High end folders worth it?

XDSteve

XDSteve

Joined
Jul 4, 2012
Messages
283
Ok I'm finally in a position in my life that I can afford nice things. I have a nice collection of mid level folders and am contemplating making a jump up to the CRK, Hinderer, customs etc level . I've never had the opportunity to handle one and there's no where in my area that carries them. Anyways my question is: are they worth the large price jump from the $200ish level that I'm at now? Or do I just keep buying at this level? Thanks in advance for your opinions and advice.
 
I regularly carry a Hinderer and a Curtiss, and IMO they are worth it. The f&f is great, but the solid feel is what really gets me. Only get one if you're really willing to use it though!
 
It's entirely subjective. No one else can tell YOU if buying a more expensive knife would be worth it to YOU. Although some will say yes, and some will say no, depending on their favorite knives and their opinions of need versus want.

About the only advice I could give you is, if you can afford to buy a knife that you are interested in, buy it. And if you don't like it, maybe you can return it (check the company's return policy). Or, sell it.

As for my experience, the most expensive folder I ever purchased cost $300. I was working in a warehouse shipping department at the time, and to tell the truth I could just as easily gotten by with a cheap, work-issued box cutter. But I liked the knife (Bradley Alias), I wanted the knife, and I could afford the knife, so I bought it. That was six years ago and the Bradley is still one of my favorite folders (it's in my pocket as I type this).
 
They're worth it if you think they are.

Practically speaking they won't do anything better than an S110V Spyderco Manix 2, so the only thing you have to answer is, "are they worth that to you?"
 
I carry expensive customs and CRKs daily. To me it's worth it. To you it may mot be. Give it a shot, you'll never know otherwise.
 
XDSteve said:
. . . are they worth the large price jump from the $200ish level that I'm at now? Or do I just keep buying at this level?
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That's a tough one, Steve. There are a lot of really nice knives at the $200 level. In fact, I'd posit that the best-bang-for-the-buck sweet spot occurs at prices ranging from $150 to $200. So you're going to encounter diminishing returns as you climb the price ladder. Having said that, there's nothing quite like having a full custom in your hand. The attention to detail in a custom is something you've got to experience to appreciate. But you haven't peaked on production knives yet, so you may not even know what to look for.

Here's what I'd do if I were you.

I'd buy a CRK Sebenza 21 . . . Large or Small, whichever you prefer. To my way of thinking, the Sebenza is just about at the top of the heap for production knives and easily edges into custom territory, particularly in terms of fit and finish. For me it serves as the barometer against which I judge the quality of every other knife in my collection. And it has served me very well in that capacity.

Enjoy your journey into the world of high end knives. :)
 
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Over the past few months, I've gotten into the higher end production knives, so I have a good few in the ~$200 range. I also, about a month ago, got my first CRK - a Large Sebenza 21. Compared to my production favorites - Spyderco Southard, Caly3.5 ZDP/CF, Gayle Bradley, Benchmade 710, and the other high end productions I've had and handled, I can honestly say the Sebenza is worth it. While on paper it does not offer anything truly special in terms of materials, they are put together just so simply and perfectly. I can't say exactly what it is, for the fit & finish on my high end productions have been pretty much flawless, but there is something just a step above about it. It may be just the knowledge of the extra precision with which it's made, the bank vault lockup you can't quite understand until you feel it in hand, or the finished quality of the materials that are used. Whatever that extra component is, I can now say I understand why so many people like and support CRK. I personally cannot speak for Hinderer or custom makers, but I would wholeheartedly suggest a CRK Sebenza as a first foray into the midtech level of knives. (Keep an eye on the Exchange for these. That's where I got mine, and at a significant discount from what it would have cost from a dealer.)
 
bld522 said:
That's a tough one, Steve. There are a lot of really nice knives at the $200 level. In fact, I'd posit that the best-bang-for-the-buck sweet spot occurs at prices ranging from $150 to $200. So you're going to encounter diminishing returns as you climb the price ladder. Having said that, there's nothing quite like having a full custom in your hand. The attention to detail in a custom is something you've got to experience to appreciate. But you haven't even peaked on production knives yet, so may not know what to look for.

