Is there anything a $400 to $600 knife can do that a $100 Knife can;t"

[leghog]

Some of the people who shake their heads and offer not-so silent reproach to the 'elitists' who prefer more expensive knives, also have huge collections of their own. Some of those cheap knife hoarders have spent considerably more on a large number of blades than members belonging to the Secret Society of Seven-Hundred Dollar Steel.

What is it that those 2-or-300 budget knives can do (besides rust, fall apart and generally disappoint ) that one good Sebenza, Rockstead, Shirogorov, Midtech, or custom can't?

I think it makes more sense to spend 2500$ (for example) on 5 very nice knives than it does to pay 2500$ for 50 knives in the 50$ range that just get piled up in a pointy heap of zytel and Chinese steel. I know some of the people acting self-righteous about the buying habits of others have made purchases I find pretty baffling myself. I don't, however, have any inclination to question or debate them about it. To each their own.

In the spirit of the OP, though, I'll ask: who needs 200 budget knives? Or 50? Or 20? 5 different knives of varying styles and sizes should fill every need, so why the extras?

In terms of wise spending, you may get much of your 2500$ back if only one or two of your 5 nice knives are heavy users. The 2500$ heap of budget badness, on the other hand, is a tough sell.

I don't actually care to make any converts. If you're happy with that Gerber or CRKT, that's fine, those knives have their place. Judging others for their purchases seems rooted in insecurity. You're trying to convince others to more easily convince yourself, fishing for approval. Fishing for approval is fine, Trolling for approval is not.

Using your argument regarding wise spending, three "budget knives", as you put it, "should fill every need, so why the extras"?

Different people seek different things, but that doesn't answer the OP question, does it?

 

[RedLynx]

Some of the people who shake their heads and offer not-so silent reproach to the 'elitists' who prefer more expensive knives, also have huge collections of their own. Some of those cheap knife hoarders have spent considerably more on a large number of blades than members belonging to the Secret Society of Seven-Hundred Dollar Steel.

What is it that those 2-or-300 budget knives can do (besides rust, fall apart and generally disappoint ) that one good Sebenza, Rockstead, Shirogorov, Midtech, or custom can't?

I think it makes more sense to spend 2500$ (for example) on 5 very nice knives than it does to pay 2500$ for 50 knives in the 50$ range that just get piled up in a pointy heap of zytel and Chinese steel. I know some of the people acting self-righteous about the buying habits of others have made purchases I find pretty baffling myself. I don't, however, have any inclination to question or debate them about it. To each their own.

In the spirit of the OP, though, I'll ask: who needs 200 budget knives? Or 50? Or 20? 5 different knives of varying styles and sizes should fill every need, so why the extras?

In terms of wise spending, you may get much of your 2500$ back if only one or two of your 5 nice knives are heavy users. The 2500$ heap of budget badness, on the other hand, is a tough sell.

I don't actually care to make any converts. If you're happy with that Gerber or CRKT, that's fine, those knives have their place. Judging others for their purchases seems rooted in insecurity. You're trying to convince others to more easily convince yourself, fishing for approval. Fishing for approval is fine, Trolling for approval is not.

I'm not into judging others for their knife purchases, but on the subject of the cheaper knives... I could simply forego them and save up to get one really nice blade for the price of the several cheaper ones. That makes sense (and I often wish I would just do that, but knives tend to catch my eye way too often.)

You make a good point about one good one vs. several so-so knives. For me, I do like to find relatively inexpensive knives that I like, and sometimes if I really like it I can afford to buy a few of the same model if it is cheap enough. I didn't used to do this, but sometimes I find some comfort in having a few back-ups of one I really like. I don't really know why, I guess I find a good one and worry it'll soon be discontinued or hard to find and I want a few back-ups. Maybe I worry my user will somehow break or get accidentally lost.

It's certainly not entirely rational, given that the knives I store could perhaps be stolen or lost in some accident anyway, and that it is also unlikely I'll break or lose the user and need any of the back-ups. But I guess it does happen, and somehow I can't get it out of my head that it is comforting to have a few back-ups of favorites. Even though if a favorite broke or whatever, I have other models I've purchased that I obviously like that I could just use instead. And if they're ever stolen or somehow destroyed in some incident, I lose all of the back-ups anyway. But still, can't get around it.


