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View Full Version : what do you look for in a knife


Gary
30-10-2008, 09:05
The moneys no object/best knife ever thread got me thinking and my answer wasnt exactly eliquent as I couldnt make my point clearly.

So I thought about the equation on cost and use ect ect - now bearing in mind some here have more money than others and that all things are not equal I came up with a equation which might help

The best ever knife has to meet a criteria (below) - so with this in mind and using the critieria can you tell use what and why its your best knife ever ..................

I'll use the criteria on a clipper to give you the idea of what I'm after ....................


Best knife ever Criteria -
1. Edge retention and shape - good edge retention and a standard puukko style blade
2. Handle size and shape - Oval shaped with nonslip rubbber grip so safe and comfortable to use - no absorbant materials so not going to risk bacteria contamination from game prep ect
3. Sheath - Bomb proof ABS plastic holds the knife safely and securely - multi carry options
4. Usage - one tool or part of a set? Needs to be part of a set - but with a saw and a axe I can do all I want with this knife - swedish army used to use so good history! As the knifes reasonably priced this will of set the moneys needed to pay for other tools - but a clipper, a laplander saw and a SFA will still set me back less than £100
5. Cost and functionality to lost ratio - excellent, cheap as chips (as above) but excellent all round tool recommended by both Ray Mears and Mors Kochanski ect and will not break the bank if I lose it - costs around £10
6. Looks - not the prettiest tool but totally functional - all the plastic ect doesnt reflect the quality of the tool but its not aesthetically pleasing

So you get the idea - see how that works out for your tool - you never know you might even be surprised that your best knife ever isnt and even better if you use it in future you might even save a few bob on wasted knife purchases .........

Hope the grey matter can cope!

AndyW
30-10-2008, 19:04
Gary,

This is very thought provoking.

Interestingly I'm on similar lines as your example!

1. Edge retention and shape - good edge retention and a standard puukko style blade
2. Handle size and shape - Oval shaped, good grip, easy to look after
3. Sheath - Simple leather if it's for day to day use. ABS is fine for emergency type use, bug out bag or spare
4. Usage - one tool or part of a set? No knife can do everything so it would form part of a set.
5. Cost and functionality to lost ratio - cheaper the better!
6. Looks - for day to day use, many of us like something a little special. For emergency use etc, anything goes.

I've got a couple of "custom" knives and I've been surprised that I still prefer my Clipper :rolleyes:

I did however get to handle a proto-type of the forthcoming Spyderco Bushcrafter. As soon as I held it, I wanted it. Felt fantastic in the hand so I'm looking forward to it :cool:

When I have the funds, I'll look at either making or getting something just right made.

Bernie Garland
30-10-2008, 19:51
In the future I'll put one if my bushcrafters, on a pass a round then raffled of with the proceeds going to help the heroes charity:)

Bernie

spiritofold
30-10-2008, 19:59
That'd be cool :)

AndyW
30-10-2008, 20:31
Good on ya Bernie :You_Rock_Emoticon:

Count me in on it when ever you may do it :finga:

John Fenna
30-10-2008, 21:48
Do you ever sell any knives or raffle auction them all for Help for heroes?
You are a real genleman and very generous!

Bernie Garland
30-10-2008, 22:02
Do you ever sell any knives or raffle auction them all for Help for heroes?
You are a real genleman and very generous!

Got a 6 week order list now John,and am not a money lover, just need enough to get by, am as self sufficient as can be,and after watching x factor it had me and Maxine in tears with the treatment of our service men and women,so i now will try to raise as much as we all can for this charity:)

Bernie

JP
31-10-2008, 05:31
Very Noble of you Bernie, deal me in on the pass around and raffle, a very worthy cause indeed.

John Fenna
31-10-2008, 06:41
That is a fantastic way of leading a life and I wish you every success in all your endeavours!:You_Rock_Emoticon:
I look forward to a good chat when we meet:)

Gary
31-10-2008, 06:49
In the future I'll put one if my bushcrafters, on a pass a round then raffled of with the proceeds going to help the heroes charity:)

Bernie

That Bernie is a great call mate - you've just gone way way up in my books - nice one well done!!

spiritofold
31-10-2008, 07:48
http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/

Url for the charity :)

This looks such a worthy cause!! Perhaps we could start a bit of a paypal fund on here, through this forum and donate?

What do the rest of you think? What do you reckon Scott?

Andy :)

spiritofold
31-10-2008, 13:53
Why's it gone so quiet?

sapper
31-10-2008, 15:42
Jesus Bernie six week waiting list , your knifes are popular ,looks like I'll be waiting a while for mine.LOL

John Fenna
31-10-2008, 15:48
Or make the successful bid at the West Wales meet......

sapper
31-10-2008, 15:56
Cheers John, problem is I want/need two more.

John Fenna
31-10-2008, 15:59
I will bring some of mine along in the van....:biggrin::redface:

Falcon
31-10-2008, 16:24
http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/

Url for the charity :)

This looks such a worthy cause!! Perhaps we could start a bit of a paypal fund on here, through this forum and donate?

What do the rest of you think? What do you reckon Scott?

Andy :)
It's a very worthy cause Andy which I'd wager most people do support in one way or another. There may be no response because people have donated in a different way...:)

casey
31-10-2008, 16:30
i am no knife officiano* so what i look for in a knife is ...

will it cut my meat & 2 veg.

simple & plain as that :wink:

spiritofold
31-10-2008, 16:32
Either that or they are stuffing their faces with that pig at middlewood already... I can just hear it crackling over the fire..