Use of a $300 Knife?

J

jerm03

Joined
Apr 27, 2011
Messages
89
I understand wanting something fine just to own it, and have no quarrel with that.

But when it comes down to using the knife I use mine to cut a cord, open a package, or maybe tighten a loose screw. The SAK takes care of those thinks in an excellent manner.
Except for the screwdriver the Boker Magnum I am carrying does the same things.

So for those who own expensive knives, what do you do with it that a much less expensive knife, such as a SAK, will not do?

If you like to admire the workmanship, and know it has the best steel that is fine. But how do those things translate to everyday use? Do you really tighten screws and cut boxes with it?

Thanks,
Jerry
 
Yes, I cut boxes with my expensive knives. I cut many other things as well. There are certain high end knives that I may not use for one reason or another, but for the most part I carry and use my knives from the $25 Kershaw Chill to the $900 Rockstead Beetle. It's just a matter of preference and tastes. Sometimes I plan to carry a certain knife because of certain things I'll be using it for, but usually I just carry and use whatever I want to put in my pocket on that particular day. While the Kershaw and the Rockstead will cut the same when they are first used after a fresh stropping, the Rockstead will continue to keep it's edge and cut cleaner for far longer than the Kershaw. I know I'm comparing two extremes, but it's the truth. I do have knives that are much less expensive than the Rockstead that will probably cut just as long while keeping a keen edge, but again, it's a matter of preference and tastes.
 
I also use a small Sebenza for EDC. I have for over 10 years. Before that I used a more expensive knife. Why not?
 
But what will those expensive knives do that a SAK will not do except give you the joy of ownership? The SAK will cut boxes and tighten screws. while I doubt any of you use your knives for that purpose.

Thanks,
Jerry
 
I break down cardboard, and quite a lot on a weekly basis. We have a cardboard compactor at work and it cranks out half ton bails. In my job, I also strip lots of wires, go through zip ties as if I wanted them extinct, and open lots of packages. I like the various designs from my $30 Leek and Skyline to my $200 Ti Military and ZT 0551 all the way to my XM18s, Striders, DDRs, and Sebenzas. The hobby is also an art form. I recently started making scales for folders and fixed blades, I love working with projects like that. I'm also a steel junky, I love 13C26, 440C, S30V, CTS-XHP, S90V, ELMAX, ZDP-189, etc. I also live in a state where there are virtually no knife restrictions of any kind, I like having a locking folder. I also don't like sharpening a knife after each use like some of my Victorinox knives. Different tools for different jobs. There is no magic knife that can do it all, and I am grateful for that.
 
RevDevil said:
I break down cardboard, and quite a lot on a weekly basis. We have a cardboard compactor at work and it cranks out half ton bails. In my job, I also strip lots of wires, go through zip ties as if I wanted them extinct, and open lots of packages. I like the various designs from my $30 Leek and Skyline to my $200 Ti Military and ZT 0551 all the way to my XM18s, Striders, DDRs, and Sebenzas. The hobby is also an art form. I recently started making scales for folders and fixed blades, I love working with projects like that. I'm also a steel junky, I love 13C26, 440C, S30V, CTS-XHP, S90V, ELMAX, ZDP-189, etc. I also live in a state where there are virtually no knife restrictions of any kind, I like having a locking folder. I also don't like sharpening a knife after each use like some of my Victorinox knives. Different tools for different jobs. There is no magic knife that can do it all, and I am grateful for that.
Click to expand...
+1 on this. Nailed pretty much everything I was planning to say. :thumbup:
 
The discussion of what can the $400 knife do better than the $40 knife. The plain and simple answer is that it does nothing better. The answer to those that know or collect knives is that the blade will hold a better edge for a longer amount of time, won't chip or roll as easily, the materials are usually better, and the fit and finish are usually better. There is also the pride of ownership. That goes with almost anything that someone owns. You always want to be proud of the things that you surround yourself with whether it be people, your work, or objects like knives.
 
Last edited:
dericdesmond said:
Do you drive a kia?
Click to expand...

No, I drive a 2004 Toyota Sienna. I am persuaded that the Japanese vehicles are better for the money, and have a better support organization than KIA.
Reliability is a primary reason for the Toyota. However, I don't drive a Caddy or Mercedes even though I could. I am not persuaded they will do what I do better than the Toyota, and their cost is not worth it.

Now I know we are not discussing cars which do cost many thousands of dollars. Knives do not cost such large amounts of money, so one does not have to borrow a lot of money to buy a Sebenza. But such an expensive and small knife seems to have more limited uses that a SAK for example. I am not trying to belittle anyone who buysa a Sebebzam but except for pride of ownership I cannot determine why one would spend so much money for a small and limited use knife. If one buys such knives to admire mostly then fine. During my life I have done some of the same.

Hi Tony, I do not disagree with anything you said, and each of us determines priorities in life. At various times they get shuffled, but whatever they are we go with them. Thanks for the input. JMM

Regards,
Jerry
 
Last edited:
It's funny you ask. My coworker uses a Victorinox paring knife and I noticed he uses it for nearly everything my $700 r.j. Martin overkill can do. The only real difference is that he either strops it on cardboard or runs it through a ceramic v sharpener several times a day, whereas I'd be going on 3 months without sharpening.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top