Your points dont make much sense when you realize most people could buy a few Moras and be set for life on knives.
It's all about what you feel like buying. Most people arent buying Sebenzas to chop wood with.
My points make perfect sense. $400-$1500 flippers / folders TO ME, do not.
I get that they're "nicer" and have smooth action.... And craftsmanship and materials are higher end... But come on... there's literally only a single pivot and a single lock. It's not like a Swiss watch with 200-400+ precision made, moving parts.
By all means, if you like it, buy it... especially if it's the dream / grail piece that you'll use and carry daily...
But a collection of dozens (or hundreds) of $400+ knives, that don't get much use or you are afraid of using them and scratching them up, seems odd.
My point was that a $400 folder will be nice materials, nice action, and should be pretty flawless. For $150, you can get a custom made fixed blade, steel of your choice and handle material of your choice and a nice sheath, or for slightly less, a great, proven production model. The fixed blade would be stronger and you would be more likely to use it, as it isn't as dear to replace.

Moras are great - I have a bunch... And so should most people... And you can have any colour or length, as long as it has a plastic handle and a scandi grind.
If they also had a 3mm thick FFG option, they'd cover so many additional end-user applications!
I get specialty blades, patterns or uses (like a dressy knife for more formal occasions), but having dozens of general, EDC shaped $400-$1500 isn't being done for utility or as tools. Those are a collection of pocket candy.
I'm just much more utilitarian and don't get impressed with ball-bearing pivots or ornate locks. Also, most pockets accumulate lint to fill these spaces / gaps / voids.
But you can tell that based on what I carry... BK14, Spyderco Salt 2, SAK ALOX Electrician, etc.
Different strokes for different folks. Some urbanites can't carry (or conceal) a fixed blade.... But many more ppl could daily carry a 2.5"-3.5" fixed blade that just don't and never have.
They don't know what they're missing, because all you see pushed is the new unobtanium bladed, vaneer scale'd folder du jour.
Compared to strong, robust, fast fixed blades, folders kind of feel like toys or a bit gimmicky. I also don't have the compulsion to fiddle with my knife, so that's another factor.
I'm not an old guy, but those ol' timers have a bit of wisdom. Take advantage of their learnings and combine them with modern technological innovations. Best of both worlds.
Get a little bird and trout or other small fixed blade. Stop playing with snicky, snappy, waiting list folders.
A folder is like a transformer knife.


