LETS DESIGN THE PUUUURFECT WORKING FOLDER

I'd like to see something simple added- An inlay of something non slip to go into the scale under the belt clip to make it grip the pocket better- Rubber? wouldn't be noticible but would be functional
 
Well, just to keep things lively, I'll comment on two of the features becoming popular:

No clip: The fact is, without a clip, most people won't buy it. Even the Sebenza, one of the best folders around, was eventually "clipped". You automatically remove many potential buyers when you don't offer the knife with a clip.

Oval-profile handle: One of the selling points of a folder is the convenience of carry. In a pocket, we want the profile to be fairly slim, not uncomfortable. The oval-handled knives do present a bigger, less comfortable cross section for carry. Again, this would be a deal-killer for me. How about offering half-oval kraton pieces that can be screwed to each side of the handle for those wanting more of a handful?

Joe
jat@cup.hp.com
 
Following up on Joe's comment to the effect that no-clip = no-buy, I just want to remind everyone of something that hardly ever gets mentioned: A knife spends a lot more time in your pocket than it does in your hand. A comfortable handle is a nice thing, but if I can't carry the knife comfortably and conveniently, I won't buy it. I, personally, like the clip concept. I can tolerate a bit of minor (non-painful) clip-related hand discomfort. With some knives, the clip actually gives you a little something more to hang onto, and can facilitate opening the blade. Why not work this latter aspect into the design--using the clip as a leverage point to facilitate opening. Clips should be removable, replaceable, and reversible. I don't care if there are unused screw holes; such minor cosmetic factors are a matter of complete indifference to me, whereas the added versatility and improved functionality are worth a lot.

Darrel, I realize you're an artist, and that knives are nothing more or less than your preferred medium; nevertheless, you asked us to tell you what WE want in an everyday carry and use knife. As for me, I don't want an "art knife". No fossilized dinosaur poop handles, sculpted or otherwise, for me, thank you.

Finally, let me say "thank you" for your participation in these forums. Thank you for talking to us and for listening to us.

Respectfully,
David Rock

 
Joe, Dave:

You make valid points about pocket carry and slim profiles. The notion of two models or as suggested optional user installed handle slabs might be the way to go. My emphasis on the handle counters points, at least for me, to the need to develop something better than two flat pieces of G-10 or micarta for handles. I carry my Spydie Moran in a slip sheath in my front right pocket along with an EDI Genesis or large Sebenza. There should be no question about the Moran's handle being ergonomic and anything but flat. Guess what. It is unobstrusive in my pocket and no, I'm not talking cargo pants or BDUs either. Dress pants here. So, as far as I'm concerned, a damn good oval handle (certainly smaller in girth than the Moran or the aforementioned Gator) can and should be grafted into a state-of-the-art folder design without compromising carrying comfort or detectability.

Regarding the issue of clips. Yeah, I guess I concur that just like stainless over tool steels, the market pretty much mandates them. An ingenious design that makes them fully functional yet blends into the contours of the folder remains a challenge to be met just as the design of a locking system that provides rigidity and security consistant at least with non full tang fixed blades. Sounds like Darrel may have already conquered the clip problem.....

I can still dream.....

-=[Bob]=-


[This message has been edited by bald1 (edited 10-18-98).]
 
Darrel,

You didn't miss much with the Krait. For utility though...

I like a narrow, pointy, very shallow clip-point blade, not much over .75" maximum width. This allows the blade to turn while cutting deeply into something, like an apple for instance. I love the grind of the Baby Sebenza. It has a thin edge that thickens slightly near the tip for extra strength there. Stretch the Baby Sebenza blade out to 3.25" so that it gets narrower, and straighten the clip so the point gets finer.

I do not like sharpened clips on a utility knife, though bevels always look nice. You should be able to lay your index finger down the top of the spine for pencil-grip control, and you can't clean your fingernails with a double-edged blade.

The offer of a coated tool steel would be nice. I like CPM420V, but could it be too abrasion resistant?

No thumb ramp, they seem never to be located in the right place for my thumb. No traction ridges on the blade top. Shallow, closely spaced grooves work well and don't chafe the skin as badly.

Lock - something that you can rely on to the extent that the blade will break before the lock fails. The safest folder is one that locks or latches both open and closed. I keep trying to imagine a slimmer, one-hand operating version of the Barry Wood folder. I keep telling myself that I will not buy any more liner-locks, though the Sebenza does inspire a fair measure of confidence.

Clip - I consider pocket clips one of life's necessary compromises. You can always take them off (special order without?). If you didn't offer a clip, I would buy one anyway. I like to carry a utility knife in a belt pouch, or loosely in my front pocket, with a lanyard sticking out to draw by.

Can't wait to see what you come up with!

Harv

[This message has been edited by Steve Harvey (edited 10-19-98).]
 
Steve
I will address the abrasion resistance problem with 420v.. As we go along in life the things around us get better and better. Cpm420v is a great steel. Sharpening it is a learning process. Heres what I have learned over the last year..
Try using a tapered fine diamond hone after you get it sharp. This adds serations.
After many hours of talk with folks who use knives (NOT SHAVE HAIR) and in my own tests
a knife that is serrated and just barley cuts hair is the longest lasting edge . The stainless steels that are truley at the RC hardness that they claim , if shapened to a polished edge are slick but dont hold up long and begin to slip on the cut. The ones that cut the longest and dig in most of the time are the serrated edge. The best type of edge IMHO is NOT FOR SHAVING. Its for cutting. Go to a meat cutting plant. Watch how these fellows sharpen there knives. They use about a 400-600 grit stone.
Try adding serations with the diamond or a ceramic fine crock stick . It will imrpove the edge holding and stop the slickness when cutting. It adds the dig effect..
 
Isn't the perfect folder a fixed blade?

Sorry, I couldn't help myself!

[This message has been edited by Ruppe (edited 10-21-98).]
 
Darrel,

Actually, after thinking about it, CPM420V may be the perfect steel for a light to medium utility blade. Medium use will not severely dull a 420V blade with good cutting edge geometry, and sharpening should not be a challenge.

I found that sharpening was a challenge after seriously dulling my Krait blade. It made me wonder, if I were out in the boonies with nothing but a rock for a sharpener, and a seriously dull knife, would I be glad it was made of CPM420V?

For a medium utility blade though, a knife meant to serve in more civilized environments, CPM420V is perfect. If all you do is open letters, cut string, cut up cardboard for recycling once a week, a little whittling here and there, etc., you may only need to sharpen the thing twice a year.

[This message has been edited by Steve Harvey (edited 10-20-98).]
 
OH, Darrel,

Follow on post number two. The blades on all the one-of-a-kind pieces on your web site are exactly what I have in mind in terms of blade width and grind. I would personally prefer a clip or drop point to a swept point for the perfect working folder blade, but the width looks right-on.

Harv
 
Hey Guys,

As far as I concern puuurfect folder
means BALISONG !

My working folder is a bali.

JM
 
Hi Darrel!

Please go the the general forum and see my post. I rendered two "perfect" (at least for me) folders...

Thanx

Joel Pirela
 
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