- Joined
- Feb 25, 2001
- Messages
- 6,675
Ah, the working knife. Here are my working knife qualifications, using the patented Buzzbait CERS rule of thumb. 
1. Convenience of Carry If its too big, heavy or awkward, you probably wont ever carry the knife. A working knife only works if you have the knife with you. Aesthetics are also covered under this rule, as a machete might not be too convenient to hide from your boss or coworkers.
2. Cutting Efficiency If the knife doesnt cut well, its just a paperweight with an edge. Ive bought lots of knives that had inferior blade geometries, some of which were not cheap. Id take a cheap knife that cuts well over an expensive knife with some amazing lock system that doesnt cut well.
3. Blade Reliability A working knife has to be able to cut all day long without chipping, ripping, rusting, or excessive edge rolling. I can live with sharpening a knife on a daily basis, but cant live with grinding out chips or rips. Blade reliability has a lot to do with what youre cutting, so the steel and blade profile may be completely different for two different peoples daily chores. IF I cut leather all day long, talonite would be an excellent choice as a blade material. But if I were chopping down trees, Id go for a strong carbon steel.
4. Safety of Operation If my job required that my working knife be used for prying and such, I wouldnt use a slipjoint or liner lock. The lock would probably fail sooner or later. Then again, if I worked at a desk opening envelopes and packages, a slipjoint would work beautifully as a working knife. The design of the handles grip should also be considered in accordance with the knifes particular duties. A smooth stainless steel handle is often a no no in wet and slippery environments. And if the grip is uncomfortable for extended periods of use, youll start to hold the knife improperly. This could easily cause a safety issue.
1. Convenience of Carry If its too big, heavy or awkward, you probably wont ever carry the knife. A working knife only works if you have the knife with you. Aesthetics are also covered under this rule, as a machete might not be too convenient to hide from your boss or coworkers.
2. Cutting Efficiency If the knife doesnt cut well, its just a paperweight with an edge. Ive bought lots of knives that had inferior blade geometries, some of which were not cheap. Id take a cheap knife that cuts well over an expensive knife with some amazing lock system that doesnt cut well.
3. Blade Reliability A working knife has to be able to cut all day long without chipping, ripping, rusting, or excessive edge rolling. I can live with sharpening a knife on a daily basis, but cant live with grinding out chips or rips. Blade reliability has a lot to do with what youre cutting, so the steel and blade profile may be completely different for two different peoples daily chores. IF I cut leather all day long, talonite would be an excellent choice as a blade material. But if I were chopping down trees, Id go for a strong carbon steel.
4. Safety of Operation If my job required that my working knife be used for prying and such, I wouldnt use a slipjoint or liner lock. The lock would probably fail sooner or later. Then again, if I worked at a desk opening envelopes and packages, a slipjoint would work beautifully as a working knife. The design of the handles grip should also be considered in accordance with the knifes particular duties. A smooth stainless steel handle is often a no no in wet and slippery environments. And if the grip is uncomfortable for extended periods of use, youll start to hold the knife improperly. This could easily cause a safety issue.