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Sounds like a simple question, doesn’t it? In some cases, it may be, but this is also a question that can lead people through a rabbit hole from which there is almost no escape. There are hundreds of knife companies and/or knife manufacturers in the world today all trying to make the “best Damascus Pocket Knife for you”.
No. This is not a guide to the knife buyer, nor is it a top 10, top 5, or top of the list of anything. This is just so you think about what you really want on a knife so you can make the decision about what’s right for you.
What’s the “I Need” For?
If you’re a knife enthusiast, you’re unlikely to “need” a new knife, but the same concepts can apply to you as for those people who are replacing a lost knife or had a break and really need a knife new. The most important question is, “What will this knife be used for more often?” if you work in a field where you regularly open packages, mail or cut a lot of paper like material, you’re going to want something different than if you’re looking for a self-defense knife concealable. If you work outside the city in rural areas or in nature, you’re going to want something totally different from someone who works in a restaurant. If you’re a hunter, you’ll probably want something different from a military man or a girl about to be deployed abroad. Those are obvious calls, but it’s the right place to start.
How Much To Menu do I Will Take It?
Now that you know exactly what he’s going to cut, think about how often he’ll be on you. The same adage that many people use when buying a new weapon is true for knives: the best gun (knife in this case) is the one that has with you. So if you’re buying a self-defense knife, and you live in Miami, and it’s summer, a fixed blade with a 7-inch edge isn’t the right knife. An exaggerated example, but you understand the point. Consider how the knife fits in your belt, around your neck, or in your pocket. Also, think about how it might show up under a shirt; is that he will dig into his body when he sits; it’s even legal to carry in your city/state, or where you work. Since most of the time you will be in the pod, you have to be comfortable to wear or you will not wear it.
How Much Do I Want To Use It?
This is where you start looking at things like ergonomics and the choice of steel. A knife you will use regularly has to be comfortable to hold. There are some knives out there that look amazing (in terms of aesthetics) but they are quite difficult to use and uncomfortable to use. There are numerous materials used for knife handles today, from classics like wood and bone to high technology like carbon fiber. If you need a solid grip at all times, you’ll want to select a G10 or textured Micarta on polished wood and slippery surfaces. If you are doing simple tasks and are interested in aesthetics, a good burl, exotic wood, or some good looking carbon fiber could be a great choice. Micarta that sands a polish will look and feel very different from Micarta that is left with a rough texture.
Choosing steel, in general, could be your own independent theme and a broad one in that, but suffice it to say that you should know the basic properties of the steel in the knife you will get. Is it stainless steel, tools, spring steel or high carbon basic steel? Or is it Damascus or San Mai steel?
Consider hardness, hardness, wear resistance, and edge retention. Some steels will have an advantage for a long time, but require a very skillful investment of person and time to re-sharpen. Other steels, such as 1095 have a great edge retention when treated with heat properly, but are still easy to re-sharpen when the time comes. Some steels may take a better edge than others in the first place. Some steels can harden to a very high hardness, but they are left brittle, making hard use of chip edges. Some may not be as sharp or as hard, but they can be very impact resistant (ideal for cutting knives, axes, etc.). Remember, the more advanced the steel, the higher the cost.
How Much are I Available To Spend?
This, like many aspects of buying a knife, is extremely subjective. Some people aren’t willing to spend more than $100 (some won’t spend more than $50) on a knife no matter how good it is. Some are willing to bomb more than $1000 for a custom knife made from exotic materials by a well-known knife manufacturer. So, there are people everywhere who will spend whatever it costs to get the knife they want. None of these people are wrong. You just have to decide for yourself what a knife is worth to you.
Some of those $30-$40 folding knives look good and work well, but many lack proper heat treatment, which can lead to rolling or chipping the regular, which will make the knife more annoying than it’s worth. Some of those high-priced knives look so amazing they’re never used or carried, which is fine if collecting is your thing. Some people prefer to spend $100-$200 for a knife that will last forever instead of buying a new one every time the cheap fails. Of course there are some rough diamonds, and some expensive paper weights out there, but in general, when it comes to knives, you get what you pay for.
What Else Should I Consider?
As if that wasn’t enough, there are many other considerations:
Blade Thickness: the thickest sheet material typically equals stronger knives, but can sacrifice sharpness. Besides, how much weight are you willing to carry?
Edge Geometry: Axes tend to have wider blade edges (up to 30 degrees or so on each side of the edge) and slicers tend to have narrower (for example, 17 to 20 degrees) for good reasons. Wider edges are less likely to chip and roll than thin edges. Thin edges are sharper and cut better (more cleanly). There’s always compensation.
Blade Type: Each has its own strengths/weaknesses and preferred applications (again, everything is subjective). There are drop points, points of use, sheep’s foot, clip points and many more to choose from.
Cleaning and Maintenance: Do you want a carefree stainless steel that never has to worry about cleaning, but it can be very difficult to re-sharpen, or want a sheet of carbon steel that oxidizes when wet, but sharpens easily (have in says, many modern carbon steel b sides are coating to protect themselves from rust).
Warranty: Does the manufacturer back up your product.
In the end, buying a knife should be nice. Shop with your eyes first. Then worry about the rest of the details. Have fun select something that suits your style. Visit Amazon Store Best.Buy.Damascus1 for knives beautiful variety.
