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High end folders worth it?
- Thread starter XDSteve
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I usually carry knives in the 100-350 dollar price range, and that is about the extent I am currently comfortable with. Do I use my more expensive knives to the same extent as my $100 Paramilitary 2? No, but they do get plenty of pocket time, and they are not starved for cardboard either.
I've been toying with the idea of going all the way to mid-tech and custom knives, and while certainly tempting because they are amazing knives, I can not justify it at the moment. Right now I am having a lot of fun using knives in a more realistic (for me) price range.
Certainly, if you can afford to spend the 500+ on a knife, go for it! There is a glut of amazing knife makers to choose from, and their products are certainly worth the money they charge. This is just based on the time I've spent researching and fondling knives out of my price range. Like any luxury item, the question of "is it worth it" depends entirely on you. A custom or midtech, most likely, will not cut drastically better than a good $200 production knife, but practicality isn't what you are paying for. Materials, manhours, attention to detail/fit and finish, proprietary design features, and exclusivity are what jack up the price.
I've been toying with the idea of going all the way to mid-tech and custom knives, and while certainly tempting because they are amazing knives, I can not justify it at the moment. Right now I am having a lot of fun using knives in a more realistic (for me) price range.
Certainly, if you can afford to spend the 500+ on a knife, go for it! There is a glut of amazing knife makers to choose from, and their products are certainly worth the money they charge. This is just based on the time I've spent researching and fondling knives out of my price range. Like any luxury item, the question of "is it worth it" depends entirely on you. A custom or midtech, most likely, will not cut drastically better than a good $200 production knife, but practicality isn't what you are paying for. Materials, manhours, attention to detail/fit and finish, proprietary design features, and exclusivity are what jack up the price.
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Is it worth it?
If you have been at the $200 level for a while you are already working with quality knives. The next 200 will only purchase about 5% more--that upper 2-5% toward perfection the others lack. Exactly as it is with any hobby or collectible item market in the free world.
Sebenzas are fine knives and the first benchmark of quality in folders. Since you are already into collecting you should buy one. Because it is the best knife out there? No. Because it's one of those things that any collector of anything seeks--the benchmark. So buy it now and you can move on to the other great knives out there.
If you don't buy one you will always 'want' one. Just do it.
Personally...my Sebenzas aren't my favorite folder by any means. They're hardly, if ever, carried. Nothing outstanding about the ergos. No tacticool. And I have knives that 'sound' better and feel more well-made and 'bank vault' in my hand. But I own them because they are the accepted benchmark of this particular hobby. Were I not a knife hobbyist I'd never buy one.
If you have been at the $200 level for a while you are already working with quality knives. The next 200 will only purchase about 5% more--that upper 2-5% toward perfection the others lack. Exactly as it is with any hobby or collectible item market in the free world.
Sebenzas are fine knives and the first benchmark of quality in folders. Since you are already into collecting you should buy one. Because it is the best knife out there? No. Because it's one of those things that any collector of anything seeks--the benchmark. So buy it now and you can move on to the other great knives out there.
If you don't buy one you will always 'want' one. Just do it.
Personally...my Sebenzas aren't my favorite folder by any means. They're hardly, if ever, carried. Nothing outstanding about the ergos. No tacticool. And I have knives that 'sound' better and feel more well-made and 'bank vault' in my hand. But I own them because they are the accepted benchmark of this particular hobby. Were I not a knife hobbyist I'd never buy one.
I get really hung up on performance return on the dollar. My Spyderco Manix 2 G-10 gets me the same steel and slicing efficacy as a large Sebenza.
Others may counter with, "but... Fit & finish!" or "but titanium!", but those really aren't selling points to me. The titanium doesn't equate to better grip in action. The F&F doesn't cause the Sebenza's blade to sail through material that the Manix 2 doesn't also blow through.
The Sebenza is a better *product* than just about any production blade, but it's not necessarily a better *tool* than a number of $100-$200 folders. The same is true for many customs.
Having said that, if I had enough money that I really didn't have a good reason to not buy one... Yeah, it would be 'worth it'. Since I don't have that kind of money, I happily carry a ZT 0566 to work.
It really is all relative.
Others may counter with, "but... Fit & finish!" or "but titanium!", but those really aren't selling points to me. The titanium doesn't equate to better grip in action. The F&F doesn't cause the Sebenza's blade to sail through material that the Manix 2 doesn't also blow through.
