TactiCool Yes or No

kaosu04 said:
Never thought I would see someone use a 1911 as an example for cool, modern, tactical equipment.
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What I meant, which I did not articulate well, is that it seems that younger folks are more willing to carry a big, heavy 40 ounce gun plus a spare mag. I think that willingness abates over time. And I do think that some or many folks carry a 1911 (just as an example) because of its tacticoolness.
 
I don't really care if a tool looks tacticool as long as the tool itself works. Black pocket clips tend to stand out less when worn, and coatings (especially on HC and Semi-stainless blades) prevent rust. I think style should also compliment the tool in use. I like wood handles on my gentlemanly knives, but for a Paramilitary 2, black on black just seems fitting. I am NOT a fan of gimmicky 'features' added to make a tool look more tacticool (maybe only to 8 year olds), but that don't add any functionality to the tool. If anything, these 'features' usually just weaken the tool and add weight. No Rambo knives for me please.
 
I generally stay away from black G10/tactical blades.... However in the past couple of months I've found a AFCK and a mini-Commander that I bought without hesitation. Of course I was even more surprised to find out it actually was an AFCK, I thought it was a Pika and was very pleasantly surprised when I found out I was wrong. When the price is right....

One thing not mentioned yet us to look at custom makers here. I have bought a fair number of custom clipped knives here for less than Spyderco Sprint runs go for. While my Elishewitz folder I got here has G10, it also has blue/black carbon fibre, and white micarta on anodized titanium liners with a damasteel blade. There are many colored choices in knives these days.
 
I think there is a thin, blurry line between tacticool and intelligently prepared - it leans this way or that way based off of experiences and genuine knowledge.

As long as every man/woman, mentally and physically in good health, honestly feels their gear will help them be their own bodyguard and savior when necessary - I don't care what they got or how it looks.

There might come a day when gubment employees don't show up in a timely manner and you wish you had not chosen to be as minimalist and classy in your selections.
 
Now what if a 'tacticool' knife that originally had black g10 was swapped for pink g10... would this be 'tacticool', or would it be a pink handled big knife? I believe that the whole tactical-ness of knives is only there because of the fear of knives by inexperienced non-knife people, not because of its look or use. Is it tacticool because of its design? Or because of its function?
 
catcalls said:
Now what if a 'tacticool' knife that originally had black g10 was swapped for pink g10... would this be 'tacticool', or would it be a pink handled big knife? I believe that the whole tactical-ness of knives is only there because of the fear of knives by inexperienced non-knife people, not because of its look or use. Is it tacticool because of its design? Or because of its function?
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I think people just often have a habit of not being able to understand other's hobbys. This is even worse in the world of watches. It's pretty much impossible to explain to someone wearing a gshock what makes a fine swiss or japanese swiss lever escapement movement so interesting.

I fail to see how carrying a bone handled fixed blade is anymore acceptable than carrying something like a CRK green beret.
 
95% NO for me as well. But they seem to sell like hotcakes. There seems to be an abundance of "Hardcore" D-bags everywhere who buy goofy looking S&Ws and the like. Then there are companies like Zero Tolerance who fall in the category of "modern" knives which are attempting to make their version of an affordable Sebenza. Based only on looks, and lets face it, looks can be a major spark of interest, I have next to no interest in a single ZT as of yet.... Unless they actually produce some 0777s. The only reason I pick on ZT is because they seem to be the fiercest straw graspers and one of the only who has the obvious potential to actually produce something I'll like in the future.

Strider is the ONE company that slides by with me. Their SnG/SmF is the epitome of what I would call "Tacticool" but they are up there with the originators. I find the design appealing, the principals of the knife excellent, and the actual product extraordinary.
 
I guess my idea of tactical is different.
My idea of tactical is something ridiculous and outrageous that people buy just because it looks cool.
Some people actually buy tanto's, serrations, and black blades for reasons.
Some people have different tastes in looks.
It's the things like this:
Mantis.jpg


That make no sense.
 
Tacticool yes. Tacticlol no. I freely admit to liking some of the tacticool looking knives available today, though I also have a great appreciation for the classics. As someone said above, if I like the looks of something (and I'll add if it's functional and well made), I'll go with it, regardless of how it is categorized. Tacticlol stuff (to me) is stuff that's just totally over-the-top in design to the point of ridiculousness and sacrifices nearly all (or all) functionality in favor of pure form (and what hideous forms they sometimes take :rolleyes:).

BladeChick, I'd call that knife in your post "tacticlol." That's just the sort of ridiculous abomination I was talking about. :barf: :D
 
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unit said:
My mood changes...frequently;)

I find that other people key on your USE of the knife more than the looks of the knife (to a point). If you use responsibly, your knife looks like a tool and you won't;)
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Great line! I laughed out loud. How about, "Don't be a tool; use the one in your pocket responsibly."
 
For the most part, I was burned out on black plastic by 1995. :)

I can't help myself though and still buy one on occasion, Becker Knives for example.
 
Honestly, I like bare steel and high value. That usually does not spell tacticlol/cool.

Esee is an exception because while they are kind of in the tacticool circle, the fact that they are also designed to work exceptionally well at most camp tasks and have a good warranty makes the function per $ spent worth it.
 
I just love knives. Some are too stupid, sure, but I can appreciate a cool knife, whether it's a timeless classic or a modern, mall ninja dagger. As long as it's well made and looks nice, it will probably appeal to me.
 
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