Here's what I'd do if I were you.

I'd buy a CRK Sebenza 21 . . . Large or Small, whichever you prefer. To my way of thinking, the Sebenza is just about at the top of the heap for production knives and easily edges into custom territory, particularly in terms of fit and finish. For me it serves as the barometer against which I judge the quality of every other knife in my collection. And it has served me very well in that capacity.

Enjoy your journey into the world of high end knives. :)
Click to expand...

You took the words right out of my mouth.
 
tchapman414 said:
Over the past few months, I've gotten into the higher end production knives, so I have a good few in the ~$200 range. I also, about a month ago, got my first CRK - a Large Sebenza 21. Compared to my production favorites - Spyderco Southard, Caly3.5 ZDP/CF, Gayle Bradley, Benchmade 710, and the other high end productions I've had and handled, I can honestly say the Sebenza is worth it. While on paper it does not offer anything truly special in terms of materials, they are put together just so simply and perfectly. I can't say exactly what it is, for the fit & finish on my high end productions have been pretty much flawless, but there is something just a step above about it. It may be just the knowledge of the extra precision with which it's made, the bank vault lockup you can't quite understand until you feel it in hand, or the finished quality of the materials that are used. Whatever that extra component is, I can now say I understand why so many people like and support CRK. I personally cannot speak for Hinderer or custom makers, but I would wholeheartedly suggest a CRK Sebenza as a first foray into the midtech level of knives. (Keep an eye on the Exchange for these. That's where I got mine, and at a significant discount from what it would have cost from a dealer.)
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That's the kind of testimonial I was looking for. I think I'm going to take the jump to a large sebenza, thanks so much for your thoughts.
 
XDSteve said:
Ok I'm finally in a position in my life that I can afford nice things. I have a nice collection of mid level folders and am contemplating making a jump up to the CRK, Hinderer, customs etc level . I've never had the opportunity to handle one and there's no where in my area that carries them. Anyways my question is: are they worth the large price jump from the $200ish level that I'm at now? Or do I just keep buying at this level? Thanks in advance for your opinions and advice.
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This is going to sound harsher than I intend it to and please know, that zero offense is meant. Honestly.

IMO, the price of your knife should be roughly proportional to the price of your car, watch, pen, shoes and shirt.

In "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance", Pirsig said that quality is that which produces peace of mind. Know your own mind.

In term of function, get yourself $15 Opinel. Cut stuff. Try to break it. This will tell you that you can do anything you need to do with a $15 knife, just like Pirsig could ride across the country on a beater Honda. But peace of mind for you, might be on a BMW, and that is OK.

Whitehead said, "Seek simplicity, but fear it." I say, "Seek quality, but distrust it."
 
Pinnah, I took no offense. The money isn't the real issue. Really I wanted the perspective of others that maybe had the same thoughts as I do now but decided to take the jump anyways. Thanks for your reply.
 
I carry assorted Striders and a CRK Sebenza. Are they vastly better than a $200 knife, to be honest, they aren't. I still carry a few Spyders and ZTs and love them too. Personally, I can't tell you they are worth it. To me, they are, you will have to decide for yourself however.

If you can't handle one before you buy, just know that if you buy one and don't like it, you can sell it and make all, or almost all of your money back.
 
It is like asking me if I had the money, and body to drive a brand new Porsche 911, I sure as heck would.

Bad back, bad knees that don't bend like I could at 30 is the reason I don't drive the Porsche, and about one hundred thousand dollars.

If you got the money enjoy what you can do with it.
 
XDSteve said:
That's the kind of testimonial I was looking for. I think I'm going to take the jump to a large sebenza, thanks so much for your thoughts.
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XDSteve, you are very welcome. I'm glad I could be of help. I hope you'll share your impressions when you do get your new knife.
 
Looking back, short answer is yes, it is worth the experience of trying it out. Don't like it? Don't scratch it, play with it a couple of days to make sure and return it if you do not feel what many of us on here have. No harm, no foul.

