Warning: a judge at the county fair told me my knife handles were too slick

He said, 'That polished finish looks nice but it's not safe for a working blade.' I switched to a light sandblast finish for better grip, and it made a huge difference. Do you think a tool's look should ever come before its function?

2 comments

2 Comments

kaimiller18d ago

A tool looking good can be part of its function if it makes you want to pick it up and use it. The problem starts when the looks make it worse at its main job. That judge gave you solid advice for a tool that needs to be held.

richard_ramirez18d ago

Totally agree! I once bought a fancy hammer with a polished handle that looked amazing on the wall. First real swing and it flew out of my hand because the grip was way too smooth. Learned the hard way that if a tool feels wrong in your hand, you just won't use it no matter how pretty it is. That judge was spot on, function has to come first or the tool is just decoration. Form should only help the job, not get in the way.