The most important lesson you've learned about knives.

They only get more expensive.

 

Agreed. Along with that, learning what you like and don't like is an expensive process.

 

One is never enough.

 

About knives specifically (and also thanks to this forum), respect and appreciation for quality craftsmanship and the people behind the magic

 

The inexpensive ones work just as well as the expensive ones.

I really like cold steel folders.

That's two things I learned.

 

A blunt knife is almost useless..., and more dangerous to the user than a sharp knife.

 

Sharpening requires patience

 

No doubt

Define “work”
They might cut as well as the expensive ones
But that’s only 1/2 the equation now, isn’t it

 

That an incredibly smooth hydraulic action is just freakin awesome!!!

 

Besides, the above I would say that if you get "that knife" that is just perfect in your eyes, try to hang on to her. There's a lot of temptation out there and sometimes the grass isn't always greener.

 

Can't decide which one I'd rank as "most important", so here they are...

1a) Put 10 of us together at a table at Blade Show and we'll come up with 12 different opinions about the same thing. And that's OK!
1b) Nothing's "best" for everybody, but each one of us has knives, sharpeners, lube, or techniques that are "best" for us.

 

Knives are infinitely complex. I never appreciated their complexity before. They seemed so simple.

 

I've also learned that as with most things, my opinion is the correct one.

 

Blades thick at the edge don't slice.
No sharpening when drunk.

 

Never to treat it as an investment. You will most likely be sadly disappointed.
Buy what you like and use it!!

 

It’s a lifestyle ...

 

A sharp knife is still more dangerous than a dull knife (I know this is contrary to what many knife people say or believe).

 

I think the biggest thing I have learned is that I prefer to use thin bladed knives for almost every knife task. Only chopping requires thicker bladed knives.

 

Price does not equate to quality.
A well built knife will bring a smile to your face and will serve you for a long time.
If you use a knife for it's intended use, it will not fail you.