Knife life expectancy

CookieRawwr said:
Is it possible a Busse may survive the sun turning into a red giant 5 billion years from now after the earth is vaporized? Maybe some space alien will get a free prize while cruising the remnants of our solar system.
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After a nuclear war there will be nothing left but cockroaches and Busses. :D
 
James Y said:
To me, that looks either like a serious case of sharpening OCD, or someone just wanted to see how far they can grind a blade down. I doubt those blades were actually used down to that point.

Jim
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These can be sent into benchmade and get their blades replaced, so you could say that they will last as long as benchmade has blades for those models.

To the op the knife will last forever but it won't be as nice as the next knife you buy.
 
19-3ben said:
Haha. I can see some archeologist 10,000 years from now squatting in a hole with a rock hammer and toothbrush, suddenly exclaim "we've found a tool from ancient man. It appears he was a member of the tribe known as "knifeknut."
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:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup: :D:cool:
 
A ZT 350 is a very good knife. If you take reasonable care of it, and don't attempt to twist, pry or screwdrive with it, it can be a lifetime knife.

It's those times you use it for purposes other than it was designed for that can damage or ruin it. It's a KNIFE. Buy a separate prybar/screwdriver to keep on your key ring for such things or you will be tempted to use the knife and thus begin its decline in health.

Allow it to break in before you think something is wrong with it out of the box. Up to 1000 openings is a good break in period before you start tweaking anything on it. Don't take it apart just to take it apart (or think you have to "lube" it). Factory assembly is usually best. Just be sure the screws are tight. Adjust the pivot AFTER break in if necessary.

Don't over lube it (no lube is probably best but people can't seem to resist). Wet lubricant, no matter how slight, will attract gunk and pocket lint very quickly.

Take it out and wipe it down now and then when in long storage. Apply a machine oil or car polish to the blade occasionally to prevent rust/corrosion. If you need it to be food-safe, use mineral oil.

Don't drop it.

Don't baton wood with it or beat on it in any way.

Don't let an idiot "sharpen" it. Proper sharpening, when needed, is important for long life. Learn to maintain the edge on a strop. If you don't know how to properly sharpen a knife, learn! The best sharpening instructions are probably right here at BladeForum. Study up on the basics and practice on cheap knives until you have it down.

Don't play Tactical Warrior with it. Don't wrist-flick or open it forcefully--bad over time.

Don't loan it for any reason. If someone wants something cut with it, YOU do it.

If it has a spring it will break. Order a new spring or two to have on hand. You may also remove the spring and the knife should still operate fine manually.

If you want to keep it looking nice as well, buy a slipcase in which to carry it or belt-carry it in a pouch.

Remember that over time it will pick up scratches and minor dings. Accept that. It's just character.
 
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I got my Grandpa Boker 3blade small Stock man he got in 1928. He been gone since 1986 and I still carry it. So with basic care and common sense it will out last you.
 
19-3ben said:
Haha. I can see some archeologist 10,000 years from now squatting in a hole with a rock hammer and toothbrush, suddenly exclaim "we've found a tool from ancient man. It appears he was a member of the tribe known as "knifeknut."
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nice.
 
Thanks guys. I have a bad habit of not wanting to carry my nice things for fear of breaking them or losing them. This leads to buying more knives. I want to have one or two really good knives and carry them
 
Roof said:
Thanks guys. I have a bad habit of not wanting to carry my nice things for fear of breaking them or losing them. This leads to buying more knives. I want to have one or two really good knives and carry them
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I get 10x the enjoyment carrying my $230 ZT0452CF than I do my $40 Tenacious. Even when it comes time to cut carpet, boxes with staples, etc.
 
footballplayerchris said:
I get 10x the enjoyment carrying my $230 ZT0452CF than I do my $40 Tenacious. Even when it comes time to cut carpet, boxes with staples, etc.
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Yep, I've carried (and used) a Tenacious for about a year, blade chipped like crazy and after a year the liner lock touched the opposite liner, also the screws are lower quality as the US, Japan or Taiwan Spyderco's.

So, knives like the Tenacious or an Ontario Rat etc, are not lifetime knives IMO.

But as everything... you get what you pay for :)
 
snooka said:
Yep, I've carried (and used) a Tenacious for about a year, blade chipped like crazy and after a year the liner lock touched the opposite liner, also the screws are lower quality as the US, Japan or Taiwan Spyderco's.

So, knives like the Tenacious or an Ontario Rat etc, are not lifetime knives IMO.

But as everything... you get what you pay for :)
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How often do you flick your knives open?
 
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