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Knife features/trends that you can do without?
- Thread starter kgriggs8
- Start date
My first though was "no way!" But after considering it, I am not so certain either way.
Sometimes pocket clips bother me when I am using a knife (Benchmade Mini AFCK: worst pocketclip implimentation ever), but I have enough stuff just floating in my pockets already (including other knives
). I need one knife that is easy to grab when I am sitting or in a hurry to use it.Maybe I could do without a clip on ALL knives. The Kopa (?) is a good example of a knife I think would be better off without it from the beginning. But most knives are OK after the clip is just unscrewed.
I would like to see some knives include a clip-on sheath instead of a pocket clip directly on the knife. Maybe the extreme pocket clip popularity has stifled sheath/holster innovation.
- Joined
- Apr 27, 2003
- Messages
- 5,738
Black blades, and (even worse) "camo" patterned blades.
Any "grinds" beyond the one needed to put an edge on the blade.
Chisel grinds, they're great on chisels, but look like crap on a knife.
Pocket clips. I prefer to keep my knife somewhere I can be sure it will remain. Stories of people losing a folding knife carried "the old fashioned way" are rare.
Expensive plastic handles. I can see FRN, but G-10 and CF are a total waste to me.
Frame locks, and worse yet, framelocks decoracted with blobs of wood that appear stuck on as afterthoughts.
Spyderco specific - the Boye dent.
Any "grinds" beyond the one needed to put an edge on the blade.
Chisel grinds, they're great on chisels, but look like crap on a knife.
Pocket clips. I prefer to keep my knife somewhere I can be sure it will remain. Stories of people losing a folding knife carried "the old fashioned way" are rare.
Expensive plastic handles. I can see FRN, but G-10 and CF are a total waste to me.
Frame locks, and worse yet, framelocks decoracted with blobs of wood that appear stuck on as afterthoughts.
Spyderco specific - the Boye dent.
Most companies I've seen have their own serration pattern. From my very limited use, Spydercos seems to preform very well. I'd still rather it just be called a serrated edge. But this doesn't affect me whatsoever so it's not something I need to be very vocal about. If it never changes, which I expect, it won't matter.
Ripandtuck: I agree with you on the rusting issue. I think environment plays a heavy role, but all my carbon blades receive no special treatment. They're rinsed and wiped dry after use, nothing more. My carbon fixed blades are left sitting in their sheaths with no oils on the blades, etc. I've never had difficulty in caring for them, but I still think for folders it's a good idea to use SS. Sometimes water or juice creeps down into the pivot area for example and you can miss it, thinking none got there. I have an Opinel with a heavily rusted pivot because of this. It still functions fine for me though. I use it in the kitchen almost every day.
Every Spyderco I've tried I'd use for an hour or so whittling, then take off the clip and repeat. I found the difference in ergonomics to be phenomenal. Even with wire clips which severely reduce this effect (D'allara for instance) there is a clear ergonomic difference without the clip. Feeling the handle on my palm just works so much better for me. As far as carry goes, smaller knives like a Delica or Meadowlark I'd drop in my front pocket, with larger ones like an Endura or Manix vertical in my rear pocket.
What doesn't work for me is the groove (SOG Trident), mall ninja look, bead blasted finishes and chisel ground blades ( unless they're from Emerson cause I've had experience with chisel ground blades before and I've found that only Emerson's is the only one that works)
- Joined
- Jun 6, 2005
- Messages
- 3,531
Most companies I see borrow the Spyderedge. I should also point out that Spyderco more or less started the whole serrations on folders thing, so the Spyderedge is pretty significant to the evolution of folders. I think it deserves it's name, is all I'm saying.
Features that I could live without:
FRN--yeah, it works, but it always appears and feels cheap.
Thumb-ramps and humps--especially those with sharp peaks that hurt your thumb when bearing down (like on the Calypso, the Meerkat, the Vesuvius, the Centofante III and IV).
Super aggressive texturing on handles--If a knife needs to rely upon super aggressive texturing on the scales in order to ensure a secure grip, then the handle is not well designed to begin with.
My old micarta Calypso Jr had smooth micarta scales that afforded no grip control whatsoever....but the handle itself was such an awesome design that it never slipped in my grip...ever!
