Knife Costs?

[Lycosa]

We knife knuts will buy knives from $10. to $1,000. and more. At this point in my hobby with knives, I wonder, for example, why did I buy that $400. folder when my $25. folder can hold it's own? I wonder if I was taken by all the Hype?

 

[Tony_A]

Well, you usually get what you pay for, but with knives, like many things, the scale isn't exactly linear.

You may end up spending 400% more for a 40% increase in performance, finish, etc.
Like comparing a $120 custom handled, BG-42 Buck 110 to a standard $30 one.

 

[distorted]

I hear you, but the knives that are on the upper price levels just look so darn pretty...

 

[bdws1975]

rolf, I agree in many instances. Since I'm not in love with the XM-18, I really can't see paying the price when my bradley alias can do the job. however, I can understand why folks who DO love the design, etc will pay it. I guess it's all in what you value in terms of build, use, etc.

wife at you again for spending too much money?...

brett

 

[shecky]

Once you get past $40-$50, there are sort of diminishing returns as far as performance goes. If you care to make some specific examples, the floor is even lower.

That doesn't mean a $400 knife is not worth that price or is in some way a ripoff. Customers for high end knives buy reputation, customer service and bragging rights. Not to mention fine objects.

 

[Ramm9]

Well, you usually get what you pay for, but with knives, like many things, the scale isn't exactly linear.

You may end up spending 400% more for a 40% increase in performance, finish, etc.
Like comparing a $120 custom handled, BG-42 Buck 110 to a standard $30 one.

Or on the other hand it it could be 400% more for 1000% increase in performance.

I wonder if I was taken by all the Hype?

Of course you were taken. Isn't it better to buy like 1000 frost folders instead of just one cheap William Henry. It's always better to carry four or five cheap knives instead of one expensive knife.

Why in the world would someone spend $600 for a Randall knife that can't even hammer through concrete when you can do that with a $25 knife.

Lycosa, the first time you type more than one sentence out of how many posts and it's to ask a question dictated by available discretionary income, personal taste, and perceived need so a discussion can do nothing but go around and around, but you knew that right?

 

[So-Lo]

Lycosa, the first time you type more than one sentence out of how many posts and it's to ask a question dictated by available discretionary income, personal taste, and perceived need so a discussion can do nothing but go around and around, but you knew that right?

Zippy zap, that's a real sting'er......

 

[So-Lo]

I guess the Sebenza is out of your pocket, and your back on the Soddie?

 

[bdws1975]

so, why is everyone jumping on lycosa? He's a good guy adn has every right to post this thread. Of all the dumb crap that's posted, this thread is tame and reasonable.

Geez!

 

[bdws1975]

No offense, but if you think it's a dumb thread, then move on. there's really no need to be a jerk to him. IMHO

Brett

Or on the other hand it it could be 400% more for 1000% increase in performance.


Of course you were taken. Isn't it better to buy like 1000 frost folders instead of just one cheap William Henry. It's always better to carry four or five cheap knives instead of one expensive knife.

Why in the world would someone spend $600 for a Randall knife that can't even hammer through concrete when you can do that with a $25 knife.

Lycosa, the first time you type more than one sentence out of how many posts and it's to ask a question dictated by available discretionary income, personal taste, and perceived need so a discussion can do nothing but go around and around, but you knew that right?

 

[Gerberblades]

I am actually going to give a truthful answer with out being a complete jerk.


Lycosa-

I think the quality and workmanship of $400 is incomparable to that of a $25 dollar knife. Also a $25 dollar knife will cut, but if you are looking for a knife with style and strength, you'll most likely get just that out of a more expensive knife.


-Bill

Or on the other hand it it could be 400% more for 1000% increase in performance.


Of course you were taken. Isn't it better to buy like 1000 frost folders instead of just one cheap William Henry. It's always better to carry four or five cheap knives instead of one expensive knife.

Why in the world would someone spend $600 for a Randall knife that can't even hammer through concrete when you can do that with a $25 knife.

Lycosa, the first time you type more than one sentence out of how many posts and it's to ask a question dictated by available discretionary income, personal taste, and perceived need so a discussion can do nothing but go around and around, but you knew that right?

 

[Capt. Carl]

The question is: If you sold all of your expensive folders today and kept that 25 dollar one as a user would you really be happy? Buying quality knives is what makes us knife people happy. Being able to tell the difference in build and quality in our knives from a 25 dollar one is all part of the fun and draw. Sure, your friends may not see the point, but when you handle those top tier folders, it is clear where that money went; into the workmanship and spirit of the knife.

 

[AfterTFD]

Above around $35 or so I just don't buy knives that I don't:
1. Feel genuinely excited about getting
2. Have a real use for
3. Preferably be able to try something new with (steel, blade style, lock type, etc)

With expensive knives and most luxury items you have to pay increasingly more as quality approaches the top at a very sharp rate. If you don't feel the need for the very best of the best then no, you don't need to spend $400 for a perfectly good knife.

I don't know what knives you own so I can't meaningfully comment on the possible influence of hype on your knife purchases.