The Sebenza is a better *product* than just about any production blade, but it's not necessarily a better *tool* than a number of $100-$200 folders. The same is true for many customs.
Having said that, if I had enough money that I really didn't have a good reason to not buy one... Yeah, it would be 'worth it'. Since I don't have that kind of money, I happily carry a ZT 0566 to work.
It really is all relative.
Sonnydaze
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Definitely YES.
I love the "better" Spydercos and have owned many. Had two Hinderers; sold them as they are much too heavy-duty for MY casual needs.
I prefer a blade of 1/8" - 5/32" thickness, 3 1/4" long, 4.5" handle of about 0.450" handle total thickness; five ounces.
My daily is a Zaan; I find it hard to beat.
I love the "better" Spydercos and have owned many. Had two Hinderers; sold them as they are much too heavy-duty for MY casual needs.
I prefer a blade of 1/8" - 5/32" thickness, 3 1/4" long, 4.5" handle of about 0.450" handle total thickness; five ounces.
My daily is a Zaan; I find it hard to beat.
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I carry a $2200 custom Darrell Ralph every day. I was breaking down cardboard boxes with it yesterday. I use it for pretty much anything you use a knife for.
bigmark408
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Well said..I agree , most of us buy what we do because we can.
I have known many that collect thousands of dollars worth of knives but carry and use a 30-40 dollar knife.
bigmark408
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Matt, it's cool you use that knife....I wouldn't want to dump it in the lake though.I carry a $2200 custom Darrell Ralph every day. I was breaking down cardboard boxes with it yesterday. I use it for pretty much anything you use a knife for.
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It sounds like you've more or less made up your mind on a Sebenza, but I'll chime in with another consideration that has nothing to do with brand, model, etc.
What was it about $200 knives that convinced you to spend that much compared to $100 knives, or $50 knives before that? Was it the look and feel, the grade of components, the quality of workmanship, or just that feeling that a particular knife was the right one for you? Answering that, do you think that spending twice the money on a new knife will get you something that is better in the area(s) you value most? Is a knife nothing more than a tool, or do you attach some other intangible value to it? If so, a highly regarded manufacturer or incredible specs might not mean nearly as much as a knife that looks or feels perfect.
My upper limit so far has been $225, and generally my "comfort zone" is in the sub-$150 ballpark, but with a couple of exceptions, my typical EDC folder is something priced around $15-25 for the simple reason that knives in that range meet my daily needs. For those purposes, a knife that costs twice as much isn't going to be twice as effective, and at ten times the price, I'm not gaining anything. Of course, if I was hard on my knives and had to concern myself with edge retention, corrosion resistance and overall durability, carrying a better knife would probably be worth it. I do have a few that I'd be more likely to carry in situations where I anticipated more frequent or more demanding use.
I say go for it on the $400 purchase, but for that kind of money, choose a knife that really appeals to you for the same reasons that other knives you've bought also appealed to you.
What was it about $200 knives that convinced you to spend that much compared to $100 knives, or $50 knives before that? Was it the look and feel, the grade of components, the quality of workmanship, or just that feeling that a particular knife was the right one for you? Answering that, do you think that spending twice the money on a new knife will get you something that is better in the area(s) you value most? Is a knife nothing more than a tool, or do you attach some other intangible value to it? If so, a highly regarded manufacturer or incredible specs might not mean nearly as much as a knife that looks or feels perfect.
My upper limit so far has been $225, and generally my "comfort zone" is in the sub-$150 ballpark, but with a couple of exceptions, my typical EDC folder is something priced around $15-25 for the simple reason that knives in that range meet my daily needs. For those purposes, a knife that costs twice as much isn't going to be twice as effective, and at ten times the price, I'm not gaining anything. Of course, if I was hard on my knives and had to concern myself with edge retention, corrosion resistance and overall durability, carrying a better knife would probably be worth it. I do have a few that I'd be more likely to carry in situations where I anticipated more frequent or more demanding use.
I say go for it on the $400 purchase, but for that kind of money, choose a knife that really appeals to you for the same reasons that other knives you've bought also appealed to you.
It is completely subjective.
Like many other items, the functional improvements of a product become decreasingly noticeable the higher you move up. To attempt to compensate for this, makers will then implement things like cosmetic upgrades, rarer materials, more intricate machining, more exotic steels, and premium service. I like the cosmetic embellishments on many high-end knives, but as a general rule that does not mean much in terms of performance gains.
