What knives do you find overrated?

[not2sharp]

After many years of collecting I find that most knives are seriously underrated, especially by people who should know better. We like to look down at the common knives that are carried by the big box stores, yet these knives can well outlive any of us and represent the kind of knives used by the vast majority of the population, including those who use their knives hardest, as work related tools. We are knife enthusiast and as such we enjoy looking at knives, reading about them and talking about them; which makes us that much more susceptible to marketing hype. There is nothing wrong with having a strong interest in a subject, but our natural desire to have the latest and greatest products, often causes us to let many good knives pass by. As for overrated, that would be all of today's popular knives. There is nothing wrong with them, but they do carry that extra glow (and extra price) which may fade when something else grabs our attention and exceeds their popularity.

n2s

 

[slorenzo]

Honestly I think the Sebenza is overrated, it has no grip, looks like it will slip out of your hand in certain situations.

I love how the you state definitevely that the sebenza has no grip then say it looks like it could slip out of your hand. I think everyone is entitled to their opinion, but this makes it sound like you havnt even held the knife you are criticizing.

That being said I can see how the Sebenza can be viewed as overated. Unless you are OCD about tolerances, fit and finish, ease of assembly, and a design that changed the knife world the sebenza can be lackluster. For those that do value those things I think it is worth it.

 

[slorenzo]

After many years of collecting I find that most knives are seriously underrated, especially by people who should know better. We like to look down at the common knives that are carried by the big box stores, yet these knives can well outlive any of us and represent the kind of knives used by the vast majority of the population, including those who use their knives hardest, as work related tools. We are knife enthusiast and as such we enjoy looking at knives, reading about them and talking about them; which makes us that much more susceptible to marketing hype. There is nothing wrong with having a strong interest in a subject, but our natural desire to have the latest and greatest products, often causes us to let many good knives pass by. As for overrated, that would be all of today's popular knives. There is nothing wrong with them, but they do carry that extra glow (and extra price) which may fade when something else grabs our attention and exceeds their popularity.

n2s

Interesting take. My father in law has a Milwaukee branded knife from Home Depot that has taken more of a beating than any of the knives I own. He sharpens it on one of the slide through sharpeners. That thing is still ticking, goes to show how a cheap knife can still get the job done.

 

[KingMC]

I love how the you state definitevely that the sebenza has no grip then say it looks like it could slip out of your hand. I think everyone is entitled to their opinion, but this makes it sound like you havnt even held the knife you are criticizing.

That being said I can see how the Sebenza can be viewed as overated. Unless you are OCD about tolerances, fit and finish, ease of assembly, and a design that changed the knife world the sebenza can be lackluster. For those that do value those things I think it is worth it.

Design history of a knife does not make me want a knife any more, it's about how the knife is when handled, and when I handled the Sebenza the opening was rather stiff, the design was not very comfortable, the looks are rather plain and boring, and overall I just wished it had felt better given all the praise it receives from owners everywhere I look.

It might be the perfect knife to someone, but it's not the perfect knife for everybody, and certainly as you said in your post, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Not everybody cares about high F&F or a 'world-changing' design when they are buying knives, and if that's the case cost is a real concern.

Also, the AXIS lock could be considered a knife-world-changing design, yet I see people complaining benchmades are overpriced and boring because they are all using the AXIS lock with otherwise cheap materials. It certainly sounds very similar in nature to the Sebenza.

 

[ebidis]

Midtechs have a place in the knife world. they fill the niche for people that cannot afford a custom, but want to have a the same dimensions. Not for everyone, especially those on a tight budget (can sometimes be a case of one's eyes being too big for their stomach). The quality can be much higher in a midtech than that of a comparable sized folder of a lower price. Just because you don't see the differences does not mean they aren't there.

Ok, I agree with what you are saying. I guess my problem with midtechs is not overhype, but over price.

I can fully see and understand wanting a makers design, but not wanting to break the bank. Mid techs are supposed to fill that void, and I think the quality and features offered can be an excellent deal at $500-$600. However, if a mid tech which is mostly CNC'd, costs $1,000+, then it is my opinion that it defeats the purpose.

As an example, I said I really like the Todd Beg Bodega, but the models that I like are over $1,000. So I don't see myself getting one any time soon.

