Knives that all look the same (Aston Martin Syndrome)

[Hadji Flip Me Over]

What group of knives do you think appear too much alike at a glance? These could be things limited to something as simple as overall shape or sets of very similar materials in a slightly different package, or smaller details depending on how sensitive your design tastes are. For me it's not a huge turn-off when one particular maker's blades all look very similar, but I personally think it doesn't say much for creativity.


The first few that spring to my mind are RJ Martin, Tops/ESEE/Becker/any other 1095 and micarta combos, and Strider (just as examples, nothing against their build quality, reputation, etc., just that there seems to be really only one or two styles of knife at a glance). I'm not saying that they don't look good (if it ain't broke, don't fix it), but I do really appreciate makers that can consistently come up with fresh designs that appeal to a wide variety of people. In contrast, there's the matter of a particular maker's "style," but shouldn't you be able to tell who made it even if it doesn't look exactly like something else made by the same company?

My point is that a variation in the line-up is always nice. What opinions do my fellow knife nuts have on this matter?

 

[imbryan715]

the entire kershaw catalog looks like the same darn knife.... and all balisongs

 

[Scurvy092]

A lot of the lower end Spydercos just looks like the same knife with colorful plastic handles and same basic blade shape.

Delica, Endura, etc etc

 

[dakota]

Frame locks with one G-10 scale and bare metal for the other. They are the Party Rock Anthem of the cutlery world. Overplayed ad nauseam.

 

[Grease]

SAKs. If you've seen one, I'm pretty sure you've seen them all.

They're so different, but they look so similar it's almost scary.

 

[Dao.Hung_105]

SAKs. If you've seen one, I'm pretty sure you've seen them all.

They're so different, but they look so similar it's almost scary.

That's the same thing came to mind when I first read the title LOL

 

[frenchmade]

I used to think that all spydercos looked identical. Then I learned how wrong I was.
This year it's definitely Kershaw. That company bores me

 

[Grease]

I used to think that all spydercos looked identical. Then I learned how wrong I was.
This year it's definitely Kershaw. That company bores me

Aside from their karambits and serrated knives, most Spydies do look pretty similar...

 

[Doogoon]

Most spydercos, peanut folders, buck 110 looking knives,

 

[frenchmade]

Aside from their karambits and serrated knives, most Spydies do look pretty similar...

I can see how you would think that. Lots of leaf-esque-shaped blades. But I think that its mostly the spydie-hole that causes the sentiment.
Its easy to confuse a recognizable trademark with similarity IMO

 

[frenchmade]

Aside from their karambits and serrated knives, most Spydies do look pretty similar...

I can see how you would think that. Lots of leaf-esque-shaped blades. But I think that its mostly the spydie-hole that causes the sentiment.
Its easy to confuse a recognizable trademark with similarity IMO

 

[Grease]

I can see how you would think that. Lots of leaf-esque-shaped blades. But I think that its mostly the spydie-hole that causes the sentiment.
Its easy to confuse a recognizable trademark with similarity IMO

Actually, I think it because I looked at a display case with 40 different Spydies in it the other day. All the non-hawkbill and non-serrated blades looked like just a variation of the same knife, made in different sizes and colors with slight alterations to handles and the shapes of the blades.

 

[Outdoors Fanatic]

I'd rather have a knife with an old classic or basic design that works, than having a blade which looks like something out of a low-budget Sci-Fi movie. Having said that, pretty much all Randalls, Slipjoints, Skinners, Bird/Trout, Bowies and Bushcraft blades are basically the same designs with minor variations.

 

[00max00]

Actually, I think it because I looked at a display case with 40 different Spydies in it the other day. All the non-hawkbill and non-serrated blades looked like just a variation of the same knife, made in different sizes and colors with slight alterations to handles and the shapes of the blades.

This is pretty much the sum of all knife brands. All cars look the same, 4 wheels, 4 doors, front engine, ain't they? If I didn't pay close attention, all people of the same race look the same.

 

[monger4142]

cold steel

black plastic handle, big cheap steel blade, lockback

 

[Tony8179]

All knives look the same to me with their steel blades and their handles made for gripping.

If you want a huge (and useless) variety that all look different (and useless) then I suggest looking into wall hangers sold by United Cutlery.

Glancing at knives is the first mistake. You don't glance, you handle and study. If different knives made by the the same company are all looking the same to you then you aren't looking hard enough.

 

[Mannlicher]

all 'tactical' folders. SOG, ZT, Hinderer and the like.

 

[jwinkeler]

All SOGs and most benchmades for me

 

[nccole]

I can second Benchmade, but disagree with Spyderco and Kershaw. I think what it boils down to is how much time you spend looking at them. If you check them out long enough, you pick up on subtle differences, and then they become different. I do not have much interest in Benchmade thus they all look about the same, but almost any Spyderco I could get a quick glance at and tell you exactly what it is. The only Spyderco's that are really similar looking to me are the UKPK's and their locking cousin knives. Kershaw to me, has lots of variety, and their signature and style seems to be evolving right now.

 

[Skywalker1]

I feel kind of bored of all the Black G10/Zytel/etc. Kershaw knives with bead blasted blades. Yes, they do have very different designs, but I' m just weary of that colorway.