If you are debating a Seb, I think given the high price tag that holding one (or buying from a dealer with a solid return policy) would be advised. Only you can say if it is justified to you. It is a fantastic knife and one of the finest folding knives in history. Still, it floats some boats more than it does others.
So only you can say. I would advise tho that you only purchase knives you can bring yourself to use, carry, and beat up cosmetically with the implications of an EDC. Having a knife so expensive or fancy that you can't enjoy it every day to me is kind of a drag. If you get a nice high-end knife for reasons beyond as a collectors item, IMO the only way to get your money's worth is to carry it and use it in a fashion it was designed to be used. In the case of a Sebenza, it is a knife built primarily for the purpose of usage and the ability to withstand frequent and harder usage. While CRK makes some gorgeous cosmetic designs, the Sebenza is not designed to be a safe queen whatsoever (short of super-rare LEs such as the coveted Annuals).
Like many other items, the functional improvements of a product become decreasingly noticeable the higher you move up. To attempt to compensate for this, makers will then implement things like cosmetic upgrades, rarer materials, more intricate machining, more exotic steels, and premium service. I like the cosmetic embellishments on many high-end knives, but as a general rule that does not mean much in terms of performance gains.
If you are debating a Seb, I think given the high price tag that holding one (or buying from a dealer with a solid return policy) would be advised. Only you can say if it is justified to you. It is a fantastic knife and one of the finest folding knives in history. Still, it floats some boats more than it does others.
So only you can say. I would advise tho that you only purchase knives you can bring yourself to use, carry, and beat up cosmetically with the implications of an EDC. Having a knife so expensive or fancy that you can't enjoy it every day to me is kind of a drag. If you get a nice high-end knife for reasons beyond as a collectors item, IMO the only way to get your money's worth is to carry it and use it in a fashion it was designed to be used. In the case of a Sebenza, it is a knife built primarily for the purpose of usage and the ability to withstand frequent and harder usage. While CRK makes some gorgeous cosmetic designs, the Sebenza is not designed to be a safe queen whatsoever (short of super-rare LEs such as the coveted Annuals).
Ajack60
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It's kinda like diamonds, you really can't see the difference, but it's there. So it is with knives, the difference between a 200.00 and a 500.00 knife is not only 300.00, but the defining qualities that make it a better tool. So, why not treat yourself to a Sebenza and find out the difference now that you can. I've been in the same boat and had a difficult time pulling the trigger on my first knife over 200.00. Now that I did and many later, I don't regret any knife I've ever purchased. Not only do I use my sebenza's, I also collect them. For me, it's also about the investment value.
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This exactly should be kept in mind. Mine was much the same at first, but after a teardown, cleaning, bit of Nano-Oil, and working it for a while, hydraulic is the perfect term. It has a strong detent and consistent resistance, but is quick and smooth to open.
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High end folders.... decisions? I think if you can afford it and desire a higher end folder, I'd go for one of the higher end production models first unless you know pretty much what you like in terms of customs. Buy the "better" production folder, carry it, use it, sharpen it and make up your own mind if you want to take the next step up. It is one of those decisions that I have to make. To date, my higher end folder is a ZT. I'm good at this point for now. But it is a personal decision.
Why do you desire a higher end folder? Only you can answer this question. My higher end folder started with traditionals and buying GEC knives over Case or Queen. I liked the quality difference and have continued to buy more as my interest grows. The ZT is my first plunge into a higher end modern folder. My usual carry blades other than a SAK were a Spyderco Delica, Cold Steel Tuff Lite (love this blade), and the GEC traditionals. Now I have added the ZT (0770CF to be exact) and really like it size wise and for overall quality.
Why do you desire a higher end folder? Only you can answer this question. My higher end folder started with traditionals and buying GEC knives over Case or Queen. I liked the quality difference and have continued to buy more as my interest grows. The ZT is my first plunge into a higher end modern folder. My usual carry blades other than a SAK were a Spyderco Delica, Cold Steel Tuff Lite (love this blade), and the GEC traditionals. Now I have added the ZT (0770CF to be exact) and really like it size wise and for overall quality.
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Which is what brings me back to the Sebenza. You won't know which knife appeals to you the most until you've got something you can compare it to. If my Sebenza did nothing more for me except anchor every other high-end purchase decision I make, it would be worth owning for that reason alone.
