What is the point (cost) of “diminishing returns” on a folding knife?

In your opinion, what cost range is the point of diminishing returns of a folding knife?

  • <$50

  • $50-$100

  • $100-$125

  • $125-$150

  • $150-$175

  • $175-$200

  • $200-$225

  • $225-$250

  • $250-$300

  • >$300

Results are only viewable after voting.
King of the Cheese

King of the Cheese

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May 25, 2016
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This is a poll to gain an understanding of where people think the point of diminishing returns (the cost at which increased spending has the least gain in function) is. I understand there are many facets of this equation and the answer isn’t always simple, but if you had to generalize a cost estimate pick the one most suitable.
 
If function is the attribute, then I think 225-250 is about right. That's not to say more expensive knives have passed the point of diminishing returns in value to the owner, as aesthetics, durability, comfort, and so forth are attributes that make much higher prices "reasonable".
 
For me, there's not much more to be gained functionally beyond $150 - $175 bucks. Anything beyond that, I am paying for the premium steel flavor of the week, or the maker's mark, or some exotic handle material or unobtainium bearings, etc.

I own lots of knives that I have paid much more than that, but if this is about diminishing returns, the 175 dollar mark appears to be the turning point for me. Anything more expensive than that, tends to move towards slightly better fit and finish (although not always), and/or other ergonomic "upgrades", and of course - the vanity/exclusivity factor, and pride of ownership.

There is nothing I can do with any of my $500+ knives that I can't do with any of my $150 knives (assuming half-decent steel and quality heat treat).
 
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Oh you mean in USD... duh. I guess my vote has to be overturned... but the s35vn version which has yet to drop sort of validates my existing vote... unless we're talking MSRP.... okay I am just going to leave it off here before my head explodes.
 
shane45-1911 said:
Oh, c'mon. You can't throw out an outrageous number like that, without at least trying to justify why it is orders-of-magnitude better than a 150 dollar knife of decent quality. 🤪
Click to expand...
It's right at the point where people who spend less think you spent too much and think you are dumb, and the people who spend more think you haven't spent enough. It's like a no man's land area where everyone is unimpressed.
 
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I bought some of my knives because of the form, not the function. Usually, artsy knives are more expensive than their practical counterpart. Beauty is very subjective. Yes, one can do almost everything with $150 knife that can do with $1000 knife, but later is prettier, or collectible, or more functional in some special way, you name it. All this reflects on the diminishing return of particular knife IMO.
 
Increments are too tight in this poll. Personally I think it’s $200-$250.

More so I think there are jumps or levels one level may top out around $125, then another level may top out around $250 after which you may run up to $400 but you aren’t gaining your money’s worth in only function.
 
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