"I've done some research, but other than the fact the INFI is supposed to be a superhuman steel, I can't figure out why these knives cost as much as they do."
There are lots of reasons. On the demand side of the equation:
Some people think it is realistic that a knife's reliability when used hard in extenuating circumstances may be a matter of life and death for them, some day. Some of these people think that Busse knives are the most reliable that they are aware of and have been able to find. And some of these people are willing to pay a premium for the most reliable knives, to have the best "life insurance" available. (I happen to be one of these people.)
Some people place a high value on an unconditional, transferable, lifetime warranty. Besides the obvious fact that it means you get replacements or repairs of damaged goods, it also can show that the maker trusts the product's ability to withstand as broad of a scope of use as the purchaser may choose to perform--trusts this enough to put his money where his mouth is. It can also show that the maker trusts the purchaser, and is willing to be honest in his dealings. (I happen to be one of these people, too.)
Some people consider it important to have a personal relationship with a maker who is trustworthy and accountable--someone who will personally discuss options with you and guide you through the process of getting what is right for you, someone who will call you up to make sure that the product meets your satisfaction, someone who will personally expedite making things right when issues arise--and someone whose product you can utterly trust because you trust him personally, because he's earned your friendship as well as your business. (I happen to be one of these people, as well.)
Some uncompromising people simply like to have the best, and are willing to pay a high premium for the privelege. Those who demand the best and think Busses are the best don't balk at the prices Busses fetch. (In some areas, this describes me, too.)
Some people enjoy collecting beautiful, rare--or even unique--collectibles, and are willing to pay for the privelege. For many, Busse knives are a satisfying area for collecting.
Some people like investing in a commodity which, historically, has held its value well, or even increased over time. Busse knives are such a commodity.
The Busse Combat Knives Team has the business know-how to drum up demand, even at moderately steep prices. (They're actually not that expensive, in comparison to their closest functional competitiors.) And, generally speaking, the cost is what the market will bear.
I'm sure there are plenty of other demand-side reasons, too, but I'm getting too tired to think about it.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On the supply side of the price equation:
Designing and creating your own steel from scratch--the steel with the best combination of hardness, toughness, and strength on the market (for its intended use)--is a lengthy and expensive undertaking. It is reasonable to demand compensation for this.
Researching and performing the most extensive heat treatment and cryogenic treatment on the market isn't cheap, either.
Making every knife by hand in a shop (as opposed to entirely by machines, in a factory) costs, too.
Testing every knife is another significant expense.
Offering various associated services, such as free resharpenings, also adds to the purchase price.
And, yup, he probably makes a tidy profit. I don't begrudge him this; I hope he does. He's continually pushed the limits, innovated, in material design, blade design, functionality, textures, aesthetics, etc. He's made sure to stay personally accessible to his customers. He's donated huge numbers of blades to soldiers, and been a generous supporter of good causes. He's put in the time, effort, and money to make uncompromisingly the best product he can make, and the best product I can get. He deserves his fair share.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Does all this mean that his knives are worth the price? Value is an individual thing, and I won't presume to make that determination for you. I'll just say that they're worth it to me.
--Mike
P.S. It might be hard to imagine or accept that Busse knives perform as described. As has been said, earlier, you have to try one, yourself, to properly appreciate it. Gundy has graciously offered to buy it off you, if you regret it... so you have nothing to lose.
Welcome to our little corner of the web. In responding to your question of price there is literally nothing anyone can say. We could sit here and give example after example, opinion after opinion, and finally fact after fact. To be honest, none of this will give you or any other person the smallest hint of why we love Busse knives. Why? Simple....YOU have to handle one. Some of us use Busses on a daily basis, and some of us (me included) primarily collect them. No matter what side of the table people come from we've all found something special about Busse knives that appeals to us.
