I would like to know what design characteristics you guys look for in a folding knife.
And perhaps most importantly, have you found them?
Please consider:
Intended Use
Key Design Features
Fit / Quality of Materials
Steel / Blade Type
Size / Weight
Cost
Where Produced
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For me, I want a good quality folder that is unobtrusive enough to go with me every day to handle mundane things but can step up for hard use tasks if needed.
- Strong lock design that I can open with one hand but don't mind closing with two. This usually means a back or frame lock with thumb stud / hole. Flippers are ok if done right.
- Drop point type blade around 3-3.5" made of a mid grade steel with stainless qualities and not too difficult to sharpen. I also want good thumb jimping (sp?) on top of the blade and grips that have a deeper cut out for my front finger to lock into.
- Fit quality needs to be good in feel and function. I prefer G10 scales but FRN types will do if well designed.
- Cost is a factor so usually $50 or under for my daily use stuff. I have more expensive knives but don't carry them often.
- I look for USA made first, but cost sometimes steers me to others if they are good quality. I've been happy with some Japan and Taiwan made knives.
Things I'm seeing in the market that I have no use for:
- Finger choil that put my finger right on the corner of the sharpened edge. I would never use them and they just shorten the cutting edge. I do like a good sharpening choil.
- Fidget type knives and their associated mechanisms. I get why some like them but it ain't my thing.
- Grip shapes with sharp angles rather than smooth transitions. Can those be comfortable when actually cutting?
- Wide blades (edge to spine). Not sure what the use is but maybe someone can educate me.
Thanks