High end opinions wanted

The only knife I’ve ever owned that’s been worth over $500 has been my Reate. It’s great. Just great. The particular version of the particular model that I own is actually about $650 I estimate, but really, the cheaper ones are awesome too.
 
I’ve had several brands in that range, and the CRKs tend to stick around longest. Olamic’s are pocket candy for people that like Instagram pics… Medford’s are bomb proof but it’s like carrying a brick in your pocket. Shiro’s can be finicky in the pivot and detent strength making flipping sometimes hard and loose screws a problem.

Hinderer is a solid choice, those knives are quality and they do work. Koenig isn’t bad either but you won’t catch one for under $750 and if you do someone else will beat you to it.

So yeah, Hinderer XM-18 3.5” tricked out, or CRK large 31 with inlays would be my vote.
 
Paratrooper06 said:
I’ve had several brands in that range, and the CRKs tend to stick around longest. Olamic’s are pocket candy for people that like Instagram pics… Medford’s are bomb proof but it’s like carrying a brick in your pocket. Shiro’s can be finicky in the pivot and detent strength making flipping sometimes hard and loose screws a problem.

Hinderer is a solid choice, those knives are quality and they do work. Koenig isn’t bad either but you won’t catch one for under $750 and if you do someone else will beat you to it.

So yeah, Hinderer XM-18 3.5” tricked out, or CRK large 31 with inlays would be my vote.
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I’ve seen Koenigs for less than that on eBay… Not sure what “tier” they were. And don’t ask me if people fake Koenigs.
 
Monofletch said:
I would also look a Reate. The Damasteel Horizon mini has many options.
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Leo Greer said:
The only knife I’ve ever owned that’s been worth over $500 has been my Reate. It’s great. Just great. The particular version of the particular model that I own is actually about $650 I estimate, but really, the cheaper ones are awesome too.
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I'm shopping for a Shiro (or maybe a Herman), but from what I've got or tried, I have to agree. I've got the Sharpbydesign (Brian Nadeau) Evo Typhoon and Micro Evo in Damasteel, and both are impeccable. Two of the other M390 Reate-OEM'd knives (VBR, SBD Void ) are just as nice. The only one I have that isn't 100% perfect is my original Micro Evo - the detent nub is not as smooth as the newer Damasteel one from the second production run. It works fine, and I wouldn't have noticed any issue with it if I hadn't gotten a second one, it's just a little "clicky" compared to the other Nadeau detent nub knives.

I think Reate gets underappreciated based on things other than their product.
 
I have also liked the Heretic Wraith (manual). It can be had in different options as well.
 
I think for a nice and practical higher end gentlemen's folder a Chris Reeve Mnandi with a damascus blade would be a nice higher end knife.
 
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Paratrooper06 said:
Yeah I wouldn’t trust it. Typically knives sell here for lower than eBay.
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I would agree with that. You don’t have to pay eBay fees here. Which can get crazy on expensive knives. But I can tell you from my personal experience that I’ve purchased what amounts to about $1000 of knife for about $420 on eBay… And this isn’t junky random stuff. But that could very easily have been the deals of a lifetime…
 
Leo Greer said:
I would agree with that. You don’t have to pay eBay fees here. Which can get crazy on expensive knives. But I can tell you from my personal experience that I’ve purchased what amounts to about $1000 of knife for about $420 on eBay… And this isn’t junky random stuff.
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Anomalies exist, which is why I said “typically”.
 
Paratrooper06 said:
Olamic’s are pocket candy . . .
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What wrong with "pocket candy?" LOL! ;)

FWIW, there are "plain" versions of Olamics out there and they represent an excellent value in a knife generally priced in the $500-750 range, which can be purchased for even less in the 2ndary market. I purchased 2 very simply finished and attractive Olamics for less than $500 each that way.

I've never been fond of the price and/or appearance of the CRKs, Medfords and Shiros that I've seen in the primary or 2ndary markets, even the few I've see priced at less than $500. On the other hand, I have previously purchased 2 Hinderer's (an XM18 & XM24), both for less than $500 that just never appealed to me in the hand or pocket. So, I sold them.

My point is that if you're paying that kind of $ for a knife, the knife you choose ultimately comes down to what appeals to you most in terms of design, appearance and/or feel, which is an entirely arbitrary personal decision.
 
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sgt1372 said:
What wrong with "pocket candy?" LOL! ;)

FWIW, there are "plain" versions of Olamics out there and they represent an excellent value in a knife generally priced in the $500-750 range, which can be purchased for even less in the 2ndary market. I purchased 2 very simply finished and attractive Olamics for less than $500 each that way.

I've never been fond of the price and/or appearance of the CRKs, Medfords and Shiros that I;ve seen in the 2ndary market, even the few I've see priced at less than $500. On the other hand, I have previously purchased 2 Hinderer's (an XM18 & XM24), both for less than $500 that just never appealed to me in the hand or pocket. So, I sold them.

My point is that if you're paying that kind of $ for a knife, the knife you choose ultimately comes down to what appeals to you most in terms of design, appearance and/or feel, which is an entirely arbitrary personal decision.
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I’m not knocking “pocket candy”, but most people I’ve seen only take their olamic out for photos and to brag. Why would you hard-use a knife with rainbow-spectrum colors and customized finish? Not exactly something you’re going to go baton with or even cut apart cardboard with.

Now a CRK or a hinderer? all day every day for hard use
 
Nice thing about an Olamic is they are absurdly customizable. I've gotten a couple plain examples off the exchange and worked w/Eugene at Olamic to have them customized to my preference. I've also had a few put together at Olamic, great people and great service plus USA.

Not sure CRK is a great 1st foray into higher end knives as they are completely underwhelming and may be better appreciated after handling other higher end knives.

I'm a big Hinderer fan, have over a dozen, they are the epitome of a hard user and feel like it. I see why some don't care for them, they're a pocket tank. They're also customizable if you can find the parts. Seems the knives are in higher demand these days, the 2ndary market has a lot of example priced over MSRP, especially for the less common models. Very gratifying knives if you have the pocket space IMO.

Wish I could comment on a Shiro, seems whenever I'm near pulling the trigger something steers me in a different direction. One of these days.
 
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All great suggestions here, and you won't go wrong with any of them. BUT........

Have you considered a true custom? For the budget you have indicated, you would be really close to being able to have TWO knives built to your own idea of perfection (within reason), or one knife with all the bells and whistles.

There are lots of "lesser known" makers that are making amazing things with a budget of under a grand.
 
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