Knives that you didn’t like at first but grew on you?

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DangerZone98

Joined
Dec 7, 2019
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Spyderco Manix 2 for me. At first I assumed the side-jutting ball bearing lock would get in the way as it goes in and out of the pocket. Wasn’t the case at all once I got it. Also liked the ergos way more than I expected than judging by the pictures. Made me realize knife pics online don’t really tell the whole story about the knife.

Another would be the Izula, I suppose. Not too crazy about the compact size at first, but found it was really convenient for EDC. My favorite small fixed blade to this day.
 
Opinel. Hated the wood, couldn't stand the lock... how good could this POS be for $10 anyways?

But once you use the damned thing, you have a hard time finding any negatives about it.

Also this stupid thing... My uncle bought it for me, so I can't toss it. It's actually fun.
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Toothpick pattern slip joint. I used not to think much of it and thought it was down right weird, but not wanting to dismiss it without a fair trial, I did go ahead and got one to try--turned out it has good ergo, and nowadays I do appreciate knives in similar design. Never say never, it's true.
 
Velitrius said:
Opinel. Hated the wood, couldn't stand the lock... how good could this POS be for $10 anyways?

But once you use the damned thing, you have a hard time finding any negatives about it.
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Pretty much my experience - it transformed from an odd-looking cheapo to a beautiful and excellent tool pretty fast once I used one a bit.

comis said:
Toothpick pattern slip joint. I used not to think much of it and thought it was down right weird, but not wanting to dismiss it without a fair trial, I did go ahead and got one to try--turned out it has good ergo, and nowadays I do appreciate knives in similar design. Never say never, it's true.
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I always kinda liked the toothpick's looks, but it wasn't until I got one (a GEC 12 is my current EDC) that I realized just how good the ergonomics are - both in use and in pocket carry. Really brilliant design.

-Tyson
 
I hate to admit this, but when I first started getting really interested in knives, I thought the Ontario Rat 1 was an ugly knife.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder! Now that I've gotten such great use over time from that 'lowly', AUS8 inexpensive knife, when I see it now, it is truly a thing of beauty.
 
CRK small Inkosi for me
I was so disappointed when I received it that I though to return it
It took me like 2 weeks to get used to the ergonomics
Now it is my favorite folder and the one I carry most since 3 years.
 
I don't really have a specific knife like that, I try not to buy if I'm not quite sure if I will like it.
But as a design in general, I started to really like slipjoints and in the last couple of years they are at least half of my purchases. I thought they are boring, outdated and unsafe. Once when I was in a store, I handled Benchmade Proper that was on display. I wasn't interested in it, just to check micarta and because there was a long queue. Liked it so much I bought it and started to like slipjoints.

Another general thing is smaller blade size. When I started, I wanted only 3,5-4 inch blades. Everything smaller I thought is too small for a main blade and I don't want to carry a secondary. By accident I bought a small knife, the design and price were good enough that I didn't check the specs and it looked bigger on pictures. I used it for a few days and decided shorter blade length is good enough and smaller size and wieght makes it better to carry. Now I usually stay within 2.75-3.25 inches blade range that I earlier avoided.

Probably the closest specific model I didn't like but eventually started is Spyderco Stretch 2. I got it in a trade, it was a good deal and I thought I will trade or sell it later for something else. I didn't dislike this model, just Spyderco in general because how ugly opening hole makes the blade look. I did some tests and it was such a great slicer I kept it and don't mind how it looks. I even like the blade shape much more than their standard PM2.
 
Manix 2 LW.
Ridiculous blade height, total pocket hog.
FRN handles? Maybe for my girls.
That’s one I’ll never buy.

A good friend surprised me at Christmas with the translucent blue model. It’s now become my go to work knife.

Great utilitarian blade shape. Amazingly lightweight.
FRN handles? Very grippy. Superb for a dirty, hard work environment.
Most carried folder that I own.
 
Heretic Manticore E. Button/slide was incredibly stiff and gritty new. I gave it time, and within a week it lost its grittiness and became somewhat less stiff. Love it now.

Usually it's knives I really want to like but I grow apart from.

When it comes to actual cutting, I love my APurvis Progeny. It looks cool as hell in that two tone. I want to love it.

But.

The positioning of the clip makes it stick out yes, but also makes it awkward to draw. I have to adjust my grip after draw to open it.

At this price point, I expected to have something that flips as smoothly and easily as my WE Deacon. Even after disassembling, cleaning, lubing, etc, no. The detent is just too stiff and the action not smooth for bearings.

However, I still love the look, and feel when using it. So I keep it.
 
BillZee said:
Spyderco knives........I thought they should be called the Ugly Knife Company........
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This...
I thought they all looked the same and that they are a ridiculously expensive ugly knife.
Now... I'm obsessed with Spyderco and they are about the only knives that I use.
 
Skar said:
This...
I thought they all looked the same and that they are a ridiculously expensive ugly knife.
Now... I'm obsessed with Spyderco and they are about the only knives that I use.
Click to expand...

I too, felt the same. These forums convinced me otherwise. I've bought, sold, traded, or at least handled most of their folders, and two fixed blades. They are fantastic knives. I have 6 or 7.
 
Spyderco makes some weird looking knives but once you use one you appreciate the advanced ergonomics and design. Another strange looking knife is the Russell Canadian Belt Knife -- looks odd at first but it works.
 
Para 2 for me. I purchased a blue M390 (first run) and was kind of meh....and it sat unused. I later picked up and started carrying one with M4 steel and now I have 4 pm2s. The original M4 still being my most carried of the bunch.
 
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