What I look for in a Knife

[4TheLoveofSteel]

I have always been a fan of knives and various other lets say big boy toys. I traded for my first benchmade 20 years ago and found I could def appreciate a quality knife (to me). Unfortunately for personal reasons I found myself no longer interested in carrying a benchmade (not saying they are not quality by any means) which started me off on an unexpected journey. Ultimately I set out to find the perfect small (less than 3 inch) folder knife, large folder (3.5-4 inch) knife, small fixed blade EDC (3-4 inch) and large fixed blade (still working on the right size). I figured to really find the best of the best (for me) Id have to try them all right? Ok getting kinda spendy at this point so I thought Id check in with all you pros to collect your thoughts. My focus is on blades that cut first but will hold up when abused being a tool second! Obviously this is subjective.

That being said here is where I am at so far per category and Id love to hear what yours are....there can be only one!

Small Folder=for me to date it has been the spyderco native 5. Love the ergos for such a small knife, cuts well, pretty tough so far.

Large Folder=still hunting on this one but so far the one I have appreciated the most is the Cold Steel AD10. Love the ergos and overall feel but ultimatly its a little large to carry on a regular basis for me.

Small Fixed=Dozier slim outdoorsman...this one is still a WIP. While I love the blade the handle is a little small for me.

Large Fixed=this is the one I am still working on the most but to date I am actually a fan of the BK2. Think something with a little less heft might actually be better in the long run but I spent some time customizing my BK2 (removed coating, forced patina, micarta scales, convex edge).

 

[The Aflac Duck]

I’ve been through various phases in my knife-life but right now I’ve settled on collecting autos, but mostly Microtechs. Not all of them are the best performers, but I enjoy them.

If I need something more geared towards performance I’ll grab a Spyderco Military. If I need something for a larger job I have a Lionsteel M7. In general though, I’m mostly just gonna carry what puts a smile on my face.

 

[4TheLoveofSteel]

I’ve been through various phases in my knife-life but right now I’ve settled on collecting autos, but mostly Microtechs. Not all of them are the best performers, but I enjoy them.

If I need something more geared towards performance I’ll grab a Spyderco Military. If I need something for a larger job I have a Lionsteel M7. In general though, I’m mostly just gonna carry what puts a smile on my face.

Good point sir, I agree that what ever it is one picks it should most def put a smile on your face! Find the otfs some of the most entertaining but I find it difficult to get passed the blade play.

 

[sabre cat]

Right now, I usually reach for one of three knives:

1. Full size Griptilian- not my favorite knife at all but, it works so well.

If I had to carry one folder the rest of my days, it would be up for consideration.

A Griptilian and a basic SAK Cadet make a very practical combo.

I would classify this as my large folder.

2. Kershaw Zing (US made)- an amazing knife for the money.
Ergonomics are wonderfully done.

I would classify this as my small folder.

3. Swiss Army Knife- Cadet, Soldier 61, or Spartan. Any one of these could easily do 70-80%+ of my daily knife routine.

I am sneaking this in as a multi-tool.

The jury is still out on fixed blades for me. I like them but I am hesitant to list one as the end all fixed blade.

 

[4TheLoveofSteel]

Right now, I usually reach for one of three knives:

1. Full size Griptilian- not my favorite knife at all but, it works so well.

If I had to carry one folder the rest of my days, it would be up for consideration.

A Griptilian and a basic SAK Cadet make a very practical combo.

I would classify this as my large folder.

2. Kershaw Zing (US made)- an amazing knife for the money.
Ergonomics are wonderfully done.

I would classify this as my small folder.

3. Swiss Army Knife- Cadet, Soldier 61, or Spartan. Any one of these could easily do 70-80%+ of my daily knife routine.

I am sneaking this in as a multi-tool.

The jury is still out on fixed blades for me. I like them but I am hesitant to list one as the end all fixed blade.

Def worth adding a multi tool in, Im try to stay more on the knife first but wanting a tool as well that would be a fair way to go. Those DPX knives have been catching my interested as well.

Yea Im on the same page for the fixed and large folder but no reason to be hesitant to list...think of it as this is currently what I chose based on what I have had a chance to get my hands on!

 

[sabre cat]

Def worth adding a multi tool in, Im try to stay more on the knife first but wanting a tool as well that would be a fair way to go. Those DPX knives have been catching my interested as well.

Yea Im on the same page for the fixed and large folder but no reason to be hesitant to list...think of it as this is currently what I chose based on what I have had a chance to get my hands on!

I am rather fond of the DPX series myself.

I do find the logo a big turn off though.