The same is true of my Benchmade 710--the scales are rather smooth for G-10, but I've never had any problems with it slipping in my grip, even when wet.
And it's easier on my pant's pocket too.
Sharp edges on the handle and the non-cutting portions of the blade--a handle should be smooth and comfortable as possible.
Not with sharp edges on every corner waiting to bite your hand.
Many knife designers could learn something from the Buck 110...the handle is nearly perfect.
Excessive print on the blade or handle--I don't want to carry a billboard in my pocket!
A simple model number and the company logo will do nicely, thank you!
One last thing...
In defense of black blades:
I am one of the few here that actually like black blades.
Why?
Because they are discreet.
For years I carried a Spyderco Delica as my work knife in the hospital, and it often got remarks and reactions from various folks.
Over the years I aquired a black blade Delica (a stealth Delica if you will) and it replaced my worn and battered work Delica.
Well, over time I noticed that the stealth Delica did not get near as many comments or reactions as the standard Delica had.
It seemed that most folks hardly noticed when I was using it to cut something.
The black blade just looked non-metalic...non-threatening.
But when folks saw that gleaming shiney standard Delica blade, they instantly thought "KNIFE".
So, if you like to be discreet, give a black blade a try.
FRN--yeah, it works, but it always appears and feels cheap.
Thumb-ramps and humps--especially those with sharp peaks that hurt your thumb when bearing down (like on the Calypso, the Meerkat, the Vesuvius, the Centofante III and IV).
Super aggressive texturing on handles--If a knife needs to rely upon super aggressive texturing on the scales in order to ensure a secure grip, then the handle is not well designed to begin with.
My old micarta Calypso Jr had smooth micarta scales that afforded no grip control whatsoever....but the handle itself was such an awesome design that it never slipped in my grip...ever!
The same is true of my Benchmade 710--the scales are rather smooth for G-10, but I've never had any problems with it slipping in my grip, even when wet.
And it's easier on my pant's pocket too.
Sharp edges on the handle and the non-cutting portions of the blade--a handle should be smooth and comfortable as possible.
Not with sharp edges on every corner waiting to bite your hand.
Many knife designers could learn something from the Buck 110...the handle is nearly perfect.
Excessive print on the blade or handle--I don't want to carry a billboard in my pocket!
A simple model number and the company logo will do nicely, thank you!
One last thing...
In defense of black blades:
I am one of the few here that actually like black blades.
Why?
Because they are discreet.
For years I carried a Spyderco Delica as my work knife in the hospital, and it often got remarks and reactions from various folks.
Over the years I aquired a black blade Delica (a stealth Delica if you will) and it replaced my worn and battered work Delica.
Well, over time I noticed that the stealth Delica did not get near as many comments or reactions as the standard Delica had.
It seemed that most folks hardly noticed when I was using it to cut something.
The black blade just looked non-metalic...non-threatening.
But when folks saw that gleaming shiney standard Delica blade, they instantly thought "KNIFE".
So, if you like to be discreet, give a black blade a try.
- Joined
- Jun 16, 2006
- Messages
- 1,411
I don't like:
"Graphic" lettering, i.e., the name of the knife in large letters on a blade. Makes a knife look cheezy.
Handles that have squared off edges. I like them chamfered. Makes them easier on the hand.
Recurved blades. I personally do not see a need for them for what "I" use knives for.
Liner locks. I have several knives with liner locks but I'm not comfortable with using them too hard. Don't really trust that locking mechanism. If they were more sturdy I would probably prefer them over the lockback mechanism for ease of closing/one handed closing of the blade.
Tanto blades. I can see their purpose but not for me.
Mall Ninja knives, dragon killers, wavy blades, etc.
Blades made of cheap steel.
Poor fit and finish, i.e., cheapie knives made in China, Pakistan, Taiwan, etc.
Overpriced knives. I will usually spend between $50 to $200 for a decent knife from a reputable company. I can't see paying anything more for a knife that I intend to use. I like the customs, they're nice to look at. But I definitely wouldn't use a $300 or more knife for everyday use. If I can't use it or am afraid to use it because it cost so much, the knife is useless. Better off getting some nice glossy photos of custom knives "to look at".
"Graphic" lettering, i.e., the name of the knife in large letters on a blade. Makes a knife look cheezy.
