As a owner of some fine firearms, I have asked myself this question many times... and I have come up with the answer of: you pay for what you get. If you are setting up your Kit, you want the best Danner boots $229, a well made vest blackhawk, Arktis, Eagle, $150-$400, your weapon will be anywhere between $1,500 for an AR decked out with ACOG, rails, surefire, laser, etc up to an FN, Steyr, Springfield, again, $2,000 or more depending on sighting system extra mags etc.. Well, your knife is part of your kit as well. Not that you have to go HOG wild and buy a bunch, I started out in 98 with a Steel heart II, Badger attack and a Mean street, which took care of all my tactical needs, eventually picked up a Battle mistress when they first came out, because the other Busses were so indestructable.. Now, I've just become addicted to these knives and just having them in my hands... They will never go down in Value like your weapon, and they are an extremely functional part of your kit whether tactical, backpacking, general outdoors use, catch myself even getting one for kitchen duty every once in a while. they just grow on you. I used to argue with myself over spending $2,500 on a Safe, until I had a break in back in 88, then I figured it was about the cost of one of my FNs or Steyr Augs, and bought 2. So, yes, Busses are expensive, but well worth the money if your life ever depended upon an edged weapon to build a shelter, dig out a hole, build a raft, hack out an LZ or use as a weapon.. You don't have to buy a bunch, but definately get one.. If you did not get an ASH1, you've missed an incredible blade. they still have the skinny at the store. Good luck, you won't go wrong with these knives. Fortunately, they are not trying to ban knives yet from us. (If you don't have a good AR yet at all or similar piece, yes, buy it first "remember never bring a knife to a gunfight" but if you already have some, then it's time to upgrade your kit and get a lifetime blade....whew, rambling tonight!"
J/K. LOL!!!
