What is the most important feature you look for in a knife

[brancho]

For me three of the most important aspects are not on the list, profile (ie the shape of the cutting edge, is it straight, does it have a gentler curve or like many have a straight section then a rounded "belly" near the end)
The thickness of the blade gets discussed a lot with woodies being chunky and many, including me, preferring something thinner (like 2.5-3mm)
The other thing that is not discussed much is blade depth. Blades today are generally much deeper than they have ever been historically. I don't know why this is, probably just fashion, but I prefer blades no more than 20mm and mostly I like nearer 15 than 20.

The more I use different knives the more appreciate what Robin has said here. I also get the blade width issue and I realise I could have bought better knives than Mora 780's for my Scouts
At least THIS was seen as in improvement.

 

[helixpteron]

For me its utility, will it do what I want and what I may need it to do.

That's it!

Quality is a given.

 

[spader]

sharp bit one end to cut stuff Blunt end to hold it without cutting your hand

...... smashed bottles?

 

[Mr Adoby]

If I buy a new knife it"ll be for looks and plain greed. The wow factor. Nothing else.

For utility I already have what I need.

 

[locum76]

there's not a box for 'it holds an edge'.

 

[8thsinner]

I kinda go with all the above and more.
I can't afford to buy knives often so for me it's about trying to get the best steel, shape, size grind, material, fit and finish as well as a good reputation for a good price.

 

[Amon81]

For me its three of the above. First and formost the grind I like a good scandi that is either nicely finnished or one I can spend some time on and put a great edge on. Then the size of the blade 3-4", 5" is where for me carving gets harder, more importantly the handle size and shape, no god having a knife you cant use for more than 5 minutes without hurting your hand. Then price, I want value for money.

I'd also say I like a good looking knife too.

 

[Everything Mac]

a solid build, decent size and finish quality.

above all a solid yet razor sharp edge.

I make 'em myself so I have no excuse. never bought anything other than folders in my life.

Andy

 

[redneck]

I look for MORA on the blade, then I'm happy!!

 

[zorro]

I look for MORA on the blade, then I'm happy!!

Or Svord if it's a folder.

 

[Johnny Canuck]

I don`t give a rats`s bottom who made the knife. Shape, style, material and feel are more important to me

 

[Alchemist]

Strong. Enough said.

Sharp. Don't care on the type of steel, it just has to be a 'can do'.

Suitable. Butcher uses a butchers knife. Chef a chefs knife etc. Don't take a knife to a gun fight.

 

[Graham_S]

The look.
I buy knives becuase I like the look of them.
If it looks good and feels good in my hand, it's a keeper.
I've never bought a knife because of the grind/steel/etc.
I've bought plenty because I took one look at them and needed it

 

[Wayland]

It has to "feel" right for me.

Difficult to quantify but somehow one instinctively knows when something is right.