Does more $ mean better?

C

CReynolds

Joined
Jun 8, 2001
Messages
5
Hello all:

I am looking for a good fixed blade fighting knife. I have seen some that are in the high hundreds and other that are just about one hundred. So what gives? I am looking for pure functionality for this knife, looks are not important. Are there certain features in a knife that just don't come cheap, such as the grip and blade material? Please, somebody educate me!

Coley
 
Just like everything in life, there are some less expensive items that will perform great, and there are some that are overpriced for free. Aditionally, there are some features, like premium steels, that are unobtainable without paying a premium price. Finally, there are some tasks that are best suited to a particular feature set, which may or may not be expensive to find, or could go either way.

Your best bet is to find a few you like, and then ask about them. Or you could describe the exact features you are looking for, and your specific uses and tastes, and let the membership here make some suggestions about how to suit your needs in the most cost effective manner.

Your question as asked is very general, and while it will certainly produce some strong opinions, I think that your ultimate question will probably be better answered if you make it more specific.
 
Often, more money does mean better. Better materials (CPM steels vs. 1095). Better design (cuts better, is stronger). Better warranty (Busse and Strider spring to mind). And finally better fit and finish. The question is, what will you be using this knife for? If you really want a pure fighter, something like a Bagwell Hell's Belle will run you $1000 or more. You can get an Ontario-made version of the Hell's Belle for under $200. No, it's not as well-made, or nicely finished, but given your budget and needs it might fit the bill a little better for a fighter. Give some thoughts as to what your needs are (stain resistance vs. edge-holding vs. ease of sharpening), what your prefences are (bowies, tantos, etc.), and what you can legally carry in your area (or are willing to try to get away with), and ask for some suggestions within those narrower criteria. Good luck with your search.
 
Not necessarily. This may piss off some people but here it goes. You don't want a totally cheap knife but I don't see what a $700 knife can do that a $100-$200 knife can't, IMHO. You basically get to the point of diminishing returns, sooner or later. I've bought Cold Steel fixed blades in the sub-$100.00 range and they've all worked real good. It is just up to you to decide which price is right for you. Some steels are better than others depending on the uses, but I've noticed most manufacturers use a good grade of steel for their higher-end knives. However, if you just love the knife at any price then just buy it.

You probably won't be totally satisfied with your first purchase which will give you more reasons to buy more knives!

Furthermore, I don't torture test my knives but I appreciate those that do.
 
In my opinion it goes something like this...

1095 steel Ka Bar or Camillus Ka Bar (less than $50)
Amazing for the cash!

Blades up to $300 very very good the more you spend the better they get in materials and fit.

$300+

Customs and the Busse range.

Busse knives are amazing and customs are, well customs!

I got a 10" Spearpoint custom in CPM 10V teated to Rc58 by Paul Bos for $285, so it can be done.

There are tens of thousands of knives in your range. Far too many to list!
 
In my humble opinion, with any fixed-blade costing more than 350-400.00, you're paying for amenities or rarity.

Loveless' are a prime example (thinking of hunters and not fighters here). I reckon you can pick up one of his drop points for around $1,500.00 somewhere or another, but you can also get the same fit, finish, and functionality out of someone's knife of the same style (copied from Loveless in fact) for under $300.00. On the production end, Fallkniven's even got a version of their F1 that's rivoted with scales available through their website. AG Russell's got a Seki-City-made version as well.

Fighters range in shape, size, etc. and have traditional and modern interpretations. Greg Lightfoot's got modern fixed fighters that are the pinnacle of what I'd be willing to spend for a knife that's gonna see some use.

Cost does not equate to functionality in many cases. Enough rambling. There are many takes on your question, and input here is usually from experience. Let's see what others have to say...

Professor.
 
Try to buy what you want/need "used"...That way you can usually get more than "your money's worth".:).
 
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