There are high end productions, and midtechs that come in at $200-$600 all day long. This is IMO where they should be.

 

[vanslem6]

After many years of collecting I find that most knives are seriously underrated, especially by people who should know better. We like to look down at the common knives that are carried by the big box stores, yet these knives can well outlive any of us and represent the kind of knives used by the vast majority of the population, including those who use their knives hardest, as work related tools. We are knife enthusiast and as such we enjoy looking at knives, reading about them and talking about them; which makes us that much more susceptible to marketing hype. There is nothing wrong with having a strong interest in a subject, but our natural desire to have the latest and greatest products, often causes us to let many good knives pass by. As for overrated, that would be all of today's popular knives. There is nothing wrong with them, but they do carry that extra glow (and extra price) which may fade when something else grabs our attention and exceeds their popularity.

n2s

I think what you're describing is 'consumerism' and 'keeping up with the joneses.' As a 'knife guy,' I can tell you I don't fit that mold.

That being said I can see how the Sebenza can be viewed as overated. Unless you are OCD about tolerances, fit and finish, ease of assembly, and a design that changed the knife world the sebenza can be lackluster. For those that do value those things I think it is worth it.

I don't care about any of those things. To put things into perspective, I'm a big fan of the Delica. I think it's everything most people could ever need. I think it's really well built, despite having a gap here or there, and it's incredibly functional. For the price of a Sebenza ($450), I can buy 7 Delicas, and a tank of gas for my car. I put value on value, and in the context of my ideologies, the Sebenza has none. Your mileage may vary.

 

[SALTY]

The fact that this thread has many responses that correlate "overrated" to under-valued does not surprise me. In fact, I do not see how it go go elsewhere.

A manufacturer "rates" a knife when they price it. We all know MSRP or MAP isn't always what's paid but if a manufacturer "rates" it's knife by setting MSRP/MAP at say $500 compared to another knife manufacturer's knife at say $100 - it would only stand to reason that more would be expected out of the former than the latter. So, with the price point setting expectations, the knife will either meet, exceed or fall short of those expectations.

Discounting buyer's remorse, AIMP (alcohol induced mouseclick purchases) or delusional armchair warriors (who believe that buying a $200 SpecOps Warrior Stealth Extreme Death Force Knife will cause them to lose 50 pound, gain muscle mass, get women, etc) the knife has to deliver or the purchaser will be underwhelmed and risk getting mentioned in this thread. Logically minded people expect more when they pay more. If a knife provides value (perceived through the eyes of its owner) then it will avoid being called over rated.

With that said, expectations should be defined. Is the knife comfortable to carry and use? Does it function as advertised and expected? Does it hold up? While one might think these questions as the norm, I suspect that additional questions are sometimes asked - albeit within the privacy of one's own thoughts. How does owning this knife make me feel? Am I now accepted into a group? Am I now a knife afficianato or, at the very least, a more savvy knife guy? What will be friends think? Will I gain stature on an internet knife forum?

The second set of questions are obviously subjective and, IMHO, misplaced. That said, I suspect that some manufacturers cater to those inquiries when designing, marketing and setting prices. Therein, the stage can be set for the eventual reality check and an "over rated" comment.

My knife buying, fortunately, has stayed away from my being underwhelmed or saddled with "over rated" knives. So, to somewhat answer the question posed by the OP, in a somewhat round-about way, I can tell you that I do not own a Cryo, any Striders or any customs. I am not in the market for anything Benchmade, though I have a few (710 M2HS, Nimravus Cub M2HS, Pinnacle) and while I do have a few Spydercos, they are H1 Salt Series knives that suit a mission profile for me not readily available elsewhere in the price range - and they deliver as expected, I do not have a Spyderco tattoo on my body, bumper sticker on any vehicle and ... you get the idea..

Knives that satisfy me for the price paid make me happy and I would not call them over rated. I am obviously a fan of Becker Knives as well as Emerson Knives. I have a Sebenza (Plain 25) and a gaggle of Chris' discontinued One Piece Range Knives which I can't bring myself to sell given their now limited availability - but I rarely use them anymore. That being said, the knives I do own provide me with value through use, durability, pride of ownership and/or perceived collector value appreciation. For what it's worth - those traits, if delivered, keep me from calling a knife "over rated."

