What makes a knife a "presentation" knife?

on_the_edge

on_the_edge

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Some knives are significantly more ornate than others, and as such, I can understand why they are called "presentation" knives, but some that are much less ornate are also sometimes called "presentation" knives.

So what is the distinction between a presentation knife and one that is not a presentation knife? Is the term synonymous with "this knife is not suitable for actual use?" Does it depend on the maker? Are there connotations associated with the term (eg. a knife called a presentation fighter is more expensive than the exact same knife that is simply called a fighter)? Is there even agreement as to what constitutes a presentation knife?

Sorry for all the questions. As a custom newb, I am just trying to get a little education here.

Thanks.

Chris
 
LOL.....
We are once again discussing a completely arbitrary term.
(for example.... What is a Bowie, a Tactical knife or a Handmade knife?)
IMO.... It might sometimes PROBABLY depend on how fancy the maker usually makes his knives. If the knife is more embellished than usual for THAT particular maker, then it might be a presentation knife. Either way, don't let the label bother you, it might just be an excuse to charge more. OR it might mean they used "Presentation grade" materials, which is, again, arbitrary. OR it might just be a term that a dealer slaps on their inventory of fancier knives.
YMMV.
 
No hard and fast rule here. It does to a large degree depend on the maker. For a guy that uses micarts handles on most of his knives, the use of premium wood alone might render a knife "presentation grade" in his books.

Assess the knife itself - don't get too hung up on somebody else's label.

Roger
 
The term is basically just a buzz word usually used by dealers to enhance the description of a knife and/or handle material (ie. presentation grade ivory).

References can be found with this term originally being associated with an item being considered "fit" for "presentation" to royalty.

Some knives and material do seem to fit this descriptive phrase however. I would consider the ivory on this Bowie "presentation grade" if in fact there is such a thing. :confused: ;)

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It does mean different things to different people. To me it means:

1. Exceptional handle materials, ranging from highly figured ironwood or stabilized exotic wood to Sambar Stag, Mammoth, Walrus and Elephant Ivory.

2. A superior/finer level of finish on the blade than usual (read more time and care).

3. Decorated fittings. It could be as simple as a channeled guard or a contrasting spacer.

It really can be any knife that the maker thought was worthy of extra time and effort.
 
Thank you for the information folks. That helps out a lot.

And Kevin, I agree with you -- if there ever has been ivory on a knife that could be called presentaion grade, I would say that was it. Beautiful.
 
RogerP said:
No hard and fast rule here. It does to a large degree depend on the maker. For a guy that uses micarts handles on most of his knives, the use of premium wood alone might render a knife "presentation grade" in his books.

Assess the knife itself - don't get too hung up on somebody else's label.

Roger
Click to expand...
LOL!!!!!! What about guys that use cord wrap!!!!!!!
Then I think using using micarta, or even rainbow Pakkawood would count as a presentation knife!!!!! (know anyone like that. :barf:;))
 
I've seen knives that are available in either cord wrap or Micarta handles, but I have never seen the Micarta handled ones referred to as presentation grade.

I have seen so many knives called presentation grade that it no longer holds any definable meaning to me. With some makers the label makes sense. From them, a knife that would normally be made from 5160 steel, with stainless guard and wood handles, that instead has a pattern welded blade, engraved guard and ancient walrus ivory handle, is called presentation grade. That I can understand.

On the other hand, I have seen stag that today is called presentation grade that would have had a hard time making it on to a knife a few years ago.
 
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