Handles that have squared off edges. I like them chamfered. Makes them easier on the hand.
Recurved blades. I personally do not see a need for them for what "I" use knives for.
Liner locks. I have several knives with liner locks but I'm not comfortable with using them too hard. Don't really trust that locking mechanism. If they were more sturdy I would probably prefer them over the lockback mechanism for ease of closing/one handed closing of the blade.
Tanto blades. I can see their purpose but not for me.
Mall Ninja knives, dragon killers, wavy blades, etc.
Blades made of cheap steel.
Poor fit and finish, i.e., cheapie knives made in China, Pakistan, Taiwan, etc.
Overpriced knives. I will usually spend between $50 to $200 for a decent knife from a reputable company. I can't see paying anything more for a knife that I intend to use. I like the customs, they're nice to look at. But I definitely wouldn't use a $300 or more knife for everyday use. If I can't use it or am afraid to use it because it cost so much, the knife is useless. Better off getting some nice glossy photos of custom knives "to look at".
WOW!
I guess I am just a green horn because I actually thought we might come to some sort of an accord on what we like and don't like. I now see that there are things some people hate that others love and vice versa.
I prefer frame locks and liner locks over any other type of lock but I see some don't like one or both of those locks.
I love pocket clips and think that any knife without one is not worth having. I only have one knife I use that doesn't have a clip and it is a SAK. I only use it for the scissors mostly.
I guess this is why there are so many knife companies and knives out there. I doubt any one knife company will ever please everyone. Spyderco does a heck of a job with new designs and I have to give them respect for all the new knives they have come out with over the past few years. Some don't sell while others become instant classics but they keep cranking out new designs and are not content to sit on 10 year old designs like some companies.
I guess I am just a green horn because I actually thought we might come to some sort of an accord on what we like and don't like. I now see that there are things some people hate that others love and vice versa.
I prefer frame locks and liner locks over any other type of lock but I see some don't like one or both of those locks.
I love pocket clips and think that any knife without one is not worth having. I only have one knife I use that doesn't have a clip and it is a SAK. I only use it for the scissors mostly.
I guess this is why there are so many knife companies and knives out there. I doubt any one knife company will ever please everyone. Spyderco does a heck of a job with new designs and I have to give them respect for all the new knives they have come out with over the past few years. Some don't sell while others become instant classics but they keep cranking out new designs and are not content to sit on 10 year old designs like some companies.
Bit curious here, but you say that you don't like comp locks (original post), but here you like liner locks. From what I've seen, a comp lock is just a liner lock with an extra part put on, same unlocking operation, but supposedly more secure than a liner lock. So what don't you like about comp locks?
Compression-locks only resemble liner-locks.
But they work on two totally different principles.
My only beef with the Compression-lock is that they don't hold the blade closed very well (at least they did not with my Vesuvius and Salsa).
yablanowitz
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Apr 14, 2006
- Messages
- 10,086
Amen to that. I dropped my Lil' Temp on my bed and the blade popped completely open and locked in place. I have had liner lock knives partially open when dropped, but I think my Lil' T thinks it is an AO folder. The comp lock on my Paramilitary seems to hold the blade shut much more securely. My big gripe with the comp lock is that I agree with Bram Frank on which way it should be set up (the one on his Gunting design is backward from all the rest).
With the liner lock, the blade tang is pushing on the end of a long, narrow strip of curved metal, which is likely to flex. If everything is not done just right, the resulst will be lock slippage and possible failure.
With the compression lock, a strip of metal is wedged between the blade tang and a stop pin. It will more likely fail by something breaking (tearing the stop pin out of the liners) than by slipping. The main gripe I see from people is vertical play if the lock tab is a little too narrow for the gap between the blade tang and stop pin, which rates a big "so what?" in my book. If you can't stand a little play in your folder, carry a fixed blade.
I can do without serrated edges. I prefer one bladed folders.
No drilled holes in the blades with the exception of the opening hole like on many Spyderco knives. That is because holes hold dirt and make the knife harder to clean not to mention weakening the blade.
No knives with handles that are too small. I like to have a good grip on a knife.
No drilled holes in the blades with the exception of the opening hole like on many Spyderco knives. That is because holes hold dirt and make the knife harder to clean not to mention weakening the blade.
