Knives that made you go “Hmm, but why?”

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DangerZone98

Joined
Dec 7, 2019
Messages
3,490
Warning: knife snobbery is off the charts up ahead. We overanalyze things that aren’t a problem for the everyday man.

Basically the title. For me, it’s the Morakniv Pathfinder. This isn’t a dig against Mora by any means as they make excellent knives across the board, but the Pathfinder made me scratch my head. Ergonomics is great and there was a nice slight forward weight to the blade, but it just seemed like a clunkier version of the Bushcraft Black (in contrast, I love the Bushcraft knife). More blade length than you really need, and yet it’s not in the same weight class as mid-sized Beckers and ESEEs. I don’t have the same issue with the Kansbol or the fan favorite Companion. They’re awesome knives which are appropriately sized for their intended function.

So basically, feel free to talk about design, philosophy of use, materials, etc., in this thread which did not quite stick the landing in your view.
 
Drop bear said:
All karambits.

Designed to accommodate a self indulgent fighting style that prioritises everything other than cutting.
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My karambit lore knowledge is limited, but I think it was designed to be a farming implement. But yes, I agree that there’s definitely a learning curve to it. It wouldn’t be my first choice for a get-home or outdoors kit.
 
I’m always put off by flippers with thumb studs, with the exception of the ones that use the studs as a detent ( frame stop? ) I get that.
 
Exposed bottle openers at the back of the handle like on the Kershaw Shuffle. That thing digs into my hand and doesn't feel comfortable in use. I'd rather keep a separate bottle opener on my keys.

All scandi grinds on bushcraft knives that people use for food prep. Absolutely terrible grind for that purpose. They are for doing things with wood, not cutting carrots. Yeah, it will cut your food into smaller pieces, but it's far from optimal. People who say they are great for food prep have obviously never used a proper kitchen knife before.

Thick blades on thin pocket knives.
 
Op funnily enough I felt the same re the Mora pathfinder as I'd have liked a larger Mora. Their partial tangs are proven very strong so that would never put me off but for a knife of its size it should imo be at least 1-1.5mm thicker, I'd have tried one then.

I'd also love to see a 140-145mm Mora in 12c27 or 14c28n!
 
bucsfan69 said:
I’m always put off by flippers with thumb studs, with the exception of the ones that use the studs as a detent ( frame stop? ) I get that.
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Same. Generally not a fan of thumb studs anyway - especially combined on the same knife with a flipper tab!
 
Triton said:
Grismo Norseman. The blade shape is a solution looking for a problem. Anything with a Besh wedge.
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I looked up the Besh Wedge and I hate it. Especially the $310 Case Besh Wedge that actually looked like a pretty functional and decent dagger, if it were not geometrically squirrely and cost an appropriate amount for the uncomplicated design and low-cost handle material/low grade steel. $70 maybe. And then I'd still have to justify buying a dagger that has no legitimate uses.
 
I’m down to like 3 designs that work for me anymore.

I can say this about myself though with the questionable models I carried for so long
 
Drop bear said:
All karambits.
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I use a hawkbill a lot for farm chores. Since a karambit is sort of an exaggerated hawkbill, I would like to try one. I've been looking for a serrated karambit. Cold Steel has a couple hawkbills with rings that they call karambits, but I don't think they deserve the name. But what really made me WTF is the "Bastinelli Dark Stonewashed Serrated Folding Black Mako Karambit," which has more of a Persian blade.
 
First:
ESEE Pinhoti... as much as I love ESEE - that thing is just pure nonsense.
1. Folder in 1095
2. Thick blade and scandi grind
3. Friction folder - meaning no locking mechanism

And further:
-Double edge blades without any choils or guard
-Folding karambits
-Whatever the hell is XL Espada
-Cold Steel Rajah 2 and 3
-Folding machete (that one is Gerber I guess)
-Tanto kukri (yes, it exists)
-Scandi grind folders in general
-"Bushcraft" folding knives in general
-Jimping the entire spine of the blade (looking at you SOG)
- Holes on the blade, except spydie hole on Spyderco knives
 
LostCause said:
First:
ESEE Pinhoti... as much as I love ESEE - that thing is just pure nonsense.
1. Folder in 1095
2. Thick blade and scandi grind
3. Friction folder - meaning no locking mechanism

And further:
-Double edge blades without any choils or guard
-Folding karambits
-Whatever the hell is XL Espada
-Cold Steel Rajah 2 and 3
-Folding machete (that one is Gerber I guess)
-Tanto kukri (yes, it exists)
-Scandi grind folders in general
-"Bushcraft" folding knives in general
-Jimping the entire spine of the blade (looking at you SOG)
- Holes on the blade, except spydie hole on Spyderco knives
Click to expand...
Well, it’s far from the most practical blade, but I like the Rajah 2 for utility purposes. Opens boxes just fine. 😅
 
Dav1 said:
Op funnily enough I felt the same re the Mora pathfinder as I'd have liked a larger Mora. Their partial tangs are proven very strong so that would never put me off but for a knife of its size it should imo be at least 1-1.5mm thicker, I'd have tried one then.

I'd also love to see a 140-145mm Mora in 12c27 or 14c28n!
Click to expand...
I think it would’ve benefitted from a taller blade, maybe a slightly thicker stock, and full tang. Go full ESEE so to speak.
 
DangerZone98 said:
Well, it’s far from the most practical blade, but I like the Rajah 2 for utility purposes. Opens boxes just fine. 😅
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I mean if you like it - I get it. It can do some jobs other folders can do too.

But sadly - if you use it as kukri it'll probably get damaged. So my guess is... purely defensive blade just because of size?
 
LostCause said:
First:
ESEE Pinhoti... as much as I love ESEE - that thing is just pure nonsense.
1. Folder in 1095
2. Thick blade and scandi grind
3. Friction folder - meaning no locking mechanism

And further:
-Double edge blades without any choils or guard
-Folding karambits
-Whatever the hell is XL Espada
-Cold Steel Rajah 2 and 3
-Folding machete (that one is Gerber I guess)
-Tanto kukri (yes, it exists)
-Scandi grind folders in general
-"Bushcraft" folding knives in general
-Jimping the entire spine of the blade (looking at you SOG)
- Holes on the blade, except spydie hole on Spyderco knives
Click to expand...
Livin' up to your user name . 😒
 
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