Think that the sharpness of the blade and the size of the knife are all you need to think about when you are in the market for a new knife? Think again. Knife finishing plays a central role in choosing the right knife. The finish of a knife affects both its appearance and its durability. Understanding different kinds of knife finishing will help you choose the perfect knife for you.

Jeweled metal knives are finished from the inside, but the result is all about the outside. Jewel metal finishing makes the metal sparkle and shine like a newly sharpened . Another finish that is often used with a jewel metal finish is a file work finish This kind of finish is an imprint on the knife handle and locking bar that lets the knife manufacturer "sign" their work, like an artist (and to many people, knives are art).

If you want you knife to look like it has seen years of service, even it is brand new, then you should look for a knife with a stonewashed finish. Stonewashed finish knifes are not unlike stonewashed jeans; they look a little beat up for the sake of fashion. However, there is a benefit to the stonewall finish, and that is that the knife finish will mask actual damage to the knife as you use it. Of course, if you don't want to go too far with the broken in look, add a scotchbrite finish to your stonewashed finish to give a little breath of brightness.

Vibed finishing is another way to get an antique knife look that is less extreme than the stonewashed look. Vibe finishing is more polished than stonewashed, so it has a kind of classic charm instead of a beat up look. However, normal wear and tear will show more on the vibed finished knife than on the stonewashed knife.

You should keep in mind that while choosing one style of finishing over another does not compromise the effectiveness of the overall knife and does not interfere with knife sharpening, some finishes add an extra layer of protection. Any finish that is applied with a high level of heat makes the knife sturdier and sharper, and any finish that uses abrasive grinding techniques in the finish can also increase the sharpness of the knife. Some finishes also have a protective glaze which makes the knifes more durable and longer lasting, which is what are looking for when you are spending big money on a special knife.