My point is, steel choice(with proper HT), along with geometry and intended use define whether the knife is valid, budget/bargain or not, no snobbism is necessary. Let me put it this way, let's say, opening letters and occasional cardboard is all really intend to use the knife for. Having a "super steel", let's say CPM 110V instead of conventional, let's say 440C which Boker likes so much, will give both, thinner edge(thus better cutting performance) and much better edge longevity. So, why would you consider that to be snobbism, just to want a better performance.
Yes, I understand, there are people who won't ever sharpen or use and buy that knife just because it was made out of whatever super steel. Just, the point is, choosing a better steel, or asking for it, doesn't automatically mean a person(you, me or anyone) is being snobbish. I don't need to have 1000 inches of cardboard to cut daily to ask for a better steel either
Depends what do you want from your knife.
Yes, however I doubt anyone is asking for a supersteel with a botched HT
. Comparing steel A to steel B makes sense only when both have the best possible HT. After that, the edge optimized for whatever it is being used, geometry, etc.
