Sometimes, both online and in person, we encounter customers who are unhappy with the knife they bought. Given the vast array of options available on the market, choosing the right knife can be quite challenging. So how do you know which one is right for you? Mikov has put together a few tips that might help.
The first step in choosing a folding knife is to consider what you’ll use it for most often. Every knife has a different design and function, so choosing the right model depends on your needs. If you plan to use the knife on outdoor adventures , you’ll likely choose a different type (e.g., the Patron) than if you just need an occasional tool for opening packages or cutting ropes (e.g., the Stovka). And your choice will differ yet again if you’re looking for a knife for self-defense (e.g., Predator), for hunting (e.g., Fixir), or for other specific purposes (military knives, rescue knives, kitchen knives), etc.
However, there are general recommendations that apply to the purchase of all types of knives. Above all, it’s highly suspicious to buy a knife that doesn’t come with a proper quality guarantee and warranty terms. Mikov offers an above-standard 7-year warranty on its knives, and despite this, our sales department receives only a minimal number of warranty claims. We therefore recommend approaching the advice and experiences of more or less anonymous experts on the internet with a grain of salt. Knives are no different from cars, computers, cameras, or cell phones. Many posts have no other purpose than to highlight the author’s personality or, conversely, to discredit the manufacturer. In contrast, the exceptional 7-year warranty is a clear, understandable, and publicly verifiable fact.
The quality of the blade material is also a frequent topic of discussion. Sometimes, based on online discussions, it might seem that the harder and higher-quality the material used for the blade, the better the knife is—and that there’s no point in buying anything else. Mikov, of course, manufactures knives from Damascus steel, powder steel, and the high-alloy N690 cutlery steel; however, most customers still prefer the seemingly “ordinary” 420 or 440 stainless steel. The reason is simple. All knives eventually lose their edge, and while anyone can sharpen ordinary ones at home (you can find instructions for sharpening knives here), knives with very high hardness must be sharpened by specialists. And that’s neither quick nor cheap.
Especially with folding knives, it’s also important to thoroughly test the folding mechanism. If it doesn’t work, gets stuck, or if handling the knife is even dangerous, it’s not a good purchase. The same applies to the shape of the handle and the craftsmanship. Poor fit, loose parts, or wobbly blades should be a clear sign that using such a knife will cause far more problems than joy and practical use.
And of course, the price speaks volumes. When a knife is unusually cheap, it may seem tempting to save money. However, it’s much more likely that the knife will disappoint you and may even be dangerous to use.
We wish you good luck in choosing a knife and, above all, much joy in using it. Mikov offers knives for literally every situation and in various price ranges. When you buy one, you can always be sure that you’re getting a tool of the highest quality for your money.