what are youre knife turn on and offs?

[heavy handed]

with so many styles, companys and material used in knives, there are always going to be things you love, and also things you hate.

so what are your turn ons and offs?

love:
  http://www.heinnie.com/Knives/William-Henry/William-Henry-Spearpoint-MTP/p-92-203-4824/
this knife sums up quite nicley my ideal knife.

slim line folder
low ride pocket clip
spear point blade
damacus handle and blade
and also carbon fiber.

this i also like-http://www.heinnie.com/Knives/Viper/Viper-Kind-Blue-Burlwood/p-92-200-3367/
also alox scales

hates.
full wooden handle scales
pearl handle inlays
tanto blades
part serrated blades( it has to be all or nothing)
 


 
 

[cgk]

My biggest complaint is a non-movable pocket clip.  Is it really that hard to allow the owner the ability to place it on any of the four ends? 

[GraysonK]

Turn Ons:
Shiny!   
Full flat grind (I just think it looks and works better)
This might sound weird, but I like for the blade to be or appear to be proportional to the handle.  I don't like the folders with this seemingly long handle but short blade.  If I can find an example, I'll post it. 
As far as fixed blades go, I don't own any but I think the RC-3 and RC-4 are some of the most perfect looking knives out there for me. 
Turn offs:
Tanto blades (just don't like 'em)
Assisted opening yeah they are fast, but just not really my thing
Combo edges, not a fan. 

[Sean]

Good thread, this should garnish a few responses.  
I have a small very modest collection of knives.  I am probably like many and don't go looking for things
not to like, they just sometimes stand out.  None are perfect.
I like slim profiled knives that are light but don't care for deep pocket clips I just find them too hard to
extract out of pocket when I need them.  I like a little something sticking out so you've got something
to grab.  Which brings me to the next thing I like on a knife is actually the pocket clip! Great invention!
I also like Spyderco's round hole.  These two things alone make carrying a knife worth while for me.
Thumb studs and various other one hand opening devices just in my opinion don't compare to the ease
of use that comes with the round hole in the blade design.
The only thing that readily comes to mind that I really "hate" on a knife is the wave feature.  I dislike
this with a passion.  Unfortunately for me it comes on some knives I really like.  A lot of folks like it
but I don't see a need for this type of deployment when you have a another method and it's very hard
on pockets and jeans.  If you only carry one knife all the time and it has the wave feature great but
I have a bad habit of forgetting I have such knife on me and every time I go to extract I end up with a
blade that's half opened.

[2xTap]

Good thread. For me, at least for folding knives, it's.............

Love:

1. Slipjoints.
2. Big frames, 4" closed or bigger.
3. Knives that allow pocketclip position for Tip-Down carry.
4. On modern locking folders, blades with thumbstuds.
5. Stainless Steel, preferably higher end alloys.
6. Stout Backsprings.
7. Thick frames.
8. On modern locking folders, Tanto blade styles....done right.
9. On slipjoints, fancy bolsters. Angled, pinched, and grooved.

Hate:

1. On modern locking folders, solid pinned or riveted blade pivots. I want bolts.
2. Carbon Steel.
3. Chisel Grinds.
4. Tip-Up only carry.....I really hate that!
5. Serrations and combo-edges.
6. Gaps in F&F.
7. Lazy backsprings on slipjoints.
8. Blades with thumbholes, most are made way to small. Although Spyderco does some the right way.
9. In modern locking folders, frames without steel or Titanium liners.
10. Blade locks that have any play in them.
11. Small framed knives, in most cases when knives get below 3 1/2" closed they are just too tiny.
12. Slender framed knives.

I know there is more I am missing, but these are what comes to mind instantly.

2xTap

[Zack]

Good thread. For me, at least for folding knives, it's.............

Love:

1. Slipjoints.
2. Big frames, 4" closed or bigger.
3. Knives that allow pocketclip position for Tip-Down carry.
4. On modern locking folders, blades with thumbstuds.
5. Stainless Steel, preferably higher end alloys.
6. Stout Backsprings.
7. Thick frames.
8. On modern locking folders, Tanto blade styles....done right.
9. On slipjoints, fancy bolsters. Angled, pinched, and grooved.

