What Knife Features~Seal the Deal?

Kevin Jones

Kevin Jones

Joined
Oct 28, 2006
Messages
13,363
Lorien said:
Maybe we should have a thread which asks what people DO like. That would be more positive than asking what they DON'T like.
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You asked for it: :thumbup: ;)

What features, construction techniques, embellishments, materials do you just love in a knife?

Say you are deciding between two knives for your collection, what features, construction techniques, embellishments, materials will seal the deal or make you choose one over the other?

Thanks for your participation.
 
Mosaic damascus and colorful handle material. If it is ivory, I want the blues rather then the standard green color. I also like a wide blade with some belly at the top. Overall composition must be pleasing.

Havent stepped into the world of embellishments yet.
 
I like engraving and carving a lot, both of those will make me choose one knife over another, all else being equal.

Contouring on folder handles is a big thing for me too. All else being equal, I will take a contoured handle over a flat one any day.

I'm also a sucker for certain materials. For blades, I really like high-end Japanese steels and Stellite 6K, along with certain damascuses. For handles, I really like Timascus, ivories, blacklip MOP, and stag.

Swedges in the blade grind do a lot for me too.

I also tend to like framelocks and bolster locks over liner locks, though not always, it depends on the individual piece.
 
Thanks Jonathan.
I was beginning to think no one liked knives anymore. :eek: ;) :D :D

We are on the same page with the deep blue ivory :) :thumbup: and the sophisticated damascus patterns. :thumbup:
 
I really like a handle to fit the hand, not some stock job. More like the handle on a Fisk Woojack. Engraving is also nice as well as damascus, not much into picture damascus. I like the patterns like tears of the wounded, dogstar, Texas wind, and Meier ladder is way cool!;):thumbup::thumbup:
 
Kevin Jones said:
Thanks Jonathan.
I was beginning to think no one liked knives anymore. :eek: ;) :D :D
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I wouldn't worry Kevin. There has been QUITE an impressive surge of visitors in this subforum since the recent threads. Its pretty nice! I was happy to bring this one back to the top though. :)
 
Handles. A human hand is not internally shaped like a broomstick handle, so if a knife was made to be held by a human hand and is ergonomic, it seals the deal for me. A knife should be an extension of the arm, balancing at the tip of your hand so that it quite literally feels like an extension of your arm. Balance is one thing, but doesnt do much good if the knife is twirling around in circles the second you cut something because the handle is overpolished and round.
 
They really are a great many things, but one factor that comes into play when bowie-shopping at a show is how the knife feels in the hand. I can look at two equally attractive bowies, using quality materials and reflecting superb fit and finish. One feels like a lead pipe, the other lively and well balanced. I'm going with the latter.

Roger
 
I am a big fan of pattern welded and wootz steel. Walrus ivory is my favorite handle material, but I also like mammoth ivory, stag, MOP and really nice wood. On users my preference is Micarta or wood. Since I only purchase commisioned knives, I am able to order them with whatever material I can afford to pay for. Fit and finish has to be up to a standard that matches the price of the knife. Embellishments aren't required, but one of these days I'm going to get myself some knives that have engraving and/or carving.

The thing that is the real deal maker is the attitude of the maker. Is he willing to go the extra mile to make sure that I will be happy with what I get. Is he pleasant and does he communicate well. As as the knife is concerned, the maker I choose will always be able to make a knife up to the standards that I am looking for.
 
I like well executed damascus blades.
Natural handle material with great color and texture.
Excellent handle to blade proportions.
Good balance.
Nicely executed frame handle construction.
Tim Hancock border cut and grooved filework.
Excellent fit & finish.
Tasteful and classic fine engraving.
Symmetric guards.
Uniform plunge lines.
Flared choils.
Tasteful Spanish notches.
 
One thing I look for in a knife is a plunge line that matches, mirrors, or parallels the angles and lines of the bolster/guard/handle. Also the overall symmetry/flow between the elements of the knife. Examples of makers who do this with consistency: SR Johnson, Walter Brend, Dick Hodgson, Ron Lake.
 

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I like folders alot. Simplicity, and practicalness are beauty for me.


Likes:
Smaller knives 6-7"
Simple clean looks
Thick Sturdy Frame Locks
Stone washing
Wharncliffe Blade
Spyderholes
Nice deep choils
Thick blades
flat grinds.
reversable Pocket clips
Jimping on the handle that follows onto the blade.
Compact thin handles
good ergos
good balance

Dislikes:
Liner Locks
I can tolerate, but don't like knives that use the thumb stud to sop the blade.
gigantic folders
One sided thumb studs
Plastic pocket clips.
Fat handles
cheap looking handle design ( as much as I love them, most spydercos are a good example of this. )
 
I like lots of variety in my collection as I'm sure others are aware. I prefer to find interesting knives from internet, shows etc and sometimes I order knives with varying degrees of success. I collect all styles of FB's, folders etc and like to get knives from lots of different makers. I'm a collecteraholic.
 
I prefer flowing lines carved into the steel and having the lines of the blade
complement the handle both when the folder is open and closed.

A good example is the all steel folder Wolfgang Loerchner made for me
in 2002, totally HAND CARVED, using various grades of sandpaper, etc...

All the best,
David Darom (ddd)

From my book: "Art and Design in Modern Custom Folding Knives"
picture.JPG
 
Hey guys,
I think that if ever there was a thread that needed illustrated examples,
this surely is one. How about posting pictures too?

All the best,
David Darom (ddd)
 
RogerP said:
They really are a great many things, but one factor that comes into play when bowie-shopping at a show is how the knife feels in the hand. I can look at two equally attractive bowies, using quality materials and reflecting superb fit and finish. One feels like a lead pipe, the other lively and well balanced. I'm going with the latter.

Roger
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That was what I was thinking also. Sometimes holding a knife in my hand makes me want it. Other times holding it and having the ability to scrutinize it, causes me to put it down.

Peter
 
Charles M said:
One thing I look for in a knife is a plunge line that matches, mirrors, or parallels the angles and lines of the bolster/guard/handle.
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I know a lot of people feel the same way as you do. But I am kind of fond of curved plunge lines - even when set against a straight guard.

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Roger
 
Roger, I also have a strong affinity for sweeping plunge lines. I guess what I was trying to say was that I dont like a plunge line - be it straight or sweeping - that looks out of place on the knife. And trying to say it with a positive spin :)

Of all the forged makers I have been exposed to, Farr's plunge lines impress me the most. On your hunter it looks perfect... I see complementary curves and shapes everywhere; in the plunge line, choil/ricasso, quillion, and especially the stippled area of the handle. Same with the slight curvature of the spine and the nearly-straight top edge of the guard. :thumbup:

Here is a study in curves, also set against a "straight" guard:

BREND2.jpg
 
That is stunning Charles - the integrated guard must be the only straight line on that knife.

That particular Farr knife isn't mine, but I am fortunate to own a few of his pieces.

Roger
 
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