So How Do You Decide?

Bob Denman

Bob Denman

That OTHER Guy...
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When you're looking at knives: what makes you decide to "pull the trigger"?
Is it who built the knife?
The type of action?
The shape of the blade?
How the grip fits in your hand?
The quality of the steel?

I usually get drawn in by blade shape first. If it looks interesting: it gets a 2nd look.
After that: I'm looking at the type of ste being used.
After that: it's all a jumbled-up mess!
 
All of the above, plus price, fit and finish, lock type, washer vs ball bearings, intended use, warranty, materials used, aesthetics, serviceability (screws vs pinned), and how easy it is to modify certain properties later on (third party support). Also, brand loyalty.
 
No thumbstuds.
No assisted opening.
No Benchmade.
No G-10 or FRN.

I prefer American made, but not a must.
Deep carry pocket clip or compatible with aftermarket ones.

I like modified wharncliffe or low drop point.

With a few exceptions, I prefer non-metal handles.
 
kobold said:
All of the above, plus price, fit and finish, lock type, washer vs ball bearings, intended use, warranty, materials used, aesthetics, serviceability (screws vs pinned), and how easy it is to modify certain properties later on (third party support). Also, brand loyalty.
Click to expand...
"Brand loyalty"?
Which brands are on your radar?
 
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Bob Denman said:
"Brand loyalty"?
Which brand is on your radar?
Click to expand...


Before I answer that, I would like to add another important attribute: availability. I don't want to jump through hoops, go on waiting lists, enter lotteries, or have mere minutes to buy a hyped knife. :rolleyes:

So, I like family run companies, that are innovative and with a good track record. My brand loyalty is mostly with Spyderco, Bark River, CRK and Victorinox even.
 
Pretty simple process for me:

I get the hankering for something new/retail therapy/money burning a hole in my pocket.

I see something that interests me, and I then do mental gymnastics in order rationalize buying it to serve some purpose.

Then I purchase it smug in my knowledge that I totally needed this knife and happy that it will finally fulfill the role I require of it that I just made up.
 
Blade shape & grind are at or near the top of my list.
Next is scale design and material, to include aesthetics & ergonomics.

Manufacturer matters. There’s one country of origin I won’t patronize, regardless of whatever swanky designer’s name is attached. Beyond that, there’s a prominent US maker I’m hesitant to purchase from sight-unseen. If I’m buying an Italian knife I expect it to be a bit off in some way (every one I’ve owned has been amazingly crafted in some regards, but off in some other detail).

Pocket clip/lanyard hole factors in. Several good Spydercos have been killed by it.

I strongly prefer folders with PB washers these days, but won’t entirely discount a knife on bearings or <gasp> teflon.

Opening method and lock type don’t really matter, so long as they’re in keeping with the overall design language—unless of course I’m specifically after a slijip.

Blade steel is a minor factor. Mostly, it has to be justified by the price, and I won’t dip below 420 hc or AUS-8.
 
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I don't "collect" knives. I "accumulate" them as I explore various cutlery options.
If it gives me a chance to try 'something' I have not tried before, then it goes on the list. 'Something' may be
◾ A different style blade
◾ A different blade alloy
◾ A different lock mechanism
◾ Apparently different ergonomics.

And sometimes it's just something that looks interesting for no particular reason. That actually happens a lot.
 
When I’m scrolling the ole’ IG, BF, or YouTube’s and stop for more than 10 seconds to look at something it’s ends up on the radar. If that radar keeps beeping with moderate consistency, I know it’s locked in and I fire the CC numbers in its general direction.

Like that Sunday afternoon buzzed answer that only used radar references? 😆

Edit: today is Saturday
 
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My thoughts:

1) What is the purpose of the knife? I am not one to really "collect" knives, and don't really have any safe queens.

2) Manufacturer - are they are known and generally US Made manufacturer? What is their track record, warranty, customer service like?

3) Based on the above, heat treat and edge geometry. Choice of steel isn't really an issue for me; mostly because if I buy based on #2, they aren't using cheap/mismarked steel. Reputable US makers aren't (usually) lying about the steels they use, and are typically properly heat treated.
 
It's a combination of factors including steel, blade thickness, overall design, action, what the ergonomics look like (it can help to hear from others on this one), and how all that balances with price. I generally don't care for assisted actions and I'm picky about front flippers but thumb studs, flippers, and spydie holes are all okay.
 
Price & Brand/Reputation.
Size. I want at least a 3 finger grip; I prefer a 4 finger.
I don't care what the overall length with the blade open is, or what just the blade length is.
Knowing the closed length is more important to me, since I always close my knive before putting it in my pocket.
How it feels in hand.
Blade profile and combination if a mulit-blade.
What my intended use is.
When applicabe the sheath.

I don't get excited about what steel was used. I know I don't need more than 1095/440A/420HC or ?CR??MoV to peel a critter, whittle/carve, scrape a gasket, cut a hose or rope, score a line, or for any other knife task I've had in over 60 years.
 
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