What you do and do not like

T

thegeek574

Joined
Sep 3, 2010
Messages
2,460
Everyone,
First of all, this is not another useless thread asking what your favorite this or that is. I am interested to see what other people prefer and stay away from when they are choosing materials and considering buying knives. I am just interested.

Stuff I love: 2 tone G10 on certain knives-I think that this is amazing when done correctly.
sweeping drop points- These just seem more graceful than many other blade shapes.
Large swedges- I think that there are very few single edge knives that would not be improved by swedges. bigger is better most of the time.

Stuff I am not such a fan of:
1080/1084 steel- I don't know why, but 108x steel puts me off. I think it has something to do with the simplicity of the HT, but it is completely illogical.
Stag and antler- I know I will take crap for this, but very, very few knives use stag well enough for me to really like it at all. I prefer wood.
Certain liners- some liners just don't seem to go well with the wood selected. it seems to contrast too much.
green dyed woods- this is a pet peeve of mine. I don't think woods should look like leaves. maybe that is just me, but it just doesn't seem to look right.

Steven
 
Great that you have your favorites ! Most of us do. The fact that they may have some similar or not only says not everyone likes or wants the same and hey, doesn't that make the knives more interesting ? Frank
 
Great thread Steven.

I've always had a few criteria for knives I bought. For one, they had to be users. Even if they were beautiful knives, I could never justify buying one and not using it because it was too pretty. Of course, I've bought knives because I felt they looked like good users and they've been sitting in my safe ever since!

I pretty much like drop points these days. But I have been wondering why no one is really turning out great traditional clip points. I find myself missing them. I like both wood and micarta/G-10 handle material. Part of the attraction of knife making to me is coming up with an attractive handle pattern.

I don't much care for rocks as knife scales. I don't get it other than some people think they may look good. I think most are fragile and I'm not a big fan of them.

Huge logos on knives. I've passed up a few knives because the maker wanted to put their billboard on the side. C'mon! A small logo is very classy but one that detracts from the knife is gaudy.

I'm really getting turned off by a lot of the "tactical" stuff. In fact, I really don't care for that name. It's obvious that a lot of people who are turning out "tactical" knives are just copying other makers. Some must lie in bed conjuring up silly designs and then calling them a "tactical" knife.

Not a big fan of Scandi grinds either although I have a handful of Mora's and others with them. I just don't see an advantage to them and I don't find them attractive.

One of my big pet peeves are some makers who turn out wonderfully beautiful knives and then put them in a plain looking sheath, or worse yet, no sheath at all! I can understand Kitchen knives not having them, but most others should have a sheath. I think a sheath is part of the package when buying a knife and it should compliment the knife it's made for. I believe people will pay a lot more for a beautiful knife in a beautiful sheath than a beautiful knife in a plain or crappy sheath. I'd go as far to say that such a knife in a plain looking sheath actually decreases the value of the knife. I know when I see a good looking knife on the xchange, I expect to see a good sheath to go along with it. If I don't, then it just kinda turns me off.

Kirdashis (spelling?) - Really? A piece of steel chiseled on one end... Nuff said...

Thong tubes on hunting knives. What's the use? I read one thread where the maker said that they were for a para cord or leather strap to help control the blade while field dressing. Obviously this particular maker hadn't field dressed many animals with a thong around their hand. Because if they had, he'd would have known that you end up with a blood soaked paracord or piece of leather! Ever tried to clean of those afterwards or discover little chunks of internal matter inside a thong tube a few days after field dressing an animal? I can see their use on camping or general outdoor knives (not gonna say the "B" word, let's not go there), but not on a knife designed to be buried up in guts and internal organs of an animal.

Knife making as a hobby. One of the beautiful things I love about this hobby is how many different interpretations there are of what a "knife" should be and should look like. Even if I don't personally agree on the style or design, I find myself constantly amazed and entertained at how creative and talented a lot of "knife makers" are. I may not care for their knives from the standpoint of being used in the field, but I can respect their abilities and talents for thinking outside the box or for being incredibly talented and sharing their creations with us!

Anyone interested in a tactical kirdashi? ;)
 
I like 440c, ATS34, CPM-S30V, 420HC, AUS-8, 425M for steels. I like g10, micarta, and most wood for handles.

I don't buy any steels that turn black and I wouldn't buy any knife with horn or antler material because it looks too Grizzly Adams to my eye.
I also don't like cord wrapped handles or silly colors like pink, yellow, etc.
 
