What causes you to buy one knife instead of another?

trane fan

trane fan

Joined
Jul 25, 2002
Messages
3,527
I know that numerous reasons go into the decision to purchase a knife but I wonder about your top one or two criteria. What will ultimately persuade you to purchase one knife over another? Do you focus on the knife's ergonomics or materials or appearance or price or maybe craftsmanship? Does a label such as "tactical" or "gent" cause you to lean toward a certain knife? Could it be the name brand or maker that is the final clincher? For me ergonomics and materials are usually the deciding factors. If a knife doesn't feel right in my hand I'm going to have a hard time using it properly and probably won't keep it for long. And if the materials aren't up to speed I find it difficult to place alot of confidence in the knife's ability to last for the long haul.
 
well, usually I do a lot of research to zero in on two or three knives based on amount of money I prepared to spend and then I listen to a little voice inside my head that tells me which one I should buy.
 
I have a want list so big it can't fit on CD-ROM. I try to keep them in the order I put them on there, however price and availablity are the main reason I will buy one of them when I have the funds. As for knives to get on my list, all they have to do is catch my eye.
 
My first considerations are useability and build quality. The ergonomics, material used and construction tolerances are paramount to me. If the knife is beautiful to look at, that is a plus in my book.

But it's got to be made the right way and able to cut well to really get my attention (and money).

jmx
 
Stupidity.

I find a knife I love and then end up giving it away. Then I have to get another one. If it's still available.
 
I'm a pretty much visual type of guy. It has to look good...The grinds have to be crisp, even, and symetrical...Everything has to fit together perfectly, and be well-finished.
 
The initial impression that a knife "gives" me is what makes me take a second look at it. I'll through online stores and if a knife catches my eye, I'll swing by my local knife store and hold it. If it feels good and everything, I'll try to find it online in the For Sale/For Trade forums here or buy it from an online store. The materials and overall quality of a knife is definitely a deciding factor though.
 
Looks are pretty much last on my list, nowadays, though my last knife managed to have great materials, great geometry, practical shape and size, good ergonomics, and be the best looking knife I own at the same time.
Click to expand...

Hey Owen - if you don't mind telling, what was the knife?
 
Its really changed over the years. At one time "need" was a major criteria, but that no longer applies as I've got enough knives to fit any situation. Now my criteria pretty much goes by the following:

Fit & finish - if it doesn't work flawlessly forget it
Uniqueness - it helps to have an approach that I haven't seen before (or owned before)
Maker - There are certain makers that I would be willing to buy just about anything they made, i.e. Mayo, Onion, Blackwood and then there are makers whose knives I've owned or handled that I wouldn't trade a Kershaw for and that includes some pretty big names. Thats what is so great about knife forums, I've been able, through trading, to handle knives from just about every big/small maker out there which has enabled me to really refine my taste.
Materials - I've got certain materials that I've really got a weakness for, i.e. MOP and mammoth ivory
Price - with what I've got for trading or sale material this isn't as much of an issue as it was even just a year ago, but is a factor on anything over a $1000.

And I forgot ergonomics, I've got real small hands and that does have a bearing. For example, I'm sitting here playing with a Brian Tighe flipper that fits my hand perfectly which puts this knife above a lot of quality knives out there.
 
When it all comes together and calls out to you that it feels right. It either works or it doesn't. One usually knows after a little research and handling. I find it easier with productions than customs probably because of easier access.
 
not enough money for both of them!!! :rolleyes: :p :rolleyes:

actually, I am a VERY selective knife collector and mostly only buy stuff that is not readily obtainable and mostly from makers who are no longer making knives or who are not alive any more. Except for my pal Ken..........I will buy anything he has lying around!! :D
 
OwenM - wow, that sounds great! Thanks for the description.

I have seen pics of some of Scott Cook's knives and they look first rate. They really do remind me of fixed blade versions of Sebenzas. It's good to know they really work and they just happen to be nice lookin'!
 
Originally posted by TheBadGuy
I have a want list so big it can't fit on CD-ROM. I try to keep them in the order I put them on there, however price and availablity are the main reason I will buy one of them when I have the funds. As for knives to get on my list, all they have to do is catch my eye.
Click to expand...

This thread wasent "How does a knifaholic choose a knife" ;) :D
 
At first .....anything with a blade was on the menu
Now?? Well, as I have bought , sold & traded knives
I learned what it is EXACTLY that I like about any
knife I want to own. Sorta like a journey in self
discovery because like our selection in wine &
women......it ain't the same for everyone:D

Yes, more than anything it is the variety that
please me the most;)
 
Familiarity, I buy mostly Buck Because I know what Im going to get. I read posts for 2 years before buying two of the three Chris Reeve knives I have. Same with the Sharpmaker.
My compliments to the people who post an honest opinion on topics.
guy
 
1: Build Quality ( As long as its made by a company with a good reputation...i.e. Spydero, Benchmade, Buck, Cammilus, Chris Reeve...etc.)
2: Blade material Any of the excellent-good steels( S30V, VG-10, 154CM, ATS-34..)
3: Ergonomics ...it's gotta feel good in the hand!
-Kevin
 
Kidding of course! I always look at a knife as a tool. So, durability, usability, and strength are always considerations. It also has to feel comfortable in the hand. We all fall prey to the 'wow, that's cool' factor once in a while (in my case many times). But now I really just want a few folders that I will actually carry/use. On my short list is a small Sebenza. Otherwise, I'm sure something will jump out at me at the Blade Show, I really am just going to look around, no more impulse buys for me. I won't buy another custom knife sight-unseen, too many variables. Like Burkstar said, handling a lot of knives has really refined my tastes. Not to go on too long, but what I own currently have are: Cuda Maxx, R.W. Clark model 6 in S30V, large Sebenza in S30V, Spyderco Military in 440V, two Carbon Fiber Police models and a Carbon Fiber Delica II in VG10. All plain edge. They are all very strong, feel good in the hand and are extremely sharp. A Leatherman Supertool handles everything else.

Just my 2 cents! Leo G. :D
 
I used to collect before I started making knives, so the hunger is still there. It really depends what mood I'm in. If there's a knife I need, there's already plenty in my collection to use. In the past, it was a combination of "features" - you know, all the specs, ergonomics and definitely value for money - I'm a tight-arse. Kinda why I started making knives in the first place - it was cheaper to make my own. NOT !! For personal use and working knives, I'm not much of a snob. The knife only needs to be "good enough" and I do tend to check things out before they get asigned to my collector's shelf. My current EDC is a Kershaw Onion Vapour II frame lock with AUS-6 blade which I got for about the equivalent of $40 USD. Works really well for most uses - its not necessarily the best steel, best size, shape etc. but it works.

What about the ones I want ? Well, its gotta have the WOW factor AND still be good value for money. Hard to describe but when I see it, I know it. I'm can't be spending more than a couple hundred dollars for a knife, so it tends to rule out some really gorgeous art knives I fancy.

Oh, the other thing. I buy knives also because of the personalities behind it. The maker's "style" is one I take quite seriously. If someone just comes across a complete #$%%@#@, highly unlikely I'd take a second look. Don't really care how good, valuable or collectable etc.

Thats my thinking anyway. Cheers. Jason.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top