Are extremely expensive knives also extremely good?

[DeadPineKnives]

I think that a $10 Mora will do the same thing as a $1000 Loveless-style knife. But one will have better steel, better edge retention, better fit and finish, higher quality handle materials, a better sheath and better working qualities. However, that isn't what makes the knife $1000, it's the cost of materials, cost of labor and, if the maker believes it necessary, a surcharge for the popularity of his name--which becomes more egregious the more popular he is.

When you buy an expensive knife, most times you will get a better knife, but you're not just paying for a better knife, you're paying a man for his labor rather than contributing to the profit margins of an automated factory--not that there's anything wrong with that. I like Mora.

I guess it all comes down to what you want, whether you think it's worth it and whether you give a shit.

Plus, there's good knives and shitty knives at any price point, which makes things... easier and more complicated at the same time. It's sort of a common theme, buying a $300 knife that ends up being a piece of absolute shit but then buying one for $200 from an individual maker that's all you ever dreamed of, but then buying a $20 knife that kicks all their asses. Rinse and repeat.

When you buy a fancy knife it's because you want it, not because you need it. But thankfully we live in a world where at least some of us have enough money to have what we want.

 

[luethge]

Harbor Freight $13 poor man’s Elvia - cuts like laser



Spartan Harsey DLC $485 - $550 ish depending on dealer - Cuts well once you put the edge angle in its place.

Both serve a purpose, both are loved and used.. whatever is being cut can’t tell the difference. I love the SHF though.. to me it’s been worth the price after some years of carry.

 

[EatingSarma]

I recall you spouted a lot of nonsen shared opinions in this same manner back when you were posting a few years ago. If inexpensive knives are all you need or want, good for you. Many of us want or need better, and your thinly veiled insinuations aren't going to go unchallenged, bud. Now, I'm betting that you hardly use your knives, which is why spending more for nice knives seems like a foreign concept. If you've never seen "these dudes" using their knives, then that's because you aren't paying attention. Enjoy your Izula and Recon 1 tanto.

The most amusing part of this sob story was in thinking CRKs or Benchmades are "extremely expensive."

Chill out my dude. I just asked what's the deal The fact that you feel called out by it speaks something.

You may believe that I use or don't use my knives, makes no difference to me.
But you cannot tell me that dudes who still have factory edge after over 6 months actually use those things.
Like the guy opening box with his house key while he has Benchmade in his pocket. I'm sure he's a hard user

And yes, Benchmade and CRK are expensive. Even by this forum's standards I'd say. Benchmades cost 300+€ on average here in Europe. CRK goes for 500-700€ on average.
I do see appeal of CRK and what you're getting for that money, but you're getting ripped off by Benchmade IMO.

So, tell me why do you need 500$+ knife for?

 

[EatingSarma]

I think that a $10 Mora will do the same thing as a $1000 Loveless-style knife. But one will have better steel, better edge retention, better fit and finish, higher quality handle materials, a better sheath and better working qualities. However, that isn't what makes the knife $1000, it's the cost of materials, cost of labor and, if the maker believes it necessary, a surcharge for the popularity of his name--which becomes more egregious the more popular he is.

When you buy an expensive knife, most times you will get a better knife, but you're not just paying for a better knife, you're paying a man for his labor rather than contributing to the profit margins of an automated factory--not that there's anything wrong with that. I like Mora.

I guess it all comes down to what you want, whether you think it's worth it and whether you give a shit.

Plus, there's good knives and shitty knives at any price point, which makes things... easier and more complicated at the same time. It's sort of a common theme, buying a $300 knife that ends up being a piece of absolute shit but then buying one for $200 from an individual maker that's all you ever dreamed of, but then buying a $20 knife that kicks all their asses. Rinse and repeat.

When you buy a fancy knife it's because you want it, not because you need it. But thankfully we live in a world where at least some of us have enough money to have what we want.

This sums it up for me. Thanks man.

 

[DangerZone98]

One last thing. I’m gonna play Captain Obvious here and point out the rising levels of sass and snark in this thread. People don’t like it when you’re dismissive of their hobby at the onset.

In your opening post, it’s like you’re saying what’s the need for honor students when students with average grades get through school just fine? The parents of honor students here won’t like that very much I imagine.

 

[Drop bear]

I do at some stage want a magnacut knife. Just so I never have to worry about it rusting. Which for my high end survival fantasies of trudging through flood waters for days. Seems like the smart choice.

Which is an expensive option.

I suppose when I do. I can come back on this thread and be like high end knives are the bestest or high end knives are meh.

 

[DocJD]

ESEE Izula and Recon1 tanto are what I usually carry. I haven't bought a knife in years until recently and I never felt like I need anything better. I know these 2 knives are nothing special but they work for me.

