9 times out of 10, I'm going to be looking for a folding knife. They're easier to carry and provide the most usefulness to me.
- First thing is size. I have rather a large hand size so I want a knife that will fill it, but not overwhelm it. This isn't that hard to achieve. Folding knives can be found in all shapes & sizes.
- Next I consider the weight. I like my knives to feel solid. Enough weight to know that I have it in my pocket, but light enough that I forget it's there. It may sound weird, but trust me. You'll know when you find it.
- After that, I consider the blade. This includes the length, shape, and type of steel. I look for a knife with a blade that is a pretty good length and about the width of 1.5 thumbs. This gives me the option to use it for a majority of tasks. As for the shape, it really depends on what I'm feeling like. I don't really like anything too fancy. A drop point or tanto point blade will handle whatever I throw at it. Now for the type of steel, it can get complicated. 440C will last longer than me probably, but of course, you pay for quality. I say just ask the person you're buying from and check the edge. If it has a good edge when you buy it, it can be sharpened to one again. Also, blades can come with a straight, serrated, or combination blade. I prefer straight. It does all I need. I may buy a combination every now and then, but I have yet to need a serrated blade for anything. Plus, straight edges are much easier to sharpen.
- Now it's time to check for play. Blade play that is. Blade play is when the blade of the knife moves when in the open/locked position. To check for it, pinch the blade and frame, on the sides, with your thumb and index fingers. Be sure to get a good grip, but do not squeeze the life out of it. Then, wiggle both the blade and frame. If it moves, or you can hear the sound of metal touching metal, pick another knife. Even if it doesn't cause you any problems, it will irritate the crap out of you!
- It's now time to consider the accessories, for lack of a better term. I prefer my knives to do more than just cut, slice, and slash. On every knife that I carry, there is a seat belt cutter and glass breaker. I may never need either, but if I ever drive off of a bridge, you'd better believe I would be glad to have them. Also, i can use the seat belt cutter to cut string and twine without having to open my knife. It lessens the chance of me cutting myself while preserving the sharpness of the blade. Until I need it, the glass breaker is just fun to have. And yes, I can confirm that it works. Also, I like a pocket clip on the side of the frame. It keeps the knife right where I put it so that when I need it, I know exactly where it is.
- Last, but certainly no least, is warranty. Every single knife that I buy must come with a reasonable warranty. Notice I said reasonable. You can't expect a $2 knife to have a lifetime warranty and if I pay $1,000 it had better be covered until my bones turn to dust. Make sure that you get the best warranty possible. Lifetime is always the goal.