Are extremely expensive knives also extremely good?

[Fonedork]

They’re extremely good for selling

 

[chevyrulez1]

I own hundreds of knives, everything from $4 cheap plastic mystery steel Frost folder, to CRK and Hinderer. (Sorry, but thats as high as I go fellas)
At the end of the day, a knife is a sharpened piece of steel with a handle that cuts stuff.
Sometimes I like to carry a cheap functional knife, sometimes I am in the mood to be practical, sometimes I want more capabilities, and sometimes I just want to carry something cool.
We all like knives or else we wouldn't be here, but people have different ways of enjoying the hobby so there really isn't a right or wrong, good or bad, "my way is better" approach. It is all about what they enjoy. You enjoy using your knives and feeling like you have found a good balance of performance and value, and that is cool. Others really want to have something special, and if they have the means then good for them. That is why we work, so we can have things and enjoy them.

 

[Delgadonine]

OP, I think you established a difference between 'need' and 'want'. My Buck 121 is all I need. I just happen to want more.

'Do not confuse consensus with the sense of the truth'-Pope John Paul.

Buy the knives you can, use the knives you own. No one can tell you what you need or want. You have to decide that for yourself.

However! Buy an 'expensive' knife. Try it out. Use it. Increase your own knowledge about the differences, if any; you encounter. Don't be afraid to spoil yourself. Just once.

 

[Dagoth_Blur]

Above a certain price point, it's about "style" rather than "performance".

If what you have performs the jobs you need done, then you have all the performance you need. You might get a kick from having something fancier, or you might not. That call is up to you.

edited to add:
And for me that price point is a little over $100 in 2025.

While I mostly agree with this I would add that it is typically well over 100 (not always but typically) in which you start seeing full convex grinds or even nicely convexed edges on consumer knives. So spending over 100 can certainly improve what potential grind you are getting. Of course you can always do this yourself to some degree but if we are talking about what you get for the money out of the box. Also in fixed blades you start getting mechanical fasteners like loveless and corby bolts rather than pins which I think is an upgrade.

 

[Fonedork]

I did not dismiss a hobby.

Thats exactly what you did, you took a big smelly dump on knife collecting with this post and then you play innocent while tossing in passive aggressive digs at the individual people who don’t like it. You’re not an honest person.

 

[powernoodle]

CRK . . . What's the deal?

Spendy knives like CRK are Man Jewelry, that make the owner feel good. There is nothing wrong with this, of course, and we all like to feel good. But a CRK does not open an Amazon box or cut an apple any better than does a Spyderco Delica. In fact, the CRK doesn't handle the job as well as the Delica, as the Delica opens easier and has a slick, full flat grind.

I own about 5 CRKs, so I consider myself qualified to speak on the subject. An issue arises, though, when CRK lovers start to genuinely believe that their knives cut better than other knives. This is a brain worm. Its objectively false, and there have been many grumpy arguments here over the years on the subject.

So embrace the Man Jewelry if that is what you are into. It's fun for the CRK aficionado. And notice Man Jewelry makes of about 90% of the "here's what I'm carrying" glamour-pic threads. But don't be drawn into the nonsense that $600 cuts better than $89.

 

[EatingSarma]

Spendy knives like CRK are Man Jewelry, that make the owner feel good. There is nothing wrong with this, of course, and we all like to feel good. But a CRK does not open an Amazon box or cut an apple any better than does a Spyderco Delica. In fact, the CRK doesn't handle the job as well as the Delica, as the Delica opens easier and has a slick, full flat grind.

I own about 5 CRKs, so I consider myself qualified to speak on the subject. An issue arises, though, when CRK lovers start to genuinely believe that their knives cut better than other knives. This is a brain worm. Its objectively false, and there have been many grumpy arguments here over the years on the subject.

So embrace the Man Jewelry if that is what you are into. It's fun for the CRK aficionado. And notice Man Jewelry makes of about 90% of the "here's what I'm carrying" glamour-pic threads. But don't be drawn into the nonsense that $600 cuts better than $89.

Thank you. I appreciate a honest answer.

Nothing wrong in spoiling yourself if you can afford it.

 

[XJ-linux]

A thread like this that stays civil would be a welcome change. All I can say is I’m grateful the Dept of Needs doesn’t control the knife hobbyist community, car manufacturing, house building, etc… Life would be boring.

 

[Gary W. Graley]

The old saying goes “The heart wants what the heart wants“
Most times it might not make sense to anyone else, but it’s your choice and that doesn’t mean it has to cost more

One of my favorite videos of a knife is this one but after I bought one it wasn’t made with the best design as it would spring open in my pocket so I returned it, but I would bet that video made a lot of sales for them

Knife quests never seems to end for a great many of us, it’s just a fact of life, the struggle is real and advertising works
G2

 

[DMG]

My brother is an Ivy League grad and approaching average intelligence but he would be better off with a sub $50 knife because he doesn’t care about knives side from when he needs to cut something. He leaves them wherever and doesn’t take care of them. I give him my rejects and old multitools.

A Benchmade or CRK would only cause him guilt and regret when he runs it over with the lawnmower.

 

[Dagoth_Blur]

Spendy knives like CRK are Man Jewelry, that make the owner feel good. There is nothing wrong with this, of course, and we all like to feel good. But a CRK does not open an Amazon box or cut an apple any better than does a Spyderco Delica. In fact, the CRK doesn't handle the job as well as the Delica, as the Delica opens easier and has a slick, full flat grind.

I own about 5 CRKs, so I consider myself qualified to speak on the subject. An issue arises, though, when CRK lovers start to genuinely believe that their knives cut better than other knives. This is a brain worm. Its objectively false, and there have been many grumpy arguments here over the years on the subject.

