Most Over-Rated and Under-Rated Brands of Production Knives

mrent said:
Underrated: LionSteel Knives.

Overrated: I know I am going to regret saying this because I am bound to catch shit for it, but as was previously stated in this thread by another forum member, I think Emerson production knives fit into this category.
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I've been enjoying photos of Emerson knives for weeks. Recently I went to Country Knives in Intercourse, PA- a very serious knife shop with a nearly unmatched selection. I handled, opened, closed, and blade-wobbled a few dozen mid-to-high end knives from brands like ZT, Benchmade, Spyderco, and Emerson. The Emerson wave folders consistently had noticeable blade wobble more significant than that of the other brands half the price.

This was the first time I handled Emerson knives and I was surprised.
 
This is a great thread! No negative horrible meaningless arguments (yet!). Just honest opinions.

I think the most under-rated brands are Buck knives for the dang value of them. Buck knives might not be quite as nice as Case knives or Benchmade/Spydercos in some respects, but they do have the best value for dollar in a US-made knife. They aren't really looked at as fondly as other knife brands here, which is really a shame.

The most over-rated knife brand in my mind is Spyderco. I purchased an Endura FFG last year and after all the hype I read online, I was disappointed that it didn't become a lightsaber in my hand. They are nice knives, somewhat over-priced in my mind, but I understand that they are a forefront manufacturer in exotic handle and blade materials. And I DO very much want a Spyderco PM2 thanks to the incessant recommendations for it here, I just absolutely KNOW that it won't live up to the expectations in my mind that are fed by online forums.

It's funny, but I feel like I enjoy under-rated knives more, like Kabar Doziers, old military bayonets, or even the venerable TL-29. Most likely due to the fact that my expectations are lower going in and I feel like the knives have surpassed their greatest potential.

I also see a TON of threads/posts here about how horrible Cold Steel and Gerber are. I don't know who is saying that CS is such a great manufacturerer but I haven't ever seen anything like that here before, besides about the Tri-Ad lock. I'm just curious, because I've never owned a Cold Steel, I'm just commenting on what the majority of posts abot Cold Steel are on the Internet. They are usually negative and that is why I don't have a Cold Steel knife. If they had ever been completely positive, then I would have one by now.
 
GLDNDomer said:
It's funny, but I feel like I enjoy under-rated knives more, like Kabar Doziers, old military bayonets, or even the venerable TL-29. Most likely due to the fact that my expectations are lower going in and I feel like the knives have surpassed their greatest potential.
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That's an interesting observation.
I suppose I like my knives hype-free, if possible. ;)

Concerning Cold Steel, buy one for yourself. Many models are rather inexpensive.
Aside from the marketing and the blade steel choice, I'm not sure what objectively negative things can be said about the American Lawman.
 
Nullity said:
That's an interesting observation.
I suppose I like my knives hype-free, if possible. ;)

Concerning Cold Steel, buy one for yourself. Many models are rather inexpensive.
Aside from the marketing and the blade steel choice, I'm not sure what objectively negative things can be said about the American Lawman.
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The very knife I was thinking of when reading post a few above yours. I really can't think of anything wrong with the American Lawman. I would take an upgraded steel. But AUS-8 has performed well in my use.
 
Steel130 said:
The very knife I was thinking of when reading post a few above yours. I really can't think of anything wrong with the American Lawman. I would take an upgraded steel. But AUS-8 has performed well in my use.
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Oh yeah, I'd love a better steel, but I used an 8cr13mov knife (Schrade CH7) for 15 years and never had any complaints.
Then again, edge retention has never been the most important property of an EDC blade steel, for me.
 
Brands I think are over rated:

-CRK. Yes they are nice knives, but I feel they are overpriced for an outdated design. I like some of their graphic designs and the Mnandi, but that's about it.

-Cold Steel. I've owned 3 of their folders, all turds with problems out of the box. I also feel they are over priced and their CS is worse than Microtech (from experience).

Brands I feel are UNDER rated:

-Lionsteel. Great folders. Wonderful fit and finish and their Roto Lock is just great.

-Fox Italy. They make one of the smoothest flippers out there, use great steel and their fit and finish is top notch.

-Mcusta. At the price point they're in the quality is outstanding.

-HTM. Great knives, great designs and wonderful flippers. I'm amazed they aren't more popular than they are.
That's just off the top of my head.
 
Over rated: CRK and Busse. One is a "light use" (or you'll have "abused it") mid-tech, and the other is a decent knife with a rediculous price and marketing strategy ( OK HOGS, COME GET YOUR RNNUAK, ONLY $850, TO BE PRODUCED IN 2016!:reducilus nuclear noncense über awesome knife:, and a fan-boy user base that somewhat turns me off).

Under appreciated? Probably the inexpensive custom makers out there, where you could get a hand made knife for the price of a SOG fixed blade.

Another point: over and under appreciated HERE in this microcosm, or out in nature so to speak?

Much different animals.
 
If only hogue changed their pocket clip. It's a horrible design, and the only thing that's stopping me from buying one. The ex02 doesn't have it, thankfully.
 
About SOG, I must say that I am very impressed with my Flash2 Tanto. This knife is flawless! I wanted an affordable polymer handle Tanto folder and this is a good folder! I had a Flash2 Tanto a few years ago and sold it. I wanted another one because I remembered how nice my first one was.
Busses are under-rated. :D
 
Lycosa said:
About SOG, I must say that I am very impressed with my Flash2 Tanto. This knife is flawless! I wanted an affordable polymer handle Tanto folder and this is a good folder! I had a Flash2 Tanto a few years ago and sold it. I wanted another one because I remembered how nice my first one was.
Busses are under-rated. :D
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I dunno if you've been paying attention, but SOG sucks.
Just because they make flawless knives for low prices doesn't mean they don't suck.

Before you try to post a rebuttal, just remember... the forum has spoken. :D :p ;)
 
I own many knives. Cheap to expensive (BM, Spyderco, Case, CS, Buck, SAK, customs, etc) the only one I didn't like was the one I wasn't carrying when I needed a knife ;)
 
Dan57 said:
Why Al Mar?
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Primarily because of a bad experience I had with a SERE 2000, but I find their prices for the knives using
AUS8-A (Falcon/Eagle etc) to be pretty over-the-top. I know they have a strong following but I just don't
see the value for that $ level.
 
Another I think is over rated is Emerson. I think they're very overpriced. I do love the Emerson Wave, but no on Emerson knives.
 
I think everyone would agree Busse knives are overrated that being said I don't own 1 but the hype surrounding their products would make you think they cut like a lightsaber and can be run over by a tank.

A brand that deserves more credit is opinel they make quality blades that make the best of the blade steel and have a very solid lock-up. I only wish that the cut out for the blade when closed was wider so it doesn't get stuck close in humid weather.
 
[/QUOTE]...................Concerning Cold Steel, buy one for yourself. Many models are rather inexpensive.
Aside from the marketing and the blade steel choice, I'm not sure what objectively negative things can be said about the American Lawman. [/QUOTE]

Agreed:thumbup: I got one for Christmas last year and although I might have not bought it for myself it's a nice solid knife. Funny. The first thing the buddy who gave it to me said..."don't get down on it because it's a CS "
 
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