What the first thing you do when you get a new knife?

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williamisthe1

Joined
Apr 11, 2015
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I was just wondering do you lube it, cut paper, shave, repeatedly open and close it, move the pocket clip, see how it carries, take pictures of it or something else?
 
It has to be close to perfect before it goes in my pocket or it gets shipped back.
 
Depends heavily on the knife. Typically, cycle it open a few dozen times, enjoy the excitement that comes with a new acquisition, check the edge, then in the pocketand about my day.
 
Play with it till I cut my finger. Get a band aid, then play with it some more for a couple days till I decide if I want to swap it into the rotation. Maybe cut myself again in there somewhere.
 
Check the edge, see if it needs sharpening. Sharpen or strop as needed. Check the action to make sure it opens and closes normally.
 
Other than just look at it, on folders I open the blade, check factory sharpness, check for blade play/wobble, close knife and look some more. It usually gets put on my desk so I can fondle it repeatedly for a week or so. Centering closed gets looked too.

On fixed blades, look at overall knife, check balance and overall feel, check sharpness, look at grinds (evenness), place back in sheath and check for fit. Put on desk to repeat the process over and over again for about a week.

Then knife goes in my storage box if I decide to carry or use it later after a week or three. Knife usually moves from desk to book shelf to storage. Knife may stay on book shelf for a long time as it is very easy access.
 
First I look it over for any imperfections (hoping to find nothing of consequence :grumpy:), next, the opening and closing (if it's a folder; tough to do with a fixed blade ;)). If it's a folder the combo of ease of opening and centering is checked and the balance is found by (hopefully) adjusting the pivot. Finally, when all else is checked, it's time to sharpen and/or strop (need it or not, it's what makes it mine :D); THEN the first cut (receipt paper); Ahhhh :cool:.
 
I check to make sure there are no defects, then I put it on my Wicked Edge and play with it.
 
Usually I wipe off the grease on the blade, especially near the tang. Then I try out the action and lockup. Then I test the edge on arm hair--I don't shave off the hair (I don't want weird bald spots on my arm), but I just see if it catches the hair.
 
Inspect it, open and close a few times, put some sentry solutions tuff cloth on the blade, stick it in my pocket.
 
Usually I check out the action on it, open/close a few times. Lockup and centering. Detent strength, check for play or any rattles. Check for even grind and overall fandf. Then in the pocket.
 
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