Pimped vs. Higher End

[The cow]

Title says it all. Would you guys prefer to "pimp" or customize lower end stuff, or just buy a stock multi hundred dollar higher end knife, or even a more expensive custom?


I'm torn on this one because I like my sebenzas and Strider, but also really like a nicely customized lower end production. I've yet to get into the world of customs, but I suppose if I could handle the price Id go that route over a pimped production.

As far as customization and resale value, I doubt many will be willing to pay whatever additional amount of money you put into the knife. So, its best not to make anything permanent (if you have any intention of reselling it) because the knife becomes very personalized.
Ultimately, it depends on the knife/knife style. There are some production knives people just love so much its worth it. Look at all the stuff for the Spydie Paramilitary. I came across someone making a aluminum honeycome scales for it. I seriously considered buying a Para just for those.

However, if its a design thats relatively common, you might as well get a custom made from the get go. I was seriously considering a Spydie Bushcrafter for the longest time. However, I couldn't get over the gaudy G10 and having new scales put on would probably put the knife near $300. There are plenty of custom makers out there that can do it for cheaper.


This goes without say but you have to do your homework on pimpers or custom makers and their reputation. Personally, I'm always very hesitant sending my knives to even a well-respected person because theres little in the way of buyer protection.

 

[Krissig12]

It seems like some of you think I'm asking for advice

The point of this thread was to see how many preferred to buy a decent knife and make it perfect rather than buy a better (or at least better for them) knife right from the start but have to pay a lot more for it.

I personally think I'm more on the pimping side just because it's fun.

 

[singularity35]

Depends. Customizing a knife might include regrind work on a thick blade, in which case it it WOULD make your knife cut better.

Or say you've got a knife that isn't easy to hold on to and you customize it with grippy scales, it would make the knife better for use.

As I understand it pimping is aesthetics. I could be wrong.

 

[powernoodle]

As I understand it pimping is aesthetics.

I agree with this. When we get into pimping, or buying semi-custom or full blown custom knives, we aren't doing it because they cut stuff better. With very few exceptions, they do not.

Lets consider Charlie Mike's EDC package. His $11,000 Rolex and pair of $2000 custom knives don't tell time or open boxes better than lets say my G-Shock or Delica. And he doesn't pretend that they do. But these spendy toys do exude a sick, sick ton of style and coolness and bad@ssness that complement his lifestyle.

So when we customize a PM2, or carry a full blown semi custom or custom blade, we generally are not doing it because they cut cardboard better than a Delica. Rather, we are immersing ourselves in total knife coolness. And coolness is a very subjective thing. So we can't really say that a pimped PM2 is "better" or "worse" than a semi custom or custom knife. Instead, its all about feeling good, and the good vibes that come from carrying and using a very sick knife.

 

[PURPLEDC]

I dont do the "pimped" thing unless I am doing the pimping. I have seen too many people who can make a knife look visually appealing yet have little skill beyond that. And I just dont trust the majority of no name pimp jobs you see out there as you never know who did the work and to what level of workmanship they have the ability to live up to. Not to mention most brands wont recognize the warranty after such mods are performed. I have even seen work by those held in very high regard in the pimping knife game that honestly I wouldnt want to attach my name to. Im not claiming to be the master of pimped knives but I live by the rule that any aesthetic upgrade cant negatively impact the function or longevity of the knife. Some dont seem to have any rules as long as the knife looks cool.

 

[Krissig12]

As I understand it pimping is aesthetics. I could be wrong.

I may have used the incorrect term then. "Customizing" is better.

But you're right. The vast majority of customizations only affect aesthetics. Which is still fine by me

 

[bigmark408]

Title says it all. Would you guys prefer to "pimp" or customize lower end stuff, or just buy a stock multi hundred dollar higher end knife, or even a more expensive custom?


I'm torn on this one because I like my sebenzas and Strider, but also really like a nicely customized lower end production. I've yet to get into the world of customs, but I suppose if I could handle the price Id go that route over a pimped production.

I have pimped several of lower and higher...do what you like and don't look for anyone's approval.

Sheep roll in large heards.

 

[bigmark408]

Remember that you will never get your money out of pimped knife if you decide to sell it.

Not always true.

