Knives That Take You By Surprise

OK . . . time to take this down a notch.
And Lapedog this might even be sort of what you are after. No lock or pocket clip but you could even add a pocket clip I suppose.

My newest and a pleasant surprise; the Case Slimline Trapper. Surprising because I thought it was just too skinny but it still WORKS for me. This has what I was looking for in the Texas Toothpick. Super minimal blade but enough length to EDC including some food prep but the stability of my two finger grip is much superior to the Toothpick. The Trapper handle shape has always been near number one on my list and the variation in the curve on the back (top of the knife handle) in relation to their full size two blade Trapper is a welcome thing.

I just ordered my second one in as many weeks. :thumbsup:
The restrained use of polished brass with the black scales really does it for me visually (pins and liners).
This one in the photo is my dress knife and the layered black canvas handled one that is on it's way is going to be a beater (lightly tapped more like). I even have plans to add jimping and maybe some more texture to the canvas one.
This Trapper is a must have for me :cool:
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I like this style too, but the one I got from Case was so off center it was rubbing the liner. I should probably send it back instead of letting it sit in a drawer.
 
TOPS/Buck CSAR-T Tactical Folding Knife. This is the tanto version.
It’s a 5" closed LinerLock. 3 1/2" ATS-34 stainless modified tanto blade with Zirblast finish and dual thumb studs.

Rocky Mountain tread G10 overlays. Reversible stainless pocket clip. Also comes with a Black heavy nylon MOLLE. Compatible sheath.

The knife only costs about $135 but it my main go-to knife. It’s tough and practical. I’ve used it for anything from fence building to prying and it shows no wear after all this time.

It’s easy to sharpen and the edge holding always surprises me.

This collaboration knife was built for utility not to be pretty but I think it’s a handsome (but a bit bulky) tool.

Anyway - I was very surprised what a great knife this turned out to be.
 
The most "surprised" I have been lately is a Kershaw Concierge...under $30 bucks..I have ordered 20 for all my friends and relatives...a terirfic SUV console and desk knife.
 
Everything Gonzo and Sanrenmu! I'm a bang for buck kind of guy and they kill it in that department, especially SRM!

Everything Mora! Heck, for that matter everything Scandi!

Nothing much else surprised me. I've bought more expensive stuff and it was all good, really good even, but it darn well better be for the price. Stuff like Elmax... Sure it's good steel, but I prefer 440C. I prefer balance and something I don't mind beating on. A knife is a tool, not a display item. I feel the same about my guns and watches etc. I'm a user, not a collector.
 
One that took me by surprise is the old Kershaw Zing. The discontinued US made version, not that garbage overseas stuff.
I bought one because of blade styling and very quickly found that it was a keeper. One of my all-time favorites. Ended up owning two, one black, one orange.

Another is the Benchmade 531. I bought this to be carried as a dress knife that gave me a smooth blade, instead of the Zing's fluted version. Weighing only 2.1 oz., the 531 is a joy to carry. Swap out the pocket clip for a deep carry version and you are done. Great for office carry and dress slacks anytime. With a 3.25 inch blade in a thin package, it fills the void if you want something larger than a 3-inch bladed knife but need a less bulky package than your average 3.5 inch knife. Benchmade's Bugout also fits the bill.

The latest is the RAT 2 I received through the PIF thread here on BF.com. A little small but well designed. I can see why there is such a fuss over this budget knife. You don't have to worry about breaking the bank if this gets lost. A nice change of pace.
 
My first, and only WE knife has been a huge surprise! Ergos, fit, and finish are awesome!

WE 811
 
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