What should a NG know about inspecting a knife prior to purchasing?

E

Emanym Ton

Joined
Sep 21, 1999
Messages
762
Okay everyone, let's pull together and see if we can give some New Guys a heads up on the finer points of knife purchasing. I see in a lot of posts 'get out there and handle the knives before you buy' and have posted the same but thinking about that later have considered how confusing that might be. Just imagine walking into a 'Rocket Science Lab' (except you of course, Eutopia, you'll have to imagine walking into a winery/vineyard and be asked to determine the appropriate time to pick for the greatest yield/quality....
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) and someone pointing to some 'rocket' on the table and telling you 'Get over there and get your hands on it and let me know what kinda shape it's in.' Could be a bit intimidating, no?
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So, why don't we all pull together and come up with a handful of easy things to check/test before they buy to ensure a good 'quality' purchase......

Since it's my post (and I'm definitely nowhere near a knife expert just a KNUT!) I'll take the 'duck' and say:

1) Make sure you know how you will be using the blade and do your homework on that blade style 'before' checking hands on. You'll need a small body of knowledge to go further. Make sure you LIKE THE LOOKS! Sinking hard earned money into a blade you aren't sure about cosmetically is a quick way to make 'someone ELSE' a great deal when you resell for a loss. Also, ALWAYS ask permission before picking up knives. Grabbing someones knife at a show and torquing the blade this way and that or dropping it tip first into the concrete is a sure way to find out what stitches feel like and they don't sell knives at the hospital!!!!!

Good Luck New Knife Guys,
Shawn
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Passing the ball to.......... ????????????

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'Peers don't know what they can't see...
They can't see inside of me... It's sickening
how comforting the privacy of the mind can be...
How much longer will I try before I realize I'm
desperate in the situation that I'm in again...
I'm exhausting yet another topic I've exhausted
frequently... With no regrets!' - Eve 6
 
I really don't think you'd want me in a vineyard; I don't exactly have a 'green thumb.'
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Let's see, what to look for? As Shawn said, make sure the knife style is both something you won't hide away in disgust, and something which is appropriate to your intended use. Check also that materials meet your intended use. Unless you really plan on pushing it, higher-end stainless and carbon steels are all pretty close (no, we won't get into a discussion of which are actually better at what task, since this thread would just die).

One think to look for that is often neglected is handle material. For knives which will be abused, G10 and Micarta stand up well. CF looks nice and is light, but not as durable. Ti can be anodized all sorts of fun colors, and is also pretty light, but is also expensive. Aluminum can be thought of as a lower-cost alternative to Ti, with somewhat lower performance, but some of the same advantages. Natural materials are a little more prone to damage than composites like G10 and Micarta, although they really look nice on knives with 'natural' lines. I won't even bother going into all the different natural materials, given how many there are.

Check for fit and finish. This means looking at how the knife is put together (fit) and how well the parts are done (finish). Look for any obvious gaps between parts which should touch, look to see if the blade is straight, if it's a folder, check that the lock-up is tight (don't beat up someone else's knife, just make sure the blade doesn't wobble when locked open, and that sort of thing), make sure handle slabs are reasonably symmetrical, also check for symmetry of grinds on the blade, and that the blade doesn't hit the backspacer or one of the liners when closed (if a folder). On the finish side, check that the blade finish is something you like, and is even and consistent across and along the blade, check that the handle finish is comfortable (not too smooth or too rough, which is something you have to decide when holding the knife), check that any coloring (anodizing or whatnot) is properly done (not already scratched or worn, unless the knife is used).

Check how the handle feels when you make simulated cutting motions. Do you have to place your wrist and an odd angle to get the edge to line up properly with the material to be cut? If it's a hard-use knife, are there any bumps or other protrusions which may create pressure-points when chopping, etc? Look for comfort, or you won't want to use the knife, and then you will have an expensive paperweight (although there's nothing worng with collecting knives, but if you plan on using it, comfort is important).

Definitely don't go playing around with someone's knives at a show without asking first. They sometimes get a bit annoyed at that
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--JB

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e_utopia@hotmail.com
 
Check the price. This is obviously less relevant when buying a custom direct from the maker, but there is a huge variation in pricing, from gun-show dealers who up the price a little, to internet dealers who drop it way down, in manufactured knives. This isn't to say you shouldn't buy from whomever you like, support your local knife shop, etc., but there's no worse feeling than buying something and seeing it the next day for half what you paid.
 
