Thoughts on the James Brand Chapter Knife?

Like other hipster things, first and foremost, you need to look 'cool' even if it's at the detriment to function. The emphasis is on co-opting some other subculture (like the chopper situation). The 'cool' ness is further enhanced if the design is retro, trendy, crafty or unique.

So if it's trendy looking, emphasizes design over function and co-opts another subculture, it's hipster 100%.

This knife has all three of those in spades. It's a company that never made knives before that decided to co-opt the knife subculture, create something with a trendy (the clean industrial look) design that emphasizes form over function (the silly handle, the silly pocket clip and the lack of knowledge that caused them to coat the lockface of the knife).


The way I originally described it to someone was 'it looks like and industrial designer teamed up with a machine shop who never made knives before to cash in on the high end knife trend'.
 
killgar said:
I hear the term "hipster" used a lot in the chopper community (modified motorcycles). It is used to refer to people who have no real interest in choppers, but who get into them just to look cool and because they see them as trendy.

But mostly the term is used as a slur, and a way of saying- "I'm legit, and that makes me better than you, hipster". Personally, I never liked the term, or the motivation I have seen behind it's use.

I've never heard the term used in the knife community until this thread. For those who see these knives as "hipster" knives, I'm curious to hear what that actually means. Are these knives "trendy", as in, the popular flavor of the moment? I never heard of them until this thread.

Is there any evidence that people are buying these knives just because they think they're "cool"? It wouldn't surprise me if there are several members of this forum who buy knives just because they think they are "cool". I know I sometimes do.

Is a person a "hipster" if they spend hundreds, or even thousands of dollars on knives that will never be used, or never be used for any serious cutting chores? Again, it wouldn't surprise me if many on this forum fit that description (like me).

I have already seen what I consider to be unpleasant divisions in the knife community. Whether it's the "I USE my knives so that makes me better than collectors", or "I would never baton or pry with a knife so that makes me better than those who do", or "It's silly to spend that much on a knife. I would never spend that much on a knife. So that makes me smarter than people who do". I personally wish that there were less division and more unity in the knife community.

In the past I've used the term "knife snob", but I have chosen to never refer to anyone in that way again. Such terms only add negativity to the community. Just as the term "sheeple" adds negativity as it is sometimes used as a slur against people who don't share our interest in knives. I would hate to see the term "hipster" become yet another slur thrown around in the knife community.

I don't mean to rant, and I don't consider myself holier-than-thou, but I've seen the term "hipster" take on a life of it's own and turn ugly on another forum, and I personally am hoping that it doesn't happen on this one. In my opinion, referring to people as "hipsters" simply because they like, or buy a particular knife, cannot lead anywhere good.

Of course everyone is entitled to their opinions. And I certainly don't presume that it's my place to tell others what they should or should not say.
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I think you make a really good point, and I also think that this is definitely a discussion worth having.

I think most people use the term "hipster" these days (particularly in my generation) when they're referring to someone who avoids current trends in fashion, music, cuisine, literature, technology, etc. because they're trying to avoid being "mainstream". I don't personally find the term derogatory, but I also think that it has the potential to become derogatory.

People in the knife community may be quick to call the James Brand Chapter a hipster knife because it looks like it's trying really hard to be different from everything else out there, and a lot of people in the knife community would argue that it places an emphasis on form over function (the antithesis of a Spyderco;) )
 
DaNuke95 said:
I think you make a really good point, and I also think that this is definitely a discussion worth having.

I think most people use the term "hipster" these days (particularly in my generation) when they're referring to someone who avoids current trends in fashion, music, cuisine, literature, technology, etc. because they're trying to avoid being "mainstream". I don't personally find the term derogatory, but I also think that it has the potential to become derogatory.

People in the knife community may be quick to call the James Brand Chapter a hipster knife because it looks like it's trying really hard to be different from everything else out there, and a lot of people in the knife community would argue that it places an emphasis on form over function.
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More accurately they shun pop culture trends and appropriate sub-cultures in a dire attempt to be unique. The problem is they all wind up shunning and appropriating the same things so they all wind up looking, acting and liking the same things.

It's like when people say they are non-conformists and then you try to explain to them that they are just conforming to non-conformity.
 
Scurvy092 said:
The way I originally described it to someone was 'it looks like and industrial designer teamed up with a machine shop who never made knives before to cash in on the high end knife trend'.
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As industrial design student, I completely understand where you're coming from. I've seen fellow ID students try and create a certain product for a certain market only to create a product that doesn't appeal to the target consumer because they either didn't do enough research on that market, or they were simply being ignorant.
 
I kinda dig it, all things being equal. I think it's pretty pricey considering the materials, however. It's different enough to be unmistakably itself without trying to reinvent the wheel for the sake of it.

There's a pretty comprehensive review on Everyday Commentary, complete with the designer chiming in receptively in the comment section and taking the criticisms very well, which was also refreshing.
 
Ace Krampus said:
I kinda dig it, all things being equal. I think it's pretty pricey considering the materials, however. It's different enough to be unmistakably itself without trying to reinvent the wheel for the sake of it.

There's a pretty comprehensive review on Everyday Commentary, complete with the designer chiming in receptively in the comment section and taking the criticisms very well, which was also refreshing.
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I will give them credit for taking the criticisms of the knife very much to heart and promising that their next knife will be better.
 
