To Try or Not to Try

[Edalb]

Hi there everyone!

Why would you say that everyone interested in knives (more than the average knife person/user) should at least once in his/her lifetime try out OR not a high end production knife ($300 and more)?

What would you say, for example, to the person who wouldn't even consider trying out a knife that "expensive" and simply says "it's a just a knife, my $30 so and so does the same job"... OR what would you say to the person who is ready to buy an expensive production knife anytime?

Best wishes,
Edalb

 

[Bastid]

Few of us (including myself) need expensive knives.

I think the difference lies with many of us in that we enjoy using or owning fine cutlery.
For me the decision boils down to:

"Will I enjoy using/owning a fine knife to the point where the enjoyment outweighs the initial expense?"



My problem is that the answer to that question is yes all too often. .
Let's face it, most normal people would be happy with the 30 dollar knife.

 

[udtjim]

Since there are many good knives that do not cost much, I wouldn't try to convince anyone to throw good money after bad. It's very true that that 30.00 knife may do the job as well as it needs done. Money alone doesn't cut very well at all. When it comes to Kitchen knives the prices vary beyond belief but IMO the point where spending more money for noticeably more quality is not that high. If quality was to be judged by cost alone, I find that a most 100.00 knives are hard to improve on much. For Folders I would set that price at more like 50.00. There are exceptions but not many IMO and of course, this is JMO.

 

[Allex]

Hard decision but when I find a a really nice knife ( or sometimes just cool ) and I can afford it ... it easy for me what to do

 

[So-Lo]

Just buy what you like.

If you feel compelled to try a $300+ knife.....and you can afford it, give it a shot. In the grand scheme of life $300-$600 is not a TON of money. Most car payments are more than the cost of a "high end knife." The car might last 5-15 years...........a "high end" knife can outlast you and your kids.

If anything, most nice knives do not depreciate that much so you can always recoupe most of your money if needed. (assuming your not batoning bricks in half)





Please post pictures of your new steel

 

[Bernoulli]

I have friends that I really owe (not $). I am presently paying monthly for a $550 hand made kitchen knife that will be sent to them. I use Kershaw Kais that I paid about $50 for the set at their annual warehouse sale (worth a trip to Portland for). I doubt the hand made knife will be appreciably better. I like stamped blades better than forged anyway. But, they will really appreciate and treasure it and I will have the tremendous satisfaction of giving them a perfect gift. Money well spent!!
The only expensive knife I ever bought myself was a Randall #1. I paid $45 for it in 1965 to carry in Vietnam. After I got it, I decided it wasn't heavy enough for my needs (jungle survival if forced to bail out) and I carried a WWII Marine Bolo Knife - more appropriate. To me, it's all what works. I'd love to have a Benchmade, but I've yet to find one that's comfortable in my hand, so I carry a Kershaw 1560 which is mush cheaper and far more comfortable to me.

 

[Nosetotail]

To answer your question concerning the 30.00 owner, I wouldn't even try to convince him of anything. He likely has either an expensive gun, or motorcycle, or nice car, or a nice set of golf clubs, or the best manicured yard on the block. Most everybody has something they find value in above others, and for knife knuts, it's knives.

As to the guy ready to buy one anytime, I say to each his own. When I topped 125.00 for my latest folder, I thought I was getting into the really nice category. I have a hard time valueing a very well made knife that is a little too well made to actually use it.

And my wife would certainly agree.

I will certainly be looking out for the day when I do actually find an interest in something in that catagory, but as of right now, the ones I have serve me well, and they look nice too.