buying an expensive knife verse many "cheaper" knives.

[timberweasel]

I almost never feel deprived by that price limit, as there are a huge number of knives in that price range that I like.

:thumbup:

There also seems to be a huge leap in quality and selection in the affordable (say $20-$75) range these days.

 

[BryFry]

This is a tough one. Obviously it can have alot to do with how much disposable income one has. I grew up poor, and could never have afforded the same knives I can now, yet I still cannot afford all the knives I want.

I will say that I think I would rather have many good mid range knives, than only have one or two high priced knives.

When it comes to "buying quality" and getting what you pay for, that can be a little misleading when it comes to knives, since really there are so many good mid to low priced knives that will both look and perform as well or better than most of the high priced blades.

I like variety, so on a limited budget, I would choose to have several good mid range knives for the price of one Sebenza. I could fill several different niches and needs with multiple knives that both look feel and even perform certain tasks better than the one expensive CRK.

.....But that's also partly because the Sebenza simply doesn't appeal to me much. Every now and then I almost give in to the peer pressure of thinking I must not be a true lover of knives if I don't own a Sebenza, or whatever else is popular at the moment. But I've looked at them and handled them and I just don't see it. They just don't do it for me.

When I think about it, I have spent many thousands of dollars on knives to date, but never spent more than $250 on a pocket knife, or more than $550 on a large fixed blade. And I only payed that much for those because they fit a somewhat unique niche for me, and they appealed to me so much I decided they were just worth it to me.

Though if I were to come into more money somehow in the future I would no doubt buy a ton of Busse's, William Henry's, High end customs, and yes I would probably have to buy a Sebenza just to say I had one.

Until then I will enjoy owning and experiencing the vast variety of blades that I have been able to afford. :thumbup:

 

[michaelm466]

for me, I like quality, but after a certain amount of money, you're not getting as much in return, like say between a para and a sebenza you'll pay 4x more but get IMO 5% more in tolerances, though I prefer the higher hrc of spyderco's S30V compared to CRK. While I'd rather have my S90V para 2 + BM 805 TSEK M390 (for slightly less money) than a sebenza, I'd rather have a regular para 2 than 100's or even 1000's of Sanrenmu's, smith and wessons, or what ever other gas station knives in the $5-10 range.

 

[stabman]

Granted, not everyone who buys expensive knives is a snob ,but there does seem to be a mindset, among many on this forum, that more affordable knives,[ and of course the word "affordable" is relative] aren't worth buying. Currently my self imposed price limit is $300.00 per knife, and I've only twice been close to that limit. I almost never feel deprived by that price limit, as there are a huge number of knives in that price range that I like.

I remember when $150 was ALOT of money for a knife.
Then I bought a $200 knife, and for a long time that was the highest I could see spending.
After acquiring the more expensive ones though, like in the $400-$500 region, $200 is about the price point of the cheapest knives I enjoy...but there are exceptions. I REALLY like my full tang Condor Golok machete.
It's about the quality for me. If I could find a knife which was cheaper but had the ergos, steel, and everything else I like about the more expensive ones I'd get it for sure.
But that seems to happen rather rarely it seems.

But at a $300 limit, there certainly are alot of quality knives to choose from.
But try telling most people that $300 for a knife is a reasonable price!

 

[Ankerson]

I remember when $150 was ALOT of money for a knife.
Then I bought a $200 knife, and for a long time that was the highest I could see spending.
After acquiring the more expensive ones though, like in the $400-$500 region, $200 is about the price point of the cheapest knives I enjoy...but there are exceptions. I REALLY like my full tang Condor Golok machete.
It's about the quality for me. If I could find a knife which was cheaper but had the ergos, steel, and everything else I like about the more expensive ones I'd get it for sure.
But that seems to happen rather rarely it seems.

But at a $300 limit, there certainly are alot of quality knives to choose from.
But try telling most people that $300 for a knife is a reasonable price!

I still remember the time I was showing a friend my old SmF CC and he was really liking it a lot, then he asked how much one costs....

I thought he was going to pass out.

 

[stabman]

I still remember the time I was showing a friend my old SmF CC and he was really liking it a lot, then he asked how much one costs....

I thought he was going to pass out.

No doubt.

But one advantage I've found is that when people find out that the knife cost $400 or more, they no longer think you're gonna go around shankin folks with it.:thumbup:

 

[Ankerson]

No doubt.

But one advantage I've found is that when people find out that the knife cost $400 or more, they no longer think you're gonna go around shankin folks with it.:thumbup:

What little they know, that's one of the best folders just for that purpose.

But yeah I know what you mean.

 

[BikerTrash]

This is a tough one. Obviously it can have alot to do with how much disposable income one has. I grew up poor, and could never have afforded the same knives I can now, yet I still cannot afford all the knives I want.

I will say that I think I would rather have many good mid range knives, than only have one or two high priced knives.

