-
The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is available! Price is $250 ea (shipped within CONUS).
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/
What, No (Love For) William Henrys at BF? (With Pics)
- Thread starter The Burgh
- Start date
- Joined
- Aug 27, 2012
- Messages
- 1,238
To the best of my knowledge, I only know one person (personally) who owns a WH. I also know the person who bought it for him, because it was a co-worker gave it to him as a going-away gift after working together since the day they both started at our company. The guy who was leaving was (and presumably still is) all about wearing extremely nice suits, ties and shoes, and although he'd never indicated an interest in knives, there is still that notion that a man really ought to carry some sort of knife. There is no denying that, as far as knives are concerned, William Henry makes knives appropriate for that role.
I think that sentiment - that every man should carry a knife - is the basis for WH knives, and it just so happens that there really aren't many production knives out there that cater to the suit-and-tie crowd. Sure, anyone can carry any sort of knife, and it need not be flashy or expensive, but that's sort of like watches. I have a few knives that I think would be appropriate to carry if I was dressed up for some reason (rare) and they range from $20 to $200: A couple of Kershaws, a couple of ZTs, a SAK and even a CRKT. But to be fair, that has a lot to do with me looking at all the knives I own and having a few that serve no other real purpose than for very occasional carry and minimal use. To put it another way, they could be considered EDC if I spent most of my time in board meetings, but that's not what I do.
I suppose I could drive a much prettier car that would be easily as functional as what I drive now, but in my daily life, it wouldn't be practical for the higher sticker price. Incidentally, WH makes knives that cost considerably more than my car did when purchased brand new, so I don't know what to think about that.
I think that sentiment - that every man should carry a knife - is the basis for WH knives, and it just so happens that there really aren't many production knives out there that cater to the suit-and-tie crowd. Sure, anyone can carry any sort of knife, and it need not be flashy or expensive, but that's sort of like watches. I have a few knives that I think would be appropriate to carry if I was dressed up for some reason (rare) and they range from $20 to $200: A couple of Kershaws, a couple of ZTs, a SAK and even a CRKT. But to be fair, that has a lot to do with me looking at all the knives I own and having a few that serve no other real purpose than for very occasional carry and minimal use. To put it another way, they could be considered EDC if I spent most of my time in board meetings, but that's not what I do.
I suppose I could drive a much prettier car that would be easily as functional as what I drive now, but in my daily life, it wouldn't be practical for the higher sticker price. Incidentally, WH makes knives that cost considerably more than my car did when purchased brand new, so I don't know what to think about that.
I tend to agree with somber...
I'm of the opinion that most William Henrys are sold to what, relative to most of us, could be called "non-knife people." Their outlets seem to be mostly those where impulse buys among the well off take place. I wonder what the ratio of Henrys would be purchased for personal use vs. gifts. My bet would be a large proportion are given as flashy gifts, usually to other non-knife people.
These are jewelry knives and I think many purchasers are people who aren't aware of what exists out there competitively with an expensive William Henry. Those who know the options that ARE out there tend to buy other knives for the money if they're only wanting a good knife.
I believe Henrys to be good knives, perhaps Reeve quality, with fine steels. I have handled many of them and they do open like butter. Very nice knives. They are dainty and well decorated but are small, thin and, for me, tend to be clumsy in hand. I also have trouble with metal handles (except for some reason, titanium) as they can seem too slick in hand. I consider them to be excellent light-medium duty knives, top materials, great for office carry or in slacks/dress pants.
I won't own one because I like a less dainty knife and prefer knives that are 'cut a little rougher' for heavier tasks that I run into. Every time I see a Henry I like, there's something else I like better for the price. It's all in what appeals to you....
I'm of the opinion that most William Henrys are sold to what, relative to most of us, could be called "non-knife people." Their outlets seem to be mostly those where impulse buys among the well off take place. I wonder what the ratio of Henrys would be purchased for personal use vs. gifts. My bet would be a large proportion are given as flashy gifts, usually to other non-knife people.
These are jewelry knives and I think many purchasers are people who aren't aware of what exists out there competitively with an expensive William Henry. Those who know the options that ARE out there tend to buy other knives for the money if they're only wanting a good knife.
I believe Henrys to be good knives, perhaps Reeve quality, with fine steels. I have handled many of them and they do open like butter. Very nice knives. They are dainty and well decorated but are small, thin and, for me, tend to be clumsy in hand. I also have trouble with metal handles (except for some reason, titanium) as they can seem too slick in hand. I consider them to be excellent light-medium duty knives, top materials, great for office carry or in slacks/dress pants.
I won't own one because I like a less dainty knife and prefer knives that are 'cut a little rougher' for heavier tasks that I run into. Every time I see a Henry I like, there's something else I like better for the price. It's all in what appeals to you....
