Spyderco byte March 2023 - EDGE-U-CATION® - Choosing a Knife
Choosing a Knife
Choosing a knife can be a daunting process. With so many shapes, sizes, and styles available, selecting a personal carry knife that is right for your needs can seem overwhelming. However, by following a logical, step-by-step process, you can maximize your chances of making the right choice the first time.The first step in choosing a carry knife should be to research the knife laws in the area where you live and any other areas you frequently visit. In general, you should determine the legally permissible blade length and any restrictions regarding the possession or carry of specific types of knives. Unfortunately, knife laws differ significantly from place to place, so finding and interpreting the laws that apply to you can be frustrating. One tool that greatly simplifies that process is the LegalBlade Smartphone app. Created by KnifeRights.org and subsidized by Blade HQ, this handy app allows you to select a specific state and see at a glance its laws as they apply to various types of knives. If the state does not have preemption, meaning the state law takes priority over municipal laws, the app also identifies the cities with laws that differ from the state law and summarizes their knife statutes. This app is free and available from standard app stores.
Once you have a better idea of the laws in your area and the basic size and type of knife you're permitted to carry, your first decision may be to choose either a folding knife or a fixed blade sheath knife. Fixed blades are stronger than folders and excellent for outdoor activities and rural environments. They are also simpler to bring into use—especially if you have any issues with hand strength or dexterity. For most people, however, folding knives tend to be more convenient, easier to carry, and more socially acceptable than fixed blades.
If you do opt for a folding knife, the next question should be whether you prefer a knife with a locking or non-locking blade. Lock-blade folders have a mechanism that secures the blade firmly in the open position. This prevents the knife from closing accidentally and allows greater utility of the point of the blade. While locking folders are generally safer to use, some jurisdictions prohibit their carry or specifically forbid the carry of one-hand-opening lock-blade knives. For knife users in these areas—and for many who simply prefer more traditional styles of pocketknives—non-locking or "slipjoint" folders may be best.
The next step in the decision-making process is to consider whether you are right or left-handed. Some lock mechanisms, like the LinerLock, Reeve Integral Lock (R.I.L), and Compression Lock® are typically manufactured for right-handed operation. Although mirror-image left-handed models are sometimes produced and left handers have learned to adapt to right-handed knives, a better solution is to choose a locking mechanism that can be operated equally well with either hand. The back lock, Ball Bearing Lock™, Bolt Action Lock, and Stop Lock™ are all completely ambidextrous, making them ideal for left handers and users who want the ability to operate their knife equally well with either hand.
One very desirable feature on a folding knife is the capability to open the blade using only one hand. This feature typically takes the form of a stud, disk, or hole in the blade that provides a “purchase” for the thumb to rotate the blade open manually. Spyderco knives helped pioneer one-handed opening folding knives more than 40 years ago with our Trademark Round Hole. Easier to access than most thumb studs and disks, the Round Hole also works better for users who wear gloves. Left-handed users should look for designs that specify a “fully accessible Trademark Round Hole” to ensure the knife can be opened equally well with either hand.
In addition to traditional thumb-opening methods, modern folding knives can also be opened one handed by other means. Some knives have index-finger “flippers”—small tabs on the base of the blade that can be stroked with the index finger to pivot the blade open. The Emerson Opening Feature, or “wave,” is a small hook on the spine of the blade that snags your pocket to automatically open the blade as it’s drawn. Additionally, there are automatic knives—modern expressions of the classic switchblade—and assisted-opening knives with blades that spring fully open like switchblades after the blade is manually opened partway. All of these are viable alternatives or additions to thumb-opening styles and are worthy of consideration.
To ensure that your knife is accessible when you need it, you should also consider carry position. When Spyderco defined the form of the modern folding knife in 1981 with our first knife, the Worker™, we pioneered the use of a pocket clip to keep the knife instantly accessible. Although now commonplace, it’s important to understand that all pocket clips are not created equal.
