Off Topic Why design knives requiring special tools for pivot /fasteners ?

DocJD

DocJD

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Jan 29, 2016
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To be unique , special and exclusive ?

Security measure to keep you from ruining the knife ?

To force you to buy more special tools and then have to keep track of them or buy again ?

Seriously a deal breaker for me , but somebody must like it or they wouldn't keep doing it !
 
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Because it looks cool and unique. I for one enjoy looking at them.
But then my job requires all sorts of special tools, often unique to the brand, so I'm like "meh what's one more".
Relax dude. It's art.
 
Special Pivot with a Tool Provided: Cool and Interesting
Special Pivot requiring a Tool that is readily available in stores for cheap: Neat but meh.
Special Pivot requiring a Tool that isn't available and the factory hordes it like some weird troll:
tenor.gif


Basically, I'm not gonna buy a knife like that.
 
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I like the pivots that look unique but when you look in the middle all they actually need is a torx or a hex bit.

There are knives like Shiros or some cfk pivots that even though they look weird you can use a flathead. Although for the shiro you better put some paper towel between the screw and the driver unless you want to scratch the pivot up.
 
I've only sent in one knife for warranty work. I have used knives and utility knives for decades but I wasn't spending much on either. I've never "needed" to take any knives apart but I will soon to put on after-market scales and doo dads.

I think designers have a number of reasons for designing a special pivot. They may feel they have a better design, but as far as req a pivot tool, they may feel like the aesthetics of the knife are better served by maintaining a scratch free appearance on the pivot. Even screw driver interfaces get ruined with the correct tools. Some of these designers may be a bit "anal" abt how their knives look.
 
Sometimes it is to keep you from messing with the knife
Sometimes it is the tool and/or fitting that they prefer to work with at the shop-they have to fool with these fittings much more than we do
Wouldn't doubt that sometimes it is to sell a tool
Likely sometimes for no reason at all
 
DocJD said:
To be unique , special and exclusive ?

Security measure to keep you from ruining the knife ?

To force you to buy more special tools and then have to keep track of them or buy again ?

Seriously a deal breaker for me , but somebody must like it or that wouldn't keep doing it !
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To annoy @NickShabazz. Only logical reason.
 
Better screws that don't strip as easily....
To keep people like me for messing with the construction of a knife....

What kind of special tool or tools are you referring to? Torx screws?
 
For an 'art' knife, you know...the mother of pearl and Damascus...sure, something unusual or propriety can heighten the visual 'cool/art' appeal.

For an actual user? The only reason I can perhaps justify something other than a flat/Philips to a Torx or hex is because you want a more 'precise' fit, which Torx/Hex usually accomplish (the seem more 'standardized' with specific sizes). But how many have those readily at hand in the field? But then again, how often do you need to adjust your knife right this second? It might be more of a consideration for someone going on an extended deployment, but most folks can probably wait until they get home in most cases...unless you're using your knife literally dozens, hundreds, or more times a day.

Flat/Philips, unless they are specifically made to match a specific bit, are more likely to strip or get misshapen as the slots seem to be more 'generic' so something like a coin can be used (like Emerson)...not a huge deal if when convenient, you can order another. Also, the quality of the material in the screw will play in...super soft steel will misshapen more quickly.

My $.02 worth.

Boss
 
I generally don't like proprietary hardware, but if a knife appeals to me enough, I will live with it. The only knives I currently have like this are my Microtech LUDT's. I loved the looks of them when I saw them in pics, but the idea of the tri-wing fasteners put me off. Then I got to check a few out at my LGS, and I fell in love with them, so I went ahead and picked a couple up. Since I like to void my warranties and work on my knives myself, I had to go online and spend $50 on a pair of tri-wing bits, but it was totally worth it to me. :thumbsup:

edit: Of course, if a knife used fasteners for which drivers or bits were not available at all, that would a deal killer.
 
I prefer torx hardware, but will go for proprietary stuff on occasion.

The ZT 0609 is a great example to use. The tool still isn’t out. That’s silly. The 0609 has been my most carried folder since I got it.

...but, context is a thing.

If something happens requiring service to the 0609, I can make use of ZT customer service, and calmly use other knives from my collection. Like so many people here, I have plenty of outstanding knives to use.
 
22-rimfire said:
Better screws that don't strip as easily....
To keep people like me for messing with the construction of a knife....

What kind of special tool or tools are you referring to? Torx screws?
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Nonstandard exotic type spanners or whatever ? Not Torx , those are common and standard on most of my folders and work just fine unless too soft or glued in .
 
autogateman said:
Take a look at Michael Raymond’s knives and see if it still bothers you. Even the special wrench that he provides and makes is a work of art.
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He better include the wrench for that price. His knives are a true work of art.
 
Unless the maker's clearly stated intent is to make their knife strictly factory serviceable , they should at least provide any proprietary tools along with the knife .

At my age , high maintenance gear ( and people /pets) hold increasing less appeal . KISS ! :cool::thumbsup:
 
DocJD said:
Unless the maker's clearly stated intent is to make their knife strictly factory serviceable , they should at least provide any proprietary tools along with the knife .

At my age , high maintenance gear ( and people /pets) hold increasing less appeal . KISS ! :cool::thumbsup:
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I have carried high maintenance gear. Not my favorite thing.

I've dated high maintenance, married high maintenance, and divorced...well, you get the idea.

As for pets, you can't get any lower maintenance than a kitty. They sleep most of the time.
 
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