$65 knife vs. $165 knife - big difference?

Where did you find the TNT for 145? If you can get it for a 145, then I think it probably is a valid contender for top value with those build materials.

I do agree with those that feel that the M16 and TNT are in totally different genres of knife though, especially the SF.
 
Okay, I retract my statement about it not being a top contender in value. ~150 is quite decent for anything with titanium handles and s30v.
 
The Benchmade Skirmish and Mini Skirmish are contenders in that price range, if you like the design.

The Camillus Dominator is also right there, plus it has a "flipper" and the cool Robo assist mechanism.

I loved my Buck 172, but I think the Dominator is still a better value.

(all these are Ti handled S30V bladed frame locks)

Anyway, back to the original question. I say get the more expensive knife, if you can afford it. You will eventually end up with it anyway, if you hang out here very much, which you will. You can't be a casual knife user for long, after you've handled any knives of quality. Eventually the knife bug will get you, and you'll want one of each, of EVERYTHING!

Daniel
 
As some others have suggested, I'd recommend you do 2 things: 1) go to a knife store or sporting goods store and handle every knife they have that even remotely interests you. This will give you a better idea of what feels good in the hand. 2) After handling several knives, shop around various internet knife stores like newgraham.com and cheaperthandirt.com. There are many, many good deals to be had! I think it's wiser to start with a less-expensive knife. There are LOTS of cool-looking, well-constructed knives out there that sell on the 'net for $75 or less. By starting with a relatively cheaper knife, you'll get a better feel for what you do and don't like, saving money for future, higher-dollar purchases. That's my recommended course of action :)
 
The Buck Mayo TNT is a work of art.

(all these are Ti handled S30V bladed frame locks)

The Benchmade Skirmish and Mini Skirmish are great knives, but have a much thicker grind behind the actual edge. I lusted the mini-skirmish from the first time I saw the picture of it, but once I got it, I noticed that the balance is blade forward, & when gripping the knife, the release for the frame lock sticks out just enough to be uncomfortable (to me), for that price I want comfortable grip. I sold it after 2 days - it sure is pretty, but for me.

The Camillus Dominator while a heavier duty (and larger) knife, has a great grind to the blade & a comfortable, a great non-slip grip (it was just too big to wear to work) - I still want the blue A.G. Russell exclusive - with no robo-assist.

My Buck Mayo TNT 172, is just right for office or outside, it is not a brute, it is desighed with finese & grace. Fantastic hollow grind blade makes it an absolute razor. The handles fit my perfectly & even closed it has style.
The only embellishment I would add is to anodize the Titanium handle.
 
How about a Buck Northshore? Very similar in styling to the TNT but Less expensive.
 
It's not about money, it's about having exactly what you want. I get as much pleasure from my SAK's and Opinels as I do from my Sebenzas.
I still want good cheap knives and good expensive knives and it's easy to get burned at both price points.
I have to laugh at the forumites who waffle on about minute differences in performance between different knives and steels when most of the time it's just hearsay and 'received wisdom'.
If you really want something, you can afford it. If your going to worry about a few pennies, then you don't really want it enough.
Problem solved! ;)
 
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