When it comes to "buying quality" and getting what you pay for, that can be a little misleading when it comes to knives, since really there are so many good mid to low priced knives that will both look and perform as well or better than most of the high priced blades.

I like variety, so on a limited budget, I would choose to have several good mid range knives for the price of one Sebenza. I could fill several different niches and needs with multiple knives that both look feel and even perform certain tasks better than the one expensive CRK.

.....But that's also partly because the Sebenza simply doesn't appeal to me much. Every now and then I almost give in to the peer pressure of thinking I must not be a true lover of knives if I don't own a Sebenza, or whatever else is popular at the moment. But I've looked at them and handled them and I just don't see it. They just don't do it for me.

When I think about it, I have spent many thousands of dollars on knives to date, but never spent more than $250 on a pocket knife, or more than $550 on a large fixed blade. And I only payed that much for those because they fit a somewhat unique niche for me, and they appealed to me so much I decided they were just worth it to me.

Though if I were to come into more money somehow in the future I would no doubt buy a ton of Busse's, William Henry's, High end customs, and yes I would probably have to buy a Sebenza just to say I had one.

Until then I will enjoy owning and experiencing the vast variety of blades that I have been able to afford. :thumbup:

I am glad I am not the only one, but I do like the Umnumzaan.

 

[Sargeslide]

I have both, but my EDC is a ZT 200. Inexpensive, good knives are never, ever over looked! I have gerbers, cold steel, and others that have been EDC. I carried a Gerber Firestorm, for a few years, one I still like every once in awhile is an old Gerber Parabellum. A CS Rajah III is a great one also. However, one of my fav EDC's was a Master, serrated, hookblade I got at a flea market for %7.00, about 28 years ago. I have put that thing thru hell and it still is with me. I have used it for everything (within reason), and still like to carry it once in awhile. Best linerlock, other than my ZT, ever! So, I never turn my nose up at an inexpensive blade, you might pass on something really good

 

[foxx]

I see a valued point to both. I feel that my cheaper knives can save hard use wear and tear on my expensive blades. For example, my previous job required lots of dirty, harsh, cutting and prying. A $30 Boker Cop Tool was the best thing for the job, and a razor blade knife.
Cutting up a tree root, grab my $20 Ontario 12" machete, instead of my $220 Custom chopper. I use the chopper hard, but it's for camping, not bashing into dirt, rocks, roots, etc...
I like fixed blades, they are cheaper than lots of folders, and are stronger, no hinges. I can be hard on a Becker BK-2 and not worry too much about it, they sell for $65, a great value knife. I'm much nicer to my Fiddleback Forge's and Bark River's, just because of price I guess.
Point is, like a car, your daily driver keeps the sports car nice for the weekends.

 

[Folderguy]

Expensive doesn't necessarily mean "the one" for you. My XM-18, Sebenza, Galyean Pro Turbulence, and Lionsteel SR-1 all get less carry time than my Benchmade 581 Barrage. Ergonomics and steel are more important considerations than the price tag.

That being said, I'm thinking a true custom knife made to my exact specifications would be better than all the rest.

Very interesting idea. As it turns out, I used to think that too. And I had a custom knife made for me, but I don't use it. It's a beautiful knife, but FWIW, I don't really want to treat it like I do my others. Here's a pic:

If I compare the satisfaction and pride of ownership of that Eddie White with the popcorn stag scales to my customized KaBars, there's simply no comparison. I not only really like the KaBars, I use them too. And one of my KaBars poked me, bit me, and drew a few drops of blood. The other one bit me badly when I foolishly practiced flipping it with two razor sharp edges. That knife gets a lot of respect from me now.

The joy of ownership of those awesome tools along with their appearance and their toughness just speaks to me.

The Eddie White is worth way more than the other two knifes together. It's truly a one of a kind.

So, in the end, do what you think is best, go where your heart leads you...

 

[knivesngear]

while those knives are cheap in price that you bought they are not cheap in overall quality. If you bought some no-name $10 knife and felt that you got a good deal then your wrong, but you can't go wrong in my opinion if you are buying a knife from known companies with a good rep, for a bit of a cheaper price. Just look at some of the classics such as the buck 110 for around $30-$40, and some Victorinox Swiss Army's for around $20.00. Those knives are awesome in my opinion and get the job done and they are not expensive at all.

-kng

 

[SurpriseGoat]

I think the easiest answer to this question has to do with were you are in your collecting phase. I think that if you have only been collecting for a little while then you should be buying mid priced knives and trying to really determine what you like and will keep or build your collection with. Just try to buy as much quality as you can afford. Basically i think you work up to CRK and Busse, (among others) and if you never owned some of the "lesser" knives, how would you even compare the two? How many here have watched a non-knife person look past a expensive knife in your collection to grab that "flashy" knife your not really that proud of owning? ; ) However, if you are past the accumulating stage of collecting, and have entered the refining stage, then you have reached that point were you will appreicate a custom knife and by all means should spend the most you can afford to get what you want...of course in this stage you will probably also be selling off some of your original collection as you whittle down your collection to what you KNOW you will keep or pass down to your kids.

