Am I missing out?

[mitchnola]

Haha exactly. I haven't handled one and that may be the secret. Stay away!

No doubt bro!!

 

[Another Shepherd]

I have the way out of the apparent dilemma. Become a collector of quality budget knives. This is the era to do it. So many inexpensive quality knives.

Yeah, I've been kind of doing that the last several months. Civivi, Sencut, Kizer, Vosteed, QSP, and some older ones like Buck and Cold Steel. It's getting harder to decide what to carry out and about.

 

[Modernflame]

Man, my Nissan is old enough to vote. I only replace my cell phone when the current one is clinically dead. I don't drink or smoke. Coffee does not interest me. Watches interfere with the keyboard, so I never wear one.

Bruh, I've got a Sebenza for every pocket, plus two!

And yes! You are missing out!

 

[Fripfrop]

I was (and still am) a huge benchmade fan. I've got a few gold class and a few other limited edition pieces that I won't use. I've got a number that I still carry on a pretty regular basis when I'm not at work. Their stuff just doesn't hold up around here. If they had magnacut that'd be a different story. That being said, my crk is always in a pocket somewhere. And since I've purchased that, it has indeed opened my eyes to the dark side of knives! Now I don't blink when I see a knife over $500. Still can't bring myself to buy a knife over $1500 though and hope to God I never do. The soon to be fiance almost murdered me when I brought home a benchmade that had such a sweet deal I couldn't pass it up.

Edit: The more I think about it, the more I think really expensive knives are a lot like the third rail in a subway. Once you grab hold, you can't let go!

 

[KrisNZ]

Extremely high rate of mechanical and electrical failure. Both KIA and Hyundai. I know I worked for them. Literally the only manufacturers I worked for that brand new cars would show up DOA with blown motors and transmissions with literally only 10 miles on them. Pure trash.

I place my trust in my vehicles similar to my food... Never ever Korean!

Yes the earlier Hyundai and Kia used cheap bearings in the gearboxes/transmissions etc and yes they turned to crapola real fast,
The later models are of exceptional quality, as someone said, maybe it's the US assembled models that are crap,

 

[NeverEnuff]

Yes the earlier Hyundai and Kia used cheap bearings in the gearboxes/transmissions etc and yes they turned to crapola real fast,
The later models are of exceptional quality, as someone said, maybe it's the US assembled models that are crap,

Nope, it's Korean built ones too. I already covered this. It's all of them. But no worries, if you like them it's your money... I can only relay the observations of a professional worth literal first hand experience and knowledge. Hell our entire service department mocked the brands constantly for being complete junk and laughed about prime who bought them. I'll just put it this way... I will never let friends or family buy one of either brand ever.

 

[calm]

Joking aside, I did have a 2016 (expensive model range, used 90% for motorway driving) KIA that needed a new clutch at 30000km, which was pathetic. The dealership did not cover the cost, so their 7 or 10 year warranty is worthless, to me. In general, the post 2005 models are considered reliable, but you never know.
The engine has been fine, with no other major issues. I also have older Japanese (Made in Japan) cars that just keep going. A Mercedes I had, an older, good one. was costing me more money per year, just sitting there, than it was worth.
I am aware that their quality dropped for a few years but allegedly they are better now.

So, buy Japanese, made in Japan

 

[LostCause]

So first off don't read this the wrong way, it's an honest question. Am I missing out on not owning one of these high dollar knives? It blows my mind that some of the folders are $500 and up to Lord knows. Call it 500 to $1000. Clearly they are works of art and top quality, but do they perform better? Is it just pride of ownership? I also don't own a Rolex, a Casio for $60 works great. I'm middle aged and the price tag isn't the issue. For me I think it's the value. We're all different and I'm not putting anyone down, heck maybe I'm missing out on a quality knife!

No you're not. And I believe lots of people who spent 1000$+ on a knife are resorting to large ammounts of copium and various self convincing methods to feel less regret for spending that much on a knife that makes same cuts as 50$ knife.

