I need some feedback please. I’m looking at my first and probably only higher dollar knives. I have some great knives in the $100-$300 range and want one high dollar knive to keep, carry and use. I’m looking at the Norseman, the Arius and some type of Shirogorov. Any opinions on these three, one vs the others? Or any other suggestions? I’m looking used in the $700-$800 range. I’d really like a Holt Haptic, but I probably couldn’t find one and I’d have to move some other knife to get there. So, what are your thoughts?
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High dollar help
- Thread starter gpo1956
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CyberRacer
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You start playing in that sandbox, and one is never enough. 
All three are fine choices, but might help to know a bit more about your personal preferences (size, blade style, etc, etc.)
All three are fine choices, but might help to know a bit more about your personal preferences (size, blade style, etc, etc.)
I like 3”-3.5” blades, not really particular about shape, but I tend to like drop point, reverse tanto or sheep’s foot. The blade is my one concern about the Norseman. If it’s practical and I think I could maintain the edge, then even that one wouldn’t be too much of a con.
CyberRacer
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I think the Norseman is going to be outside your size range. I forget the exact length, but it is a big knife. The Arius is exceptional, but very hard to find. You might want to wait on that since I think I heard that Koenig is doing a sized down version at some point.
That leaves Shiro. As far as I'm concerned this is one of the most refined production blades on the planet. If you're looking for a good EDC size, the Neon line is great and pretty reasonable especially in Elmax. They are generally in stock at Recon 1.
Truth be told I don't think you could go wrong with any of these. I own all three and and have not been disappointed. Good luck to you!
That leaves Shiro. As far as I'm concerned this is one of the most refined production blades on the planet. If you're looking for a good EDC size, the Neon line is great and pretty reasonable especially in Elmax. They are generally in stock at Recon 1.
Truth be told I don't think you could go wrong with any of these. I own all three and and have not been disappointed. Good luck to you!
I just sold a couple of Hinderers. The 3” was a little small for me, although a nonflipper might be a better feel. I liked the 3.5” size but I really didn’t like the flipper that much and I want something more refined and not quite as hard use for this one.
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My take: for the kind of scratch you are spending, I wouldn't get a mid tech. Custom/handmade all the way.
Take your time and search out the usual suspects, see what's available and where the prices are.
You'll find that in your range, you are still basically in stock design/pattern. Meaning the blades are hand made but stock patterns.
There are smiths that do freehand/customs in your range but you gotta look. Or ask.
US smiths are generally above where you wanna be. The advice to look South African is excellent as most are in your wheelhouse and they do very nice work.
I think for the most part, you'll find a pattern blade, but custom work on the scales.
Everyday, I searched five shops until what I wanted popped up.
Have fun!
Take your time and search out the usual suspects, see what's available and where the prices are.
You'll find that in your range, you are still basically in stock design/pattern. Meaning the blades are hand made but stock patterns.
There are smiths that do freehand/customs in your range but you gotta look. Or ask.
US smiths are generally above where you wanna be. The advice to look South African is excellent as most are in your wheelhouse and they do very nice work.
I think for the most part, you'll find a pattern blade, but custom work on the scales.
Everyday, I searched five shops until what I wanted popped up.
Have fun!
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2007
- Messages
- 3,215
My advice would also be get something custom made.
As for a maker I'd reccommend something from a couple of Euro makers that are not so well known.
My first suggestion would be Martin Annegarn (https://www.maknives.nl/)
He makes a VERY clean folder that (depending on materials and model) can be made within your price range.
My second suggestion would be Alfred Döbner. He's got insanely bad internet presence. But makes amazing folders at VERY competetive prices. And should be able to make you something within your price range as well.
https://www.visitarvika.se/en/do/alfred-dobner-33560 for his contact information do a Google Image search for some examples of his work. There's not a lot of examples online. But it's stunning.
As for a maker I'd reccommend something from a couple of Euro makers that are not so well known.
My first suggestion would be Martin Annegarn (https://www.maknives.nl/)
He makes a VERY clean folder that (depending on materials and model) can be made within your price range.
My second suggestion would be Alfred Döbner. He's got insanely bad internet presence. But makes amazing folders at VERY competetive prices. And should be able to make you something within your price range as well.
https://www.visitarvika.se/en/do/alfred-dobner-33560 for his contact information do a Google Image search for some examples of his work. There's not a lot of examples online. But it's stunning.