High VALUE Knives

I have to say I understand the concept behind this thread and I appreciate the chance to share my view on the topic. It is my opinion that at a certain point a knife's price becomes more about fit and finish and quality then it's functionality. Using the earlier example I would have to say that they are indeed "in the same ballpark". Now I know some people out there would ask how I could possibly believe a knife with better steel, blade geometry, lockup, and ergonomics to something so obviously inferior, but that is the whole point of this thread. At what point do we stop paying for usability and function and start paying for fit and finish?

I believe that an excellent example of this would be a Chris Reeve Sabenza. While one of the greatest example of the knifemakers art a Sabenza is a knife only a knife lover could appreciate. For the extra money that you are putting into this knife is mostly spent on small details that no one but us knife people would even notice. Can it outcut some of the other cheaper models? No. Is it lighter than some of the cheaper models?No. Is the quality and attention to detail better than that of cheaper models? Hell Yeah! And thats what your paying for.

So if your plan is to have a "work" knife to use and abuse I don't really recommend a custom. While it definitely will be up to the job it simply isn't cost effective. Their are production knives sharper than customs, that slice better than customs, and are lighter than customs, but you know what? You don't hear people bragging how they passed on their Byrd Cara Cara to their grandson the other day... (If you did happen to pass one on Kudos on breaking the trend)

Simply said I don't plow a field with a thouroughbred and I don't enter my ass in the Kentucky Derby :)

-MC
 
Doug S said:
I'm not trying to start anything hear, it's just that these threads come up enough that they make me sincerely curious. It would be nice to here articulate, well-reasoned, and mature individuals discuss the real merits of so-called high end knives...and there must be something more to it than "quality materials, and tight tolerances".

In regard to comment quoted above (spoken tongue in cheek, or not)...what does it mean? How does that translate into actual usage? Where are the real world stories describing how these knives got a person through some event, while other knives were left wanting? I just not convinced that going out into the backyard and whittling sticks, or condescending remarks in response to honest question, constitutes proof of superiority. If experience tells me anything, it's that I probably should just stop paying attention to threads like these, because most never amount to anything more than some college age mentality boys, feeling good about their toys, and talking down to those with more experience and commonsense. So far, none of these many threads have convinced me otherwise.

To summarize my thoughts, I'm not against buying expensive toys for whatever reason a person wants. I'm just not going to deny that most of my purchases like this, are nothing more than shear unadulterated self-gratification (and certainly not based on my superior ability to recognize and appreciate the "better things" in life). It's all going to turn to rust or dust one of these days, and I'm just not much interested in buying something just for the sake of competing with the Jones'. Now if one of you guys could tell me about a knife that would never break, rust, need sharpening, etc., etc....maybe I'd be convinced.
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since that was my comment, let me expand on it.

it means i really enjoy knives. in a particular way, a way not everyone gets into. obviously my fascination and admiration goes above and beyond simple cutting ability. otherwise i would of never spent what ive spent on knives, because of course, if you want a knife just to cut, you dont need to spend a lot. no argument there. nor do i claim to somehow know more about cutlery just because ive spent a lot on it.

if you want to look at a AD10 and american lawmen as a pure cutting tool, the AD10 would come out on top, its everything the lawmen is, with better steel, better build, better quality. its a handmade piece by a single man. i mean, in what case is something from a factory better then something made by one skilled craftsman? granted, knives are simple tools, but still.

the whole "is it really 15 times better?" was said by someone who only looked at the cost of a lawman and guessed at the price of an AD10. For one, its wrong, my AD10 was not 15 times the price of my lawmen. two, if one doesnt have enough knowledge and experience to understand why a knife built by one man is going to cost far more then one made in a factory, then that person is lacking knowledge about how production companies price and make money off of their knives, as well as why custom makers charge what they charge. to me, such a comment shows immaturity as well. this is a knife forum, full of people who are at varying levels of the hobby. why should i even try to explain to that person the difference, they will not accept what i say. i know, i was once that kind of person. the best kind of understanding comes from within!

i said my AD10 is easily 15 times better then my lawmen because that is exactly how i feel. its my opinion, i own both. what, i need a real world story of an extreme situation to demonstrate that what i said is true? no, i dont. ive used my lawmen plenty and ive used my demko much more. i vastly prefer my demko. everything i love about my lawmen, and i do love it, is represented with much better quality and materials on my demko. i love tough folders, and i feel that my demko is the toughest i own. i love large, solid folders, thick beasts, and the AD10 is exactly that. if i was offered 15 brand new lawmens for my one demko, i would pass. if thats not good enough for you, well, then its not.
 
Doug S said:
I'm not trying to start anything hear, it's just that these threads come up enough that they make me sincerely curious. It would be nice to here articulate, well-reasoned, and mature individuals discuss the real merits of so-called high end knives...and there must be something more to it than "quality materials, and tight tolerances".
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It's really the same as with high end anything or should I say most things...

The only real answer to that is it depends on the person and that can and will vary as not everyone is the same.

