How does the Price of a Knife Affect You?

Bob Denman

Bob Denman

That OTHER Guy...
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I wasn't sure how to approach this topic; so I apologize in advance...
When you are looking at another knife to buy: is the price a "static" barrier that you will not cross?
Or is it dependant on the make of knife, and Country of origin?
When I was first gripped by this madness; my stomach would hurt if I spent over $130 on a knife. (Those were the days!!)
Now I look at the knife, and if I can justify the price based on it's attributes: it will end up in my grubby little paws.
Are you guys setting a firm barrier; or do you have a sliding scale for your purchases?
 
If I like it, I’ll look for cheaper seller. If there is no one, I’ll make the $$ for the purchase.
The point for me is to acquire the knife I want if I can put together the funds without affecting my more important finances.
‘I guess, I prioritize to some extend but usually I get what I want…
I just pulled the trigger on Police 4 LW K390 yesterday :cool:
 
In 2007 I spent $300 on one knife. I haven't spent that much on a single knife since. At that price point I can't treat it like a regular knife...it's too expensive to risk damaging or losing. Somewhere a little north of $100 bucks is the max I'd spend without too much worry.
 
I won't buy anything from China. I only own three $500 knives and maybe five or six $300 knives. I'm a total rookie. But I like slipjoint pocket knives. They're usually under $100 with a few exceptions. Have a fair few that fit that profile. Were I younger, I'd spend more than the $500 on a CPK or two. But I'm not .

So my answer is I guess, maybe, we'll see.
 
I recently commissioned another custom Olamic.
I had 3 different build options. I ended up choosing the cheapest one. It will still be my most expensive knife; but I ended up saving about 30% on the cost of the knife.
But I still wonder if I made the right choice...
 
I'm ... uncomfortable ... spending more than $40 or so for a knife. (there are a LOT of good traditional knives available for $40 and less.) The most I've ever spent on a single knife is $100, and that was a few years ago when I could spend more than I can today.
Country of origin dosn't bother me too much. I know that any country can produce a knife that meets the quality they are contracted for. However, I do tend to avoid some manufacturers, like Frost, because of the poor quality of every stinking one I had in the past.
 
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When I was in my 20s in the 1980s it was a big big deal to pay $125 for a knife.
But I did for several knives, none of which I have any more.
Now I have a couple $800 knives in my closet.
The price barrier/standard varies from person to person, their age, financial situation and
level of priority within their budget.
 
If I like it, and have the money, I buy it. We don't do debt, and haven't had a credit card in over 8 years. I won't go back into debt for anything. But now that we're where we are, I own over a dozen CRK folders, 2 Grimsmo Norsemen, and a Hinderer XM18 amongst others.
 
I buy everyday usable knives but have a hard time spending over $200. I have one that was about $250, most others between $50-$150.
also a RAT 1 & 2 that work just fine.
No Chicom though.
I’m not into collecting art.
 
I don't have a barrier, but I do have a gap in the mid-range that gives me pause. When knives from the the bigger production companies creep more and more above $200 or so, I start to weigh the opportunity cost against putting that bread towards another $400+ knife.

BTW, I have found a way to desensitize yourself to the high cost of knives...Start collecting watches ;)
 
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My EDC fixed blade was $300. I like it so much I have two. My EDC folder cost me almost $40. I don't see a disparity. If I like something, I buy it. And since generally I buy knives to use, only one art-knife/safe-queen.
 
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