 

[K.O.D.]

Yes the earlier Hyundai and Kia used cheap bearings in the gearboxes/transmissions etc and yes they turned to crapola real fast,
The later models are of exceptional quality, as someone said, maybe it's the US assembled models that are crap,

I've had 2 Kias and currently drive a Hyundai. My cousin owns my 2012 (purchased 9/2011) Kia Forte with 125k and has been in the shop exactly once except for routine maintenance, tires, brakes, etc.

My 2011 Sorento SX V6 had 0 issues. My mother's 2015 Sedona and grandma's 2015 Sorento EX V6 also 0 issues.

Anyway....

I've owned many knives. Last year I was at GAKC show and handled both Cheburkov and Biryukov, bought one of each. The blew me away. However, my Alan Davis custom I purchased in May blows everything out of the water and over the mountains.

I won't keep anything I won't use, so while it's on my homeowners insurance policy, I use it. It is just levels beyond anything I've held.

 

[KrisNZ]

Agreed, Kia's and Hyundai are huge here in New Zealand , very reliable, imo

 

[Drop bear]

I think I would want to make sure it was the right style of knife before I invested bulk money.

I have done that at about the $200 mark on the grounds that it is the best knife. And been caught out before.

 

[Wild Willie]

No you're not. And I believe lots of people who spent 1000$+ on a knife are resorting to large ammounts of copium and various self convincing methods to feel less regret for spending that much on a knife that makes same cuts as 50$ knife.

Sometimes people reach a station in life where they can buy expensive things. This whole 50 dollar knife ad nauseam schtick isn't the only way to enjoy a hobby either... I've got a pile of less expensive knives, and they're great. I don't regret setting my sights higher though.

Just last week I spent enough money on fuel to buy a sebenza. The week before that along with fuel, we had to replace a hydraulic line in the boom that cost as much as 2 sebenzas. 500 dollars in the grand scheme of things is not a lot of money.

I'll use the tool analogy again... Walk into your local repair shop any tell them to buy harbor freight tools. They turn nuts and bolts, but they don't hold up, and aren't as comfortable to use. See what happens and report back.

 

[cbach8tw]

Years ago, I finally was able to snag a Horsewright Sonoran belt knife for a good price, two sheaths, love it, but I have not used it yet as I have been afraid to since it cost more, and has become one of my grails, but I have no problem using my other less expensive bird and trout knives….not for hunting but for kitchen duty and small tasks.
I think there is a balance, I have bought expensive knives, and I have found a good price range for me, which is different for others (YMMV), that I have not been afraid to use if I get around to using them. The sad thing is I have a lot that I may not get around to using them on a timely manner.

Don‘t worry, I plan to use my Sonoran belt knife, don’t want to miss out on the fun, AEBL goodness.

 

[jfk1110]

Years ago, I finally was able to snag a Horsewright Sonoran belt knife for a good price, two sheaths, love it, but I have not used it yet as I have been afraid to since it cost more, and has become one of my grails, but I have no problem using my other less expensive bird and trout knives….not for hunting but for kitchen duty and small tasks.
I think there is a balance, I have bought expensive knives, and I have found a good price range for me, which is different for others (YMMV), that I have not been afraid to use if I get around to using them. The sad thing is I have a lot that I may not get around to using them on a timely manner.

Don‘t worry, I plan to use my Sonoran belt knife, don’t want to miss out on the fun, AEBL goodness.

Use that.puppy!! Don't deny yourself all that pleasure..... Times a wastin'....Just carrying it will be enjoyable... That's what an.awesome sheath.does for a knife.....Doubles the. Pleasure....... Shit sheaths.don't get carried...

 

[Kettleman]

No you're not. And I believe lots of people who spent 1000$+ on a knife are resorting to large ammounts of copium and various self convincing methods to feel less regret for spending that much on a knife that makes same cuts as 50$ knife.