 

[bigmark408]

If you customize a low end knife, you're still left with the bones of a low end knife. Might look cool but it's still got cheaper steel, cheaper materials etc.

Just order a custom knife in the materials/steel/style you want and be happy.

Some lower end knives like a Spyderco Military (just one example) are a great platform for modification with outstanding results....I have tons of customs and not all are superior.

Not everyone can afford a "custom" (you should know that).

Bottom line is you don't need a custom/expensive knife to have a great knife...but I guess if you want to sit at the table with the cool kids and talk about your cool customs and then put them back in their cases till the next meeting then maybe you need a custom. 👊🏻

 

[Krissig12]

I have pimped several of lower and higher...do what you like and don't look for anyone's approval.

Sheep roll in large heards.

bigmark408, see below....

I'm not looking for advice guys. I've already done both, pimped some lower end stuff and own some higher end stuff. My OP may have looked like I was looking for help decided something, but I was really just looking to see what others preferences were. Not everything in general has to be a newbie looking for advice

It seems like some of you think I'm asking for advice

The point of this thread was to see how many preferred to buy a decent knife and make it perfect rather than buy a better (or at least better for them) knife right from the start but have to pay a lot more for it.

I personally think I'm more on the pimping side just because it's fun.

 

[bigmark408]

bigmark408, see below....

I'm not looking for advice guys. I've already done both, pimped some lower end stuff and own some higher end stuff. My OP may have looked like I was looking for help decided something, but I was really just looking to see what others preferences were. Not everything in general has to be a newbie looking for advice

Ok, i like to make lower end and higher end knives better.

 

[Krissig12]

There, now my avatar reflects both sides of this "debate"

 

[lcsmith84]

I just made this choice to a certain extent. I wanted a 3" titanium frame lock. My decision was between a CRK Small Sebenza and the Spyderco Sage 2. I went with the Sage 2 and decided to send it off to get the frame anodized, blade acid washed, and get sharpened. If I had bought the CRK I would have left it as is.

I do agree that most customization, as with cars, do not make their money back with resale.

Different strokes for different folks I guess.

Besides I can save for my Sebenza purchase when I head to Bladeshow in June.

 

[Charlie Mike]

All I know is there aren't many people who have the testicular fortitude necessary to grind on $1k+ customs...

(Besides me)

 

[bpeezer]

All I know is there aren't many people who have the testicular fortitude necessary to grind on $1k+ customs...

(Besides me)

This confuses me just a little...if I was having a custom knife made for me, I would just have it made to my specs so I wouldn't have to modify it. Am I crazy?

 

[Charlie Mike]

This confuses me just a little...if I was having a custom knife made for me, I would just have it made to my specs so I wouldn't have to modify it. Am I crazy?

Not when you buy it off someone.

 

[bpeezer]

Not when you buy it off someone.

I guess that's a pretty good reason for it not to be made to your specs

 

[brancron]

Not always true.

It's ridiculously wrong, actually.

 

[Krissig12]

It's ridiculously wrong, actually.

It depends on the knife, and more importantly the type of mod you've done. If you regrind the blade, sand the G10 down, and carve your name onto the knife somewhere, you're probably not going to get much for it if you try to sell. But if it's just changing the pocket clip, anodizing the hardware, putting a different scale material on it, you may actually be able to get MORE for it than you would if it were still stock.

A good example is hinderers. Adding accessories can usually up the price that they go for on the exchange.

 

[RIPtastic]

Let me clarify.... When I say "lower end production", I mean like spyderco, BM, ZT, etc., as opposed to higher end productions like hinderers, sebenzas, rocksteads, etc. I don't mean extremely cheap knives where quality materials and construction are sacrificed for the sake of value.

It's also worth mentioning that nowadays good materials can be found on knives that aren't all that expensive. The mini ritter m390 is a perfect example. It's got a great steel, and all you need to do is throw a set of custom scales on it and it's perfect. Thats what I did with mine anyway. And now it's on of my favorites.

Yup. This has turned into one of my favorite EDC knives. The Wilkins Ti scales completely change the feel of the knife and the custom anno job makes it stand out. Not to mention the great M390 steel that I don't have to worry about damaging cuz I can get a replacement from Benchmade for $25 bucks.