Reason for spending $$$ on knives

Son Tao

Son Tao

Joined
Aug 27, 2000
Messages
51
Recently, a friend of mine was looking at a couple of my knives. He noticed that the Crawford and Randall were two really nice looking ones. He also commented that the Benchmades and Microtechs were also well built (he's an engineer). However, he had no idea on the price of the knives.

Once I told him the costs of the Crawford and Randall, he almost soiled his pants. His reply, "Why on earth would you spend that much money on a knife?" I proceeded to tell him that there are others who spend ten folds what I spend on a single blade. In addition, just like fine automobiles and firearms, you pay for quality workmanship and labor.

Sure a knife off the production line would probably suffice for most people. But, there are those that want everything their way or want the most quality for their dollar. In most cases, you can only get that going custom or semi-custom.

Regardless, I could not ration with him. :rolleyes:

Any advice on what to tell these clueless people about our knife spending habits?
 
Originally posted by Son Tao
Any advice on what to tell these clueless people about our knife spending habits?
Click to expand...


I don't. They just don't understand. I also spend outrageous amounts on illusions. Some can range $15,000 and up.
 
What else is there to spend the money on? :D

A more sensible answer is that I only buy custom knives, because I like to own a handmade product in these mass market times. I also like the idea of owning something of which only a small number will ever be made. I also like the idea that I can get my money back for my collectors at a later date - I can even get some $$ for my EDCs.

Where I can I try to apply the same values to other things that I buy - most thing are out of my price range.

Regards,

Ed
 
I'm not sure there's any rational reason why we spend as much as some of us do on knives. Maybe that's why we're Knifenuts. I do get a great deal of pleasure from the knives I buy, especially the customs. I think that has a great deal to do with getting to know the makers that made the knives. I have some idea of all the work and art they put into making the knives. Men I think by nature are natural born collectors and I can't think of anything else I'd get more pleasure out of collecting at this point in my life.

For pure function I don't think I personally would ever need anything more than a $10 Opinel. When I talk to somebody that's not a knifenut I never mention price. I talk about all that went into makeing that knife, the design and execution, fit and finish, and why I had to have it. Every knife in my collection has it's own story. If the conversation comes around to price I always say that they're not for sale so I guess they're priceless. Except for my wife of course, I tell her they're all around $20 and that seems to make her happy. I always like to keep my wife happy. ;)
 
Just do what I do. Tell them that you are sick and just can't help it. I'm on my way to Blade show West and I might spend $600+ on a wood ilay with a damascus blade.
 
...Because stealing them is wrong...Just WRONG!.:eek:.

We spend the $$$ 'cause we just HAVE TO have 'em.:).
 
Hi..

I just tell them..

Try to make one yourself!

or move to plan B.. "How do you justify buying what you buy?"

It's no different..

I see people spending BIG $$ on other stupid stuff,,it's all what you like..
I don't try and explain it to anyone anymore...
They either understand or they don't.

ttyle

Eric...
 
Some time ago I came to the conclusion that the money I spent on knife collecting was an entertainment expense. I do it for the fun of it. For the challenge of putting together what, at least to me, is an interesting collection, and for the many memories and challenges of conducting a successful hunt for the all ellusive wiget. The subject of the collection is almost irrelevant. I know I could have had almost as much fun collecting many other things.

Usually, when someone brings the subject up, I ask them about how they like to spend their free time. Sure enough almost everyone has a consistent area that they spend money on for leisure. Perhaps, it's furniture, or the theather, or some other sports related activity. But, almost everyone with a personality is into something. You will find that they spend about as much on much on that as you do in your interest, and they are as reluctant to give it up as you are. If you approach it from that direction you will probably find common ground.

Whether, it's furniture or sports, fashion or a stock portfolio, fine wine, sculptures, music, or even guns & knives. Most people enjoy collecting something.

n2s
 
A guy I know has a Patek Phillip watch. The darn thing cost $25000.00. It is very nice. I would never spend $25000.00 on a watch, but if that is what turns your crank then go for it.

If these people have hobbies that are expensive, ask them why they spend so much money on them. They will probably say that it is because they love to do, use, or collect. It is something inside of you that says that within reason, no matter how much it costs, this is something that I am going to have or do. How do explain wanting to spend up to $8000.00 on a Beattles album. Or $500.00 on that new putter. Or $20,000.00 to equip yourself and get to that mountain so that you can put yourself through hell just to reach the top. It is because these are the things you love and to hell with whether anyone else can understand why, or not.

If that doesn't work, hit them upside the head with a two by four. It won't help make them understand, but it will feel so darn good.
 
"If you have to ask, you wouldn't understand."

Some possible answers, though:
1) For the same reason people spend more money on a Ferrari
2) Because it's a work of art, like a sculpture, or painting
3) In this increasingly impersonal world, this is something very personal
4) Holding a fine knife is to your hand what Opera is to your ears... there's Madonna, and then there's Mozart...

I could come up with more, but this should tide you over for now. :D
 
I was showing a 9 inch upswept Persian-style blade of 1075 steel, hand-forged and heat-treated with the Japanese clay-tempering technique to produce a beautiful wavy hamon, a nicely shaped copper guard, and with a nicely shaped piece of wavy Bocote for a handle, not to mention the gorgeous well-made leather sheath, to a co-worker of mine. He was impressed by the workmanship, and asked "how much did it cost?"

I told him I had paid less than $200 for this blade (a truly exceptional value in my reckoning), and he completely freaked out! "$200, for a KNIFE?"

He just could not seem to get it. His attitude surprised me more than a little. I even tried explaining that this hand-made knife took AT LEAST 10 hours of someone's time to make (probably a lot more than that), but my friend Still thought it was outrageous and insane to pay $200 for "a knife".

I gave up. Some people appreciate the value of craftsmanship. Some people appreciate the value of well made tools. And some people just don't seem to appreciate anything. **** em... ;)

Para
 
I do not need any reasons for spending lots of money on knives.

I struggle with the reasons NOT to spend money on knives.

Maybe that is the difference... :)
 
Originally posted by not2sharp
Some time ago I came to the conclusion that the money I spent on knife collecting was an entertainment expense.
Click to expand...

Huh. That's a good philosophy. I probably would have spend the same if not more $$$ on drinks & strip clubs. I think I made the right choice.

Mike
 
"Because I can."

But they still look at me funny. Oh well. :D
 
The best answer I've come up with, that shuts them up about it 95% of the time is just "Because I like them". It's the truth, and it works.
 
might have been mentioned....

but i dont have to justify my collecting and or use of knives to anyone.
 
I LOVE your reply Remster135! I am going use that the next time someone gives me grief about my knives or the new pool cue i have on order.:D "Because I Can "!
 
LOL!
The day I give a crap what someone else decides is the right amount for me, or anyone else for that matter, to spend on something is the same day I'll french kiss Janet Reno:barf:

Oh, wait I can't say that cause I made a big stink about those idiots in the Miami Champagne clubs spending upwards of $40,000.00 a night on Champagne.

AAAAAAKKKKKKK!!!!

Quick I need advice on what knife is best to give myself a tongue-ectomy!
 
why spend $$ on knives ?? same reason i spend money on BMW, Rolex, SIG, Glock, etc - i like quality .........

not to say ya cant buy some good stuff for less than $100 .....

but ya cant beat the feel of a crawford, polkawski or other custom knife, just like a Rolex they reek of quality imho


sifu
 
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