Simple knives are seldom simple

golok

golok

Joined
Oct 20, 2000
Messages
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I always have this notion that knives that look simple in construction and design are never that simple.
First, it takes hard work and a keen eye to get the right grind. Second, the level of hardness and its ability to be popping sharp after 200 cuts is a major statement by itself.
Third, the way the handle is shaped to fit an individual's hand and makes it feel absolutely natural is an art that comes from experience and great wisdom.

Sometimes, the simple knife made by a simple man lasts for generations and becomes a family heirloom. I aim to get myself one of those soon.

Have you found yours? :)
 
Thanks golok,

It's been a few days since there's been a SEBENZA thread.

:p :p :p :p
 
I am thinking more of something like this when I hear that statement. You would think that this is one of the simplest designs there is, and yet there are many ways to do it, and the level of detail can greatly vary!
 
I sure have...just one short year after seeing it for the first time, I got my paws on one of my own. And in another short year, Scott will deliver me another, this one with polished flats and a Damascus blade...mmmmmm good!!

How much simpler [of a design] can you get than one piece of solid titanium masquerading as a handle? Just as you indicated, simple deisgn...difficult application.



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Take a good hard look at a Victorinox SAK, especially one of the less complex models. Notice that there are no sharp corners sticking out to wear a hole in a pocket. Very few makers/manufacturers are able to pull this off.

Paul
 
That is why I love knives, especially the notion of a custom.

Knives in the simplest sense are (most commonly) metal sticks with handles that are sharp. Simple! But, you can get into a host of geometry, construction methods, metallurgy, etc. issues and be interested for a lifetime.

And yes, knvies that perform real well often look simple, but they really are genious. Often these come from custom guys, or production folks serious about R&D. It is amazing how 1/8" difference in handle length, blade length, pivot position, etc. can make or break a great design. Simple, yet complex...
 
Mine is an inexpensive chinese cleaver that my father gave me before he passed away. Takes a beautiful scary edge but goes through chicken bones like a laser.
 
On BOTH ends of the spectrum:
Sebenza
CRKT KISS

The most simple designs take the most thought and planning. A knife is a simple object. The less thought you put into the design - the more you have to work to get the parts to work.

The exception being the Benchmade Axis lock which I think is a good design but well thought out and not exactly simple.

But then, sometimes things can SEEM simple after SOMEONE ELSE shows you it's simple. For example, the liner lock is simple NOW after Walker thought of it for us.

The lock-back seems simple NOW. (Who knows who invented it.)

I guess the BEST designers are the ones that show us all the simple things we never thought of before. ;)
 
just a note on linerlocks,

Mr. Walker didn't invent them; that kind of lock is at least about 100 years old. IIRC< what Mr. Walker did was tweak the lock soemwhat, including adding ball detents.
 
Crayola said:
just a note on linerlocks,

Mr. Walker didn't invent them; that kind of lock is at least about 100 years old. IIRC< what Mr. Walker did was tweak the lock soemwhat, including adding ball detents.
Click to expand...

Then, I'm mistaken. I learn something every day on this forum.
 
What you've described are Bark River knives. Pure cut and comfort. Steel and style. Form and function. The essence of knife. ;)
 
I agree with you about the difficulty of making a truly great simple design, although I wouldn't call the people who can pull that off simple. :) I own two examples of what I consider near-perfect simplicity of design and execution, my Bob Dozier Texas Six and my HideAway Knives Curvy.

By their natures, folders are more complex than fixed blades, but simplicity is relative. Certain folder designs adhere more elegantly to the principle than others. I think framelocks, and particularly the Sebenza, may come the closest to the ideal. My Darrel Ralph Madd Maxx is another of the same breed.

--Bob Q
 
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