Like I said, not rational.

 

[Sikael]

Using your argument regarding wise spending, three "budget knives", as you put it, "should fill every need, so why the extras"?

Different people seek different things, but that doesn't answer the OP question, does it?

The OP asks a vague question about a price-range that includes many different knives, so how specific can the answer get?

Knives can serve more than one function. So yes, there are many things an expensive knife can do for me that a 100$ knife won't, and perhaps in other cases, vice versa. It's not all about cutting edge. Even if it were, the answer is still yes, for me.

I could own a hundred knives, but if I don't like them, TO ME, they're useless. That's all. If you want answers about cutting ability, there's plenty of that stuff on Youtube, or the Reviews and Testing sub-forum.

Specifically? Better materials, construction, an overall feel that I like, better cutting geometry, HT. Style and appearance. All, some, or none of those. Some 400+$ knives suck. Some are far better than anything in lower price-ranges, IMO. The OP wasn't specific about which knives he was referring too, so it's impossible to be specific enough to make a real point.

 

[Sikael]

I'm not into judging others for their knife purchases, but on the subject of the cheaper knives... I could simply forego them and save up to get one really nice blade for the price of the several cheaper ones. That makes sense (and I often wish I would just do that, but knives tend to catch my eye way too often.)

You make a good point about one good one vs. several so-so knives. For me, I do like to find relatively inexpensive knives that I like, and sometimes if I really like it I can afford to buy a few of the same model if it is cheap enough. I didn't used to do this, but sometimes I find some comfort in having a few back-ups of one I really like. I don't really know why, I guess I find a good one and worry it'll soon be discontinued or hard to find and I want a few back-ups. Maybe I worry my user will somehow break or get accidentally lost.

It's certainly not entirely rational, given that the knives I store could perhaps be stolen or lost in some accident anyway, and that it is also unlikely I'll break or lose the user and need any of the back-ups. But I guess it does happen, and somehow I can't get it out of my head that it is comforting to have a few back-ups of favorites. Even though if a favorite broke or whatever, I have other models I've purchased that I obviously like that I could just use instead. And if they're ever stolen or somehow destroyed in some incident, I lose all of the back-ups anyway. But still, can't get around it.


Like I said, not rational.

I don't mean to say there's anything wrong or irrational about it, I was just trying to use it as a comparison. Some people prefer to have less expensive knives; if they like them that's cool. It also means they can buy a lot of the knives they like. I'm just saying, that by continuing to buy cool, less expensive knives, it's kind of the same impulse that drives others to buy pricier knives. No one has to justify their spending choices here.

 

[leghog]

The OP asks a vague question about a price-range that includes many different knives, so how specific can the answer get?

The question really asked about performance for price.

 

[RedLynx]

I don't mean to say there's anything wrong or irrational about it, I was just trying to use it as a comparison. Some people prefer to have less expensive knives; if they like them that's cool. It also means they can buy a lot of the knives they like. I'm just saying, that by continuing to buy cool, less expensive knives, it's kind of the same impulse that drives others to buy pricier knives. No one has to justify their spending choices here.

Certainly. I've actually given away a lot of my higher priced knives even though I probably could have sold them. I've found my Benchmade Adamas and my ZT 0560BW, which was a gift, are the only higher end knives I need/like to use. And even they are not high end to people in a better income bracket than I. Now I'm giving away or selling a few others because I'm worrying more about my "big" collection than enjoying it. When I do that, it's time to pare down so I can enjoy it more. I'd like to change a lot of my thinking habits about knives, sometimes I concern myself with them way too much.

 

[Insipid Moniker]

This roller coaster of a "discussion", with its outcome always the same, is not worth the price of admission, nor is it necessary for us to keep riding it. Insanity, after all, is defined as continuing to do the same thing again and again expecting different results each time. Are we all insane? I'd like to think not.

