My recent knife thoughts...

[Ed Gordon]

Tactical knives do have their appeal. I own some and they are really practical. Quick to open one handed, light weight and tolerate moisture and abuse extremely well. I think that most of these have little personality and most all lack any qualities that would make them something “special” that I would want to hand down to my sons or daughter. It has been 14 years since I was in the military. I don’t find myself in situations were I will need to survive in the field under adverse circumstances for any length of time. Even with the finest and most capable tools I would have a rough time surviving and to be honest have no desire to be in that type of situation at this point in my life. To me an ounce of prevention and planning is worth a ton of cure. I think that a lot of why people buy tactical knives is their practical functionality and also for the romantic appeal of what their capabilities are and for the situations and circumstances they are designed for. Traditional style knives have served knife users for centuries or more. To me they also hold a lot of romantic appeal and seem to get everything done that needs doing. I have read a lot of posts here on the forums and the absolute best advice I have seen is to “buy the type of knives that you like and enjoy”. That is a lot of what the fun and satisfaction of knife collecting is all about. This is really an exciting time for knife enthusiasts. There are many new steels available and more choices than ever in locking types and handle materials not to mention innovative designs and really superior quality in both custom and factory knives. I am interested in what you all think. Is their any real satisfaction and joy in following the latest trends? Is there a future in “traditional” lockbacks with natural handle materials that require both hands to open? Do you buy what you really like, what really brings you joy and is beautiful and functional for you? I have loved knives since I was old enough to know about them. I really have an appreciation for all types of knives and certainly don’t profess to know what is right for you. I have been a little disillusioned about my hobby lately and realized that it is great to learn everything I can about knives but the most important quality of a knife (to me) is that I like it.

 

[anthony cheeseboro]

Ed, have you been checking out custom multiblades, and traditional folders? In the last month or so, my interest in custom or high end slip joints has really increased. These knives really look good and with modern steel, they cut just as well as tacticals. I think I will always love tacticals, but there is something special about a traditional bone or stage handled folder. I love the fact that slipjoints are generally perceived as non-weapons by non-knife nuts. That's not fair to tacticals, but slip joints do have the advantage of tradition on their side. As I have said before, most of us say that our knives are first and foremost tools, that being the case, I think more of us should get into high-end slipjoints. Finally, there is a huge diversity of patterns that can make slipjoint collecting interesting in a way that tactical collecting is not. Once again, I'm not anti-tactical but I think that slipjoints really help to show a wide range of the cutler's art and diversity is inherently interesting.

 

[redvenom]

I use knives myself and really like tactical folders for the good points you mentioned. True, production tacticals don't have much soul. But get a handmade tactical folder from Carson or Ralph and you can have your cake and eat it too

Andrew L

 

[Buzzbait]

Well said, Ed!!! I too have become lost amidst all of the pocket clips and G-10 flying around. While there is much to be said of the newer locking systems, lighter weights and indestructible handles, there is just as much value in tradition and beauty.

I guess you could say that I straddle the fence. I carry tacticals during the workweek and at home on the weekends. The convenience of use and light weight makes tacticals very appealing.

But whenever I head out for one of my frequent outdoor excursions, I carry more traditional knives. I consider traditional knives to be part of my outdoor experience. My gear usually includes a stag handled Buck 110 and a stockman. Traditional knives have at least gotten a boost from modern knife making. My Buck 110 has a sensational BG-42 blade, which I prefer over Buck’s already excellent 420HC.

I also like to carry my plain old carbon steel Marbles when out in the woods. The Marbles was a great knife 70 years ago, and is just as good today. The fact that it looks beautiful is some serious icing on the cake.

As far as collectible value goes, I don’t know much about that. All of my knives, except one, are users. That one that isn’t is my 125th Anniversary Edition Camillus EDC. While it’s a more tactical looking knife, with no bone or wood, its beauty is breathtaking. Much more so, IMHO, than the myriad of other production tactical knives. Maybe beauty can be had in the modern tactical knife. I doesn’t happen often, but you get lucky sometimes.

 

[PhilL]

I'm easy, for me just a little piece of stag makes all the difference in the world. I like the looks of it and the feel and it can turn an ordinary knife into something special. I guess Damascus does that for me as well. I still like the convenience of a liner lock and thumb stud for one hand opening and closing, but I don't want a clip on my custom/handmade folders. I prefer a nice leather belt sheath over Kydex. I'm just starting to think of my knives as "A Collection" instead of just what catches my eye at the moment. There's no Micarta or CF or Kydex in my future.