I met several CRK or Benchmade fans over the years who were basically putting their Inkosi and Osborne and what not into my face while insisting that I absolutely need one...

What's the deal? I've seen and held these knives and they are nothing special IMO. Some Benchmade models even feel like toys.
CRK guys kept going on how easy it is to disasemble their knives... why would I do that?

Is there any real benefit for something so expensive? I don't care about titanium handle and I don't care about flipping as I simply won't flip my knife... I just want it to cut. I have a friend who is perfectly happy with his D2 Ontario Rat and uses it more than I use my knives.

Also, I've never seen these dudes actually use their knives for anything, fair share still have factory edges, and I've seen one use keys to open something while his knife is safely tucked in his pocket...

What's the real deal here?

I both agree and disagree .

For many here , knives are a hobby , not just a cutting tool .

On a strictly functional , tool for cutting basis , IMO , very expensive is probably not necessary . IMO .

But the hobby / enthusiast is typically seeking something beyond purely everyday practical function .

There are also those that might want, &/or need , knives that exceed normal levels of performance , or special styling .

 

[EatingSarma]

One last thing. I’m gonna play Captain Obvious here and point out the rising levels of sass and snark in this thread. People don’t like it when you’re dismissive of their hobby at the onset.

In your opening post, it’s like you’re saying what’s the need for honor students when students with average grades get through school just fine? The parents of honor students here won’t like that very much I imagine.

Yeah, I see your point on this. I did not dismiss a hobby. I didn't even mention that I told 2 of these dudes I spoke about to leave me alone as I got annoyed by their continuous persuasion to spend as much as they did.

But let's be real, comparing diet or personal hygiene to something like a choice of a cutting tool is a snark remark.

There's plenty of respectful comments on here who do give clear answer, or say things from their perspective and I appreciate them.

I wasn't on here for last few years and I wasn't really buying or even looking at knives, so I kinda "fell out of this" rabbit hole for a while.

 

[norcalAF]

Chill out my dude. I just asked what's the deal The fact that you feel called out by it speaks something.

You may believe that I use or don't use my knives, makes no difference to me.
But you cannot tell me that dudes who still have factory edge after over 6 months actually use those things.
Like the guy opening box with his house key while he has Benchmade in his pocket. I'm sure he's a hard user

And yes, Benchmade and CRK are expensive. Even by this forum's standards I'd say. Benchmades cost 300+€ on average here in Europe. CRK goes for 500-700€ on average.
I do see appeal of CRK and what you're getting for that money, but you're getting ripped off by Benchmade IMO.

So, tell me why do you need 500$+ knife for?

I have several knives that have the factory edge, what is wrong with that? I strop them frequently and dang I would hate to pay European prices for these somehow not that much better American made knives!

 

[David Mary]

comparing diet or personal hygiene to something like a choice of a cutting tool is a snark remark

It isn't inherently snarky or disrespectful to make analogies. But nobody else can control how you see it, or how you choose to react to it.

 

[DocJD]

Yeah, I see your point on this. I did not dismiss a hobby. I didn't even mention that I told 2 of these dudes I spoke about to leave me alone as I got annoyed by their continuous persuasion to spend as much as they did.

But let's be real, comparing diet or personal hygiene to something like a choice of a cutting tool is a snark remark.

There's plenty of respectful comments on here who do give clear answer, or say things from their perspective and I appreciate them.

I wasn't on here for last few years and I wasn't really buying or even looking at knives, so I kinda "fell out of this" rabbit hole for a while.

I'm pretty much a cheapskate , but I do have few that , compared to my normal budget , are relatively expensive .

But they give me much pleasure and satisfaction , far beyond their cost .

I think, either you can understand that , or not .

 

[EatingSarma]

It isn't inherently snarky or disrespectful to make analogies. But nobody else can control how you see it, or how you choose to react to it.

Also true. But I don't mind it even if it is, which is why I ignored it for most part.

 

[David Mary]

The first post in this thread does come across dismissive. Maybe it's now how you meant it, but it can be easily read as a dig against people who own those types of knives, which would not surprsingly bristle some hairs. If you were to close the thread now E EatingSarma , the question would stand already answered pretty comprehensively by a number of members.

 

[DeadPineKnives]

This sums it up for me. Thanks man.

I'm glad that was actually helpful!

 

[ferider]

Is there any real benefit for something so expensive?

“Be a Man … buy the knife, $34.50 !”

 

[Arathol]

ESEE Izula and Recon1 tanto are what I usually carry. I haven't bought a knife in years until recently and I never felt like I need anything better. I know these 2 knives are nothing special but they work for me.

