Knives you weren't expecting to like so much until you had them in hand

Yet another mention for the Massdrop Laconico Keen. Like @HappyDaddy and @RBid I expected it to be a good knife in light of the reviews here and elsewhere, but didn't expect to buy a second copy. I did because I was pleasantly surprised by its' excellent ergonomics. Given its designer and top production values, I consider it to be a winning industrial design on a par with my Hackman Tapio Wirkkala Puukko. A Wirkkala is in the Permanent Collection of the Museum of Modern Art. IMHO the Laconico Keen belongs there too. Maybe a Purple Groove version. Ray or Sanford should submit one to MOMA for consideration. To my knowledge the Collection doesn't have a folding knife.
 
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Minor necro here, but, I recently picked up a Kizer Mjolnir that was priced too well to not buy it. My initial impression was that it was a very dull-looking and unremarkable knife, but, the more I carry it, the more I like it.

It feels good in the hand, it’s mechanically perfect (centered, no play even when the lock is disengaged, flies open and nearly free-swings when unlocked), and the blade shape is very bland but also very generally utilitarian. It was also pleasantly extra sharp out of the box. Additionally, it’s not as heavy as it looks as they milled the absolute crap out of the interior of the Ti slabs.

That same milling might also be responsible for the unusually pleasant sounds it makes on flipping it open and closed.
 
Microtech Socom Elite (2018) - Tactical knives are not my cup of tea. A friend shared his with me while I was looking for a tough all-round outdoor/camping folder. Been using a Hinderer XM-18 (which I love) but needed something that had better slicing characteristics. The Socom Elite fit the bill perfectly; form and function is perfectly suited for my needs; the thumb-stud deployment is unlike any thumb-stud/liner-lock I've experienced before. Fires out with horsepower like it was spring assisted. Like how it's bigger than the XM-18 but lighter. Liked it so much I bought two.

Massdrop Brad Zinker Dogtooth - Needed a small gents but didn't want something that looked like pocket jewelry, so took a chance on the Dogtooth based on strong reviews. Couldn't be happier. Brad Zinker designed it, Massdrop produced it, WE built it...and build it very well indeed. This thing is built just like Zinker customs costing 3 to 4 times as much. Excellent fit and finish; excellent materials; snappy push button and light switch flipping action; deep carry pocket clip. IMHO at the given price point it's one of the deals of 2018/2019. I had to buy a second before they ran out.
 
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My answer would be basically any Spyderco. They looked so different from most other knives that I felt like I might be taking a real chance.
I figured a weird look might cut weird or feel weird. Once I held a Spyderco and used it I got it and was more or less blown away.
I like other knives for their looks and feel too, but IMO, nothing is as comfortable to use and as sharp as a Spyderco.
 
Al Mar Sere 2K. I got mine in a trade from a good ol boy from Alaska. (Thanks @runswithscissors)

It looked “dorky” to me in pictures. I’d always thought it looked like a Peter Pan looking knife - short little goofy blade and a huge handle. I heard too many good things about it and thought I had to at least try it for myself before dismissing it as the goofy knife I was sure it was.

Boy was I wrong. Once I gripped it and used it a few times it kicked everything else out of my pocket. Its been a trusted companion for over twenty years. It’s one of the most ergonomic and rugged folders ever made. Doesn’t hurt that it has custom level fit and finish and attention to detail.
 
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