Cheap - high value? Used. Buying any knife new is a loss. (If you don't believe me sell the one you just bought for the same or better price. That's how you set value.)
Still, sometimes it's worth it just to own a nice new knife.
But what's "high" value? Worth 10X what you paid? You'll have to wait a long time to prove that unless you look at used knives.
I think the question you're looking for is, "What knives are a good deal at their price point?" Still, the answer has to "used".
Here's a nice Case. Paid $15. It's easy worth 5X that.
Here's a French Sabatier chefs knife. Paid $18. Somebody just sold one on ebay for $225. I think that I got good value.
Here's $30 worth of used knives. Put a little time into cleaning them and they'll sell for a lot more than that. Or put an edge on them and you'll never have to worry about having a knife in the car, the toolbox, the garage, the junk drawer, etc. And they're all American made. Nobody worries about loosing a $5 knife...
Keep buying all those new knives. I'll look for real value elsewhere.
I'm pretty poor these days and am finding knife rescue a great part of this hobby. Just got a Schrade 80T at a brick and mortar shop for $20, USA made. I think that is a bit steep compared to what I've paid for many used knives but the thing looks brand new.
Then I think "What would I get for $20 if it was brand new?".
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