Interesting take. I can see that.....
- Joined
- Aug 29, 2012
- Messages
- 1,355
This has been an interesting thread. I mainly collect custom knives and do consider myself a "knife guy" whatever that means. I own dozens of knives. My EDC is a Bing Chiron CF flipper. I also own a few WH's. Two are EDC's E-6 and E-10, which I carry from time to time to the office and one is a B-09, very small fancy knife, which I only carry when I'm wearing a suit and going out in the evening with my wife (theater, dinner, etc.). It is pocket jewelry but I carry it because I always carry a knife and it fits the bill of that occasion. Never know when you need a knife to cut a thread from wife's dress or some other chivalrous act. Admittedly, it is not good for much beyond that but I'm not likely to need it for more during the evening.
I do agree with some of the posts above that WH's are marketed towards people who are not necessarily "knife people", in other words, they do not think about knives other than when they need one, they don't own a bunch of knives and they sure don't join knife forums. However, they appreciate fine men's accessories (watches, cuff-links, pens, etc.) I think WH's fit that position nicely. I have purchased WH's as gifts for executives who helped close a deal. They were not knife people but did appreciate the gift. I think of WH's along the line of high-end pens, they make a statement of quality and fashion. WH knives are high quality, scary sharp, and beautifully made. No reason knife people shouldn't consider adding one to a collection or consider buying one as a gift for a non-knife person.
I do agree with some of the posts above that WH's are marketed towards people who are not necessarily "knife people", in other words, they do not think about knives other than when they need one, they don't own a bunch of knives and they sure don't join knife forums. However, they appreciate fine men's accessories (watches, cuff-links, pens, etc.) I think WH's fit that position nicely. I have purchased WH's as gifts for executives who helped close a deal. They were not knife people but did appreciate the gift. I think of WH's along the line of high-end pens, they make a statement of quality and fashion. WH knives are high quality, scary sharp, and beautifully made. No reason knife people shouldn't consider adding one to a collection or consider buying one as a gift for a non-knife person.
From the get go, WH decided to market their knives differently. If you go into most high end knife shops you will find WH for the knife guys. However, if you go into jewelry stores and high end gift stores you will see them as well. It was and is a good plan.
However, also from their beginning, they always have some knives in their line-up that are more basic utility blades that still look good and perform better than other knives. They even made a survival knife, the Tom Brown Tracker (I have it) that is the basis for many similar designs (button lock Ti handle) such as the all Ti-handled knife shown earlier. This series of knives has no or minimal bling and is as good as CRK in fit/finish, but has ZDP steel, button lock and the handle interiors are scalloped to make them lighter. These are users not jewelry. WH ZDP steel does not chip and is so hard (67R?) it rarely needs a touch up. The Ti handle and button lock can take dirt, blood, juice, etc. w/o problem and washes up with ease at the sink.
Their Evolution series had a gentleman's tactical approach with a slight tanto style to the tip and some had larger than 3" blades of VG10 made by Moki. This line did not sell well and was discontinued.
I believe WH markets to both knife lovers and the man who likes pocket jewelry. They have always made a "practical" knife. One of their goals with the company was to find new markets for good knives and they have. As a man who likes shiny things, I know there is a real lack of good men's jewelry. So they have expanded their product line into more than knives...but it was first knives.
However, also from their beginning, they always have some knives in their line-up that are more basic utility blades that still look good and perform better than other knives. They even made a survival knife, the Tom Brown Tracker (I have it) that is the basis for many similar designs (button lock Ti handle) such as the all Ti-handled knife shown earlier. This series of knives has no or minimal bling and is as good as CRK in fit/finish, but has ZDP steel, button lock and the handle interiors are scalloped to make them lighter. These are users not jewelry. WH ZDP steel does not chip and is so hard (67R?) it rarely needs a touch up. The Ti handle and button lock can take dirt, blood, juice, etc. w/o problem and washes up with ease at the sink.
Their Evolution series had a gentleman's tactical approach with a slight tanto style to the tip and some had larger than 3" blades of VG10 made by Moki. This line did not sell well and was discontinued.
I believe WH markets to both knife lovers and the man who likes pocket jewelry. They have always made a "practical" knife. One of their goals with the company was to find new markets for good knives and they have. As a man who likes shiny things, I know there is a real lack of good men's jewelry. So they have expanded their product line into more than knives...but it was first knives.
