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

[Fanglekai]

I bought a Spyderco Manix 2 with G10 scales and M390 steel new for ~$150 not long ago. I also bought a Spyderco Stretch 2 with K390 steel for ~$150 not long ago. I think ~$150-200 is a fairly solid point of diminishing returns. There are numerous knives with high end steels, great F&F, etc. under $200. Unless you're looking for something really specific, I think ~$150 is the sweet spot. Over $200 likely won't bring any significant gains.

 

[fowlintent]

With the appearnance on the scene of Civivi, Petrified Fish, even Sanrenmu (and a number of other Chinese manufacturers) and their design innovations and usage of better blade steels, that point of diminishing return is getting closer and closer to $50. I get the "Buy USA" sentiment, and I get that a $16 Sanrenmu 710 is not a real Sebenza, but they do pretty much do the same things. Just sayin'.......

 

[CplMurdock]

While I’ve spent far more than the choice I picked at 150-175$, I really believe that spending more doesn’t gain a whole lot other than exotic materials or a makers mark. The availability of high quality materials and steels today at lower prices means that for 150$ I can get carbon fiber, exotic wood, super steel, ceramic bearings, titanium frame lock, etc, in that price range. I see the appeal of spending more, and have done so myself, but I don’t kid myself into believing the knife is going to perform any better just because I spent more money LOL