What are the characteristics of a superior knife?

The General

The General

Joined
Jun 6, 2000
Messages
3,625
In both fixed and folding knives?

I have some ideas (well a lot really)

But, I want to be educated, I want to learn.

This is from a using point of view. If it looks good and works well I have no problem with it. But if it is detrimental to a knife in a fairly major way... I.e. Glass beading.

Thanks!

W.A.

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A "superior" knife should:
1. Feel good in the hand in ANY position. Blade up, down, forward, back, etc.
2. Be made of a properly heat treated, quality, edge holding material. Match this to your most common uses for the blade.
3. Have the capability for safe and secure carry. No sharp corners protruding to cause discomfort or snag. Multi carry options are a plus.
4. Appeal to YOU, the one who is carrying it. What works for me may not work for you.

Paul
 
If it is a user, then the superior knife will be the one that performs better than all the rest! That means a pretty finish isn't important at all. Carbon steel over stainless, for the performance increase. UltraMega heat treat will be essential (Ask Paul Bos what that is, I'm sure he can tell you!) Micarta handle for me, but others will like G-10 or Carbon Fiber. The handle has to be tough and worry free. Presentation grade burls worry people who use knives. Micarta thrives on abuse.

These are my ideas! As far as a superior folder goes, buy an AFCK. dollar for dollar, this has to be one of the best knives ever made. The AFCK is all about performance, especially the handle.

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"Come What May..."
 
There is a bit of a fly in the ointment here. Sometimes I don't want a blade with a really hard steel or "superior" steel. Sometimes I want a blade that I can sharpen quickly and easily so with very little effort I always have an absoulutey razor sharp blade at hand. So it has to be able to take a good edge but I'm not always concerned if it holds it forever. Some of my kitchen cutlery fall into this cagegory.

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Hoodoo

I get some pleasure from finding a relentlessly peaceful use for a combative looking knife.
JKM
 
IMHO, a superior knife must be able to survive a beating...

...and more importantly -- excel in its designated function.
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A superior blade is simply one that excels at the given task (or ultimately, several tasks) for which it was designed. Balance and comfort are of great importance as it is much easier to simply change steel and Rc than it is to properly design the knife to begin with. As a case in point, seldom do you see a new maker who possesses the design and functionality abilities that comes with years of experience. If you want a true working knife, source one from someone who has been building and improving them for years. Not to say that a new maker is not capable of building a "superior" blade, just that the odds are in your favor when you go with experience.

As an example, if someone were looking for a superior fixed blade utility/hunter (as I am
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), where do you start. Well, I am starting with Bob Dozier. While there may be makers who build a better knife than Bob, all I know is that he has been making fixed blade utility/hunters for a long time. Most of these are user types, as it is rare to find fancy ones. People buy these knives because they work, not because they have polished blades, fancy guards and ivory handles. As a bonus he is considered one of the masters at heat treating D2 (the only steel he uses) and is very reasonably priced for the knives he offers. His sheaths are also very good examples of Kydex work.

So what does it take to make a superior user blade?

A well thought out and practical design.

The ability select the appropriate materials and to maximize the performance of each.

No weak links. Not overlooking a single aspect of the entire package.

Experience. This allows the maker to incorporate improvements to the design based on customer feedback, optimize heat treat (do you think Paul Bos' first ATS-34 blade was as good as his last?) and improve things such as sheath work or fit & finish.

BTW General, interesting thread.
 
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