The Rabbit Hole- drawing the line on upgrades

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Skidoosh

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There are two things that I really want in a pocket knife K390 and titanium scales. Currently it doesn't exist.

I found someone doing bugout blade upgrades -$200
I found titanium scales -$100
Add the knife price $100

I'm now looking at $400 and thinking that's more than I really want to spend. When do you draw the line?
 
I "draw the line" way earlier ! I try to find the "as is " production models that give me the maximum value "sweet spot " .

For me , that's usually been Cold Steel's XHP or S35VN , Tri-ad lock folders . Under $100 , if you are a patient good shopper . :cool::thumbsup::thumbsup:
 
Ok this might be way off but im gonna try anyways. Disclaimer :I dont know what k390 is. But maybe m390 will suffice? The Lionsteel barlow blades come in m390, and the knife frame and bolsters are titanium. The handle material is not titanium but come in a variety of materials. Maybe this or other offerings from Lionsteel might tick some of your boxes. Best of luck hunting. Oh ya these clock in around 120$ or so.
 
I have funds set aside into a dedicated fun money account for myself. So my question becomes, is it worth it to me and do I have the money for it.
 
Skidoosh said:
I'm now looking at $400 and thinking that's more than I really want to spend. When do you draw the line?
Click to expand...

I draw the line when the price of the knife + upgrades = just buying a better/nicer knife. "Better" and "nicer" are loaded terms, but define them however you like.

For me, a $400 Bugout wouldn't make any sense. I'd rather buy two $200 knives, or otherwise split that money up. You're also in "Sebenza money" territory, which opens up a lot of options.
 
You draw the line when you understand you’ll invest more money than what you’ll ever sell it for.
A reasonable loss is easier to swallow.
 
the line is very different for everyone ...

but as someone has mention if I get to the $400.00 range I'm NOT even considering a Bugout ... I'm looking at Chris Reeves or Hinderer or something other than a pimped Bugout.
 
I'd spend the $400 on a Bugout if that's what kept me happy every single time I deployed it. Most of my collection do this very thing. From the Inkosi all the way to my Rat1. Long ago a $400 knife would be comical to me; now, I'd get that $1k Shiro if I had the $$$.
 
jceckrosh said:
I would just buy a nicer knife. No way I am gonna spend $300 on a $100 dollar knife, but in the event of selling it, most people will value it as a $100 knife.
Click to expand...

I keep thinking this. I'm not going to get out of a knife what a put into it in upgrades but I will get the enjoyment if it does what I want it to. Fine line. I think for me I'm deciding to just go for the $300 knife.
 
Skidoosh said:
There are two things that I really want in a pocket knife K390 and titanium scales. Currently it doesn't exist.

I found someone doing bugout blade upgrades -$200
I found titanium scales -$100
Add the knife price $100

I'm now looking at $400 and thinking that's more than I really want to spend. When do you draw the line?
Click to expand...

Two different perspectives:

A spiffy Bugout for $400... Ouch. That's quadruple the price!

A one of a kind Bugout that's nicer than the gold class version and much, much cheaper! Only $400!

Just depends on what angle you decide to see it from. I'm working on a 940 that's going to be cobbled together in a similarly glorious fashion. I wish I was getting off at $400. :(
 
Once I'm looking at $400+for a production knife, I ask myself, "Would I rather spend the money now? Or save for a bit longer and buy a custom?"
My answer has always been the same. "Get the custom".
I actually spend less this way. Instead of a couple high end productions here & there. Some mid range stuff here & there. A few beaters here & there....etc and spiraling down the rabbit hole. It's one big lump sum for exactly what I want.

Haven't regretted it yet.
 
I have a MiniFreek that really is a nice knife... except for the grippy rubber scales. Makes it really difficult to get into the pocket. I have been looking at aftermarket stuff... not much there. What I'm seeing in scale prices is in the neighborhood of $70 and up. Spending an extra $70 on a $90 knife? Not for me. That's my line.

If it was that critical to me, I'd just buy a different knife. Lord knows, there's plenty of them out there...
 
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