Things you used to hate about knives, but now love

EZ Bake

EZ Bake

Joined
Mar 5, 2009
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Everyone learns things and figures out that there's more to this hobby than what's on the surface, or initial impressions, so what lessons have you learned that made you do a 180?


Be it features (like serrations, specific-grinds, blade-shapes, Spyder-Hole/Thumbstud/flipper/choil, etc.), makers/manufacturers, or specific knives themselves...

What did you used to hate, but now realize the follies of your ways? :D
 
I have gone from avoiding serrations to appreciating a serrated blade almost as much - and in some cases more - than a plain edge. I have also begun to appreciate deep pocket clips, as long as the knife is still accessible. In fact, I like a knife that completely disappears in my pocket, so I can fly below the radar. That was not always the case.
 
Stainless.

I've learned to embrace high-alloy "super" steels for some applications. That's not to say I still don't love a nice piece of "plain" carbon steel, though. They're just different.
 
I used to hate SAKs as I thought they were a toy/novelty (also, since that was all I was ever "allowed" to have as a kid). Now, I think they're incredibly useful, well made, and the best "bang for your buck" knife.
 
There was a period of time as a teenager where SAKs were not cool enough or modern enough, eventually I bought a couple more of them years later and I learned to love them. The past 3 or 4 years especially - try to always have one on me or close by.
 
The overall look of modern knives. I used to think only rednecks and mall ninjas carried those kinds of things and they all had tailgate parties and listened to Lynard Skynard on the weekends.

...it turns out, that's fun.
 
There was a time that I avoided any knife that had a convex edge. I suppose it was due to the "unknown" aspects and lack of the proper gear or know how to maintain them. I am OVER that and they're pretty much the only blade I seek out these days.

Once you learn how, they're much easier to make sharp again, imo.
 
I use to hate pocket clips. Rarely used one and thought they ruined the look and feel of the knife.
In fact, for a long time I stopped buying folders because of them. Of course, this was when they first started getting popular and were frequently a fixed part of the handle, so removing them was not an option...and often they were flat ugly.

While I don't love them now, I've learned to accept them. Partly because you can't avoid them, plus now they are better designed and removable.
 
stoffi said:
It's complicated. ;)
Click to expand...

^This. :D

My tastes have changed significantly, but not in a way that's easy to describe. I think I'm also much better able to cut through the hype than I was 5+ years back.
 
I used to hate that knives were sharp and could cut me if I wasn't careful, but now I love that they're pointy and I can stick things with them. :devilish:
 
I agree with SAKs (or, slip joints in general) and serrations (full SE, not combo).

I've also come to appreciate thin blades. I still like thick blades sometimes, but for pure cutting ability a thin blade is best.
 
Used to hate the Spyderco hole, until very recently in fact....

Also, small lightweight knives... I used to only go for large, bulky, heavy duty. Now, I love compact, super light knives
 
When I was young I didn't like the way carbon steel would patina. That doesn't bother me one bit now days.

I can't think of much else. I've liked slip joints, simple fixed blades, and locking knives for as long as I can remember. I've never liked all black knives, or anything very tactical looking, and I don't see any of that ever changing.
 
I have always thought flippers looked incredibly stupid while closed, and figured I'd be just as happy with studs/holes, but I'm starting to think I'd actually love a flipper. Sort of ping-ponging between an XM-18 flipper vs non-flipper :D
 
I used to hate "tip down" only knives,but have lightened up on that a bit.I can deal with a TD only knife as long as it has a spyderhole.
Also,like powernoodle,I never used to like serrations,but have come to appreciate them for certain tasks(especially with super hard steels like ZDP-189).I still don't like combo edges though,either fully serrated or none at all for me.
 
i used to be afraid to buy a heavy knife then I got a bone collector folder for christmas and then a buck 112 and now i love the hefty ones.
 
As some have mentioned...spydie holes

It's the hands down best way to open a blade IMO
 
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