Because everyone will draw different conclusions from the conversation and many of us find it an enjoyable diversion. Any time you discuss high-end items there will be plenty of people who don't understand why anyone would purchase them. For some this will come out as curiosity, for others as contempt. The contemptuous responses get old, but I honestly think it's best and easiest to ignore that and talk with the people who are curious. It can really only bother you if you let it.

 

[Sikael]

Certainly. I've actually given away a lot of my higher priced knives even though I probably could have sold them. I've found my Benchmade Adamas and my ZT 0560BW, which was a gift, are the only higher end knives I need/like to use. And even they are not high end to people in a better income bracket than I. Now I'm giving away or selling a few others because I'm worrying more about my "big" collection than enjoying it. When I do that, it's time to pare down so I can enjoy it more. I'd like to change a lot of my thinking habits about knives, sometimes I concern myself with them way too much.

I really like the ZT 0560/0561 (and the 0562CF) knives myself. You get a lot for the price.

 

[DJC72]

Boris74, I agree with your overall premise that price does not always equate to performance. That being said, other than Mora, there arn't many other $20 fixed blades out there that I would use on a weekend camping expedition. Cheaper knives that are $20 (which is the example you gave) tend to have questionable steels and heat treats.

 

[RedLynx]

I really like the ZT 0560/0561 (and the 0562CF) knives myself. You get a lot for the price.

Mine was a generous gift from a forum member otherwise I probably wouldn't have one, and I'm finding myself carrying it more as I'm getting over the "too nice" syndrome of having it. Wouldn't be very kosher to not use such a nice tool that was a gift.

 

[RedLynx]

Boris74, I agree with your overall premise that price does not always equate to performance. That being said, other than Mora, there arn't many other $20 fixed blades out there that I would use on a weekend camping expedition. Cheaper knives that are $20 (which is the example you gave) tend to have questionable steels and heat treats.

You done gonna get schooled son. (Kidding, but maybe not...)

 

[jonbutcheraxis]

At first I used to think that $1000 knives were for verified knife nuts, those who also light cigars with $100 bills. You know the drill, 'no one in their right mind', yaddy yadda etc
But simply substitute the word 'knives' for one of these other words- Nikon camera, Gibson Les Paul, Rolex and suddenly there's a context for why certain knives bring big bucks beyond their functional usefulness.
I myself have thought nothing of spending $2500+ on the right Fender Stratocaster. Sure, a Chinese made copy @ $249[ or less] can be made to function about as well. And I also like to think I can do the same thing on either guitar. But I haven't bought a $249 MIC Strat in, well, never.
Knives, watches, toys, wine, stamps, spoons, saddles, there's no real difference.

 

[acphillips3]

Yeah, find its way into my pocket more often.

 

[stabman]

Some expensive knives do some things better.
Some don't.

 

[Insipid Moniker]

Some expensive knives do some things better.
Some don't.

There is one thing all more expensive knives do better: Cost more.

 

[stabman]

There is one thing all more expensive knives do better: Cost more.

Yes, expensive knives remove problems of cash...

Some say that mo money comes with mo problems...

[video=youtube;gUhRKVIjJtw]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUhRKVIjJtw[/video]

Expensive knives have ensured that I have no problems.

 

[DJC72]

I just looked at the last two knives I bought. A cold Steel Code 4 and a Chris Reeve Startac. I love both of these knives and carry both. The Code 4 is a performer but dear lord the Startac is built so well and is too pretty. Even the stone washing is perfect.
As far as folders go, around $100 buys one heck of a knife nowadays. You can get g-10, s30v and solid fit and finish.

 

[stabman]

As far as folders go, around $100 buys one heck of a knife nowadays. You can get g-10, s30v and solid fit and finish.

Agreed...just know that the general public will still think all the things about you that the anti-Sebenza crowd has voiced in this thread.

"$100 on a knife? I can get 80 knives for that price on Cutlery Corner!"

 

[Monofletch]

Upon your death........ do you want them handing your only grandson some plain 'ol fixed blade or Grandpa's Busse Team Gemini?

 

[stabman]

Upon your death........ do you want them handing your only grandson some plain 'ol fixed blade or Grandpa's Busse Team Gemini?

Good point!
Make sure you have something to pass on that will spawn a legend sung around the campfires of the distant future. :thumbup: