Knives you're not supposed to love (but do)...

strategy9

strategy9

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Apr 27, 2015
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Some companies just have the reputation of being great; others, not so much, questionable at best. No matter the nay-sayers against CRKT, no matter the price tag, the made in china tag, or the 8cr13mov nomenclature, despite everything that tells me and my better judgement that I shouldn't love this knife, and regardless of what other better Steel, more expensive, made in USA, Germany, Japan, Taiwan, etc. knives I acquire, I can't help but love this CRKT Free Range folder, it's just so dang ergonomically pleasing in the hand, and it gets razor friggin' sharp, even if it doesn't hold it the longest (it does hold it plenty enough for what it is). I seriously can't imagine taking it out of my ED-rotation...

I'm even tempted to buy a second one, just in the event I do finally break it one day (clipped point, thin hollow grind), and they become discontinued, I would still have one...
(I keep crossing the current bladeHQ "2for" sale with the fixed blade incl., and it's so tempting every time, lol)

What knives are you not "supposed" to love, but in spite of all the reviews and reputations, question marks and everything else saying "no, no, no", you still can't help but love 'em anyways?
 
Pretty much anything by Cold Steel...

I hate their marketing and think that it has the potential to scare off newcomers to the community as well as outsiders BUT their products have some of the most consistent quality of any knife company I've purchased from so far (admittedly not many, I'm not exactly rolling in the dough). Surprisingly smooth for lockbacks, extremely sharp, no noticeable defects from what I could see, and of course tough as nails.

My Voyager is one of my favorite knives I own. :thumbup:

And I like CRKT too, to be honest. Their designs can be...out there...but I've liked the knives I purchased from them so far.
 
Nick beat me to it. I have an absolutely perfect Olamic Wayfarer in my pocket right now, but this weekend on my camping trip, I'll have my Cold Steel Ultimate Hunter with me while my Wayfarer stays safely at home. I have multiple Cold Steel folders that I love because they were inexpensive, the ergos are top-notch, and they just make such great woods-beater knives. I freely admit it. I wouldn't take any of my nicer knives out in the woods because I don't want to damage them. All of my expensive knives are special to me in one or another, but if I lost my AUS-8 Code 4 somehow? Eh, I'll get another!

The only high dollar knife I can't go without on a camping trip is my custom Rodent 9.
 
strategy9 said:
What knives are you not "supposed" to love, but in spite of all the reviews and reputations, question marks and everything else saying "no, no, no", you still can't help but love 'em anyways?
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My Emerson Mini CQC 15.

You know, horribly overpriced. Outdated 154cm steel, a chisel grind that can't cut straight. Terrible fit and finish. A liner lock that slips out of engagment if you look at it sideways. A tanto point that is a terrible choice on an EDC knife, only good for mall ninjas. [emoji6] [emoji6] [emoji33] [emoji33] [emoji33] [emoji33] [emoji33] [emoji33] [emoji33] [emoji33]
 
I've several CRKTs and love them. Especially the Carson M4 in wood or stag (have both) plus a couple other models.
Rich
 
Yeah, CRKT. Everyone says the Otonashi and Hissatsu are just killin' knives, but I EDC them everyday, And the Fossil And the Nirk Tighe. Call me a mall ninja, but I like big blades and they do what I need them to.
 
Spyderco Stainless Police. Way too big, heavy, can't disassemble to clean, can't even adjust the pivot. But for some reason I really like.

 
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As always, my Tekna Ocean Edge. From the '70's and 420 steel, old school, right? The knife's indestructible, great edge and I love the sheath. Always felt I got one of the better ones--supposedly the originals were Seki City forged. Heat treat must have been superb the way the knife has performed.

Cold Steel Ti-Lite. A jarbenza; a real cheapo, right? One of the most fun, solidly constructed knives I've ever had. Very entertaining little flicker.

J. Martinni leuku from the '60's. Cheap, not flashy. One great wilderness knife.

RAT's 1 and 2. Anyone who owns one will know what I mean.

I often shake my head wondering why these knives would be some of my favorites of everything I own. Doesn't make sense but it's true. A couple have been with me for a long, long time.....maybe that's it.
 
EChoil said:
As always, my Tekna Ocean Edge. From the '70's and 420 steel, old school, right? The knife's indestructible, great edge and I love the sheath. Always felt I got one of the better ones--supposedly the originals were Seki City forged. Heat treat must have been superb the way the knife has performed.

Cold Steel Ti-Lite. A jarbenza; a real cheapo, right? One of the most fun, solidly constructed knives I've ever had. Very entertaining little flicker.

J. Martinni leuku from the '60's. Cheap, not flashy. One great wilderness knife.

RAT's 1 and 2. Anyone who owns one will know what I mean.

I often shake my head wondering why these knives would be some of my favorites of everything I own. Doesn't make sense but it's true. A couple have been with me for a long, long time.....maybe that's it.
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Absolutely.
 
Todd21969 said:
My Emerson Mini CQC 15.

You know, horribly overpriced. Outdated 154cm steel, a chisel grind that can't cut straight. Terrible fit and finish. A liner lock that slips out of engagment if you look at it sideways. A tanto point that is a terrible choice on an EDC knife, only good for mall ninjas. [emoji6] [emoji6] [emoji33] [emoji33] [emoji33] [emoji33] [emoji33] [emoji33] [emoji33] [emoji33]
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Yeah those Emersons are horrid knives aren't they..... :triumphant:
 
Moxy said:
Spyderco Stainless Police. Way to big, heavy, can't disassemble to clean, can't even adjust the pivot. But for some reason I really like.

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Always liked the Police models. They're just too thin and slick for my hands though.
 
Traditional slipjoints.
 
Charlie Mike said:
Traditional slipjoints.
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I can relate to this. I used to be strictly into modern folders, as I like the advances in technology and design....nowadays, I don't really care about that as much. I appreciate it, but I still love the feel of a good traditional slipjoint. Hell, I've got one on my belt right now!
 
Cannot say much, but I have always thought Rough Rider looked cheapbut the models catch my eye, do not know about how well they hold an edge. Any opinion from anyone with a Rough Rider knife?
 
My crkt m21-14sf, it's massive, heavy, has a terrible grind but I can't help but carry it in my high risk situations very smooth and reliable
 
Cold Steal is my choice. I think that are the best bang for the buck.
 
The Buck 110. The thing is heavy as heck. No pocket clip or thumb stud. I cant hold or use one without smiling tho.
 
Boker Plus Tech Tool. I see many posting how they would always take a Victorinox first, but mine has quite thoroughly displaced the Vic Tourist I used to carry.
 
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