What catches your eye?

P

Phillip Jones

Joined
Oct 4, 1999
Messages
551
I just registered this week with Bladeforums.com and this is my first post.

What is the one thing that catches your eye when first viewing a knife? What sets it apart from the others around it that subconsciously tells you "I LIKE THIS KNIFE!" Is it the shape, size, finish? For me it is unexplainable and has baffled me for years. As an example, every time I pick up an old japanese sword something stirs inside me that words cannot describe. I know I like it but I cannot say why. The words just aren't there. Any POV'S will be greatly appreciated.

Phillip Jones
One half of the Jones Brothers
phuppyphuppy@netscape.net
 
Greetings Phillip,

Welcome.
I too, just recently(today) joined the forums. I must say so far I am enjoying myself.
On to your question:
For me it would have to be the blade itself.
Shape or style not sure which, but there are certain blades that really catch my eye and make me go...."Hey". Like the Talonite Cetan(sp) and the Military.
I also really like the Sebenza and after reading so much about them on here over the last week, I am tempted to get one, but will have to clear the $$$ through her Majesy first....lol

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"The bible is no mere book, but a living power that conquers all that oppose it"
*Napoleon Bonaparte

Gal 6:7
 
Welcome to both of you, Phillip Jones and Scarman.
I am new here during the last month. Great place! Lots of information and opinions available from friendly, helpful and knowledgable folks.
I too have that sudden feeling about a knife that just grabs me. It's like the experience one has with a painting. I like it but I have trouble explaining why.
With knives, I often feel an immediate attraction to the appearance but I've been warned by some folks on this forum to remember function, comfort in the hand and other practical considerations. Good advice but I still can't overcome the strong visual appeal of some blades even when they may not be especially practical.
Until a few weeks ago I found the typical Spyderco "look" to be unappealing. Then I bought one. Now they have begun to appear beautiful to me, suggesting that one can acquire appreciation of designs that were previously unattractive.
ptn
 
Welcome Philip J.
I'm Phil L., Good question but, who knows why anyone likes anything? We all bring our past experiances to the table. I personally am a "Sucker for Stag!", I think I know why. When I was a kid, (just to give you an idea gow old I am," my favorite cowboy was Roy Rogers, and Roy's Colt '45, had Stag grips. Of course when you bought a toy gun it had plastic giprs, made to look like stag, close enough for a five year old. Then you go through a period of Jig Bone, and Derlin, when I first saw real stag scales on a knife, it was like magic. I saw a bunch of real stag last year at the N.Y. Custom Knife Show, I was drooling! At this time I have pretty much narrowed mt focus to that handle material, and there are still a whole bunch of options, production, customs, so many makers so many styles, and a long history. Alot of ground to cover. You can't buy it all, you have to be selective.

This is a great place to learn, great guys to exchange ideas with, great articles, you can get an education just following the links that are posted. Check out some of the names of your fellow Forumites, very impressive!

Your going to like it here, again welcome!

PhilL
 
Probably the first thing that catches my eye is the overall shape: the harmonious flow from the tip of the blade to the butt of the handle. But in the past few years, my eye is really caught by a great temper line even more than a beautiful damascus pattern.
 
The last knife that just absolutely
overwhelmed me was a STEVE JERNIGAN push button auto. What really impressed me was the fit of the bolsters with the handle scales ,which had opposite s shaped curves, and how thin the knife was. How in the world he made it that thin with a working mechanism is beyond my comprehension! Unfortunatley, I didn't have the $1,800 asking price.You can see it or one just like it in Knives 95 by Ken Warner on page 135. Outstanding design and craftsmanship Steve!!! Take care! Michael

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"Always think of your fellow knife makers as partners in the search for the perfect blade, not as people trying to compete with you and your work!"
 
Hi!

In short; Its the little things, those you dont think about/see at first.
 
My eye first goes to the lines of the knife before focusing on the materials and finish. It is indeed a mysterious combination that engenders the feeling of desire.

James Segura, one third of the Segura Brothers
 
Welcome to BF, Phillip and Scarman.

Like HJK & stjames, the first thing that generally catches my eye is the overall lines of the piece. Assuming I have an opportunity to handle it, the next thing is it's balance & how it fits my hand. From there, it's the composition & general fit & finish of major components. Finally, it's the more minute details.

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Cheers,

--+Brian+--


 
I think I'm in the "lines" crowd, too. The knife should have a certain flow, the handle and blade must speak to one another. No obvious errors like breaking up the spine of the knife or showing no consideration for the look of the closed position on a folder. I like just about anything with a recurve, and I'm thrilled by pieces that let you guess the maker before you see the logo - that shows an excellent sense of "personal style." I do like to see intelligent, function-oriented decision making in a knife, though. Being able to see the decisions the designer made is one of the most enjoyable parts of looking at a nice knife, IMO. If decisions are made purely for aesthetic reasons, they are often hard to interpret in this way.

All in all, though, it seems to come down to "I know what I lie" but I doubt I can summarize it well.

-Drew
 
Welcome I am a newby also. It would be had for me to but my down since I like all knives and think they should all be in my colection. Seeing that is impossible for me to accomblish I just keep buying the knives that do catch my eye and that I can afford.I do think of knives as mans oldest tool and for that reason have be atracted to them since I was a kid. Especially the Bowie knives.Bill
 
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