No knives with handles that are too small. I like to have a good grip on a knife.
- tanto
- chisel grind
- edges that have to be reprofiled to lower angle
- more types of grind on one blade (e.g. Spyderco Captain, Strider "nightmare grind", Tom Brown Tracker etc.)
- serrations of any kind
- skateboard/sandpaper inserts
- bone/horn inserts/handles
- thumbstuds that can't be used (e.g. Kershaw Leek)
- blade tang sticking out of handle of closed folder (e.g.Sebenza or Skirmish (and many others))
- novels printed on blade (like Spyker)
- holes in fixed knives' blades (e.g. Spyderco Street beat)
- hawkbills
- too much recurved blades (e.g. Spyderco Spyker, Kershaw Bump)
- rubbish sheaths
- lack of pocket clip (on folders )
- assited openers (if springs have to be there why isn't it proper auto (button release)?)
- nailnicks (long live spyderhole)
- FRN and Zytel
- skinflinting by using plastic instead of metal (e.g. plastic backspacers)
- plastic washers instead of phosphor-bronze ones
- Joined
- Oct 29, 2005
- Messages
- 18,769
I dislike the call for liners...such as, "This is a great design, but it really needs liners."
I also don't care for, "This knife needs more "heft".
I also don't care for, "This knife needs more "heft".
- Joined
- Aug 10, 2006
- Messages
- 7,250
I forgot to mention the worst evil of them all- Kraton/rubber grips or overmolding. Garbage! Pure Garbage! Who wants that? If your handle design is so bad that you have to cover it in squishy rubber to make it comfortable/secure, then you have no business designing a knife in the first place. 100% of the time, the rubber is going to degrade and become either slimy and make your hands sticky, or become brittle, or tear, or gouge, or otherwise suck as it ages. Boo Kraton! Boo rubber! This criticism holds true for the gun industry as well. Pachymar grips are okay, they seem to last okay, and you can always remove them. But the Taurus 24/7? Overmolded ribbed rubber grips? No thank you. (end of whine, sorry, I had to vent)
Specific to the Spyderco forum, the models with the Kraton inserts. Has anyone seen one of these that has been carried more than a couple months without the inserts starting to peel out? I know I haven't. I know I don't have to buy them if I don't like it, but they seem like a glaring design flaw for a company with such a deserving reputation for excellent design.
Specific to the Spyderco forum, the models with the Kraton inserts. Has anyone seen one of these that has been carried more than a couple months without the inserts starting to peel out? I know I haven't. I know I don't have to buy them if I don't like it, but they seem like a glaring design flaw for a company with such a deserving reputation for excellent design.
- Joined
- Feb 1, 2006
- Messages
- 984
I could care less for spyderedge its just serrations after all
I agree with SirGalant this is an issue for whine and cheese !
I agree with SirGalant this is an issue for whine and cheese !
- Joined
- Sep 2, 2006
- Messages
- 16,703
As soon as I saw the title of this thread, I expected to see great diversity in the posts. Anything as personal as a knife will stir the emotions and produce a wide array of dislikes -- most or all of which will prove to be 'likes' for other folks.
And there's not a thing wrong with that.
Personally, don't care for:
-Smooth, shiny grips.
-Moist, sticky grips (rubber!).
-Tantos (although they probably have their place as weapons).
-Shiny pocket clips (if I want the attention, I'll carry the blade openly).
-AO (just don't see the need).
-Large labels or logos on blades (really just an esthetic 'thing').
-Ridiculously ornate knives (folks seem to refer to them as 'mall ninja' knives).
On final thought, perhaps most knife knuts would agree on that last point. Nobody in the Forum seems to identify with 'mall ninjas.'
And there's not a thing wrong with that.
Personally, don't care for:
-Smooth, shiny grips.
-Moist, sticky grips (rubber!).
-Tantos (although they probably have their place as weapons).
-Shiny pocket clips (if I want the attention, I'll carry the blade openly).
-AO (just don't see the need).
-Large labels or logos on blades (really just an esthetic 'thing').
-Ridiculously ornate knives (folks seem to refer to them as 'mall ninja' knives).
On final thought, perhaps most knife knuts would agree on that last point. Nobody in the Forum seems to identify with 'mall ninjas.'