a knife is such an all encompassing tool. As you and other knife knuts know, there are an almost infinite number of ways that a knife can be used. Within this physical reality, each knife is designed to accommodate a particular galaxy of uses. And not just uses, but effects; effects coming from the environment, or use, or circumstance or whatever.
the knowledge gained from such comparisons is hard won, and doesn't ever come from a specific instance. It comes from experiment and experience, both of which require a commitment of time and energy. And even then, sometimes it's difficult to qualify and quantify the experience in a way which is useful to others. Unless, of course, the result is better design, in which case qualifications and quantifications are not required, because said design fulfills the demands made upon it, given its galaxy of intended use, by providing users with a high probability for an intuitive interaction with it.
or, you could say that I've had one too many, and it's time to pass out. Either way, I'll agree with myself here, and call it a night