One Expensive, or several Inexpensive????

If you already have a bunch of nice factory knives, I would go for a custom. (That's my own plan as soon as I save up some cash.)
 
I've had some customs and expensive productions that I was not impressed with compared to others.It really depends.If you have a really expensive knife you might be to afraid to use or carry the knife.I'm a type of knifenut that likes to own more than one of the same type if I like it that much.In case it goes out of production,gets damaged,lost,stolen etc.In a 400.00 edc,that can get to be an expensive practice.The Sebenza is a awsome knife,though I wouldn't be caught dead carrying such an expensive knife with a pocket clip,lost a knife that way,won't happen again.I carry deep pocket or some kinda sheath.Right now I'm very fond of the Spyderco Chinook II,Spyderco ATR,Benchmade 630 Skirmish.They're are many more production knives that have quality materials, and fit and finish,that will put many customs to shame IMHO.You can also own 3-4 of these great knives for the price of one "high" end production or custom.The choice is yours,maybe the cash gift was for a Graduation present,Birthday?Perhaps you would then like to buy something special and unique in a custom knife to be a more memorable significance.Bottom line is,it's an important decision,and significant sum of money.Think thoroughly before you plunks down your money.Happy knife hunting!
 
Another vote for quality vs quantity-your hand can only hold one knife. Forum members are always willing to help with your selection-don't hesitate to ask. Good luck in your quest.
 
Especially right now, I'd go for the custom. This is one of the poorest secondary markets I've seen in a couple of years for sellers and there are some remarkable deals out there on customs that just 6 months ago you wouldn't see at all on the secondary market. Mayo's, Blackwoods, JW Smiths, JSP's, Ryans are all going for rock bottem prices, but this won't last too long. Just wish I had more money to invest right now.
 
i would save a little more and get a woody... :D

small wood inlaid sebenza all the way...thats just on my wishlist right now. enjoy shopping around...thats my favorite part of knife collecting/using

doing the research 4 whats available and what i think i could use :cool:
 
TOMBSTONE said:
I'm a type of knifenut that likes to own more than one of the same type if I like it that much.In case it goes out of production,gets damaged,lost,stolen etc.
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You sound like me. I own 3 Chinook IIs, and I just bought 2 710s.

This can be an expensive practice even with production knives. :(
 
BurkStar said:
Especially right now, I'd go for the custom. This is one of the poorest secondary markets I've seen in a couple of years for sellers and there are some remarkable deals out there on customs that just 6 months ago you wouldn't see at all on the secondary market. Mayo's, Blackwoods, JW Smiths, JSP's, Ryans are all going for rock bottem prices, but this won't last too long. Just wish I had more money to invest right now.
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Truer words were never spoken. I know, as I have been on the selling end too!! :p
 
Joss said:
3 examples:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=296549
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=296395

As you can see, I've not had to look very far.
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Yes, as Joss posted, the work a sole maker has to put into a handmade knife raises the price, yet you get blades that don't feature anything you can't find on a production piece. I can really appreciate that a maker has to put in a lot of labor on a piece, but I would prefer to spend a little more on a little more work and get something distinctive.

This leads back to the whole 'handmade vs. custom' argument.
 
I will probably spend the entire $400 on a custom knife made by a guy I know and whom I like. He will probably work his heart out on that knife.

Regardless of whether the end product is the best in the world is irrelevant because I know the maker has put his heart, mind and soul into it. For me, that's enough. I will cherish it.
 
hardheart said:
Yes, as Joss posted, the work a sole maker has to put into a handmade knife raises the price, yet you get blades that don't feature anything you can't find on a production piece. I can really appreciate that a maker has to put in a lot of labor on a piece, but I would prefer to spend a little more on a little more work and get something distinctive.

This leads back to the whole 'handmade vs. custom' argument.
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I actually meant that as examples of such great custom knives being available in this price range... :)
 
I wouldn't consider too many knives investments. Only a very few increase in value as the get older and rarer.

If I had $400 to blow on my hobbies, I'd spend $100 on one or more knives and the rest on what ever outdoor gear I wanted to upgrade or replace.

$400 is way too much for one knife. You can almost get a XD pistol for that much! How about a good used rifle, a winch for your truck, etc. etc.

Collecter
 
Get a small Sebenza ($300.00) then send it to Tom Mayo for his special treatment ($85.00). That will give you a knife which is not only a manifestation of simple uncomplicated genius but a unique one at that, since no two of the Mayonized Sebbies are truly alike.
 
I would get one expensive, better to be a really good one that I won't get tired using/looking at it for the rest of my life. Always like thing that lasts.
 
cds1 said:
You sound like me. I own 3 Chinook IIs, and I just bought 2 710s.

This can be an expensive practice even with production knives. :(
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It sure can.If I don't at least have a double of the same model it will irk me to no end.I'm more secure, and satisfied if I have at least three. :eek:
 
$400: I'd get 2 knives. a small Model 2 Obenauf, and a titanium spyderco salsa. Don't want to try something with the Obie? use the salsa. period.
 
BurkStar said:
Especially right now, I'd go for the custom. This is one of the poorest secondary markets I've seen in a couple of years for sellers and there are some remarkable deals out there on customs that just 6 months ago you wouldn't see at all on the secondary market. Mayo's, Blackwoods, JW Smiths, JSP's, Ryans are all going for rock bottem prices, but this won't last too long. Just wish I had more money to invest right now.
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TnTs have been hit the hardest, but they'll come back because they arent hype driven, there is incredible quality that justifies it's previously higher prices. JW Smith tac/utilities have never been strong in the secondary market, that may change now that he has finally coe out with a nice spearpoint blade grind. I never thought Ryans were worth their prices, I think current prices are now in line with what youre actually getting,same with JSP. Blackwoods are still hot and never really suffered too much.

Personally, I'd be looking at TnT's right now, in fact, I'm ALWAYS looking for a good deal on a TnT. :)
 
Just yesterday I read some posts on another forum by a few makers that say that they are seeing a real slowdown in sales. One of them even mentioned that he was having to sell knives for lower than normal prices just to keep the money coming in. I know this isn't the case with all makers, but it looks like it is a good time to be looking for a new or used custom knife.
 
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