Duh me want tuch sharppointythingamajigger.
Ugh, this not sharp me no cut to bone.
I am a bit mixed on this topic. As for my personal blades, I do prefer people not touch the steel(esp the Master tanto eh, Dan)
I rarely let people admire or handle my blades. A personal glitch of mine, but I do not have many friends close by who appreciate edged items as I do and have no concept of the bond between man and steel. (mine, mine, mine, mine, mine
)
Now on the other side of the coin, if I or anyone for that matter are selling/trading/giving a knife you should have no problem with them handling it to get a true feel for it. OK, a good majority of the people are "motor morons" and have no real experience or knowledge, that is why it is up to us to help them. If they want to test the edge geometry or "bite", I say go ahead(under supervision of course)
As has been stated, most people wouldn't know ATS-34 from G10 that is why we must help them, guide them, Educate them.
If I am to purchase a knife and the dealer won't let me handle it to my satisfaction, not only has he lost my business, but the business of everyone I know. I have gone to stores and fondled a particular knife over and over while debating wether or not I really want it and ultimately I have gone back more oft than not and acquired it.
Reader's Digest version: If it's yours do as you like, if you're trying to sell it bring a Tuf-cloth and smile, smile, smile.
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God bless!
Romans 10:9-10
"Military" Fans Unite!!