What are your biggest knife turn-ONs ???

myright

myright

Gold Member
Joined
Jan 31, 2008
Messages
5,178
In light of the recent Turn-offs thread let's get one going to support what it is we really look for in a knive and the features that we really need and use as well as drool over in a potential knife we haven't purchased yet.


Here's some of mine:

Fiddleback's handles
Thumb ramp (not too high) on FBs
A nice, simply designed leather pouch sheath
An overall simple, utilitarian design that screams "put me to work"
Slightly exposed pommel - in the event I need to hammer on something with it
 
One being held by Angelina Jolie. ;) And clip points! They remind me of when I was young, a long time ago.
 
Last edited:
Scandi grind
Carbon steel
natural handle materials (wood, bone, antler, leather, etc.)
3" - 4" blade
 
For smaller knives, a squared back for fire steel striking, well designed choil or ricasso, full flat grind, nice thin edge. 3V doesn't hurt, either... ;)
 
i would have to say thin edges and ergonomic handles that allow alot of different grip possibilities.

i like stout points that aren't too fragile, but i can (and have before) use clip points without too much trouble or worry.
 
Scandi grind.
Flat grind.
Carbon steel.
Nice wood.
Sometimes elk/stag (on folders only).
Full width tang.
Full length (not necessarily width) tang, visible at the pommel/butt-end.
Flat squared off spine (no false edge/serrations/saw-teeth).
Tastefully done makers-mark/model name.
Option for linen micarta slabs.
Full thickness of blade/spine maintained from butt to almost the full length, even out very near to the tip.
 
siguy said:
i would have to say thin edges and ergonomic handles that allow alot of different grip possibilities.

i like stout points that aren't too fragile, but i can (and have before) use clip points without too much trouble or worry.
Click to expand...

Those are pretty much my basic thoughts on a good fixed blade. But I really like it when they look similar to this:
n17212705_36039608_8922.jpg
 
I support just about everything that has been said already. But, I might as well repeat it here for emphasis.

Big knife turn-ons:

  • Contoured handles
  • Natural handle materials
  • Carbon steel, especially with a patina
  • Scandi Grinds
  • Well-made leather sheaths that compliment the knife (though I admit to also liking drop-leg survival sheaths too!)
  • Contrast - dark handle / stainless steel, dark handle / light pins (or vice versa), two-tone handles (like Fiddleback's), carbon steel patina and light handles, etc.
  • Knives that just beg to be put to use

All the best,

- Mike
 
O1 and INFI
Slightly exposed tang.
Micarta slabs.
Convex edges.
Fiddleback handles.
Ray Laconicos succinct designs.
Spear or drop points.
Choils on larger knives.
 
Last edited:
O1/A2/1095 steel
micarta scales
Receiving a Quality Sheath w/Knife
Thumb jimping or grippers on spine(works great for sparking fire steel)
Full flat grind
Convex edges
full tang construction hidden or exposed
 
Any blade with Laconico on it.

4-5in blades

Good sheath

good convex grind

Comfy handles

Bit of belly to the blade

O1 steel
 
In no order:

Carbon steel (includes 1095, 5160, O1, A2, INFI, etc)
large enough handle (not everything has to be as tiny and thin as possible)
Full tang
Exposed tang.
P**n tang, er, umm, I mean. . .:D
Wood handles
Flat or Scandi grinds
A fine point
 
I use a knife as my primary cutting tool while backpacking, so -- fixed blade, thin stock, a comfy, versatile, and practical handle, easy to sharpen grind (scandi), pointy tip, overall lightweight and non-obtrusiveness, 3-4" blade, carbon steel, edge close to fingers (no choils or riccaso), no guard.

A Mora 510 is perfect for me. Replaced my F1. :eek:
 
Stainless steel- the good grades
Full tang construction
Natural brown oiled sheaths
Wood handles with metal bolsters

Straight blades
Persians
Recurves

Blade thicknesses thick but not too thick 1/8 - 1/4 depending on the size of the blade.
 
j williams said:
Any blade with Laconico on it.
Click to expand...

You took the words out of my um, er, fingers. Ray's knives just have the perfect look. I love the Fiddlebacks and the Breedens and will probably buy one of them next but Rays just have that look.:D
I it looks good it will work good my Dad always said. If that is true Ray's knives will work extremely well!
 
protourist said:
You took the words out of my um, er, fingers. Ray's knives just have the perfect look. I love the Fiddlebacks and the Breedens and will probably buy one of them next but Rays just have that look.:D
I it looks good it will work good my Dad always said. If that is true Ray's knives will work extremely well!
Click to expand...

And they do!:thumbup::thumbup:
 
High flat grinds, wide blades, large comfortable handles, carbon steel with a great patina, knives from makers that actually use their knives and know what works (those are always the best ones)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top