Somebody explain to me the "knife" thing ...

[Nightops]

Knives fill all kinds of different roles. Some are made just simple and cheap, some are made well to do work, some are made to look pretty and showcase the workmanship, and some are made to work and look pretty doing it.

Personally I tend more towards the camp of well made for work. I appreciate the skill put into more artistic knives, but just not something I collect, as I would never use them.

If you really want to appreciate knives, compare a knife that you think is "sharp enough" to one sharpened by someone that knows how to sharpen a knife. Do this at your own peril though, because it will only lead you to buying quality cutlery, and wanting to sharpen them yourself. This goes beyond just pocket knives, I spoiled my chick by sharpening her Whustoff kitchen knife back to like it was when new, and now she knows the difference when things aren't really sharp.

 

[338Shooter]

I think any man should carry at least one knife on him at all times. I don't know why, I just do. Like GTG said, it is a tool that has beauty and can do amazing things with little effort if treated and used properly.

 

[DaveTec]

Oh my ... I have actually been kinda looking for a new pocket knife. The one I bought to use at the range was cheap (but it did the trick) and is duller than a piece of firewood now. *off to check out the SOGs*

And that gets sigged! Love it!

 

[ldp4570]

The knife thing is a typical male apppreciation for beauty, form and function. Just like a good woman, when a man applies the correct technique in handling and use, a good blade will respond by doing wonderous things that both delight and amaze the senses. Any blade with the proper mettle will do this if properly maintained. If it happens to be beautiful (just like a woman) or have unique features, all the better.

However, unlike a woman, your favorite blade doesn't show envy when you eye another man's blade, nor jealousy when you bring a new one home to the stable.

THIS!!!!!!!! I couldn't have said it any better!!

 

[watchcollector1968]

Knives can be as addicting as guns if not more sometimes. The trick is to get a good one to begin with, if you do you will probably be hooked, get one that is not so good and you will be thinking "Whats the big deal?"

Spyderco, Benchmade, Cold Steel and Al Mar are all good places to start. Maybe start with a Spyderco Endura or Delica. If you find you like them, then they are good knives that will last you a long long time. If you still dont care one way or another, well you still have a good knife.

Careful with sharpening. Get yourself some crock sticks (ceramic sticks that sit in a V shape) and practice on an old knife. Be careful of the gun show types with an electric grinder and a sign saying "knife sharpening". Grinding wheels can be very unfriendly to a knife blade when they overheat and ruin the heat treat of the blade.

Bench Stones (natural or diamond) are a great way to go. They have to be learned though which takes plenty of practice. Still, they are far easier than you might think.

 

[doctorjj]

I am a surgeon. I love blades and knives. What can I say??? LOL!!

 

[gsarg]

My max on knives is $200, but prefer to spend ~ $100 for a carry knife. Any more $ than that, and I will worry too much about messing it up. Below is my daily carry, but REALLY want a COYE Ridgeback - once the serrated black blades are available (hint, hint)

[Broken External Image]

 

[RWS]

i cant explain it, but i have it. have since i was a kid. using various blades everyday to cut leather has only contributed to it. but personally, i dont see anything in alot of the modern tactical looking stuff with 9 different angles ground into the blade. i like traditional looking stuff. and even though i have some micarta/G10 handled knives, and some with ss blades, in my mind, knives should be carbon steel with wood, bone, or horn handles. just like guns should be blued steel and walnut. plastic is for butter bowls and kids toys, not knife handles, sheaths, holsters, or gunstocks

 

[CircuitRider]

We made a stop S. of I-40 going towards Pigeon Forge last year and saw the largest collection of knives you will see anywhere. The place is called Smoky Mountain Knife works and they have every brand & price range imaginable, from hunting to kitchen knives. I just ordered some for my boys for Christmas. Like anywhere you get what you pay for in quality. Their web page is www.SMKW. com if you are interested.

 

[willystruck]

I've had a knife on my person since I was 5 years old (about 52 years). I make sure it is there as soon as I put my pants on in the morning and many times during the day. These various knives have served me well over the years and continue to do whatever job I ask of them on a regular basis.
Best friends I've ever had!