00ChevyScott
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After paying $100 on the exchange for a Benchmade 710, I'm going to say no, expensive knives aren't worth it. If you collect them and enjoy elegant designs and owning something less common, expensive knives can be fun. But if we are talking purely tool performance, a used knife in the $100-150 price range is extremely hard to beat.
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I agree with above.^^^ High end to me is a $100 knife. I don't need anything more than that. I'll never spend over $200 for a folder EVER! Or so i tell myself now
but I know i would be too scared to really use a over $200 knife that i wouldn't want it cause i wouldn't use it and a knife that doesn't get used to me is worthless. Like to stay around the $50-$100 for the knives i use daily. Function almost perfect and they have great steels. That's all i need and want really. But then again just ain't got the $ others do.If i did would try more expensive knives but also if had more money would have a vehcile to so. IDK .you don't need to spend alot to have a great useable knife. $50 will get you a knife you can do anything with.
but I know i would be too scared to really use a over $200 knife that i wouldn't want it cause i wouldn't use it and a knife that doesn't get used to me is worthless. Like to stay around the $50-$100 for the knives i use daily. Function almost perfect and they have great steels. That's all i need and want really. But then again just ain't got the $ others do.If i did would try more expensive knives but also if had more money would have a vehcile to so. IDK .you don't need to spend alot to have a great useable knife. $50 will get you a knife you can do anything with.- Joined
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This post just goes to show what a great group of folks we have here on BF. I'm serious when I say that I have never been to another forum where folks take the time to give opinions in such a well thought out, clear, and articulate manner. This post makes me happy to read. After the train wreck post about the guy asking if he should purchase a counterfeit Karambit I just read, this post makes me proud to be a member here.
To the OP. allow me to share my perspective: Yes, I believe the higher end knives are worth it. Not for any tangible reason though. I'm not going to tell you that they do what knives do: cut things, any better once they exceed a certain price. No, to me, it is the way they make me feel. The pure pleasure and pride of ownership of having something so finely crafted is what does it for me. My higher end knives give me a feeling of satisfaction that justifies the price paid. Some of my higher end knives are a Hinderer XM-24, a Strider SMF, a couple of CRK's, and a Spyderco Southard with carbon fiber scale and LBS that rivals most, if not all "mid-techs. I'm probably wrapped up about $5-6k in knives. That doesn't make me a better person, or make me any big deal, I don't mean that, it just makes me happy to have them, use them, and it invokes a pride of ownership. To me. That's not even that much money. Heck, a trap shooter can drop that on one Perazzi shotgun.
Anyway, I say if you can, do it. Indulge yourself. If you find that it's worth it, to YOU, then fantastic. If not, at least you know instead of always wondering.
P.S.: I have all those knives I mentioned, and I still love my LW Manix in S110V that cost me a mere $100. So it not necessary to spend more, just fun. Cheers, and happy Saturday.
To the OP. allow me to share my perspective: Yes, I believe the higher end knives are worth it. Not for any tangible reason though. I'm not going to tell you that they do what knives do: cut things, any better once they exceed a certain price. No, to me, it is the way they make me feel. The pure pleasure and pride of ownership of having something so finely crafted is what does it for me. My higher end knives give me a feeling of satisfaction that justifies the price paid. Some of my higher end knives are a Hinderer XM-24, a Strider SMF, a couple of CRK's, and a Spyderco Southard with carbon fiber scale and LBS that rivals most, if not all "mid-techs. I'm probably wrapped up about $5-6k in knives. That doesn't make me a better person, or make me any big deal, I don't mean that, it just makes me happy to have them, use them, and it invokes a pride of ownership. To me.
That's not even that much money. Heck, a trap shooter can drop that on one Perazzi shotgun. Anyway, I say if you can, do it. Indulge yourself. If you find that it's worth it, to YOU, then fantastic. If not, at least you know instead of always wondering.
P.S.: I have all those knives I mentioned, and I still love my LW Manix in S110V that cost me a mere $100. So it not necessary to spend more, just fun. Cheers, and happy Saturday.
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The more expensive folders... ($1k and up) will get you laid.
[video=youtube;WstHX1lKHqI]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WstHX1lKHqI[/video]
[video=youtube;WstHX1lKHqI]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WstHX1lKHqI[/video]