Scurvy092 said:
Like other hipster things, first and foremost, you need to look 'cool' even if it's at the detriment to function. The emphasis is on co-opting some other subculture (like the chopper situation). The 'cool' ness is further enhanced if the design is retro, trendy, crafty or unique.

So if it's trendy looking, emphasizes design over function and co-opts another subculture, it's hipster 100%.

This knife has all three of those in spades. It's a company that never made knives before that decided to co-opt the knife subculture, create something with a trendy (the clean industrial look) design that emphasizes form over function (the silly handle, the silly pocket clip and the lack of knowledge that caused them to coat the lockface of the knife).


The way I originally described it to someone was 'it looks like and industrial designer teamed up with a machine shop who never made knives before to cash in on the high end knife trend'.
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I appreciate your explanation. And I hope you won't take offense if I offer some opinions on it. No offense is intended. :)

In regards to "form over function", I don't see how anyone can comment on the practicality, or usefulness of those knives if they have never actually tried to use one. I don't see anything inherently impractical about them.

As far as "design", lots of knife makers, including many who are loved and revered on this forum, will design knives with looks in mind. Many such knives have features that do nothing to enhance their usefulness as knives and serve only as decoration. I wouldn't fault a knifemaker for employing some "artistic flair" in their knife designs.

And while everyone is entitled to their opinion. I personally would be reluctant to refer to knives as "silly". I see many knives on this forum, including many very popular knives, that I don't like the appearance of, or some design feature, and would never buy one. But just because I don't like them, or don't get it, I wouldn't call them "silly".

As far as the lockface being coated, I have an old, original, unused Benchmade AFCK with black blade coating. I just checked it, and the lock face was coated. I don't know if that was intentional or an oversight, but I'm willing to cut a knifemaker a little slack on that.

And I would certainly never fault anyone for trying to make a buck in the knife business. Not as long as they are doing it legally. I don't imagine that any knifemaker is in business purely for the joy of making knives.
 
killgar said:
As far as the lockface being coated, I have an old, original, unused Benchmade AFCK with black blade coating. I just checked it, and the lock face was coated. I don't know if that was intentional or an oversight, but I'm willing to cut a knifemaker a little slack on that.
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I'm not talking about the face on the tang, I'm talking about the face on the lock bar.
 
DaNuke95 said:
I think you make a really good point, and I also think that this is definitely a discussion worth having.

I think most people use the term "hipster" these days (particularly in my generation) when they're referring to someone who avoids current trends in fashion, music, cuisine, literature, technology, etc. because they're trying to avoid being "mainstream". I don't personally find the term derogatory, but I also think that it has the potential to become derogatory.

People in the knife community may be quick to call the James Brand Chapter a hipster knife because it looks like it's trying really hard to be different from everything else out there, and a lot of people in the knife community would argue that it places an emphasis on form over function (the antithesis of a Spyderco;) )
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Often, the problem with labeling people is that regardless of individual definitions, a label can take on a life of it's own. As I said, I've seen it happen, with negative results (including here at Bladeforums). I guess I just bristle at the introduction of yet another label that I see as having no redeeming value. Just one man's opinion.
 
Very simple. Hipsters buy things with the express goal of being seen to own said item, usually because of some percieved status in the group/culture associated with the item.

And yes, most of you that buy knives with huge price tags do so with no intent of ever using them as knives, but rather as devices of social reaction. Of course, none of you will ever admit that you paid 1600 for a medford paper weight just to be seen by others with it..

Btw, I wouldnt buy the pictured blades for more than 75 bones. They look cheap, regardless of their assembled quality.
 
Scurvy092 said:
I'm not talking about the face on the tang, I'm talking about the face on the lock bar.
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Practically speaking, is there a difference? Either way one piece of metal is coming into contact with a coated piece of metal during lockup.

I haven't handled any of those knives so I can't say if the coated lock surface is a problem. And I'm sure that every knifemaker has had a few "issues" when just starting out. I don't judge a knifemaker based on those "issues". I would judge them based on how they address those "issues".

I don't know if the maker has explained their coating of the lock, as I haven't read any of their comments.
 
If we decide every knife that goes for looks over function is a hipster knife we're tossing out basically every knife that uses damasteel, every modern folder with bolsters, anything with wood, leather, or stag handles and the list can go on.

I think the reaction towards this as a hipster knife are more the particular aesthetic they're aiming for.

From what I've read and seen it's a pretty darn decent folder with a few flaws that doesn't quite live up to the price tag. And that describes more than half the folderd I've handled, both modern and traditional.
 
I use a Medford and a crk often. Does that make me a hipster? Save your judgements for knives not people.
 
I really like the look of the knife but I can't find where they are made anywhere on the site. That's a red flag for me. The specs/materials look good. However, I never form any opinion on a knife until I see how the knife is built and get a good look at all the parts.
 
Their coating of the lockup suggests other likely mistakes, such as poor heat treatment. There's more to making a knife than just geometry and materials.
 
I own this knife. Satin blade, uncoated titanium. I bought it here for much less than retail. I could not see paying those prices for it. I like the simple design. I was shopping for a small knife to take on a trip to the east coast. I used the pocket clip as a money clip and had the whole thing in my pocket. The lack of finger notches allows me to use the entire handle. The blade performs well and the thumb stud can be removed. That would be helpful when sharpening. It also comes with extra thumb studs. I thought "hippy knife" when I saw it. I bought it anyway because of it's function for me on that trip and because it is different. I will probably sell it because I just don't carry it much anymore. I do not regret buying it at all for the price I paid.
 
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