Stand off -v- Back Spacer

I like a back spacer because it looks better, and is more comfortable. I don't get my folders dirty enough to justify a standoff.
 
I‘m the other way, I like standoffs over backspacers. I've seen some really cool custom backspacers though, incorporating additional features like glow in the dark materials and added functionality by adding a bottle opener, for example. I like to be able to blow through my knives with compressed air or pulling a small cleaning cloth through the handle.
 
So really its 6 to one and half dozen to the other. I can see where a stand off would be easier to clean but I just love a back spacer because it gives me something else to embellish.
 
I prefer Backspacers, because they make the handle more comfortable, with less pinching from your hand sliding into gaps. They also protect the blade better from random stuff getting in from the back and dinging up the edge. I do notice that nicer knives tend to have standoffs more though, and they can look really nice, since most backspacers are FRN or something boring like that.

*EDIT* Also, I have had a few knives that have hit the Backspacer when closing, but I have never had that with a knife with standoffs. Probably more a coincidence though.
 
bobusx said:
I prefer Backspacers, because they make the handle more comfortable, with less pinching from your hand sliding into gaps. They also protect the blade better from random stuff getting in from the back and dinging up the edge.
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Well said...

In a perfect world, our knives wouldn't get gunked up with lint, dust and grit. Alas, this is not a perfect world, and I chose to deal with a little bit of that, rather than potentially getting knicked by the blade, or having a coin or other object drop on the edge and/or wedge in and rub between the blade and handle. For me, though, first and foremost is comfort. Similarly, I've never held a folder that felt better with a clip than without. As such, upon acquiring a new folder, immediately and unquestionably, I will remove any existing pocket clips for pocket carry (further increasing gunk buildup.)
 
Standoffs open up the knife so lint won't collect as much, but coins can get in there between the blade and liners. (Not usually a big deal since I almost always never have my knife in the same pocket with my change.)

A backspacer is stronger though. I have one older knife with standoffs and I can bend the handle enough either way to put the blade off center.
 
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