I own 6 CRKs: 3 Umnumzaans, one of which is an old pivot, one a new pivot and one a Wilson Combat Startac; a micarta-inlaid 21 regular Sebenza, a micarta-inlaid Sebenza Insingo (both large) and a 25 with plain scales, not the new micarta-inlaid one. I never got to hold one before either. I just got tired of all the hype and had to try it for myself just to see what was up. That was a LOT of money!

I eventually bought one of each so I had a variety, and I came from the $150-$200 range myself until last winter when I started buying CRKs. I have numerous Benchmades including a 710 in M390 steel that is freakin' awesome. I bought the 6 over a three-month period, about broke myself. I just cut back.

Today I brought my first-ever CRK purchase, a plain 25, with me to work. I work in white-collar sales and it is very stressful, especially the last days of the month. Having a knife around to open and close (and just admire) helps my stress level (I have my own office) and it allows me to reflect on how fortunate I am to have a job where I'm able to afford such critters.

I have to say the 25 is one hell of a solid, well-constructed piece of equipment that borders on pure art. The way the blade folds into the handle so precise, solid and perfectly centered and with a fine "click" is something that I never tire of.

It is a shame you have not gotten to experience that as a knife lover in your lifetime yet, and if you lived closer I'd ride over to your house so you could check it out, or you could come to mine and check them ALL out.

I pretty much guarantee you that if you pull the trigger on a similar unit you will probably feel the same way.

I like all my CRKs for each of their own attributes. The micarta 21 is like a finely-tuned machine, and the micarta is both beautiful and purpose-driven. Form follows function as it fills up my hand just a tad bit more. And did I mention it is beautiful?

The Umnumzaans are killer too, and the harpoon-style blade is certainly unique also. Another one of my favorite styles.

But for me, the extra solidness or "beefiness" of the 25 makes it stand alone. I like the new micarta 25, and if I were buying my first over again that would be it. I do not really need one, for that would not be fair to my existing 25! And it is already so close. If I lost it, heaven forbid, I'd spring for the micarta 25.

And that would be MY recommendation. You will never need a more solid knife, once you hold it and play with it you'll know what I mean. Dual silver thumbstuds that the anodizing will not rub off of. Micarta inlaid which looks cool. Or go with the plain slabs, which are awesome in their own right and after it's beat up a bit, send it in and for $15 it will come back looking like new again, sharpened, cleaned and lubed. A win-win.

Just make sure you gave already bought your next CRK, a different model, right before you send it in.

That way you'll have a new toy to play with, because the days will seem like weeks waiting for the other one to come back while you wait! Or put in service an older knife, which will make you appreciate the CRK even more.

You certainly would not be alone. Just ask others who have done the same thing!

Go for it man. Just do it.
 
You are getting some good advice--here is one more perspective; the two most expensive folders I bought were a Strider SNG and an Emerson ubr commander, both $400 a piece. The sng was a great edc and perfectly crafted; the Emerson is too large to legally edc, otherwise perfect. I sold the sng--the blade length, the blade geometry, and the feel of it just didn't do it for me, it didn't feel worth it. The Emerson has different materials (less expensive, relatively)--but the feel, ergors, edge geometry, and other qualities make it worth it for me. It is my favorite folder. So, the subjective aspect of this journey cannot be emphasized enough. Whatever the price--from an inexpensive Buck 110 to an insane custom, only you can ultimately determine it's value. Test the waters and enjoy! What is good is that high end stuff can be resold with minimal loss if you decide it's not to your liking. Let us know if you take the plunge!
 
You guys are awesome for taking the time to explain your feelings on the subject. Especially telling me the feelings you had when you finally got one in your hands. Bravo, all of you. I'll be sure to come back to this thread as soon as i take the plunge which will be soon.
 
If you buy a brand new CRK don't be surprised if it's hard to open at first. You'd think it should be silky smooth out of the box. It won't be. However, after some break in, it will feel almost hydraulic, and be one of the smoothest knives you've handled.
 
Some of them are.
Some of them aren't.
Enjoy the process of finding out which is which. :)
 
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