Just my humble opinon!

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

I'm in the refining stage now, but find myself buying LESS expensive knives than I did during my collecting phase! Guess it's the thrifty Mainer spirit in my blood.

What gets me excited there days is a solidly built knife that performs well, doesn't cost an arm and a leg, and isn't overly glitzed up. I want to be buying the functionality of the knife--not the pretty bells and whistles. And you know what? There's a unique beauty to tools like that. Just look at any antique axe, screwdriver, pocket knife, hammer, or what have you. Simple, but elegant in a way that's more satisfying to me than anything more ornamental.

 

[jackman2]

I want to be buying the functionality of the knife--not the pretty bells and whistles. And you know what? There's a unique beauty to tools like that. Just look at any antique axe, screwdriver, pocket knife, hammer, or what have you. Simple, but elegant in a way that's more satisfying to me than anything more ornamental.

Haha. That's exactly why I love my Sebenza. Expensive, but it is all I ever carry any more. Awesome knife.

 

[jerm03]

Most of us have a particular thing that the ownership of it brings joy just to look at and admire it. Some like fine guns or cars. Others like knives.
I cannot honestly think of anything that I want to own just to own and admire it.
It depends upon the use and whether or not it is a "pride of ownership" emotion that drives your choices. The fine workmanship and art of a fine knife is not unimportant.

In my own case many years ago I read and heard of hunting knives that would clean and skin several big game animals and still shave the hair on your arm. I bought knives by Morseth, Randall, Lile, and Ruana. I also bought commercial knives that were claimed to hold an edge for a long time. Sadly none lived up to the claims and hype.
Accordingly, I settled on a large two bladed Camillus hunting folder for my big game knife. It held an edge well, but I always carried a small stone or small steel to touch up the edge when working on an animal.

At this point in my life when money is no object to most things I desire I find that I am after utility, and not "pride of ownership." So although I have some good knives purchased years ago, I am carrying two Chinese knives. In my pocket is a Boker Magnum medium stockman, and clipped on is a Kershaw OSO Sweet. Both suit my purpose, and I like them.
I cannot imagine what I would need that a similar knife that cost several hundred dollars would do better.

I do not carry a knife for SD except in the case of an unexpected attack by a dog that I do not want to shoot if possible. As for a knife fight that is out of the question for me.

I am not always sure what EDC means as to use. I almost get the impression that to many it means for self defense. Fortunately here in Southern NM I don't have to limit my SD to a knife if that is what an EDC is.

So my own view is to get what pleases you in the way of workmanship, art, and utility. If you must have a $300 - $500 knife to be content then go for it. As for me I think my Sanrenmu 710, Rough Riders, and Kershaw OSO Sweet do everything I need or want to do. A knife in my safe or in a display case does not do anything for me.

Regards,
Jerry

 

[stabman]

I am not always sure what EDC means as to use. I almost get the impression that to many it means for self defense.

Not for most.
Just means every day carry, which hopefully translates into every day USE as well.
If I carried mainly for self-defense, I'd get no use out of my knives, because all the alley ninjas have been run out of town!

 

[Thalestin]

Granted, not everyone who buys expensive knives is a snob ,but there does seem to be a mindset, among many on this forum, that more affordable knives,[ and of course the word "affordable" is relative] aren't worth buying. Currently my self imposed price limit is $300.00 per knife, and I've only twice been close to that limit. I almost never feel deprived by that price limit, as there are a huge number of knives in that price range that I like.

I really don't agree with this. I find it's usually the opposite way around. There are many here on the forums that enjoy higher price tag knives and most respect the blades put out by spyderco, bm etc etc. (most of us have a lot of these knives anyways). However, I tend to find those that prefer to stick to knives that are less costly kind of create a kind of their own type of snobery. They often remark when a high end blade is posted that is unmarked for example even though most pictures on these forums (including low cost knives) are perfect condition knives. What im trying to say is that all knives are cool tools and I think people on these forums need to try to remember we all share a common interest and try to respect that rather than pick a fight

 

[Ch33no]

I'v never had a knife that I didn't misplace or have slip out of my pocket. Somehow they almost always turn up, but that would be a little harder to go through with a $400 piece..... If I do buy a CRK it will be a damascus, wood inlay safe queen. At work I carry a kershaw oso sweet. The blade chipped a little, not crazy about the edge retention, or the pocket clip, but it has assisted opening, it's pretty light ,and a great warranty(so I hear).Chinese made ,but only $20. When I'm off I usually reach for my BM mini barrage @ $85 Better edge retention, Also assisted (only better) , strong axis lock (better), nicer clip, heard they too have a great warranty, and American made(Best).But 4x as much. At the end of the day it's very subjective. Find one you like, and do little research to make sure it doesn't have any major malfunctions. That's what I do.

 

[HotSteel]

What works for me is to buy less expensive knives first. Later I'll have a better idea of what I want in a more expensive knife.