Is it worth actually it to spend $100+ on a knife?

TotalDbag said:
The cutting edge is only 3.0XX inches???? and the handle is 4.5+ inches?? That''s probably why I won't buy a Para 2. I like a 1/1 handle to blade ratio.
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I do as well, but I don't let set guidelines be a limiting factor. To me, that may be its only negative, and its really not that serious as it is very ergonomic and disappears in your pocket given how thin and light it is. Blade HQ has a vid on it used and abused which can attest to its quality. I am glad I checked one out first before I passed judgement only based on pictures and stats. I do like Spyderco choils even though it lessens the cutting edge, also am a fan of the comp lock which is comparable to the axis lock in ease of use as well as very dependable. I can go on and on but what the hey =)
 
FCM415 said:
I do as well, but I don't let set guidelines be a limiting factor. To me, that may be its only negative, and its really not that serious as it is very ergonomic and disappears in your pocket given how thin and light it is. Blade HQ has a vid on it used and abused which can attest to its quality. I am glad I checked one out first before I passed judgement only based on pictures and stats. I do like Spyderco choils even though it lessens the cutting edge, also am a fan of the comp lock which is comparable to the axis lock in ease of use as well as very dependable. I can go on and on but what the hey =)
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Yea but I have tiny hands. My hands would only cover 3/4 the handle WITHOUT the choil.
 
This is my opinion...others will have their own.

If you have any doubts as to spending a certain amount of money for a knife then you should not spend that money on a knife. That doubt is there for a reason.

Knives are just sharpend metal after all. For I don't know how many hundres of years man got by with sharp stones and sticks, not to mention bronze and copper among other things...you will get by with a cheaper knife just fine.

If you never decide to spend X amount of money on a knife your life will be no less fulfilling, and if you do at some point spend "X" amount that will be fine as well.

I am not against high end knives in any way, but if you have reservations about spending a certain amount of something, its best not to do it, you can always change your mind when you are ready.
 
TotalDbag said:
Yea but I have tiny hands. My hands would only cover 3/4 the handle WITHOUT the choil.
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So its not the fact that it does not have a 1:1 blade/handle ratio rather the handle is just a little big for your tastes. I guess yeah, you would prefer to have more blade if you're gonna compromise the smaller handle size that you prefer. I got small mitts too btw, to me it is less cumbersome than most other popular offerings out there.
 
You can get an Opinel or SAK that will do exactly what the PM2 will do (cut), for a fraction of the cost. However, is the PM2 a "better" knife? Probably. Great materials, compression lock, feels great in the hand, etc. But only you can say if it's worth the extra $80-$90 it will cost you (plus, they're apparently sold out everywhere online right now)...
 
I've never bought a knife over $100, except for the Navaja on its way. However, I have handled a few higher end knives from Spyderco, such as the Szabo and the Memory. I think it's worth it, but I cannot see why the Paramilitary is such a popular knife. It's the one Spyderco that I don't like so far. To me, the handle's too sharp, and the blade has a little side to side play. And personally I'm not a fan of choils. But aside from that, at around $100, knives generally have better blade steel and handle materials, as well as a better overall fit and finish. Is it worth it? Probably not to most NKP. However, to me personally, it is worth the price for a better knife. It's like watches or cars. The basic models will do what they do, but the expensive ones will allow one to enjoy using the item.
 
You found what you like in the Navaja. Not for me as it would definitely sit in the shelf. Hope the OP finds what he likes, the PM2 is a good start to see what the fuss is regarding higher end knives.There definitely isn't a one knife for everybody... That is definitely a good thing.
 
No! You'll cut yourelf...why spend $100 such a dangerous item! save your self! RUN! RUN as FAST AS YOU CAN ! AWAY FROM THIS PLACE!!!!;)


Para II is a great choice! A well made cutting tool. (IMHO)
 
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This is a CRK Large Sebenza 21 Insingo. With tax and shipping it cost more that $400. It is everything I like about a knife and has absolutely nothing about it that I don't like--kind of like a well-trimmed steak. Worth it? I say... you betcha. I doubt anyone other that a knife-knut would appreciate it though...

