What do you look for in a knife?

Is it from a dependable company?
Is it made from a good steel with a good heat treat, backed by the company?

The big two for me.
 
First question I ask myself, is what do I want the knife for. Do I want it for everyday carry, for a specific task like filleing fish, or to admire a piece of artwork? It may sound simple, but this really determines everything else you will want to look for in a knife. Once I decide what I want the knife for, I select the characteristics I want in a kife for that purpose. For example, I want the blade of my fillet knife much thinner and more rust resistant than I would for a work knife or a drawer queen.
 
Will I destroy it?:rolleyes: I look at the materials, the compnay history, what others have said about the knife, and lastly looks. If it is a folder I look at how smooth the action is, and how solidly it locks. Perfection isn't necessary, a tiny amount of play is acceptable to me. Ny that I basically mean if I grip the blade and tug around as hard as I can and only feel a little movement it is fine. I only buy using knives, so I want something that I can beat the cr*p out of, sharpen and still have it work good as new.
 
All the above and weight and how comfortable will it be to carry. It has to be easy to get too. I don't care for folders without clips. Nothing bothers me more than a knife rolling around in my pocket.
 
Yes to all above, but i also look for a lifetime freind in my knifes, one that will never let me down in time of need.

James
 
Fit, finish, form, and function, sounds kinda cliche', I know but it's true, those things are important in a knife, oh, and one other thing, I gotta be able to afford it.
 
This is a more difficult question than I originally thought. Well first it has to catch my eye, then it needs to be a well thought out design. Finally it has to be a well made knife, to include good fit and finish.
 
does it feel pretty in your hand?

does your attacker look at it and say, wow it looks nice in his hand
does it work
and does it work well
and did it put a huge dent in my bank account
 
Usually versatility and reliability. Something that will last me a long time. Size of the knife and scenario of application comes into play sometimes. Price is an issue unless it is a collectable or something rare. Then I usually don't care as much. No preference on maker since I am not biased that way. If the knife has a good reputation it would probably be something I will be using for a long time or pass it on to somebody else after acquiring it. I prefer smaller fixed blades or folders since they are more discrete for EDC. If I can help it, nothing aggressive or large looking. No autos, of course. I like balisongs although they are illegal to carry where I am. The aggressive, exotic knives I collect and train with for edged weapon combatives or use them for camping. Nothing that I would carry on the street since the laws are so draconian nowadays. Owning knives is like a double edged sword *groan*... :p
 
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