Less hyped or noticeable knife characteristics which are important to you

[bayouace]

I usually want a thumb stud on my knives. Over the years that has come to be the most workable for me on my assisted-openers.

 

[LimpCroissant]

Preach! I tried to like flippers two or three times. They're great for opening the blade, and they get in the way at any other time!

I have also tried the "front flipper". It's better for design purposes because you don't have to work around a "beak" sticking out of the lines of your knife. Otherwise, it's no easier or harder to operate than any other method.

I find the easiest method is a cutout in the blade, or a thumb disc. Studs are a dice-roll, and seem to need more work put into them than most companies are willing to do, to make them "good".

Something like what Microtech is doing with the Amphibian looks like a promising alternative. The main problems I have with thumb studs is that they can get in the way of a cut if they're poorly located, and the patterning on some doesn't offer enough traction, especially against a lock that has some spring force. Microtech's design seems like it would be better for traction, at least.

I haven't read through the rest of the thread yet, however I wanted to make you aware of Lee Williams Kickstop Mechanism if you didn't already know about it. It provides a good flipper mechanism for opening and then disappears into the handle when open. It's a killer design. It's absolutely fantastic on this old Kershaw OD-1. Super smooth and awesome! I also have a Wingman with the Kickstop in a Mayo Dr. Death design and it's not nearly as smooth on this one. They overengineered it it seems and it's not quite where I'd like it to be, however definitely still cool as hell! Mayo uses it on some of his Dr. Death models.

 

[brownshoe]

Hyped in this discussion could mean blade steel, blade length, or even blade shape I suppose (clip point, tanto). These are the things all of us are excited about.

What about the less hyped stuff though? This is a matter of opinion, but I suppose you can put blade grind, lanyard holes, spine jimping here. It can even be abstract things like weight, carrying experience, how it sits in the pocket, likelihood of attracting unwanted attention.

My hope with this thread is to generate discussion on little things or less visible characteristics that other folks here might miss. To reiterate an example, before I got in the knife game, carrying experience wasn’t even in the equation. Now it’s more important to me than blade steel.

I like knives that have something unique, such as a G&G Boker GripLock, or a Bose-Case Norfolk whittler (the basic design is old but Bose’s design elements and Case’s execution is unique.) There’s the Paul lock and the Crawford back lock. Sometimes it’s sweet mokeme paired with damascus and mammoth ivory, the design maybe common but materials are unique. That’s why I have a decorated Sebenza

 

[David Mary]

This post *almost* seems like anything that isn't "simple" and "boring" is wrong. I hope that's not what you're saying.

Just because YOU like "simple" and "boring" doesn't mean everyone else has to.

Simple knives aren't that hard to design. Executing that design....well that's another matter.

Knives are an incredible canvas for a maker to express artistic license. While it's true there are a few things that definitely are market hype (still not "wrong"), it doesn't mean that any embellishments are pointless and/or trying to "hide something". Drastically different tastes and preferences are exactly what makes the world not "boring".

Also, I've personally witnessed more than a couple makers belligerently take your same stance as a way to take shots at better makers in order to justify their own lack of ability and/or desire to improve their own work. Talk about hiding something!......amiright?

I didn't read his comments that way, more as an indictment of the more extreme Tacticlol type knives such as get posted in the thread of the same name, as far as user knives anyway. And in that regard I agree with him. But I, too, agree that if someone likes something, then it is not "wrong" per se, at least as far as personal knife preferences.

Not officer....NPD (New Product Development)

I knew what you meant by it, but for your consideration of future disambiguation, it also means this:

Lee Williams Kickstop Mechanism

I just looked it up. I have not been a fan of flippers, but that actually looks brilliant, and if I see the right design with a kickstop flipper I might actually give it a try. Thanks for the neat info!

 

[LimpCroissant]

I just looked it up. I have not been a fan of flippers, but that actually looks brilliant, and if I see the right design with a kickstop flipper I might actually give it a try. Thanks for the neat info!

Yessir! They're not too incredibly common, which I think they should be a lot more prevalent on production folders, but they're a very cool design!

 

[gentleman_edc]

When considering a purchase, I have to pay close attention to the way the pocket clip is attached.

I have never thought about it, but yes.

Also annoying are recesses from where the pocket clip was. When they provide a removable filler so you can change the clip position, but don't provide a second one so you can remove the clip entirely.

 

[gentleman_edc]

I don't make friends when I say all the things I don't like about knives....(Almost everything)
And my advertising of not doing any of That, and making what I like, and what I like is seen as "Boring Knives"..

It's boxy, but it's good.

I feel successful when I go to sleep and can say, "I didn't do anything too stupid today".

