Page 16 - Blade (January 2019)

SHARP SYMMETRY |

Top fi t and fi nish includes the knife exhibiting no visible scratches or grind marks.
Tim Britton’s lockback follows this dictate. As Tim (inset) noted, “One thing custom
knifemakers should be able to do well is fi nish metal.”

Note how each grind, F&F: OVERRATED?
bolster and slab mirrors Are there cases where fit and finish is
its opposite on the Fenix overrated? In other words, are there
fi xed-blade hunter by knives that perform very well even
Evgeny Khokhlov.
though they may not have the polish of
an expensive model but have excellent
heat treat, blade geometry, comfort
and a more affordable price?”

“Fit and finish is not overrated when
trying to satisfy the buyer,” Ostroff opines,
“but taking out the collector/safe-queen
members of our community, all knives are
meant to cut, and all will do so if built to
industry standards.”
“I have seen a few knives that per-

formed well with poor fit and fi nish,”
Ellis says. “Usually if a maker takes the
time to finish their piece to tight toler-

ances, they also have taken the time to
be sure that the piece has a credible heat
treat, edge geometry and an overall good
feeling in the hand.” Adds Delevan,
“Many of the small production compa-

nies do a good job. Fit and finish is good,
not perfect, but you have an excellent
tool at a more affordable price.”

WHAT do Y YOU WANT?
Our authorities made excellent points
for and against performance being a

factor in fit and finish. Th ough there
were several substantive points about
design, in this writer’s opinion it isn’t

16 BLADE JANUARY 2019