I met several CRK or Benchmade fans over the years who were basically putting their Inkosi and Osborne and what not into my face while insisting that I absolutely need one...

What's the deal? I've seen and held these knives and they are nothing special IMO. Some Benchmade models even feel like toys.
CRK guys kept going on how easy it is to disasemble their knives... why would I do that?

Is there any real benefit for something so expensive? I don't care about titanium handle and I don't care about flipping as I simply won't flip my knife... I just want it to cut. I have a friend who is perfectly happy with his D2 Ontario Rat and uses it more than I use my knives.

Also, I've never seen these dudes actually use their knives for anything, fair share still have factory edges, and I've seen one use keys to open something while his knife is safely tucked in his pocket...

What's the real deal here?

A lot of it is the lookitmee factor. Some people just need to have the most expensivest shiny object thats currently in favor, and need to show everybody that they have it. They also convince themselves that their knife has to be the best to justify spending that kind of money on it, but God forbid it gets dirty or show signs of use, because that would devalue it when it comes time to sell to fund the next shiny object......
I have a Sebenza, I've had it sine 1997. I carried it a bit but I found that the Spyderco Military and C44 Dyad were better, and I carried those for many years. My EDC for the past 3 years or so is a Daggerr Sting. The Sebenza is in its box in the lockup where its been for years.
The only Benchmade I ever really liked was the AFCK from years ago. Probably one of the best they ever made. I have an Elishewitz Ares 730 bought new years ago, its ok but thats about it. Again, the Spydercos won out.
I've got a number of "expensive" fixed blade knives from makers like Randall, Ruana, Winkler, Jelio etc, but more often than not I grab a small Frost Mora #1 to cut stuff. Its an older inexpensive knife, but it cuts as well as anything......

 

[4:20ChopChop]

Here you go.

S

Thread 'What did you use your sebenza for today?'

Jul 30, 2016

Either I'm crazy, or tapatalk is playing tricks on me. I thought there was a thread about this topic, but went back to June and couldn't find it. Anyways, it would be nice to see what you all do with your sebenzas daily. I'll start.

Cutting grapes up for my iguana this morning.

• SuzukiGS750EZ
• Replies: 1,631
• Forum: Chris Reeve Knives

• 

Will your

Here you go.

S

Thread 'What did you use your sebenza for today?'

Jul 30, 2016

Either I'm crazy, or tapatalk is playing tricks on me. I thought there was a thread about this topic, but went back to June and couldn't find it. Anyways, it would be nice to see what you all do with your sebenzas daily. I'll start.

Cutting grapes up for my iguana this morning.

• SuzukiGS750EZ
• Replies: 1,631
• Forum: Chris Reeve Knives

• 

Will your iguana go on a hunger strike if you use a budget blade in lieu of your CRK to cut its grapes

 

[norcalAF]

A lot of it is the lookitmee factor. Some people just need to have the most expensivest shiny object thats currently in favor, and need to show everybody that they have it. They also convince themselves that their knife has to be the best to justify spending that kind of money on it, but God forbid it gets dirty or show signs of use, because that would devalue it when it comes time to sell to fund the next shiny object......
I have a Sebenza, I've had it sine 1997. I carried it a bit but I found that the Spyderco Military and C44 Dyad were better, and I carried those for many years. My EDC for the past 3 years or so is a Daggerr Sting. The Sebenza is in its box in the lockup where its been for years.
The only Benchmade I ever really liked was the AFCK from years ago. Probably one of the best they ever made. I have an Elishewitz Ares 730 bought new years ago, its ok but thats about it. Again, the Spydercos won out.
I've got a number of "expensive" fixed blade knives from makers like Randall, Ruana, Winkler, Jelio etc, but more often than not I grab a small Frost Mora #1 to cut stuff. Its an older inexpensive knife, but it cuts as well as anything......

I agree with you, it's a look at me factor. But the me is the blade not the person. Hardly anyone sees that I have a blade, but I know and I like to grin when I pull it out, and say look at you!

 

[Bing Gao]

usually yes because something has to justify the price. It’s got to be good at something. Maybe (most likely) good looking

 

[Ajack60]

Once you realize there’s a difference between Harbor Freight tools and Milwaukee (my personal choice) when used often, then you understand why folks that use their tools most days choose name brands. Harbor Freight has good priced tools if you’re not going to use it very much.
The same goes for knives, you get what you pay for. The really expensive ones like CRK and Benchmade, depending on the task at hand will perform without any issues with the satisfaction of knowing you have a well built knife that is reliable.
So yes, for me it makes a difference knowing I’ve got a well built, quality knife.