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

[maddave]

When choosing a knife, what is the most important thing you take into account?

 

[Siberianfury]

for me its the Grind, i like a Deep scandi as it makes pushcuts alot nicer, also the blade profile, needs to be nice and nimble so you can turn the blade in the wood easily, i generaly prefer a very slight drop point/ straight spine.

 

[Dougster]

No option for 'all of the above'.

Mine were all out to touch up the edges the other day, they are all very different, but strangely similar in some other ways. Odd, but hard to explain. I'll do a pic to explain tomorrow.

 

[JonathanD]

I'm with Dougster, you can't narrow it down to a few attributes. All of those matter if you want the best knife for you, and other things come into play too like ergonomics, weight, balance, application, shape, length.... ad infinitum. No point in having the perfect grind or shape, if it is badly made in an inappropriate steel that has a handle that is not suited to your hand.

 

[Waldganger]

application.

Materials also play a big part, but you can't decide what material you want without knowing why you want.

1095 carbon, with wood handles will look nice, but wouldn't be the best pick for a fishing knife.

If you are talking about one type (eg bushcraft), then it would be size/shape

 

[John Fenna]

I voted "other" - it has to "feel" right...hard to explainrealy....it might have all the good attributes but just not be "right" or fall down on some points and yet be "right"....

 

[robin wood]

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.

 

[Shinken]

I am in the "all of the above camp"

But having to choose only one it is maker because a good maker will make sure you get the right tool for the job you require

 

[Shinken]

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.

Couldnt agree more mate, interesting that you like to carve. Blade's that are too deep limit what you can do when carving somewhat.

 

[PRKL]

Other:

-Durability,i use only full tangs also due to this reason.
If the knife is my only one,when i get lost etc,id rather have bit overbuil,heavier one that takes batoning and such,easily without damage to blade,and id sacrife some whittling capability to get long lasting knife.


Im also fan of no-nonsense knives,meaning that i dont want to put any of my money into mosaic pins and decorations if the price tag is affected by those,as they dont make the knife any better in actual field work.

 

[BorderReiver]

Another "Other".

"All of the above" would have been helpful.

 

[phill_ue]

It really does depend what I want to use the knife for. I have a few bushcraft type knives and they are quite deep from spine to edge, and I don't think this is really an issue when you consider the general tasks it is put to. On the other hand, I have a very slim blade that is great for carving radii, but I have pushed it to other things and it has excelled. In this case, the maker himself got the best from the steel and so the maker is a very important factor in my view.

 

[FGYT]

When choosing a knife, what is the most important thing you take into account?

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

a comfy handle mostly

ATB

Duncan

 

[spader]

Other - ability to hold sharp edge for long while heavy use, and ease of sharpening.

 

[phill_ue]

Other - ability to hold sharp edge for long while heavy use, and ease of sharpening.

I find that these both offset each other, I'd rather go for the middle ground and accept a blade that is relatively easy to sharpen but will hold its' edge reasonably well too.

 

[spader]

I find that these both offset each other, I'd rather go for the middle ground and accept

This is true. I was only thinking of what I want, but not the limit of physics.

a blade that is relatively easy to sharpen but will hold its' edge reasonably well too.

Would it be the 01 or D2 or some other type...or regardless of the materials - heat treating and forging techniques of makers? Sorry I am a newbie in this area.

 

[chuckle]

Its got to have a handle er oo and a blade.

 

[Hoodoo]

Generally I have one criteria: will it be useful?

 

[g4ghb]

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

Duncan pretty much covers it all me thinks!

 

[Celt_Ginger]

A good cutting edge and a comfortable handle.