ETA: I have many knives that cost far less that perform just as well, but in terms of enjoyment factor... fogettaboutit! :D
 
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TotalDbag said:
The cutting edge is only 3.0XX inches???? and the handle is 4.5+ inches?? That''s probably why I won't buy a Para 2. I like a 1/1 handle to blade ratio.
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did you put into consideration that the knife will be too big for some and illegal in some places if you make the blade bigger.? and the fact that if the handle were smaller, then people like me would be forced to have their pinky off the handle or in the choil? I think its a pretty perfect knife ;)
 
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The Para 2 does not have side to side play if you tighten the pivot.
You can still open and close the knife smoothly, even more so if you use some kind of lubricant.
My Para 2 is tightened and doesn't have any play, it's dead center, the handles aren't sharp, and I put Benchmade Blue Lube in the pivot and it just flies open.
The handles are curved to fit the hand perfectly and the G-10 is rough but it's that way for extra grip. You can sand them and you'll likely not have any problems.

In my opinion it's very worth it. You get a little better and better as you go on up in price. The Para 2 has a lot going for it for a great price. When you go up in price the materials usually get better and the steel changes and the fit and finish speaks for itself.

Every knife I have was worth every penny they cost.
 
There are like 15 of these threads for this exact knife on thus forum right now. IMHO its not worth it. It just doesn't work with my hand. YMMV.

Also how come all these threads turn into "you think that is expensive, i have a $10,000 knife I pry open manhole covers with" bragging threads. He asked about the para 2, what does your thousand dollar pocket jewlery have to do with that? Not trying to be the bad guy here but it seems to be happening more and more and it serves no useful purpose.
 
neffarious said:
There are like 15 of these threads for this exact knife on thus forum right now. IMHO its not worth it. It just doesn't work with my hand. YMMV.

Also how come all these threads turn into "you think that is expensive, i have a $10,000 knife I pry open manhole covers with" bragging threads. He asked about the para 2, what does your thousand dollar pocket jewlery have to do with that? Not trying to be the bad guy here but it seems to be happening more and more and it serves no useful purpose.
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OP also asked about a price cap and diminishing returns in addition to his question about the Spyderco PM 2...

zl1 said:
Are there really any major upsides to spending more for "quality blades"?
I'm considering purchasing a Spyderco Paramilitary 2 but $100 seems steep even though I'm very interested.
What I'm asking is, where is that point where you'd see diminishing returns?
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zl1 said:
What I'm asking is, where is that point where you'd see diminishing returns?
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wherever you place it.

I've spent many times the cost of a PM2 for other custom and production knives. I don't think you need to spend anywhere near $100 for a knife. After 20 years, I still have my first knife, it still has a lifetime warranty, and it still only cost me $16.
 
zl1 said:
What I'm asking is, where is that point where you'd see diminishing returns?
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At about $3 you start the diminishing returns.

For $3, you can buy a steak knife from Walmart that will cut most anything you need cut, and will not break under normal use

For 10 times that, you can buy a knife that will cut most anything you need cut, and will not break under normal use, and will hold a decent edge

for 100 times that , you can buy a knife that will cut most anything you need cut, and will not break under hard use, and will hold an excellent edge for an extended period of use

neither of these are going to do ANYTHING 10 or 100 times better than the $3 knife... but they will be BETTER...

The same can be said for cars, shoes, or just about anything you care to name.

Don't choose your price point based on diminishing returns. Choose your price point based first upon your NEEDS, and second, on your budget
 
Isn't it still technically illegal since it's longer than 3 inches. I don't necessarily want the handle smaller, just a blade of around 3.4-ish inches. That could be done easily with the riddance of the choil. I wish they made a model just like the para 2 without the choil
 
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