The interesting thing about the supposed high end price range of $300 - $500 is that some of those same people who balk at that price will and or have gone out and took a car payment for that amount.... ;)

Now that's an every month thing and for YEARS....... Think about that one realistically and that's not even going into high end cars that most couldn't really afford anyway... Not many can really afford $750,000 cars and up.
 
Medcommander, yours is one of the best answers I've read so far. Thanks.

JakeyJake, and Ankerson, I appreciate that you both answered without attacking my comments, and I have no argument with either of your comments. Thanks also.

I think my question has been answered. I'm content with my Spyderco, Victorinox, Benchmade, Buck, Case, etc., but I understand why some of you might choose otherwise.
 
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Doug S said:
Medcommander, yours is one of the best answers I've read so far. Thanks.

JakeyJake, and Ankerson, I appreciate that you both answered without attacking my comments, and I have no argument with either of your comments. Thanks also.

I think my question has been answered. I'm content with my Spyderco, Victorinox, Benchmade, Buck, Case, etc.
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My answer is what I think about when someone asks me in person......

The 1st thing I do is look at what they are driving and that's usually some SUV, full sized truck or $30K car....... All I do is point to that and state that their car payment is more than my knife cost me and it usually is MOST of the time.

That shuts them up quick....... ;)
 
I don't even want to get into the production vs custom debate. That being said, if you're looking for value, and general bang for your buck, the three companies I stand by with my bucks are Becker Knife and Tool for fixed blades, Himalayan Imports for khukuri, and HTM for folders.

Becker knives are inexpensive, but cut very well, make great knives to customize (each knife runs less than $100 US, excepting the discoed models), and are durable enough to perform on par with much more expensive knives. In terms of overall elegance and fit and finish, I can't say there's a comparison, but performance is king, in my book.

HI makes unique, handmade khukuri that are top value, at a very reasonable price, considering you're getting a handmade knife that's distinct from any other blade. Maybe only in the smallest details, but they're all unique in some way, and you can get a very good product from HI for a very good price.

HTM I love because you can get a semi-custom for the same price as many higher priced production folders, but they're just more works of art, and have better ergos and f&f than many production folders. Darrel's work, is, to my eye, as much art as anything, and to get a semi-custom at the prices he asks is pretty special. And heck, if you want to look at the difference between one of his custom Gun Hammers and one of the HTM gun hammers, and you can't see the difference in value, I submit you have no aesthetic sense, nor any idea what goes into making a custom. The thing about buying a custom is that it's going to be YOUR knife, and if YOU can't see the value, you've got no business buying the knife.
 
I tend to carry relatively simple pieces these days. My EDC as of late has been a CS Pocket Bushman and an Opinel No.8, which I sometimes supplant with a Case sway back jack. Most of my knives are fixed blades at this point, and my folders are all what most folks would consider classic or iconic models. Spyderco Delica, ESEE Izula, Boker Wharcom, etc. I don't need anything flashy--I just need something that works well for the things I do.
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
I tend to carry relatively simple pieces these days. My EDC as of late has been a CS Pocket Bushman and an Opinel No.8, which I sometimes supplant with a Case sway back jack. Most of my knives are fixed blades at this point, and my folders are all what most folks would consider classic or iconic models. Spyderco Delica, ESEE Izula, Boker Wharcom, etc. I don't need anything flashy--I just need something that works well for the things I do.
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I usually carry something from Spyderco.
 
Too bad this thread was completely hijacked. The original post could not have been more clear.
 
I would say the ZT 0560 or 0561 is an excellent value. ELMAX super stainless steel, a flipper, a unique and IMHO improved ball bearing pivot with 3D machined titanium for the frame lock side and 3D machined G-10 for the scale on the other side with a skeletonized steel liner. Plus the thick titanium side is heavily milled underneath for less weight. Add in some nice looking standoffs and good frame lock tolerances with a hinderer lock bar stop, a laser cut lock bar, and you have a mountain of features for a mere $260.

That's value to me. But to someone else it may be absurdly over priced for a production knife. To me its 80-85% of an XM-18 for often times less than half of secondary market prices.

Either way its a monumental achievement that only Kershaw could have pulled off. But, value isn't objective.
 
shqxk said:
How the hell custom AD-10 and Coldsteel production aren't even on same planet? Just because difference on blade steel/handle material been used? or because AD-10 is you fav folder and you bough it?

Over exaggerated as always Mr.Ankerson.

On topic the best value knife for me is Spyderco Para2.
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Don't make other members the topic of conversation.
 
No. 1 Pick is the Kershaw Skyline $40.

Kershaw_Skyline_02_Open.jpg


No. 2 Spyderco Delica FFG $60-70

spyderco-0918-M.jpg



No. 3 Victorinox Cadet with the beautiful alox scales... $20-25

10-0_2601_26_cadet.jpg
 
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I posted and then ran and am just getting back to check things. Pretty interesting results. I looks like some folks really got what I was after, to them I give thanks. I appreciate the suggestions and ideas. In retrospect it looks like I should not have used my Cold Steel vs. Demko comparison, it seems I may have touched a nerve there.

