Knives you underestimated.

Hearing a lot of love for the Rat and the Vantage Pro. May have to check them out. I live very close to the Buck factory. Might see if I can take a tour and pick up a Vantage.
 
On the other end of the spectrum from the Rat 2, I just got a Hinderer MP-1 that has pleasantly surprised me. I wasn't expecting to like it based on the only other Hinderer I handled (very poor action). Once I got used to the lackluster flipping action (requires a bit of wrist action) I can appreciate other attributes of the knife that I think will eventually make it one of my favorites:
  • Outstanding ergonomics, especially after removing the pocket clip. It gets carried in a sheath like my Chris Reeves.
  • Great size; overall length right between and large & small Sebenza
  • Nice blade shape
  • Great fit/finish
  • Fantastic machining; I especially like the detail work along the top edges of the handle
  • I love the overall look of the knife.
I've enjoyed my Zero Tolerance Hinderers for a while (0550, 0566, 0562) so it's nice to have the real deal too. They do all have a better action than the MP-1 though. My wife even immediately liked it. She wanted it and even wanted to buy one, until I told her what it cost. The only other knife she likes that much is my ZT 0620.

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I'll second Benchmade Rift. Initially thought the ergo's wouldn't work for me. After using it for a year, probably my most comfortable blade. May just be me, but I also feel like you get a lot of blade length in a mid size package.
 
Rat 1 and 2 for me also. I was also very surprised how much I liked the Manix 2 LW TB I received as a Christmas present from a very good friend. Very capable, lightweight knife.

And absolutely nothing could prepare me for the outstanding construction and value of the GB1 & 2
 
Spyderco in general. Thought they were ugly, plastic handled knives that were overpriced and silly. Now they're probably 75% or more of my knife purchases.

As for individual knives, Spyderco Urban in K390. Bought it really just to play with the steel and it has ended up being in my pocket more than any other knife since that purchase. Also, the Real Steel Griffin. Inexpensive button lock with a bearing pivot and darn decent steel. I can certainly pick some nits about it, but I paid about $35 for it and have owned knives two to three times that much that weren't as impressive.
 
Tjohnson4845 said:
photoman12001 photoman12001 interested in what you're using for a holster. I also agree that Hinderers feel great minus the clip.
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A Raine #4 is what I use for my larger folders that I carry without a clip (large Sebenza 21/25 and the Hinderer). It's just a cheap (but well made) black nylon but I haven't found anything better yet. I'm not willing to carry these expensive knives via a pocket clip. I don't mind carrying and using them but I want little more protection and security. My Grayman Dua that I got for $200 is the most expensive knife that I carry via a clip.

My small Chris Reeves go in this little sheath but you cannot find them for sale any more, at least I can't. Rainbow is the brand. It's pretty much my small Inkosi's permanent home.

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The only nice sheath I've got is this one for the Umnumzaan that I snagged off the Exchange. No idea who made it.

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GB940Rookie said:
Rat 1 and 2 for me also. I was also very surprised how much I liked the Manix 2 LW TB I received as a Christmas present from a very good friend. Very capable, lightweight knife.

And absolutely nothing could prepare me for the outstanding construction and value of the GB1 & 2
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I definitely agree regarding the GB1. That is an outstanding knife. The GB2 doesn't quite strike the same chord for me though. Not that it's bad, it just didn't live up to its predecessor for me. I keep meaning to do a comparison video of those. Need more time. I don't even have any photos of the GB2 yet.

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photo man,
For me each knife is playing a diffferent tune and I appreciate both. I wish they would have put different scales on the GB2 though.
 
fivesense said:
How do you like that S110V? I'm considering the Military in S110V. Although the PM2 would perhaps be a better complement to my existing Military in S30V.
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To be honest I really love it. It's my favorite next to my S30V. It just takes such a ridiculous edge. My mouth has been watering over a Military lately, as soon as I get the funds I'm going to get one. I would definitely recommend S110V in either.
 
GB940Rookie said:
photo man,
For me each knife is playing a diffferent tune and I appreciate both. I wish they would have put different scales on the GB2 though.
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You're right. I think that's why a lot of folks feel like the GB2 should have been a supplement instead of a replacement.
I haven't carried or used the GB2 yet but the GB1's M4 takes such an amazing edge on the Sharp Maker.
I think G10 scales on both of the GBs would have been a better fit for them.
 
My K-1 Enep from Miles at Aranyik with about 12 inch blade. Chops better than any other tool for the weight or length. For something handmade, the cost was VERY nice too.

I would have to think about if I have any other knives that surprised me as much.
 
I often underestimate the blade on my leatherman micra, but I always end up remembering how well it's thin chisel ground blade works for so many things such removing burrs from pvc and other plastic.
 
photoman12001 said:
You're right. I think that's why a lot of folks feel like the GB2 should have been a supplement instead of a replacement.
I haven't carried or used the GB2 yet but the GB1's M4 takes such an amazing edge on the Sharp Maker.
I think G10 scales on both of the GBs would have been a better fit for them.
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I agree 100%
I picture my GB2 with foliage g10 and bright hardware.
 
Underestimated knife? In general, I have so underestimated how useful and how much I would like the Victorinox SAKs.

Generally speaking , I seldom have high expectations when I buy a knife other than it be well made/well put together.
 
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