Overall fit and finish is important but it also has to be usable and
not just something pretty to sit on a shelf, But what usually does it for
me is a nice handle, Steel is important as well, I prefer steel that is durable,
holds its edge well and does not stain or patina easily but that's not a deal breaker.
 
I like
Wood scales
leather sheaths
drop and spear points
lanyard hole


I dislike
Tanto's
sawbacks
swedges
balisongs
full guards
antler handles
 
I forgot this one. I hate decorative holes in blades. I don't mean an opening hole like Spyderco uses...I mean holes in shapes like deer, bears, antlers. I think that is totally worthless and a deal-breaker. Cheesy gaudy graphics are bad too like how GEC sometimes gets carried away.
like this:
DSCN9200.JPG
AlphaHunter0694BO2-B.jpg
 
For me, working with natural materials to make handles is satisfying, and I think the variety of natural materials available offers enough choices that you would never run out of options. Sure, I understand some people want bold (unnatural) colors, and that's fine... just not something you'll ever sell to me.

I like nicely done file work on the spine... but utilitarian jimping... not so much.

Size matters to me. A knife that has a blade shorter than its handle just seems imbalanced to my eye. One that has a blade more than twice the length of the handle seems imbalanced too. My wrist hurts just thinking about those giant choppers and zombie smashers I keep seeing all the new makers crank out. Somewhere between those two extremes is a good fit from my vantage point.

As for shapes, the ones that look like chisels (tantos, kiridashis, and such) have no eye appeal for me. I'm sure they serve some particular useful purpose... I just don't have any use for them. I prefer curves. Straight lines are fine, but made sexier with curves. I also think the curves in the blade make it easier to cut.

If you've been paying attention, you'll certainly have deduced that I find daggers to be appealing. It might not have escaped your attention that I prefer working with damascus too. There's no utilitarian reason for either of these choices... strictly a matter of personal preference. If I was making knives for utilitarian purposes I'd be making folders and kitchen knives, neither of which appeals to me when I'm working on a knife project.

I also tend to prefer things that are unique over those that are mass produced. Doesn't have to be over-the-rop unique... just different enough so it stands out from the rest, preferably in an artistic way.

- Greg
 
thegeek574 said:
1080/1084 steel- I don't know why, but 108x steel puts me off. I think it has something to do with the simplicity of the HT, but it is completely illogical.Don't agree but I could see why you feel this way
Stag and antler- I know I will take crap for this, but very, very few knives use stag well enough for me to really like it at all. I prefer wood. Completely agree 100% I prefer wood, then Micarta, and never stag/antler honestly I just don't like how it looks.
Certain liners- some liners just don't seem to go well with the wood selected. it seems to contrast too much. Black,Red or no liners from my experience with woods. Black Micarta? Its free game any color works.
green dyed woods- this is a pet peeve of mine. I don't think woods should look like leaves. maybe that is just me, but it just doesn't seem to look right. I wish woods weren't dyed odd colors. Show the beauty don't mask it!

Steven
Click to expand...
You honestly covered most of my dislikes, I can't think of another one. But my favorite list to large to list.
 
I like drop points, micarta, G10, tastefully chosen and sized mosaic pins, nice wood and any steel when it's appropriate to the knife's role. I love working with 1080 and 1084, but I'm not a fan of it for a kitchen knife. Likewise, I'm not a fan of 440b for a large chopper no matter how rust resistant it is and how nasty that jungle will be.

I like simple but elegant lines, if it doesn't add something then it takes away. I like damascus but not on something that will get rough use day to day. I don't like obviously artificial materials that try to look like wood or other natural materials. I can understand the appeal in terms of durability and cost, but it just turns me off.

I like Wheeler's big bowies even though I have absolutely no reasonable need for something like that and I like Bill Akers' drop points. He's been a real inspiration and motivation, even if he doesn't know it. :)
 
Ok...Things i like:
Fossil ivories, ele ivory, Stag(on the right knife), Nicely figured wood(obviously) damascus, hamons, clean flowing designs, Classic designs, Art knives. I also like some of the multi layer micarta and g10's. Over all flow and fit and finish are the things i look for the most. I also like rustic as forged stuff, takes us all back to the yesteryears. My likes vary on what the knife is designed to do, but no matter what, good flow is a deal sealer for me.also clean swedge grinds.

Things i do not like:
Tanto grinds, scandi grinds, people making some unrealistic, cumbersome knife...etching it black and calling it tactical....I agree with the gaudy logo's...handles that don't make any sense..
 
I really like wood handles/scales that look natural. The colored woods seem odd to me.
Leather sheaths too.

