As far as value, I want a couple of things from a manufaturer. Consistancy od fit and finish, good edge holding, not too outragious price for what I', getting, and last but not least, a good customer service that acts like they really do want to help with any problems that may pop up.
Unfortunatly for me, that last one means U.S. made knifes, something that is becoming increasingly scarce these days. For me Case is a first choice of traditional pocket knives because of all of the above, but the last one in particular. Not too many knife companies around that you can send back a knife for repair or reconditioning anymore, let alone talk to them about it.
My father had a little Case pocket knife he carried from 1938 to 1981 when he passed on. My relationship with my dad had a rocky start and it was a long time building, but finally did take. When he died, I found myself holding his little pocket knife and thinking about all the times I'd seen him use it for a zillion different things, and I had the wild thought come into my head that maybe I'll see if I could get a second generations use out of it. The main blade was badly worn down, and one bone scale had a big crack in it where it had been dropped on a cement sidewalk by accident when his 70 something hands lost his grip.
I don't know if she is still there, but there was a nice lady named Shirley who I corrisponded with, and Case restored my dad's knife. I don't know the name of the craftsmen who did the work, but I still am thankfull to him. The cracked handle was replaced as was the worn out main blade, and you can't tell anything was done. The price was very moderate and my dad's knife is now again in daily rotation sometimes. Case earned a very special place in my heart then, and I still preffer Case to this day, in addition to sak's.
I think it's also very hard to go wrong with a Boker, or believe it or not, the 300 series Buck pocket knives if you want a good using knife you can count on, like the 301 and the 303 models. I used a 301 Buck stockman for over 20 years and it never let me down. Still in service once in a while. The Buck family are good people, and having met and talked to them at the blade show back when it was in knoxville, I have no doubt of them standing up for great service after the fact. Great value in knives.
Its a matter of taste- are you looking for collectors or plain users?
