It should be added, that despite what some people may have inferred, there is a difference between what is the most you WOULD pay for a production and what you ROUTINELY pay for a production. I, for example, don't pay retail. I usually end up with a used knife in reasonable shape.
As for others, I agree, that $300 is custom country. Let's face it at the custom level you're paying for the art of/name on the knife. You're also paying someone's bills.
I think what was said about $3000+ knives routinely from makers generally not heard of reminds me of the watch market. I mean, who would think that a watch would cost $150,000 or more?!? I mean, if we're going to make the analogy we'd have to admit that paying more than the price of a Timex is really too much for utility. There usually are high-end specialty markets for those who can afford them; and usually most people have no idea what the names in their area are.