Hate:

1. On modern locking folders, solid pinned or riveted blade pivots. I want bolts.
2. Carbon Steel.
3. Chisel Grinds.
4. Tip-Up only carry.....I really hate that!
5. Serrations and combo-edges.
6. Gaps in F&F.
7. Lazy backsprings on slipjoints.
8. Blades with thumbholes, most are made way to small. Although Spyderco does some the right way.
9. In modern locking folders, frames without steel or Titanium liners.
10. Blade locks that have any play in them.
11. Small framed knives, in most cases when knives get below 3 1/2" closed they are just too tiny.
12. Slender framed knives.

I know there is more I am missing, but these are what comes to mind instantly.

2xTap

I have nice custom that fits your likes if you ever want to trade.

[Benner]

Great thread.  This needs a think.

[Pacu]

Turn ons

Solid feel
pocket clip
value in relation to cost
all or nothing PE or serrated-no half and half
grippy handles

Turn offs

Overpriced for what it is..unless it is great quality
tanto blades
the word tactical on it

[Kmarr]

I see a loathing of tantos


I LOVE TANTOS

[Mr. Whippy]

I see a loathing of tantos


I LOVE TANTOS

Whew!

I thought I was the only one...


I was kinda afraid to reply to this thread,  I needed a little support.

[jim guy]

I like tantos also. Very strong tip. I only have a couple of them but Im always looking for more. I have a fullsize griptilian tanto and I love it!

[Magic Bus]

Like Traditional old school looks be it a slippie or a locker.

Dislike Most so called tactical designs although OH opening can be good. Serrated edges mostly although they are good for some specific purposes.

Edit .. There are obviously exceptions eg. the UKPK is not traditional, but I love it.

[heavy handed]

This might sound weird, but I like for the blade to be or appear to be proportional to the handle.  I don't like the folders with this seemingly long handle but short blade.  If I can find an example, I'll post it. 

i was gunna put this as well but i couldnt word it properly , , the only , i can think of is the spyderco dodo, or the spyderco yjimbo.

[Kmarr]

I take that same "proportion" rule with MT blades, files and saws.  I hate when there is a stumpy 2" blade on a 4.5" tool

[Sean]

good read so far...    the only surpise... 2+tap all those lovely knives/slipjoints you have and
you hate carbon steel?    

[yud]

Love:
Slipjoints
Stainless
Military issued

Hate:
Tactical (I think they look bad)
Bad F&F
Knives with only 1 blade

[Mr. Whippy]

Likes:

Stout blades
Smooth action (for folders)
Plain edge
One hand opening
One hand closing
Proportionalitiy of the blade and handle (As mentioned above)
Ability to be dissembled by owner
Tanto and other "blunted" blade profiles (like the Razels and Spyderco Captain)

Dislikes:
Combo blades
Exaggerated blade profiles (like some cold steel clip points such as this:)

Clearly offensive blade profile (fighting knives with double edged profile for example)
Overly complicated opening mechanisms.
Thin blades

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

In a folder it has to be flat or convexed ground No icky hollow grind's please

Likewise, as much as I like the function and design of locks, there just redundant to me these days, so it has to be a well designed slippy.

In a fixed blade, I prefer a good stout blade of at least 4mm in a bushcraft knife, or considerably more in a chopper

Favorite designs would be the BRKT Northstar/Aurora or a Kukri (is there a more perfect stand alone blade?)

[2xTap]

good read so far...     the only surpise... 2+tap all those lovely knives/slipjoints you have and
you hate carbon steel?   

Carbon Steel has it place on big fixed blades but offers no benefits in a folding knife, particularly those kept close to the skin.......and in such folding knives offers way more negatives.

My first gripe over carbon steel is the fact that I despise rust. And most carbon steel alloys will rust by me just looking at them. Knives kept in my pockets and used on a daily basis have to be made of stainless, I don't want to have to spend extraordinary amounts of time maintaining a knife......and with carbon steel I have to. Just my fingerprints alone will rust up a carbon steel blade in less than an hour.

Next is the fact that while some carbon steels do offer decent edge retention, many of the higher end Stainless alloys do it better.

Then there is patina. No matter what you do it will form on a Carbon Steel blade. And while forced patina done certain ways looks neat, and on some knives natural patina can look good.......overall I dislike patina.

For pocketknives, be they slippies or lockers, carbon steel is all negatives. Good stainless steels give me everything I need and I don't have to baby them.

Stainless all the way. 

