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Once the "tactical" and "hard use" fad fades, what will be the next "big thing" be?
- Thread starter retzius
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I don't understand why we haven't already seen what I predict will eventually be a big thing: polymer composite blades.
Think Glock polymer technology applied to Kershaw's composite blade idea---a metal cutting edge dovetailed into a fiber reinforced polymer blade spine. Cheap plastic knives with the cutting performance of regular knives but using only a fraction of the steel.
It may not be next but I think it's headed our way.
Think Glock polymer technology applied to Kershaw's composite blade idea---a metal cutting edge dovetailed into a fiber reinforced polymer blade spine. Cheap plastic knives with the cutting performance of regular knives but using only a fraction of the steel.
It may not be next but I think it's headed our way.
uh I hope not. I already dont like the Kershaw composite technology ( but it does look cool). is it really cheaper to finish two blade steels, then fit them together rather than give us the whole blade?
But also wouldnt plastic cause more friction when cutting? Also dont some oils that you would use on your edge degrade plastic?
The more i collect and use knives, the less I care about their price. So a cheap knife with super steel and half plastic blade probably wouldnt appeal to anyone. Only an enthusiast is really gonna care about the steel, and only a non enthusiast is gonna care about getting the cheapest knife.
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I see amorphous metal being a greater likelihood than polymer blades. Amorphous metal is getting cheaper all the time, and it can be molded like a plastic.
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I agree.
I see a big market for self-customizable knives also. Knives where you can change or upgrade scales and blade steels to personalize your knife. Kind of like a iKnife (cheesy analogy but you get the idea).
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So true. Amorphous tech will likely be used on the next iPhone as it can be molded to any shape but offers superior hardness and scratch resistance. The possibilities on this are insane.
I think the trend of light thin "slicers" is definitely on the rise
one thing I haven't seem mentioned is that I'll think we'll see more Chinese made "premium" knives. not that high end makers will start making cheapo knives in china, but that chinese factories will start making knives with similar high end materials, fit and finish, and general quality as western and Japanese made knives.
I also predict we'll start seeing more knives being sold in the US from Chinese companies, rather than just western companies that outsource production to China.
one thing I haven't seem mentioned is that I'll think we'll see more Chinese made "premium" knives. not that high end makers will start making cheapo knives in china, but that chinese factories will start making knives with similar high end materials, fit and finish, and general quality as western and Japanese made knives.
I also predict we'll start seeing more knives being sold in the US from Chinese companies, rather than just western companies that outsource production to China.
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Liquid metal
Since my first folder in the late 60's, I've always looked for the big and thick one's. I just do not see myself changing very much from this pattern. Seems to me that last 5 or 6 years have seen a greater number of bigger and thicker folders coming to market, whether it be in the handles, liner's, or blades. How much longer manufacturer's will continue to make this style knife will ultimately depend upon the marketplace, just as it always has. Newer trends may see a more angular look in both production, and custom, along with a more technical construction.
As
As
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Except that instead of getting the reliability of a fixed blade, all they've done is taken away the versatility of the folding blade.
Daniel Dorn
Gold Member
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That's something I worry about too. The quality coming from China is already obtainable @ premium levels. It's just a matter of time before they start eating up the market with cheaper high quality. Once they have us hooked, they are going to hike the prices, and quality will become expensive again.
This I can get into. Although, I do think we may see additives to the metal, as in possibly diamond grit, instead of carbide crystals, for wear resistance.
I can see the possibility of some as-yet-unheard-of material with non-magnetic/metallic properties being discovered that has the tinsile strenght and ductility to make blade out of. Who knows what it could be.
One thing I've noticed is the growing availability of ceramic knives. If the quality increases, as well, and durability goes up, I can see the trend of gentlemanly knives going in that direction. Maybe there's a way to combine ceramics and metal (Ceratitan?) that will satifsy our desire for forever-sharp material.
Either way, I'm pretty excited to see what's on the horizon. I believe we will soon be out of the iron age, and into the space age, as far as materials go.
Lazers are a ways away, as the potential for folks hurting themselves with something like that will prevent that from moving forward. Maybe in a lab, or military, though.
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Despite the mega folders i make, i always carry a custom slipjoint. As i do alot of whitling and carving on the fly. The only folder i was ever able to carry any length of time besides a slippie was a large sebbie.
As for buzz words, who knows, but as for style, i think framelocks with slipjoint teaditional patterns will make a debut. As well as thin all duty no nonesense folders will become desirable.
As for buzz words, who knows, but as for style, i think framelocks with slipjoint teaditional patterns will make a debut. As well as thin all duty no nonesense folders will become desirable.
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It's taken me several years to settle to where I am today with my knife choices. I like bigger, tactical "style" locking folders that still don't scream MN.
I will be surprised if I dwell too far away from that preference in the future. I'm not a spring chicken either so any sign of moving to a lesser knife from a form factor perspective, will only mean I succumbed to age
I keep a small handful of smaller, less weighty knives but only for beltless, summer shorts otherwise my knives are all locking folders in the 3.25 to 4" blade length range and mostly between 4 oz's and 6.5 oz's.
That's just who I am and what I like and I expect to here for a good long time too
So I hope there isn't some major shift to something else except better steels and cooler designs . . .
I will be surprised if I dwell too far away from that preference in the future. I'm not a spring chicken either so any sign of moving to a lesser knife from a form factor perspective, will only mean I succumbed to age
I keep a small handful of smaller, less weighty knives but only for beltless, summer shorts otherwise my knives are all locking folders in the 3.25 to 4" blade length range and mostly between 4 oz's and 6.5 oz's.
That's just who I am and what I like and I expect to here for a good long time too
So I hope there isn't some major shift to something else except better steels and cooler designs . . .
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Had to google it and look what I found on wiki. Forget knives I want to be Wolverine!
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Had to google it and look what I found on wiki. Forget knives I want to be Wolverine!
I'll take some of that Wolverine action. I want it, and I want it bad.
Moose
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- Mar 8, 2008
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I'm tellin' ya' man--it's the way of the future!