What's your buying criteria?

H

heekma

Joined
Jul 2, 2010
Messages
226
Howdy folks,

The great thing about knives is there's so many to choose from and something to float everyone's boat.

Generally, my criteria is a folder with a three to four inch drop-point blade of at least .125" thickness, dual steel liners (un-skeletonized--even better), G10 or aluminum scales, some heft--I like 'em over five ounces; more is mo' better--and made in the U.S.A. (no political/economic jab on my part, strictly personal preference).

I'm not saying this makes for a perfect knife and I own examples that don't meet all these criteria such as a Kershaw Leek, BM 710, Spyderco Military, etc. and enjoy the heck out of them as well.

However, when a knife has all of these criteria, it's usually something that's right up my alley.

So what's your criteria? What elements do you look for and which specific elements tend to float your boat when it comes to knives?

Best,

Heekma
 
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If ordering offline I usually look for something that has a blade length of 3.5"-4" with a V grind. I never could get a chisel grind sharp as I'd like freehand (or as sharp as factory for that fact). Anothing thing is the design has to jump out at me, it has to catch my eye. If I'm buying in person, it has to catch my eye first. Then I can usually pick it up and handle it to see if it's what I like or not.
 
My first and most important criteria:

Does the maker, manufacturer or seller reflect the high standards of ethics that permeate the knife community? If not, there are literally thousands that do reflect those standards so I will not under any circumstances go any further in supporting those that do not.
 
I'll buy whatever catches my eye, appears to be well made regardless of country of origin, and is priced right. (I'm always on the lookout for bargains. ;) ) I try to keep my fixed blade purchases to no more than $200.00 and my folder purchases to no more than $100.00. (So far, the most I've paid for a fixed-blade is $230.00 and the most I've paid for a folder is $190.00.) And other than boycotting products that try to make themselves appear to be something they're not, I tend to leave questions of ethics and morals out of my buying decisions.

.
 
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1) Aesthetics. Materials combined with design 'flow'.

2) Price. High or low is OK, but must be matched to quality of materials and workmanship.

3) Comfort and convenience (when purchasing a knife to use/carry). Handle ergonomics, weight, and balance. And comfortable for pocket carry.
 
Do I want it?

Do I have the money?
If the answere to both questions is yes, then I buy.
 
pvicenzi said:
Do I want it?

Do I have the money?

If the answere to both questions is yes, then I buy.
Click to expand...

There are worse criteria than this, and there is always something to be said for brevity.:thumbup:

Bastid,

I agree with your approach as well. I tend to stick with specific manufacturers for a reason.

Best,

Heekma
 
- Blade size three to four inches
- Drop point or clip point, no tanto point
- No serrations
- Steel :AUS8-A and up
- Scales: FRN or G-10
- One hand open
- Good quality
 
In folders, a blade 3" or less for legal reasons. I prefer carbon steel, multi blade slip joints but I do have a Case Cheetah Cub that sees some pocket time. Bone and stag are pretty but delrin is fine for a working knife. Strong springs but no nail breakers. Half stops are nice but not deal breakers. I gravitate towards American and German makers (Case, Boker, Hen & Rooster) but have been looking at some Rough Riders. I rather like hand picking my knives but have certainly bought sight unseen, mostly with positive results.

Frank
 
Is it a Spyderco, Chris Reeve, Hinderer, or Strider?

If yes, I'm fair game :D
 
- good solid handle and handle scale materials. FRN or other plastic handle materials are a deal breaker for me, generally speaking.
- Blade length under 4".
- No recurve, preferably no tanto.
- I'd like the maker to back up their products

Loose guidelines, though. I own recurve, tanto, FRN-handled, 4" bladed knives that the manufacturer probably won't stand behind anyway, just because the particular designs appealed to me so much.
 
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