the importance of blade centering

So you know it's not rubbing the liners. Also visually more appealing than an off-centered blade.
 
As long as it's not rubbing, there's nothing technically wrong with it other than from an aesthetic standpoint. Mercator "Black Cat" knives so commonly have off-center blades that easily 9 out of 10 aren't centered. In spite of that, they've earned a reputation as a great slim knife for hard use since their introduction in WW1. In spite of this I still end up selling all the off-centered ones as "Grade B" items because I know it matters to a lot of folks. Personally I'd rather have it centered than not, but I'm not going to cry about an off-center blade in a user knife as long as it doesn't rub.
 
Perfect blade centring is a sign of good craftsmanship. Its not something that will effect the cutting ability of a knife, but is equivalent to a knife with no machining marks on the materials, or a nicely centered grind on the blade. It just proves that some attention to detail went into the manufacturing, and in most cases, this is what you are paying for in higher-end knives.
 
frenchmade said:
Perfect blade centring is a sign of good craftsmanship. Its not something that will effect the cutting ability of a knife, but is equivalent to a knife with no machining marks on the materials, or a nicely centered grind on the blade. It just proves that some attention to detail went into the manufacturing, and in most cases, this is what you are paying for in higher-end knives.
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Couldn't have said it any better myself.
 
its also good to be centered because if the knife has a coating on the blade it can wear, i have a ZT thats wearing because its off centered ive tried everything to fix it but no go, its just going to stay that way.
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
As long as it's not rubbing, there's nothing technically wrong with it other than from an aesthetic standpoint.
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Agree. Reason #1 why I prefer a centered blade, the aesthetics are important to me.

frenchmade said:
Perfect blade centring is a sign of good craftsmanship. Its not something that will effect the cutting ability of a knife, but is equivalent to a knife with no machining marks on the materials, or a nicely centered grind on the blade. It just proves that some attention to detail went into the manufacturing, and in most cases, this is what you are paying for in higher-end knives.
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Reason #2 for me, and practically speaking probably the more important one.
Along with it showing the makers overall attention to detail, there is also the concern that the off-center blade may reflect other problems not readily apparent.
 
Functionally - not very important

Aesthetically - can be very important depending on who you ask
 
And yes it's something I'd generally be bothered by on a knife costing more than $100 street price, just because at that price point the maker should be able to account for things like that. Below that price point it's a non-issue for me as long as it's not rubbing.
 
frenchmade said:
Perfect blade centring is a sign of good craftsmanship. Its not something that will effect the cutting ability of a knife, but is equivalent to a knife with no machining marks on the materials, or a nicely centered grind on the blade. It just proves that some attention to detail went into the manufacturing, and in most cases, this is what you are paying for in higher-end knives.
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Exactly. Blade centering is VERY important to me when purchasing a knife but makes little to no difference when it comes to actual function. I suppose the reasoning for my mindset is that most of the knives I purchase are $100+. At that price point, a knife should have a centered blade, period.
 
frenchmade said:
Perfect blade centring is a sign of good craftsmanship. Its not something that will effect the cutting ability of a knife, but is equivalent to a knife with no machining marks on the materials, or a nicely centered grind on the blade. It just proves that some attention to detail went into the manufacturing, and in most cases, this is what you are paying for in higher-end knives.
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This is true.
Sonny
 
I agree with most of the people here. Blade centering is very important to me. I have purchased customs for $700 and the blade was not centered. Some may say that I should just send it back and they will fix it. I just think to myself that I know who I am not buying from anymore.
 
Mostly aesthetics if it is not rubbing. Most people like it center as that speaks to quality control and means the blade is lined up where it needs to be, but if it is not rubbing then usually the knife will still function fine. A collector thing and aesthetic thing too. Many knives you can center yourself if you have the right tools, but if a knife comes centered then that is a plus and speaks to the customer about that companies "quality per say.
 
plastid said:
why is it good to have a blade that's fully centered when closed ?
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1. It's a sign of the craftsmanship/workmanship of the knife. Meaning that everything is lined up, straight, and true.
2. Shows the liners and blade are not warped by machining/heat treating
3. Keeps the OCD folks in check, quiet, & in control.
 
Its importance varies from knife to knife. With my Spyderco and Benchmade knives, if it isn't hitting the liners I don't really care. I was a little irritated that the blade was off center on my StarTac, however.
 
A $200.00 and up. It better be.

On a hundred dollar and some change on down.
It better not rub the against the liners.
 
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