- Joined
- Apr 21, 2004
- Messages
- 279
I think it's funny that so many folks seem to think that only non-knife people have or buy william henrys knives. I've collected william henrys for almost 15 yrs now, have owned over 800 wh's, have carried them since i started collecting them, and still like them. I also know many fellow william henry collectors and users., I still own over 100 william henrys in my collection. I also have over 30 crk knives in my collection. As different as owing a chevy or a bmw. Obviously there are gonna be more chevy owners and most of those guys will never have driven a beemer. I've owned both, they served different purposes and were owned at different periods in my life. I've never had to clean or take apart my carry william henrys like so many folks seem to do with crk and other brands. different stokes for different folks. doesn't make one side better or worse than the other. Just today i completed a trade for a high end rare crk mnandi, had to give up one of my expensive william henrys. Both sides to the trade are pleased. I think WH makes a great product for what its designed to do. they are not tactical knives by any stretch of the imagination. Not meant to be, many of us have no need for a tactical knife. I am one of those..............
My wife gave me a William Henry knife, a Gentac, five years ago for Christmas as a special commemorative gift. She got it from a branch of a high end jewelry store closing that location and it was on a closeout sale. Even so, it was the most expensive knife I ve ever had. Well made and very decorative. Because of the occasion prompting that gift, I value it more than any other knife I have. But I ve only taken it out of the box to carry one time, and that was at my daughter s wedding. It s too expensive to carry. I guess I m relegating it to carry only on special occasions.
I m a definite "knife person". I appreciate that it is well made and uses very high end materials. But it seems more appropriate for light duty.
Not my favorite edc.
I m a definite "knife person". I appreciate that it is well made and uses very high end materials. But it seems more appropriate for light duty.
Not my favorite edc.
The Burgh
Basic Member
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2015
- Messages
- 504
OP here.
Many comments include the "too-nice-to-use" comment. I get that. I do have quite a few knives that will never touch pockets or cut anything.
But I do see many, many folders listed in the Exchange here which are being sold as NIB or LNIB, CRK and many other brands. The owners of those brands/unused knives wax eloquent and at length about their knives/brands. Apparently, using a particular brand is not a prerequisite to that brand getting heaps of publicity/coverage here on BF.
So I ask again: Where's The Love for William Henry Knives? Maybe it is just a "kniche knife." I love mine no less.
Many comments include the "too-nice-to-use" comment. I get that. I do have quite a few knives that will never touch pockets or cut anything.
But I do see many, many folders listed in the Exchange here which are being sold as NIB or LNIB, CRK and many other brands. The owners of those brands/unused knives wax eloquent and at length about their knives/brands. Apparently, using a particular brand is not a prerequisite to that brand getting heaps of publicity/coverage here on BF.
So I ask again: Where's The Love for William Henry Knives? Maybe it is just a "kniche knife." I love mine no less.
Last edited:
bodog
BANNED
- Joined
- Dec 15, 2013
- Messages
- 3,097
Personally I'd love to see a lightly convexed WH against a Rockstead in a cutting performance test. I think they're in the same league, use the same steel at approximately the same hardness, and they can be had for about the same amount of money. I personally think the whole rockstead mystique can be blown open by another quality maker. If it was between the two, I like the design of WH knives better.
timberweasel
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Jan 5, 2011
- Messages
- 6,247
It's there. It's just harder to find. I think that there are two main reasons for this: high cost and limited production runs. WH caters to a much smaller, far more exclusive, market and they know it. A smaller market means that there are fewer owners and even fewer people who find each other on a knife discussion forum and high-five each other on their acquisitions. Niche knife by design, it seems. 
If you visit the William Henry website, you can find a one-off B30 Gentac 'Kingfisher' for $22K (http://www.williamhenry.com/knives/b30-gentac/gentac-kingfisher.html.) Yep, twenty-two thousand dollars. For a pocket knife. Certainly not for everyone.
William Henry makes a nice knife. Not everyone's cup o' tea though. Some would rather spend their cash on something else. No big mystery or conspiracy. A guy who says he'd rather carry and use a Buck 55 or a Case Peanut as their 'gent's-knife-of-choice' isn't wrong either. Different strokes and all that. After all, there are plenty of fish in the sea...
What's your flavour?
Cheers!
-Brett
If you visit the William Henry website, you can find a one-off B30 Gentac 'Kingfisher' for $22K (http://www.williamhenry.com/knives/b30-gentac/gentac-kingfisher.html.) Yep, twenty-two thousand dollars. For a pocket knife. Certainly not for everyone.
William Henry makes a nice knife. Not everyone's cup o' tea though. Some would rather spend their cash on something else. No big mystery or conspiracy. A guy who says he'd rather carry and use a Buck 55 or a Case Peanut as their 'gent's-knife-of-choice' isn't wrong either. Different strokes and all that. After all, there are plenty of fish in the sea...
What's your flavour?
Cheers!
-Brett