 

[Jason B.]

I view knives a usable art, the quality, materials used, and who makes it play a bigger part for me than the price. A cheap knife will get the job done but a good knife will do it better.

 

[John T Wylie Jr]

Honestly , it's a pretty darn good question.

For me , I see it as a matter of pride in ownership. I recently bought a couple cheaper slipjoints , Boker Soddie , etc. Now , they can no way compare to the precision construction of say , my Erickson , no way - in any way. However , they do cut , and I appreciate them for what they are . I don't get the same smile on my face when I open them and use them. I can toss one in the glove box of the wife's car , one in the tool box , one in the junk drawer , etc. I wouldn't toss my Erickson anywhere , other than in my pocket

Do we need to use a $300 knife for the average mundane chores ? I don't , but I have the means to do so , and I enjoy it. Still enjoy using a cheap soddbuster as well !

Enjoy that well made knife for the craftsmanship that went into it regardless of the price. It doesn't have to cost $300+ to attract my attention.
It does have to be well made and able to stand up to extended use.

Perspective , that is what it comes down to.
Do you wear a $5 watch , $50 watch , $400 watch or $2000 watch ?
What car do you drive ? Prius ? Lexus ? Viper ?
Do you have a reg cell phone , or a Blackberry or an Iphone ?
Reg 27" tv ? Flat screen ? LCD ? 40 " plasma ?
Is your internet connection dial up , 5meg cable , 10 meg cable ?

all variations of the same thing , it's to what extreme is it important to you.

 

[bdws1975]

very well put. It's simply a question of value. If you don't find value in a knife purchase, given your decision matrix, then it's not worth it. If you do, then it is. Simple.

I do understand how rolf feels though. I've bought expensive knives only to really question their value FOR ME. I end up selling those and moving on.

Brett

Honestly , it's a pretty darn good question.

For me , I see it as a matter of pride in ownership. I recently bought a couple cheaper slipjoints , Boker Soddie , etc. Now , they can no way compare to the precision construction of say , my Erickson , no way - in any way. However , they do cut , and I appreciate them for what they are . I don't get the same smile on my face when I open them and use them. I can toss one in the glove box of the wife's car , one in the tool box , one in the junk drawer , etc. I wouldn't toss my Erickson anywhere , other than in my pocket

Do we need to use a $300 knife for the average mundane chores ? I don't , but I have the means to do so , and I enjoy it. Still enjoy using a cheap soddbuster as well !

Enjoy that well made knife for the craftsmanship that went into it regardless of the price. It doesn't have to cost $300+ to attract my attention.
It does have to be well made and able to stand up to extended use.

Perspective , that is what it comes down to.
Do you wear a $5 watch , $50 watch , $400 watch or $2000 watch ?
What car do you drive ? Prius ? Lexus ? Viper ?
Do you have a reg cell phone , or a Blackberry or an Iphone ?
Reg 27" tv ? Flat screen ? LCD ? 40 " plasma ?
Is your internet connection dial up , 5meg cable , 10 meg cable ?

all variations of the same thing , it's to what extreme is it important to you.

 

[John T Wylie Jr]

Perspective....just for the record...

$375 watch ( Luminox Quadrum )
96 Chevy Corsica
NO CELL PHONE
Reg 27" TV
10 meg internet

and sitting here with a Erickson Slip Joint , Rinaldi Matrix , Strider PT CC and a Boker sodbuster , semi-custom Colt Officers Model , all on my person...and a custom built Carolina Tactical AR15 apart for cleaning....and I am smiling the whole dam time.

yup.... all perspective in what is important to you.

 

[chickenplucker]

I have a $6.00 Rough Rider stockman and a $600.00 Custom Shop Busse and I enjoy both for different reasons.
Always remember{The quality of any service or product is what the customer says its}.
I saw that on the back of a sewage truck.
Chickenplucker

 

[RKH]

This is something I have thought about also. A Spyderco Delica or a Kabar Dozier folder or a SAK or a Case slip joint will get the job done. I have a Kershaw Skyline that is an excellents clip carry one hand knife for about 30 dollars. Kershaw provides a very good made in the USA knife for low prices. I own several sebbies and a couple of Doziers and recently 2 Tom Krein knives. Oh, I bought a Queen Sodbuster several months back and just sharpened it(came dull as a butter knife from Queen). That knife took a excellent edge after I thinned the edge down. That simple knife would take care of my knife uses. I think way too many times I try to over complicate my knives when a simple and inexpensive Queen Sodbuster will do whatever I need. Also, way too many "tactical knives" just don't meet my EDC needs. Plus, the edge geometry on these knives are abysmal and with some of the newer steels damn hard to reprofile and sharpen. Don't get me wrong Spyderco, Kershaw and BM strong make fine well sharpened knives. I guess as a certifiable knife nut I want them all.
RKH

 

[Lycosa]

Wow. A guy asks a question!
Thanks, Brett, and all who responded with a kind or a good response. I'm really trying to decide on which knives to keep and which to sell. This might be my last Post. Not all at once now---Yeah!!