I like the concept of "high value", at the same time I appreciate the high end knives as well. I recognize that they are superior, but what I was asking about has to do more with optimization between price and quality than ultimate "top end". I suppose it really boils down to personal subjective opinions and preferences. Personally I would have a really hard time paying more for a knife than I would pay for a new pistol, but I realize that isn't the case for everyone. Thanks to all. Love the pics of that AD-10. What a beauty.

Dax
 
Best value?
Well for me best value is what I can afford. "not much"


Few benchmades and spydrco along with several Cold Steels folders.
For fixed blades I like a couple of cold steels, ontario, becker, Esee and of course Scrap Yards and Swamp rats.
This is just what like and works for me.
Really depends on your tast.
 
Funny thing... I think most people buy what they consider to be "best value"...

For me in knives this typically translates to a Kershaw/ZT product... at its pricepoint... To date the most I have spent on a knife is $300, the least is $20 Both were good values in my opinion. Both are very different and are used and perform very differently, is one 15 times better than the other... That depends on what you need it to do.

If you need the $20 one to do something it can't then its terrible value. Especially if its something your life may depend on. Then even $300 or $500 one time is cheap... As for comparisons to car payments... :) Think about insurance payments... Thats a better comparison for what you are willing to pay for something you "might" need.
 
Rapt_up said:
Funny thing... I think most people buy what they consider to be "best value"...

Think about insurance payments... Thats a better comparison for what you are willing to pay for something you "might" need.
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Hi, Rapt. Gotta tell ya, I don't buy because I NEED. I buy because I WANT. That's where the extra money comes in.
Sonny
 
OrangeDrink said:
The OP was pretty clear: he's asking about premium features at a surprisingly low price point. His premise tells you to exclude custom knives, but think about the shit they offer like super steels, high-end handle material, innovative locking mechanisms, super smooth bushings, etc.
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Finally someone gets the point! :thumbup: :D
 
DedRok said:
No. 1 Pick is the Kershaw Skyline $40.

No. 2 Spyderco Delica FFG $60-70

No. 3 Victorinox Cadet with the beautiful alox scales... $20-25
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I totally agree with 2 and 3. I'd add the Buck Vantage Pro for it's good construction and s30v at a low price point. Some won't like this, but I think several Enlan/SRM knives are up there as well (not regarding to the s30v ofcourse, just the price/quality continuum). To name a few: Enlan EL-02 and SRM 710 and 763.
 
Sonnydaze said:
Hi, Rapt. Gotta tell ya, I don't buy because I NEED. I buy because I WANT. That's where the extra money comes in.
Sonny
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Fair enough, I spend money on "good" knives that cost more than the box store cheeapiies because I might need them, not because I do right now... :) A knife is a tool and if it breaks or dulls to the point of being unusable when you use it, its not good value.

Whether that use is slicing tape, or car doors, or something in between is up to each person. :) Yes some people buy knives for wants or dreams or just to look at, some buy them to use them, or for the eventuality that they might be needed... I guess what I was trying to say is making value judgements for others is tough at best.... :D
 
DaxMan said:
What are some of your favorite high value knives?

I am talking high VALUE, NOT high price. I am sure your Sebenza, Strider, ZT, etc is a great knife, but what knives can you get for a fraction of the cost that really offer tons of performance per dollar spent?

I think there is a curve of price vs. performance where in the begining every dollar extra you spend really gets you a lot more knife, but then you start to hit an asymtote where your return on investment diminishes. I am looking for knives in that "sweet spot" on the curve where you get a good quality knife with the most bang for your buck.

For example, I would love to buy a Demko AD-10, but I can get an Cold Steel american lawman with Demko's same tri-ad lock for $55. I think it is a really solid knife with awesome features for less than 10% of what a Demko AD-10 would cost, and no waiting. I am not trying to bash on folks that buy high dollar knives, more power to them. I am happy for folks that can afford the finer things in life. I am just interested in getting the most performance per dollar spent.

What are some other HIGH VALUE knives?

Dax
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Probably the best bang for the buck I have ever seen are the Smith & Wesson Extreme Op knives is black titanium coated 440-C steel. They are tight, fast opening studs, good Walker liner locking system, good handle, hold a wicked edge (I beat mine up in the garden whacking away at stuff) and around $10-20. They are a "beater" and can take the abuse.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...57864_757853_757837_ProductDisplayErrorView_N

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZz0-9rMWo0

For real quality in a knife though I would recommend looking at the custom knife makers. Just don't pass out when you see the prices of some of these beauties.

For anyone just looking for a good knife and willing to spend a few more dollars I would recommend a plain edge blade Spyderco Delica or Benchmade Griptillian. The plain edge version is plenty agressive and gives a little better cutting control. Neither the Spyderco or the Benchmade will not break the bank and will probably outlive the purchaser.

So many knives, so few $$!
 
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