restraint

[hardheart]

Kershaw Vapor, CRKT Urban Shark, Becker Magnum Camp, Spydie Gunting

Look at the money I'm saving buying these 4 knives! Instead of a TNT or sebbie, I'm saving tons on a Vapor. No need for a Lightfoot original, Columbia gets it (mostly) right! Don't get me started on the handmade and high-end factory camp knives available for WAY more than the Becker! And if you want a knife like a Gunting, you gotta buy a Gunting!

It don't matter what I already own. It don't matter what I can already do with what I already own. This is self-control, THIS is not letting a hobby get out of hand. Just look at my savings!

What to do with all the money I've saved??? HHmmm, home improvement? Nah, I rent. Entertainment center? Well, most of my entertainment comes from my knives. A new wardrobe? All my clothes match my knives already. What about that custom you been thinkin' 'bout? Y'know, raindrop pattern stainless damascus, mokume clip, linen micarta bolsters, anodized titanium liners, carbon fiber scales with burlwood inlay, a big fancy pivot pin....

 

[Samurai6]

Well, there has been no question in my mind for some time now that the best values in user folders are in the production knives, though my tastes tend to go more toward Benchmades.

No argument on the Becker Camp Knife either, but you might be able to find a hand forged, differentially heat treated camp knife from a blade smith like Matt Lamey for around $300 that might cut better and would be a damn sight prettier. Might be worth more than a down payment on a birds-eye damascus bobble to some people.

 

[Strider]

Originally posted by hardheart
[B
What to do with all the money I've saved??? A new wardrobe? All my clothes match my knives already. [/B]

I have never seen steel clothes or even kydex clothes you gotta post some pic's of your wardrobe. A suit made of Carbon Fiber with G-10 boots.
Bob

 

[Cosmic Superchunk]

Hardheart, the knives you mentioned are indeed good buys for the money, and yes, you do save money by purchasing good quality, low cost production knives when compared to high end models or even handmades.
However, I must point out that there is something to be said about a quality handmade knife made by a respectable and talented maker. For instance, comparing a Kershaw Vapor to one of Ken's handmade models is like comparing a Hyundai to a brand new Jaguar. The same is true about Lightfoot's designs. The idea behind the collaborations is to make certain designs available to the masses who would probably not be able to afford a handmade version. By doing so, you extend and revitalise the knife market, encourage the demand for quality production knives and spark interest in handmade knives.

Even if you can't afford a handmade or can't deal with a maker's waiting list, there are several very well made high end production knives available.

 

[Gary Hudson]

You know good and well that money you saved will be the down payment on the TnT or sebbie!

 

[Toolin]

Those choices are great if you want a knife that will last a few years, but I would rather buy a nice knife, one that will outlive me, and one that I can give to my children. A knife that will never fail me, something I know is special. That's why I bought a Benza.