The pocket clips on early Spyderco knives offered only one carry position. As our knives evolved, we incorporated designs that could be configured for both tip-up and tip-down carry and reversible clips that allowed a choice of left or right-side carry. Later, we added four-position clips that supported all four carry options. The clip position that works best for your needs will depend upon the size of the knife, the size of your hand, the mounting position of the clip on the handle, and the one-handed opening technique you prefer. Some clips, like wire clips and deep-pocket wire clips, are less obtrusive than solid metal clips and ideal for lower-profile carry. However, it’s important to remember that discreet carry and immediate, one-handed access are competing qualities in a knife.
Getting to the "heart" of the knife, the next consideration is blade shape. This can be heavily influenced by the types of tasks you will most likely perform with your knife, your personal preferences, or a combination of both. Blades with lots of "belly" to the cutting edge work very well for slicing chores and cutting tasks that require precise control of the depth of the cut—like skinning an animal. Hawkbill profiles with concave cutting edges "collect" the material being cut and work well on rope, cord, and netting. Straight-edged Wharncliffe blades are great general-purpose knives that offer both impressive cutting leverage and precise cutting control with the tip of the blade. Sheepfoot blades also have straight cutting edges but have blunted points. This makes them ideal for use as rescue tools, especially when the blade features a serrated edge that optimizes cutting performance on fibrous materials. Trying different blade styles will enable you to gain experience with them and feel how they perform when cutting different materials.
Blade steel is another critical aspect of choosing a knife that is best suited to your needs. Knife steel is a very complex topic, but in general you should think in terms of edge holding, corrosion resistance, and your ability to sharpen the edge when it becomes dull. When properly ground, all modern knife steels will take a good edge and retain it for a reasonable time before requiring sharpening. Stainless steels are desirable because they are more resistant to rust and corrosion than non-stainless tool steels. They are therefore a better choice for knife users working in humid climates or around water. When your knife does start to lose its edge, a good steel should also allow you to sharpen it quickly and easily.
Another important aspect of blade selection is edge configuration. The traditional PlainEdge™ found on most knives cuts cleanly and works well for all cutting chores if it is kept sharp and well maintained. The serrated edge, or SpyderEdge™, was first introduced to folding knives by Spyderco in 1982. It cuts very aggressively and is ideal for cutting fibrous materials like rope and webbing. Properly designed serrations also tend to remain sharper longer than a plain edge. A CombinationEdge™ offers the best of both worlds—a serrated section near the heel of the blade and a PlainEdge near the tip. Your choice of edge style should consider the types of cutting chores and materials you plan to tackle, as well as an honest assessment of your sharpening skills.
Closely related to edge style is edge geometry, or the “grind” of the knife. In simple terms, this is the cross-sectional shape of the blade that is produced by the manufacturing process. Like blade shape, there are many variations to edge geometry, but an acute cutting angle at the edge backed by a strong supporting blade structure provides the best overall performance. The most common options are hollow, full flat, and saber grinds.
The handle of the knife is critically important because it is the interface between you and the blade. When considering handle design, pay close attention to its ergonomics—the size, shape, and feel of the handle relative to your hand—as well as its material and texture. Human hands are organic and vary significantly, so beware of any handle details that might cause “hot spots” during prolonged use. A good knife handle should provide a secure grip and enable you to use the knife safely with power and control. At the same time, it should balance your needs and preferences, combining aesthetic qualities with durability and strength.
Finally, you should consider your personal budget and how it applies to the style, materials, and craftsmanship of your knife. Knives are unique in that they are both everyday tools and very personal objects that offer tremendous pride of ownership. Often the same knife model may be offered in a very basic “user” configuration and “upscale” versions crafted with a variety of elite materials. Only you and your wallet can decide which is best for your needs and preferences.
The knife you carry is an extremely personal choice and a direct reflection of you as an individual. Hopefully the logical process outlined here will help guide you making your first choice the right one.
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