What is a “hot rod” knife? And let’s see yours!

[Mimic Knife & Tool]

The idea of a knife “hot rod” or one that’s been “hot rodded” is something I’ve been thinking about for a few weeks now. As I’ve recently been making flashlight “hot rods” as they are called in the flashlight community, I’ve wondered what constitutes a knife “hot rod”?

Generally I think it points to pure performance, without needing to be fancy in any way. The user simply wants and appreciates the best possible performer without having to break the bank. A hot rod could be something that is factory, or some stock knife modified with say a reblade or regrind.

I have pictured here a Spyderco Police 4 in k390 and a convoy s2+ modded for low resistance and max amps with triple Osram boost emitters. Both are examples of what I would consider “hot rods”. The P4 is thin and cuts forever, and the convoy throws a ton of light out of a small package. A lw version of the p4 may be a better example but you get the idea.

What is a knife “hot rod”? Why? Let’s see them.

 

[BP_]

No frills. Nothing fancy. No extras. Just a laser cutter that can be used for literally any knife related task. Never heard of that particular term before, but I happened to have this guy in my pocket today and thought it definitely fits the bill.

 

[Jeeeen!]

Hmm, I like very thin edges and wide polished bevels.
As most of the things I cut are packages and boxes at work, a lot of waxed double ply cardboard as well (sushi restaurant).

With a bevel set around 12° to 14° and polished, the blade flies effortless through soft items.

My leatherman blades get a normal 17° bevel but a toothy finish to cut hard items like zip ties, cables, wires, and other stuff.

I'm in the process of thinning out my shirogorov hati gen 3. I want a 12 or 13° edge and very polished, scary sharp.

 

[jmh33]

View attachment 1947960
Can’t get more “Hot Rod” than this!!

John

 

[ferider]

Two hot rods:

 

[LEGION 12]

 

[DocJD]

Power to weight ratio !

 

[CPM-ROCCO]

Maybe not a hot rod, but definitely a speed demon.

 

[Mimic Knife & Tool]

Right on I love this variety, it’s expanding my narrow view of what a hot rod is!

Don’t forget to state WHY it’s a hot rod for you! I wanna know the reasons

 

[K.O.D.]

I've got a few. Customized sprint run Spyderco Manix 2 CTS-XHP with desert ironwood scales, ti clip and screws.

Demko AD 20.5 CPM-3V and custom 3D printed scales

Spyderco Gayle Bradley folder Ti clip CPM-M4

All are excellent and will take just about every (reasonable) task you throw at them.

I have a feeling my Biryukov #12 is also going to be a beast with that thin slicy CPM-S125V blade.

 

[Mimic Knife & Tool]

I have a feeling my Biryukov #12 is also going to be a beast with that thin slicy CPM-S125V blade.

That’s the kind I had in mind

 

[Hashishiin]

Hot rod... no-nonsense performance without being ostentatious? I have a lotta things dyed or modded, like SAKs that retain or gain usefulness. But let me try to find my knives that I'd take to a construction site (and trust). These are my PURE workers.

 

[K.O.D.]

That’s the kind I had in mind

Its pretty badass, I've only had it a month though. Was a bit afraid to use it, but not anymore.

 

[Hashishiin]

Should I also show knives that are workers but also beautified, I wonder, or is the focus function??

 

[K.O.D.]

Should I also show knives that are workers but also beautified, I wonder, or is the focus function??

Yes.

 

[killgar]

"Hot rods" hmmm?

Modified from stock. Performance over looks. Fast. Pure bad-ass cool .

And oh yeah, what do hot-rodders always say- "It's what's under the hood that counts".

Like I said, under the hood.

 

[K.O.D.]

I've never owned a knife that came this sharp. I'm really enjoying it and the Cheburkov.

 

[Mimic Knife & Tool]

Yes, I think generally a “hot rod” would be performance/function first. Then aesthetics is just a bonus if it’s there. I also think a hot rod would be more budget friendly…the most performance per dollar spent… like putting an LS motor in a civic is truer to hotrod than a ferrari

 

[K.O.D.]

Yes, I think generally a “hot rod” would be performance/function first. Then aesthetics is just a bonus if it’s there. I also think a hot rod would be more budget friendly…the most performance per dollar spent… like putting an LS motor in a civic is truer to hotrod than a ferrari

Well my Biryukov wouldn't qualify then. Definitely in Ferrari territory price wise, though I think more Bugatti Chiron engine wise. So, I guess it could qualify?

 

[Mimic Knife & Tool]

yea maybe not, but that blade steel and geometry is def tip top performance. So maybe it’s a sort of standard of performance we have to judge all others with. Maybe the best hot rod would consist in “how close can I get to the Biryukov level of performance, without needing to spend as much?”

“Hot rod” is a thought in process, everyone’s input will work it out more precisely.