 

[vanslem6]

With that said, expectations should be defined. Is the knife comfortable to carry and use? Does it function as advertised and expected? Does it hold up? While one might think these questions as the norm, I suspect that additional questions are sometimes asked - albeit within the privacy of one's own thoughts. How does owning this knife make me feel? Am I now accepted into a group? Am I now a knife afficianato or, at the very least, a more savvy knife guy? What will be friends think? Will I gain stature on an internet knife forum?

Bolded for emphasis. I'm with you. There's certainly more to it than what many are willing to admit.

 

[slorenzo]

I think what you're describing is 'consumerism' and 'keeping up with the joneses.' As a 'knife guy,' I can tell you I don't fit that mold.




I don't care about any of those things. To put things into perspective, I'm a big fan of the Delica. I think it's everything most people could ever need. I think it's really well built, despite having a gap here or there, and it's incredibly functional. For the price of a Sebenza ($450), I can buy 7 Delicas, and a tank of gas for my car. I put value on value, and in the context of my ideologies, the Sebenza has none. Your mileage may vary.

The delica is a great knife for the money. Fortunately, my ideology allows for me to appreciate and value both the Sebbie and the delica ;-)

 

[slorenzo]

The fact that this thread has many responses that correlate "overrated" to under-valued does not surprise me. In fact, I do not see how it go go elsewhere.




That being said, the knives I do own provide me with value through use, durability, pride of ownership and/or perceived collector value appreciation. For what it's worth - those traits, if delivered, keep me from calling a knife "over rated."

Very well said!

 

[BenchCo Spydermade]

Cryo-for how.highly its rated I've never been more disappointed. A gripless brick that won't even flip deassisted.

High end frame locks. They're cool, don't get me wrong, but I don't see how they can compete with an axis lock, compression lock, cbbl and for me even backlocks are preferred to a framelock. To me they're just linerlocks without scales.

 

[BenchCo Spydermade]

Oh, wait, I have one.

Boker Kwaiken. Too small. Too flimsy. Too thin. Same with the Urban Trapper. They both just feel so insubstantial - like I would snap the blade accidentally during normal use.

Agree w urban trapper. Its beautiful, but it really does feel like it could just fall apart any second.

 

[GIRLYmann]

I figure some knives get to become a popular buy
And by sheer numbers, gets Over rated simply by default as a
Consequence of of a particular knife model
Being purchased by folks on the account of the purchasers being exceptionally thrifty
or not being able to afford the likes of a better or more expensive knife
Of a particularly popular maker.
Especially so if it is something made affordable enough from a premium priced brand.
Case in point, the griptillian?
Sorry. But is that how it's spelt???!
Never mind, i foresee some fan boy might shoot down my theory soon enough...

 

[DRK]

I would have to say the Spyderco Domino. It is a beautifully made knife, incredibly well finished but over time I just found there to be a few things I wasn't crazy about: the scale didn't really provide very much grip and I didn't love the look of the CF, I found the flipper to be fast but as not as smooth as I thought it would be (and not really necessary as the knife deployed just as quick with out it) I also didn't like how high it sat in the pocket and lastly to me it was a knife a little too pretty to use. I thought I would really love this knife and was hanging over the edge of my mouse to get it but in the end it was as the OP describes a knife I found overrated.

 

[strategy9]

After many years of collecting I find that most knives are seriously underrated, especially by people who should know better. We like to look down at the common knives that are carried by the big box stores, yet these knives can well outlive any of us and represent the kind of knives used by the vast majority of the population, including those who use their knives hardest, as work related tools.

I can 2nd that... I've seen far too often, (not just on the internet but in general), among the "knife afficianado" group, if it's a sub $50 knife or "made in China" then it's automatically "crap", but it is so far from the truth... How often have I (and others) seen these old knives made from non-supersteels, just basic variety steels of yesteryear, still looking good at an estate sale, or on a yard sale table? Because these new steels are "better" doesn't make older steels suddenly "horrible". They still serve their function; slice, cut, and sharpen when dull, and if maintained will out live us all.
While some cut rate manufactures do in fact make "crap" in any industry knives included, and any mass manufactured product will have some inferior products slip through QC inspection, just because a brand is value priced and made of basic steels, and assembled in a factory overseas vs. a factory here in the states, doesn't
Automatically deem it worthless crap... Every CRKT I own, made in China w/ 8cr14mov, has been well worth the $30 or less I have spent. And every sub $20 schrade I've bought in the last, made in China of 9cr18mov, (arguably a better steal with higher carbon and chromium content improving edge, carbide, and stainless properties), has yet to disappoint.

