This or that.. Decisions

highestpoint · May 27, 2018

I haven't bought a new knife in roughly 4 or 5 and I suddenly have an urge again..

There has been so many freaking new things come out in that little bit of time. Not to mention everything that was on my want list before I stopped buying.. Seems the list has doubled.

So the reason for the thread is for those of you who have multiple knives that you want to buy.. How exactly do you narrow it down to just one? I know some of you buy more than one at a time but I honestly don't need anything new. Just looking for that new knife sensation.

Before you all ask, I'm open to everything but I prefer framelocks, sub $250, haven't had a flipper in a while so that would be a plus, tool/carbon steel and above all I love a great deal. But then again I'm mainly asking on how you guys decide to buy what you do over something else you want when it's a tough decision.

DocT · May 27, 2018

When I am trying to decide what to buy, I list all of the things I want in a knife and then go looking. If I find multiple knives that fit the bill then I make a side by side list on a legal pad of the pros and cons of each knife. (Sometimes I just buy a knife because I like it)

gadgetgeek · May 27, 2018

Total budget vs. usage per year expected vs. total number of knives on list. I have a running doc of stuff I want, most things have to sit on that list for at least a year before I'll let myself buy it. There are a few times I've broken that rule if a user shows up that fits some role for me. But that rule has only been broken a couple times. A lot of knives get dropped back off the list within that year.

gazz98 · May 27, 2018

As someone who is on a strict budget, this happens to me. If I truly can't decide between a few items, I have flipped a coin or rolled the dice to determine what I buy. Sometimes you have to turn the brain off and let fate/karma/luck guide you.

I would suggest turning the brain back on after you are done. Unless you want to be a politician... (it's a joke) (no it's not)

Therom · May 27, 2018

Most of the time I buy a knife based on what I want to use it for
Sometime I may want to test a new steel or a new construction or new ergonomics in some tasks
It really depend but if I am fully satisfied with the knives I have I usually don’t look for new knives

Monofletch · May 27, 2018

I like to try all sorts of stuff. Thanks to the BF Exchange and a few good buddies I can do that reasonably inexpensive. I have found a lot of gems and a lot of duds that way. You can find a knife that checks off every box but, when you have it in you hands it might be horrible. You never know. Also, ask a lot of questions- that is what this forum is for!
I recently found a knife I would have never tried. Real Steel Megalodon "Titan" edition. Ti framelock flipper with m390 blade steel. One of the few knives that made me say, "Wow!" out loud. Well built and one of the best actions on a knife I have ever owned.

Ajack60 · May 27, 2018

Popularity of the brand, what other BF members are saying about the knife, whether it looks like it will be a comfortable knife to use, customer service/warranty record feedback.

sparkyvega · May 27, 2018

It depends on my application, and I lean towards made in the USA. I'm also very budget minded, and looking for practicality, appearance is second or even third of my considerations. My knives get used.