Shawn, how New are we talking about here?
Is this a NG, looking to buy his first knife? The only knife he will ever need for the rest of his life? The Perfect Knife, at the Perfect Price, that will double in value over the next six months? If it is I have nothing to say to this guy, except it doesn't exist.

If on the other hand, you're talking about someone that likes knives and is just getting into, then I'll put my two cents in here.

Most NG's aren't going to start with custom knives, but with production knives. I would suggest they start by setting a budget of what they feel comfortable spending on a knife, and how much they feel they are going to spend over the next year. For your first knife what is the intended purpose? Are you going to carry it every day? How will you be using it? If you know you are buying a knife and you are going to be using hard, I see no reason why you need to buy a knife that's NIB, why not go straight to the Exchange Forum and buy someones used but not abused knife, you can pick up some real bargains.
Or go to the Dealers Forums, and see what they are having Specials on, they usually advertise the knives that they know others are looking for. Start making notes for yourself on what styles, and manufacturers you like. Nothing beats doing your homework and handling as many knives as possible, at knife shops, shows, knife clubs, and friends knives.
Don't get too hung up on making a mistake in the begining, just assume that you will make a few. If you buy a knife that you like and you can afford it, if after using it for a while you get tired of it and want something else, that's fine. That's what it's all about.
Just enjoy the trip.
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"Will work 4 Knives!"
Homepage: http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=254126
 
I dont know about what to do at a show to select the right knife. I am always on the eternal search for the right knife. Many that I have bought felt right at the time and after a short while hit the "for sale" in order to purchase something else. Also Some purchase ideas change with mood or age like my motorcycles did.

But ....

I can however comment on the one time I was truly dissatisfied with a purchase. Not I bought something and I felt I messed up because later I didnt like it. THats on me. I mean the only time I felt ripped off and how to possibly avoid it. It was really the only negative experience I ever had.

I contracted a maker at the New york Knife show to make something for me. I paid my last payment before he shipped without a warantee or contract verbal or otherwise. I recieved the knife, a dagger style, and the blade tip was off center almost a full 1/4 inch from center of the handle. More than enough to see with the naked eye forget about tools which I used to check just to make sure.

I contacted the maker and was told I wasnt used to custom hand made work and that he wouldnt give back the money but offered up two choices from his (I didnt sell it at the show stock) to replace it but never offered back the money and told me he wouldnt refund my money.

My advice ... Make sure that you and your maker have an understanding that there will be an inspection period where in if you are not satisfied he will rectify the situaton by replacing repairing or refunding. If he cant do this you have to wonder why. Find someone else.

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ALex

http://home.att.net./~a.boriqua
 
Here are some basic suggestions:

1) Start with production knives. They are cheaper, easier to price, and available in in a style to fit your need.

2) Spend a reasonable amount of money. Look at the production knives available in the style you want and buy something at the mid-range price or better. There are a few bargans at the low end, but they are very rare, and should be left for more advanced collectors. Keep reminding yourself that almost everything in the low end is junk.

3) Fit and finish is only part of the equation. A knife's price will, to a large extent, depend on the makers reputation and its rarity.

4) There are plenty of fake and misrepresented knives on the market. Invest in a good education. Get your hands on as many books and magazines as you can, go to all the local shows, and ask alot of questions. Most of the people at the show will be happy to help you (many of them hang out on this forum anyway )
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5) Enjoy yourself. There are no magic knives and knife collecting is not an investment. You will probably end up with a collection of knives because no one knife can do it all efficiently.


Happy hunting.
 
I think new guys purchasing, at least from the gun/knife show experience I have, seem to look at price with moderate quality for their first knife. In other words, most guys will usually ask me, "What is a good, decent knife for $25- $35?" You remeber guys, you may have started with a CRKT, which is a great knife for the money, but then you may have elevated to Benchmades, Microtechs and customs.

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Knives & Things
Mike Payne
 
Thanks for the posts everyone! Exactly the kind of info I was looking for and the link Para posted is extraordinary! Anyone else have any ideas/opinions throw em in. I know I would have appreciated it when I was first starting out.

Thanks again everyone for posting!

Shawn
 
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