 

[RevDevil]

But lets also be honest Rev, havent you seen a couple people abuse that word "midtech"? i for one have seen it applied to some peculiar circumstances. I guess I dont exactly mind true mid tech knives but what bothers me is when people abuse the term to portray the ordinary as extraordinary.

It's been thrown around alright, to no end. What surprised me was that the way the word custom also changed to mean a knife that is 99% CNC'd, but physically touched at some point by the person whose name is on the blade. It is bizarre, but there you have it.

Ok, I agree with what you are saying. I guess my problem with midtechs is not overhype, but over price.

I can fully see and understand wanting a makers design, but not wanting to break the bank. Mid techs are supposed to fill that void, and I think the quality and features offered can be an excellent deal at $500-$600. However, if a mid tech which is mostly CNC'd, costs $1,000+, then it is my opinion that it defeats the purpose.

As an example, I said I really like the Todd Beg Bodega, but the models that I like are over $1,000. So I don't see myself getting one any time soon.

There are high end productions, and midtechs that come in at $200-$600 all day long. This is IMO where they should be.

I know it, and I can understand about the price completely. The biggest factors in price have been inflation and perceived value. I mentioned in another post, knives that would sell for $120 just a year ago have jumped in price to land at the $160 mark. It's insane.

 

[craytab]

None.

There are knives which don't match my wants or needs, but which match other folks' perfectly.

So there are plenty of popular knives that don't ring my chimes, but that does not mean they are overrated.

This is about it for me. I am at a point in my knife collecting that if I sit down and look at the specs of a blade I can mostly avoid buying knives that I would be disappointed in.

Early on, I bought a Skyline and was completely underwhelmed. I thought it was too thin and lite. Turns out that is why a lot of people like it! I was disappointed because I didn't really understand what I liked yet. I just believed the hype. Not anymore though. I now know the Skyline was not for me because of the very reasons other people love it. Different strokes and what not, and the best is when you learn your strokes you can almost completely eliminate being disappointed.

 

[22-rimfire]

Over-rated or under-rated? Both are very subjective terms. I tend to view the rating scale in terms of price and value for what I am getting. If I spend $250 for a Spyderco knife, I am expecting a very special knife and not just run of the mill with "better steel". Maybe I expect too much, but I don't think so.

Am I satisfied after getting the knife and handling it? Am I satisfied after using it? Does it hold up physically (ie not break)?

I just received a Blackjack 124 with a Sanbar stag handle and A-2 steel. They are a brand new model. I like the classic Randall look. I have nothing but praise for A-2 steel. The knife ran about $200 and it met my expectations. The fit and finish is nearly perfect. The stag is nice enough for me since I am going to be using this knife for woods duty when a slightly smaller knife is all I am willing to carry. Am I over or under whelmed? Neither. I'm pleased at this point, but I haven't cut anything with it yet. Under-rated or over-rated? Blackjack knives made by Bark River in general are under-rated in my opinion. But the pricing is consistent with other Bark River products. So, price is a neutral issue.

 

[Murindo]

Knives are a very personal thing ever since the first one was chipped out of flint. I'm 67 years old and have been carrying knives for 59 of those years. I've owned over 500 during those years. Bought many for their look or the hype in magazines or on forums.

I've come to understand that we are lucky for having the thousands of choices of good knives. To each his own. Enjoy the ones you like, sell the ones you don't, they will make someone else happy.

 

[emtyhopper]

I think what you're describing is 'consumerism' and 'keeping up with the joneses.' As a 'knife guy,' I can tell you I don't fit that mold.




I don't care about any of those things. To put things into perspective, I'm a big fan of the Delica. I think it's everything most people could ever need. I think it's really well built, despite having a gap here or there, and it's incredibly functional. For the price of a Sebenza ($450), I can buy 7 Delicas, and a tank of gas for my car. I put value on value, and in the context of my ideologies, the Sebenza has none. Your mileage may vary.

A sebenza is not for the budget minded.