Things that are no longer important to you in a purchase

[Yo Mama]

We have had threads on what you look for in a blade, this is not that thread. This is a thread about what used to be important to you that are no longer a focus in deciding what you're going to buy?

For me, steel type is no longer a deal breaker. I'll forgive not having the latest and greatest steel if the grind and design fit me. I'd rather "lower" steel with a better heat treat any day.

Lock type is also no biggie anymore for me. I used to obsess about this lock or that lock, now I've seen all kinds of locks. So as long as it's well build and works, that's fine with me.

 

[Korean Hog]

We have had threads on what you look for in a blade, this is not that thread. This is a thread about what used to be important to you that are no longer a focus in deciding what you're going to buy?

For me, steel type is no longer a deal breaker. I'll forgive not having the latest and greatest steel if the grind and design fit me. I'd rather "lower" steel with a better heat treat any day.

Lock type is also no biggie anymore for me. I used to obsess about this lock or that lock, now I've seen all kinds of locks. So as long as it's well build and works, that's fine with me.

That's pretty much where I'm at, but I still get a kick out of trying new steels

 

[TheEdge01]

I used to think every knife made in China and Taiwan was junk. As of lately my viewpoint has changed. I now consider the manufacturer more than the country.

 

[PirateSeulb]

For me it is more how much lower the importance of certain things may be not that they go away entirely. Steel types and origin being an example I won't right off something for being Chinese made but it still ends up lower on my want list typically and most steels I am good with but 8Cr13MoV is still a bit on the trash list and less for the steel and more for my expectations of the HT it gets as it is often in budget knives that I feel cut too many corners.

 

[eisman]

Do I already have one?

 

[Insipid Moniker]

Lack of locking mechanism. Slipjoints used to be a very peripheral interest at best, but slipjoints with modern materials, one handed opening and pocket clips have really struck a chord recently. Of all the 2018 catalogs we've seen so far the only 'must have' that has emerged for me is Kizer's take on the Vagnino Zipslip.

 

[sharp_edge]

Given the price hike of knives, I am more picky now. So no - I cannot think of anything that used to be important but is no longer important, to me.

 

[SharpieB]

I used to think every knife made in China and Taiwan was junk. As of lately my viewpoint has changed. I now consider the manufacturer more than the country.

Same.

I used to equate Taiwan = junk. My Taiwanese Spyderco Gayle Bradley has better fit and finish than any American knife I own. It was an eye opener for me. Just incredible craftsmanship.

China is making some really good stuff now too.

 

[JParanee]

For me it’s sheaths in a fixed blade

It’s not that sheaths are not important to me it is that they are that important for me that I know I’ll be sending the piece out for custom Leather regardless

This is nothing new

As for blade steel

On larger pieces no stainless on folders it’s fine

 

[TheEdge01]

Same.

I used to equate Taiwan = junk. My Taiwanese Spyderco Gayle Bradley has better fit and finish than any American knife I own. It was an eye opener for me. Just incredible craftsmanship.

China is making some really good stuff now too.

To be honest, I was pleasantly surprised when I first learned that China produced high quality cutlery. Actually, the first high end Chinese cutlery company I heard of is WE. They seem to get a lot of good reviews on their products, so they are obviously doing something right.

 

[Mo2]

I care about too much. Every aspect is considered. I can't help it.

However the one thing I care less about is the case it comes in and the microfiber towel, and stickers or whatever. I mean if its a knife for collecting only sure that stuff can be an advantage. Otherwise it's useless to me and marks up the prices. I'm gonna use the knife, don't care about the other junk.

 

[Steely_Gunz]

Every fixed blade does not need to be an indestructible pry bar. Stabbing and twisting chunks out of wood, being able to do a pull up on the knife, requiring a full tang, etc.

 

[crom]

Tip up vs tip down, if I like it I will buy it regardless of clip orientation.

 

[madcap_magician]

For me it’s sheaths in a fixed blade

It’s not that sheaths are not important to me it is that they are that important for me that I know I’ll be sending the piece out for custom Leather regardless

This is nothing new

As for blade steel

On larger pieces no stainless on folders it’s fine

Ugh, I wish more factory knives came with sheaths that weren't an afterthought, though.

 

[SharpieB]

I forgot to mention scale colour.

I am no longer paying an extra $50 or whatever premium for a different colour scale cuz it’s “limited” or a “sprint run”. Same price and in stock? Sure, sign me up for orange, blue, green, fuschia, baby puke yellow or whatever.

>90% of my knives are black.

 

[22-rimfire]

Factory sheaths... yes, that are more than an after thought.... Yes. A knife should have a good durable functional sheath that does not cause the blade edge to deteriorate with the sheathing motion. I'll pay more, but I generally don't want to go custom made. The sheath can be a deal breaker.
Not really picky about steel other than I tend not to buy knives made with 440A. Rough Rider slip joints are the exception to that.
I'm interested in the newer steels, but their importance is not significant enough for me not to choose a knife I'm interested in.
Being more open to different locking or blade deployment designs. I was pretty much through with flippers, but found one I really like last fall.
Bias toward thinner blades in general.

 

[Leo3an]

Not really picky about steel other than I tend not to buy knives made with 440A. Rough Rider slip joints are the exception to that.

Dont want to derail. But why is 440A bad and why is Rough Rider slip join exception? I’m asking as someone new to this, i dont know much about steel. Not trying to start something by asking. Not trying to support whatever anyone here is against. Just curious.

 

[PirateSeulb]

440A is a fairly low end steel and often done with a poor HT resulting in a knife that wasn't worth the money and requires too many trips to the sharpening stone/system. I have heard from people here the Rough Rider knives are a good quality product and I am guessing Rough Rider has a tendency to use 440A for their steel of choice.

 

[Leo3an]

440A is a fairly low end steel and often done with a poor HT resulting in a knife that wasn't worth the money and requires too many trips to the sharpening stone/system. I have heard from people here the Rough Rider knives are a good quality product and I am guessing Rough Rider has a tendency to use 440A for their steel of choice.

Thanks. Much appreciated. Great info!

 

[Planterz]

I was never really a steel snob, but it matters less to me now that it once might have. These days I prefer a good balance of edge holding and ease of sharpening. I've always loved VG-10 for this. Most of my purchases these days tend to be 1095 or Case CV anyway.