2xTap

[PyroJames]

Good topic.  Here's my list:

LOVE:
- Pocket clip for left-right, up-down carry (I'm a southpaw so sometimes I prefer left-handed carry)
- Fast opening
- Tanto, Clip Point
- Lightweight
- G10, Carbon Fiber, Titanium
- Thumbstud
- "Hard" sheaths (for fixed blades)
- Hair-splitting sharpness straight out of the box
- Emerson wave

HATE:
- Nylon sheaths (for fixed blades... the build quality can really stink)
- Super Heavy knives
- Inlay designs in the handle
- Thumb disc

ON THE FENCE:
- Lockback
- Half-serrated combo edge
- Skeletonized handles/blade
- Slipjoints

[Ashley]

Serrations NO THANKS

I like tantos, the spyder hole and a small folder or slippie.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Serrations NO THANKS

I like tantos, the spyder hole and a small folder or slippie.

+1 I detest serration's!

[Kmarr]

In my Mtools I like to have an awesome sheepsfoot PE! (I tend to stab myself with clip and drop points when using pliers )

[Benner]

Depending on how they are done, I can really like Tanto's.  In fact one of my favourite folders has a Tanto point.

[jim guy]

I dont understand everyones hatred of serrations. I myself like them, the stuff I cut on a daily basis they work so much better than a plain edge. I use them on hoses, cardboard and plasic band straps. And if you have a sharpmaker they are no harder to sharpen than PE.

[Sean]

yeah I'm with you and will go one step further and say I like my serrations combo style.  I get the
best of both worlds.

[2xTap]

jim guy & Sean,

I can't speak for everyone here but I am sure most who dislike serrations will likely agree in the fact that a properly sharpened plain edge will do all the tasks any serrated blade will do, but not the other way around. Serrated blades are more specialized, and not all serrations are equal.

And for combo-edged blades there is never enough of either for serious tasks......it is generally the worst of both worlds.

Granted this is just an opinion.......but I have been carrying knives since a very young age. I can't honestly say I have ever, in all them years, been in a situation where I found myself wanting a serrated blade. But I do own several combo-edged knives and carry them from time to time, one in particular is a beater I use at work and even just recently I have cursed myself for having it as the serrations were getting caught up in material I was trying to cut, shredding it instead of slicing right through.

2xTap

[Mr. Whippy]

jim guy & Sean,

I can't speak for everyone here but I am sure most who dislike serrations will likely agree in the fact that a properly sharpened plain edge will do all the tasks any serrated blade will do, but not the other way around. Serrated blades are more specialized, and not all serrations are equal.

And for combo-edged blades there is never enough of either for serious tasks......it is generally the worst of both worlds.

Granted this is just an opinion.......but I have been carrying knives since a very young age. I can't honestly say I have ever, in all them years, been in a situation where I found myself wanting a serrated blade. But I do own several combo-edged knives and carry them from time to time, one in particular is a beater I use at work and even just recently I have cursed myself for having it as the serrations were getting caught up in material I was trying to cut, shredding it instead of slicing right through.

2xTap

+1 to ALL of this.

And let me add, that often times, the serrated part of the combo blade is sharpened at a different angle than the PE part.

[Sean]

2-tap,

Thanks for your insight.  I have a pretty modest assortment of cutlery and a few different
steels, grinds, models.  I don't have your experience but just have to go on what I need and
use knives for.  One of the things I call on a knife to do most often is busting down cardboard
boxes.  I've taken plain edges to this as well as serrations, cheap and more expensive steels.
I've attacked a warehouse full of boxes hacking off tops off so the stock is
easy to extract and then flattened them down for recycling.  I've dulled my cheap plain edge
knives quite quickly and my s30v and 154cm less so.  I've found and (no I don't want to carry
around a proper box cutter)  that for my purpose a sharp serrated hawkbill style of knife like
the one's Spyderco and Byrd make for example outperform any of my plain edge blades without
a touchup.  They slice through with more ease than plain edge and when plain edge starts to
tear and you have to apply force the serrated edge is still slicing with ease.
Keep in mind this is just my opinion from my non-scientific observation and use. 

[jim guy]

serrated blades cut plastic band straps much more easier than pe also. About the only thing a pe does better is carve or whittle wood or scrape things. I also like to carry a serrated blade for self defence. I hope that I never have to use one, and probably never will. I can attest to them being very flesh aggressive. I have a scar on my left forearm about 8 inches long from a police model spyderco!