On the other side of that coin are the folks that cant / wont have an expensive knife and feel the need to explain and convince others its the only correct path…

It’s a hobby to most and there is no correct answer for everyone. We are all different with varying needs / wants / desires. I say buy what you want or can and let others do the same.

Oh and can we all agree once and for all that the cold steel recon 1 is not the worlds greatest knife? Please?

 

[Hvactech]

View attachment 2270303

A non knife guy friend asked the value of this box. I asked him to guess, “$500?” … Yes, $500 . You may or may not be missing anything by not paying $500 + for a folder. I’d say that for me “collecting” is a progressive addiction, I love knives though. You can find quality folders from $35 to $150 that compete with $500 + folders ( China has some serious budget offerings these days ).

View attachment 2270304

Because threads need pics - Here’s a Les George VCEP Gen 1.

( I drive a Kia ).

Hey brother I'll give you $500 for that box of "cheap" blades!

 

[ibute21]

On the other side of that coin are the folks that cant / wont have an expensive knife and feel the need to explain and convince others its the only correct path…

It’s a hobby to most and there is no correct answer for everyone. We are all different with varying needs / wants / desires. I say buy what you want or can and let others do the same.

Oh and can we all agree once and for all that the cold steel recon 1 is not the worlds greatest knife? Please?

Every time I see a post from him, all I think is “just as gud”.
I don’t hate on cheap knives, I have a couple of Cold Steels, but man, I’m sick of the broken record.

 

[Monofletch]

I suggest you buy knives in your comfort zone. Then just build up from there. If you break your budget or get you wife pissed off at you because of a big purchase it doesn’t help. Also, try to physically touch the knife you are after. You definitely don’t want buyer’s remorse after spending a fortune on a nice knife you don’t like!!

 

[shinyedges]

No you're not. And I believe lots of people who spent 1000$+ on a knife are resorting to large ammounts of copium and various self convincing methods to feel less regret for spending that much on a knife that makes same cuts as 50$ knife.

So, you drive the cheapest vehicle possible that transports you from point A to point B, you buy the cheapest clothes that cover your skin, and you have the cheapest phone that makes calls and texts?

I could go on but some how I highly doubt you apply your own philosophy equally in your life. I may be wrong, but I'm sensing hypocrisy.

 

[Don_Logan]

I think you are missing out a bit. You seem to have a fair amount of interest in pricier knives by asking the question itself. My friends who love knives, but would not spend over $100 on them would never as if they are missing out because "they do not care".

For me, I started off with a $150 Benchmade at 15 years old. I grew up when the internet was just coming about. My parents did not have it yet, but my best friend had DSL, so we would spend hours on the internet looking around. We both shared same interests. He found out about this mfg called Microtech - showed me and right then knew I needed one of those someday. Being embedded into guns/knives from a very young age I always wanted the "best". In my late teens early 20s I got what I perceived what was best that I could afford. By then, too, the internet was commonplace, and I visited forums like this and JD where I learned so much more.

Back then the holy trinity was a Seb 21, Hinderer XM-18 and a Strider SNG. For me the step up to those was worth it. Especially the Hinderer and Seb 21. It came down to the way those felt and the small details. My Seb 21 is now very used along with my SNG. They both just went in for sharpening actually. The Hinderer unfortunately got sold many years ago. I had to wait 4 months or so for it. It came from the time when I think Rick pretty much made them all himself. Wish I still had it.

Of the three above, I would say the Seb 21 is my favorite as it is simple and very refined with a beautiful feeling action. I think I paid $425 for mine about 12 years ago. IF you end up getting one, yes, I think you will enjoy it far more than your less expensive counterparts. .................PAST THAT......hmm its tough it comes down to more of the things that YOU like. For example, my Skiff Culprit has the best machining i'd say in my collection, but would you care? My rockstead's blade is a work of art. Would you care? It becomes far more nuanced.

The Sebenza 21/31 is an easy recommendation for someone. I think they are easy to appreciate even for someone who is hesitant with spending that much. Past that, it get more subjective and becomes harder to recommend things unless the person is being very specific on price and what it is they are looking for.