keeping a grail knife a grail

brets-ftw

brets-ftw

Joined
Sep 11, 2010
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so ive been thinking about the really high end production knives, like CRK, striders etc and ive come to a realization that while these knives are amazing i dont think ill ever buy one, because well for one im rather content with <$100 knives and two because i feel that if i start buying these knives the other in my collection wont hold up to my standards anymore and ill start becoming a knife snob for them customs

anyone else worry about this? or am i just paranoid
 
You should get the knives that appeal to you and that can fit your budget. It's only natural that your tastes may change after being exposed to more options that you haven't previously tried. Some people don't see the appeal in the expensive high-end/custom knives where some try it an never go back to the more affordable production knives and then there are people that are right in between; they own and enjoy both ends of the spectrum just as much. Whichever category you fall under, there's nothing wrong with it so long as you enjoy your knives be it a $2000 custom or a $30 production. It all just comes down to personal preference.
 
You are right to an extent. Given enough time, your tastes will change. This holds especially true if you actually use the various knives rather than just let them sit around and look at them all day. You get to a point where you feel as if you can tell the difference between the various steels and models. Some people actually can with enough use and experience.
What strikes me as odd is seeing so many threads with photos of beautiful knives and everyone chanting "just use it", "that is what it's made for, to be used", yet no pictures or posts regarding the actual use or experiences. Kind of like getting short changed. I don't think I'll ever stop enjoying the Spyderco, Kershaw, ESEE, and other production knives being made.
 
Yeah I thought I'd be in the same boat after I bought my manixII cf which is still my most expensive knife to date. But after I bought it a month later I felt I had to have a cold steel AK-47 older version in the aluminum none the less. So as what was said before your taste may change with more exposure but be true to your self. It's not hard just listen to your self and not so much the hype.
 
well i definitely expected changes in preferenc eand can name a few, going from tip down to up, deep pocket carry to lanyarded waved models, and big ole bowies to a more utilitarian bushcrafter

i just dont want my wallet going from semi full to kaput
 
I bought this mid-tech Lahar and then had to get it's production counterpart, that was one tenth it's price. So, no buying expensive knives didn't make me not appreciate the cheaper ones. For the money spent I can still enjoy the good deals.
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Getting my first Sebenza definitely lessened the appeal of lower cost production knives for me. It also had a severe impact on my wallet but hey, you only live once, right?

I now have two (and a Mnandi on the way) and I've sold, traded or given away almost all my other production folders simply because I stopped using them. I've kept a custom Buck 110, a rare Case trapper and my Spyderco caly 3 but that's pretty much it. I only EDC one of my Sebenzas now since I find almost all other knives I've used before lacking in comparision. Snobbery? Don't know and don't care, it's my knives, my money and my opinions. As far as I'm concerned the Sebenza Insingo might be the best EDC ever created and I'm extremely happy with it's performance. In the end, that's what matters.
 
I say buy what you like and can afford and use / carry them.

If you have to worry about using it or losing it then stick with what you have.

I would be upset if I lost any of my knives - a few are relatively inexpensive production models that are discontinued - but I still carry them.
 
Only natural to progress in a hobby, if you didn't it probably isn't a hobby. It's just a lot of similar stuff that piled up over the years. You don't have to become a snob to come to appreciate what the higher end knives offer which in turn logically decreases your appetite for lesser quality offerings. Doesn't mean you will come to look down upon them or those who own them which by definition would then make you - a snob.
I still own my first knife and look upon it fondly for if it were not for it the rest would probably not lay beside it and I would have missed out on a really great hobby.
So, fear not I think you can hold up to the pressure and come out appreciating all levels of edged joy!
 
In general the point of diminishing returns for a folder is between $100 and $200. You just have to by picky to justify spending more than that.
My grail knife is defined by overall design and blade steel. These days I am as likely to find that in a $130 production knife as a custom knife.
 
No worries here. I just scored a grail custom but that doesn't stop me from carrying my SAKs or my other lower priced knives. I like to rotate.:thumbup:
 
My Grail is the Busse NMFBM LE and I also have the Combat Grade vers as my beater.
 
I think you have to judge somewhat like art - I could care less if something is a Picasso, Rembrandt, etc - I either like it or I don't.

Same with knives, who made it, custom, production, steel x vs steel y - it either fits your hand and holds a good edge or it doesn't.
 
I currently own two custom folders; a John W Smith SD-3, and a Mike Irie Model 11 Spearpoint. Both of these knives are at the top of their game as far as the custom tactical-style knives go. But, I still carry my less expensive knives and get the same joy from them that I get from the above two. In fact I have purchased several Hammer Brand, and Steel Warrior slipjoints over the past 6 months and have found them to be amazing knives for the price. No knife snobbery there!!:D

I agree with what one poster said about getting the knives you want within your budget. Even the CRK's, Striders, and customs can be sent back to the makers and refinished if you want, and then you have your Holy Grail knife looking fine.:thumbup::)
 
There are some high end customs that have been "worth it" for me and that I have kept for years and continue to use and enjoy. Those knives "ruined" a lot of the mid-priced production knives for me. There are still some lower cost knives, e.g. SAKs, that I think are unbelievably good for the $ and I still own and use those. It's the mid-range stuff that I can't really stand any more.
 
I have had some CRK'S and a few benchmades ..
I find I carry the benchmades or spydies and Sebenza's & mnandis sit in safe .
I guess I'm facing the reality [for me ] that my limit for comfort and use is $ 150 or less . Lots of knives in that range :D

I still have a large Sebe ...I visit her once in a while ....needs a new home she's not getting enough attention
 
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