I don't like the name of the knife plastered on the blade. Makers mark is good.

Don't like mirror polished blade, as it would make me afraid to use it.
 
I really don't like hollow grinds. Read all articles by the folks who rave about them, tried dozens over the years, sorry, I'm just not buying the hype. They don't cut any better (often much worse) and are demonstrably weaker than a full-flat or full-convex grind.

Thick edges, not a fan. Knives, even heavy-duty ones, are meant to cut.

Knives that feel comfy and well-balanced... I'm a huge fan.
 
ZOMG, I love A2.

Not a big fan of art knives. The workmanship and patience impresses me enormously, but if it's not to be used - I mean for real - then it doesn't interest me. I'm glad the artists who make 'em are out there, tho.

-Daizee
 
james terrio said:
I really don't like hollow grinds. Read all articles by the folks who rave about them, tried dozens over the years, sorry, I'm just not buying the hype. They don't cut any better (often much worse) and are demonstrably weaker than a full-flat or full-convex grind.

Thick edges, not a fan. Knives, even heavy-duty ones, are meant to cut.

Knives that feel comfy and well-balanced... I'm a huge fan.
Click to expand...

+1

I have hollow ground knives in my collection but much prefer the performance and look of flat and convex.
 
Matt Brook said:
and Beer. I like beer.
Click to expand...
I like beer, too. In fact, I'm enjoying one right now.

Art knives... I don't really understand them, so I don't have too much to say on the matter. But as a general observer, I will assert that throwing every possible loud, garish material/technique you can, at a "canvas" much less than a square foot in area, does not constitute "art".
daizee said:
Not a big fan of art knives. The workmanship and patience impresses me enormously, but if it's not to be used - I mean for real - then it doesn't interest me.
Click to expand...

I agree. There are many makers who provide really hardworking knives with truly outstanding craftsmanship, and just a touch of flash or style... to my mind that is far more artful than some gawdawful conglomeration of damascus, engraving, mokume, gold inlays, anodized rainbow prehistoric caveman leg-bone and whatever-else, that will never see the light of day ;)
 
Mudbug007 said:
I've always had a few criteria for knives I bought. For one, they had to be users. Even if they were beautiful knives, I could never justify buying one and not using it because it was too pretty. Of course, I've bought knives because I felt they looked like good users and they've been sitting in my safe ever since!

I pretty much like drop points these days. But I have been wondering why no one is really turning out great traditional clip points. I find myself missing them. I like both wood and micarta/G-10 handle material. Part of the attraction of knife making to me is coming up with an attractive handle pattern.
...
Huge logos on knives. I've passed up a few knives because the maker wanted to put their billboard on the side. C'mon! A small logo is very classy but one that detracts from the knife is gaudy.

I'm really getting turned off by a lot of the "tactical" stuff. In fact, I really don't care for that name. It's obvious that a lot of people who are turning out "tactical" knives are just copying other makers. Some must lie in bed conjuring up silly designs and then calling them a "tactical" knife.

Not a big fan of Scandi grinds either although I have a handful of Mora's and others with them. I just don't see an advantage to them and I don't find them attractive.
...
Kirdashis (spelling?) - Really? A piece of steel chiseled on one end... Nuff said...

Thong tubes on hunting knives. What's the use? I read one thread where the maker said that they were for a para cord or leather strap to help control the blade while field dressing. Obviously this particular maker hadn't field dressed many animals with a thong around their hand. Because if they had, he'd would have known that you end up with a blood soaked paracord or piece of leather! Ever tried to clean of those afterwards or discover little chunks of internal matter inside a thong tube a few days after field dressing an animal? I can see their use on camping or general outdoor knives (not gonna say the "B" word, let's not go there), but not on a knife designed to be buried up in guts and internal organs of an animal.

Knife making as a hobby. One of the beautiful things I love about this hobby is how many different interpretations there are of what a "knife" should be and should look like. Even if I don't personally agree on the style or design, I find myself constantly amazed and entertained at how creative and talented a lot of "knife makers" are. I may not care for their knives from the standpoint of being used in the field, but I can respect their abilities and talents for thinking outside the box or for being incredibly talented and sharing their creations with us!
...
Click to expand...

Mudbug007 - You saved me a lot of typing.

I'm not a fan of kydex sheaths or paracord handles.

For "normal" knives I like blades 1" or thinner in width (top to bottom).

I can only do flat grinds but I would like to do hollow grinds someday. I suspect the allure of convex grinds is their relative ease of grinding.

- Paul Meske
 
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