 

[SwissHeritageCo]

Balance.
A properly designed knife will balance just under the first finger of your gripping hand. Many don't. A properly balanced knife is easier to use. It feels like an extension of your hand.

Edited to add:
Unfortunately, this is seldom covered by reviewers and I usually need to buy the knife to determine if it is properly designed.

This is a biggie and so often overlooked on fixed blades!

 

[DocJD]

Sometimes ,otherwise well designed and built knives seem like the pocket clip or sheath is just "phoned in " .

IMO , that can ruin the whole rig . Make carry difficult , uncomfortable etc .

A good pocket clip should work with the handle shape , to enhance the ergonomics . Provide reliable retention, but not rip your clothing to shreds .

Clip should fit over a range of thickness in clothing material , or at least be easy to mod to fit .

Sheath should be adjustable for retention and adaptable to a variety of carry mounting methods / positions .

 

[Jcsixx01]

I fat shame my blades. So what about it? Lol.

Handle thickness is the most important spec for my by far. After a few years into EDC, I realized that the only stuff that made it into my pockets was the blades that were as thin, lightweight, & compact as possible.

Once I applied those metrics to purchases…I significantly cut down on the number of “misses” which saves me $$$$$

 

[SimplyMinded]

If it's a gift. A good box.

Also choice. I don't know where 10 different options just became the norm for every single knife that comes out.

But that was unheard of back in the day.

I'm shocked scented scales aren't a thing yet.

 

[Crag the Brewer]

I'm shocked scented scales aren't a thing yet.

Hey, don't laugh
I sniff My knives.......
Have You ever smelled lignum V.?

Pretty spectacular......it's Spicy.
I love it

 

[LimpCroissant]

I'm shocked scented scales aren't a thing yet.

That's what we have copper scales for!

 

[SimplyMinded]

Hey, don't laugh
I sniff My knives.......
Have You ever smelled lignum V.?

Pretty spectacular......it's Spicy.
I love it

That's what we have copper scales for!

That's a low bar. We need some Beckers in "Tactical Madman" and some CPK's in "Dewy Mountain". Brb gotta email the patent office.

 

[Ozmose]

I haven't read through the rest of the thread yet, however I wanted to make you aware of Lee Williams Kickstop Mechanism if you didn't already know about it. It provides a good flipper mechanism for opening and then disappears into the handle when open. It's a killer design. It's absolutely fantastic on this old Kershaw OD-1. Super smooth and awesome! I also have a Wingman with the Kickstop in a Mayo Dr. Death design and it's not nearly as smooth on this one. They overengineered it it seems and it's not quite where I'd like it to be, however definitely still cool as hell! Mayo uses it on some of his Dr. Death models.

Kickstop knives are fantastic. It's a game changer on smaller flippers. I have a Pena Apache with it, and I can actually get a full four finger grip on it. Having that flipper tab out of the way does wonders for ergonomics. I wish it was more widely available on knives, but I'm pretty sure it's under patent. It would be so cool to see something like an XM-18 or Arius with it.

 

[kane22]

I tend to be more of a fixed blade guy, and I'm amazed at how many come with sub par sheaths.
Also a handle that's actually comfortable and has no hot spots. I also like one that's grippy. I knife slipping in your had is not a good thing.
I like tougher steels that are thinner stock and thin behind the edge.

 

[elevator man]

New one to put on my radar. NO notch or sharpening choil at the heel of the blade. My new Belair is great, until you actually cut stuff. A few times now breaking down cardboard that stupid notch gets hung up like a hook and you go from gliding through a cut to literally stopped in your tracks. Also happened on a plastic baggie. My spydercos never have this happen.

 

[Railsplitter]

I'm shocked scented scales aren't a thing yet.

I once received a knife that smelled like a pipe tobacco I used to smoke.

I reluctantly anticipate the day I receive one that reeks of that skunk odor that saturates city streets these days. It brings back fond memories but I don’t want my knife to smell like it.

 

[LimpCroissant]

Kickstop knives are fantastic. It's a game changer on smaller flippers. I have a Pena Apache with it, and I can actually get a full four finger grip on it. Having that flipper tab out of the way does wonders for ergonomics. I wish it was more widely available on knives, but I'm pretty sure it's under patent. It would be so cool to see something like an XM-18 or Arius with it.

Yup, that's the biggest thing for me too, getting rid of that flipper bar when opened. They always seem to be cramping my hands or put where I want to put my pointer finger. Yeah that's probably true that it's still under patent. Still, more companies should use it and pay the royalties or what have you if that's the case. XM-18, Arius', some CRK creation, all sounds good to me.

 

[ingwe]

I like the wave feature, don't carry anything else anymore.