So embrace the Man Jewelry if that is what you are into. It's fun for the CRK aficionado. And notice Man Jewelry makes of about 90% of the "here's what I'm carrying" glamour-pic threads. But don't be drawn into the nonsense that $600 cuts better than $89.

Comparing a plastic backlock very thin full flat Delica to a sebenza is not the best matchup though. Two totally different knives.

Saying the Delica does fine cutting tasks better is well...expected. It's like holding it against a pickup truck that the coupe handles better on the track. Different intended purpose.

 

[LimpCroissant]

If you were to hand somebody (especially a younger person these days) who doesnt know anything about knives a Sebenza and 100 dollar titanium framelock knife from (whatever company), as long as the 100 dollar knife wasnt a lemon and functioned smoothly, the person probably really couldnt tell the difference in price or quality. Same with a well functioning 50 dollar g10 scaled linerlock compared to a higher end Benchmade or Spyderco g10 scaled linerlock (unless they recognized the name brand). Its the stuff that we learn along the way that really makes things worth it to us to move up in price or not.

I didnt even understand what the term 'fit and finish' meant when I first got into knives, and I still didnt quite get it till I bought my first Sebenza (a small Classic 21 when they were still made) and took a magnifying glass to it. I get a kick out of a knife that's manufactured like a fine watch. To others all that really doesnt matter. Really it's just about exploring the hobby that you're passionate about if you have the means to.

 

[Piddling]

I have been a knife guy since Boy Scouts - 65+ years ago. I read this whole discussion with great interest as I have collected over 300 knives (folders and fixed). I thought the original question was a good one - at least I wanted to hear what honest knife knowledgeable people thought. I read some good answers and some good commentary - and some good “nastiness” - I assume by those that think they have superior knowledge (probably read ‘lot of money” folks) and try to belittle those that are asking sincere questions.

It was/is an honest question. I appreciated those that provided well thought out discussion.

 

[Quiet]

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 don't feel called out. I am wondering at the hypocrisy on display. Why do you need an Izula when a Mora will cut better and it's cheaper? Why are you using a Cold Steel Recon 1 when an Opinel will cut better, and it's also cheaper? I thought you were all about "I don't see the reason for people to spend a bunch of money!" Sooooooo....why did you?

You keep attempting to overlay your opinion and bias on other people, and that's not how that works. Also, I don't recall where you uploaded your credentials. Can you please point me to where your opinion of what "hard use" constitutes was somehow decided as being the fact, or do you not have those credentials handy?

Your "IMO" doesn't serve as any sort of benchmark.

 

[Quiet]

I had large Sebenza in my hand too, and I dislike the handle. I dislike frame locks in general too. Recon1 tanto also has hollow grind and S35VN steel and 0 blade play in any direction (triad lock is solid). And I hope to never need any warranty (shipping to CRK and back would be a bitch)...
So, yeah, Recon1 is far far away from real premium, but it's not in range of $40 knife.

I know how much better and more expensive titanium is than G10, I know how tight CRK tolerances are, how easy it is to disassemble and clean, how they have their own threadlock and other stufff, I've heard all those from them 1000 times now... and I also see their knives in pristine condition, no traces of use, only sharpened at most.
And my knives are banged up.

Recon1 has schratches on blade and dings and some wear on G10 too. Izula's coating is fairly messed up. I can't see myself stab V pattern into tar can and prying it up to make an opening with Sebenza, yet I did that shit with both, Izula and Recon1, I even cut wires with those.

I also use Recon1 in cold weather without any gloves. G10 is warm, would Titanium be the same? I never used or even held Sebenza in cold weather, but titanium is still metal. I like the surface texture of CRK titanium, and I know it's excellent quality. But I'd not use it for such things.

Essentially, every reason you state for liking the Recon 1, could be applied to the Opinel #Pick One.

See, this is the problem with folks attempting to get on their high horse about expensive knives. You aren't the first to make the attempt, and you won't be the last. In every case, there's hypocrisy in evidence, and is the case here as well. Ah well.

It's interesting to me that your metric for "dudes don't use their knives" is people showing pictures of knives here that aren't trashed like yours. Had it ever occurred to you that some of us take care of our nice things?

 

[Quiet]

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.

For what it's worth, Ontario Rat 1.5s in MagnaCut dropped recently and are around. Little over a three inch blade....$90. That's a deal and a half if you're looking to experience the steel.

 

[BigMoney]

I recently bought an ebony handled opinel. An expensive cheap knife. Not sure where that puts me at.

 

[moonpath]

It depends. Some pricier knives I have bought out of the box are very sharp, this is usually the case with spyderco. One large sebenza 31 PJ I bought a few years ago was not that sharp out of the box. I was dissapointed in this. Other CRKs I have bought have been very sharp. It depends. In terms of being better, I would say using a high quality knife in your hand just feels good and conveys confidence.

 

[ferider]

OP, you can ask the same question in other forums, for cloths, guns, watches, cars, trailers, boats, and girlfriends (use FB for that one). The cool thing about knives is that - even the expensive ones - are cheaper than the other stuff.

You're in your twenties. Just wait 10 years and you'll understand better what it's all about - I recommend avoiding the expensive girlfriends and stay with expensive knives instead

 

[jbmonkey]

Essentially, every reason you state for liking the Recon 1, could be applied to the Opinel #Pick One.

See, this is the problem with folks attempting to get on their high horse about expensive knives. You aren't the first to make the attempt, and you won't be the last. In every case, there's hypocrisy in evidence, and is the case here as well. Ah well.

It's interesting to me that your metric for "dudes don't use their knives" is people showing pictures of knives here that aren't trashed like yours. Had it ever occurred to you that some of us take care of our nice things?

everyone should know by now money is for booze and putas.......