Are average knife buyers just not informed? Does quality matter to the average buyer

[EDCeeker]

Do those high-end lights perform better, or have certain "better" qualities than the $20 models? I'm certain they do,

You can be certain, because they certainly do. One of my best friends gave me a higher-end flashlight for Christmas last year. It's about the size of my Mini Maglite (a little shorter and a little thicker) and out-shines every other flashlight I have--even the full-size 3-cell Maglites.

Now I'm spoiled for flashlights.

but not enough to justify me spending 10 times as much money on one.

My friend didn't spend $200, but I bet the light he gave me cost a good $60 or so. And you know what: It was worth it, IMO. That flashlight kicks some serious flashlight... uh... light.

There is a range of qualities in products. There isn't just two: Cheap and high-end. At one end is the truly high-end stuff. To me, that's $300 and better knives, $200 and better flashlights, Snap-On hand tools, BMW class and above automobiles, etc. At the other end is the truly cheap stuff. The stuff that's so cheap it's shoddy. $5 knives, $2 flashlights, no-name hand-tools from S.E. Asia and Yugo automobiles. In between there is stuff that ranges from "utilitarian, but capable," all the way up to just short of hideously expensive high-end. Somewhere in the middle of that range, trending toward the higher-end, is where I generally shop.

I usually buy the "better" stuff because I can't afford to waste my hard-earned money on cheap junk. The only reason I used to buy inexpensive knives is quite simple: I didn't know any better!

Now I do. And now I'm doomed.

 

[Padawan]

In between there is stuff that ranges from "utilitarian, but capable," all the way up to just short of hideously expensive high-end.

Indeed. One of the points I was attempting to make was that, among some enthusiasts, the "utilitarian, but capable" line as it relates to the needs of the average individual becomes somewhat skewed.

 

[Normark]

Hey Guys..

Interesting topic...

I keep an eye out for EDC'rs, and quite often I run into them..
Whether it shopping, at a movie,,what have you..
If I can I also approach them and ask "What kind of blade you got there? "

8 times out of 10 it'll be a cheap ass piece of crap, the 9th time it's be something decent, Gerber, CRKT, user type knives in the $30-60 range,, then the odd time, I'll come across someone with a really decent knife Spyderco, Benchmade.

The Hunters I meet usually are carrying Bucks, the Odd Gerbers,, however the majority of them carry some pretty shabby blades,, not worthy of cutting an apple let alone skinning a black bear or deer...

Funny how they spend literally thousands of dollars on rifles, clothing and other hunting related items,, only to carry a cheap $10-20 dollar knife..

So basically I'd say for the non BF.com person,, tops spent on knives doesn't seem to exceed $75.00,, at least not with the folks I run into...

ttyle

Eric
O/ST

 

[CUTS LIKE A KRIS]

Normark- I do the same thing- but the only knives I have ever seen people on the street carry have been Gerber (rare) and Kershaw and CRKT. No cheapies from anybody (besides one dumb cousin)- but maybe it is the Alberta Advantage that allow one to afford better knives!!