported that he dropped it often. Then the reporter added, "If I only had a dime for every time I've dropped mine!"

Thank goodness we can still pick our knives. I despise the new generation of cell phones and pocket computers.
 
its a matter of preference really... but this has never been an issue with me... if the knife works..... it works ;)
 
Sometimes I like light knives, sometimes I like heavier knives, but what matters more to me is how they feel in my hands... and in my pockets.

I had the chance to handle a Rukus, for instance, and I expected to really like it but I was a bit disappointed... just did not fit me well. It is also a very thick knife and harder to pocket comfortably.
 
I suppose I like heavy knives. My two favorites are the Benchmade Rukus and the Lone Wolf Harsey Tactical T-3. Both have blades over 4 inches, both are HEAVY. Yet I carry them clipped to my pocket and my pants are not falling down. Yes, I wear a 1/4 thick gun belt due to carrying a .45 kimber every day. So that may be a factor, big heavy belt holding up big gun, holding up big knife.
You keep your light knives. Mine are all in display cases.
 
Lots of interesting points of view. As I said in my original post, I like folders to weigh a bit heavier. I'm aware that the lighter weight folders, from quality companies, especially Spyderco, are using newer materials and these knives would stand up to rugged use. I do equate heavy with solid, well built knives. Of course this is only true when it is a quality knife we are talking about. I have picked up $9.99 knives in a convinence store that were heavy, but the materials were not of very high quality, and this type of knife I would not equate heavy as good. I am 6.0" X 230lbs and an 8 ounce knife does not bother me, and I carry said knife all day long.

Again, interesting pov's, but as has already been said, it boils down to personal preference, and my preference is heavy!:D
 
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