What makes a $400 folder worth it?

Yup, if you like it & have the money, then go for it. My truck is also kinda the same bang for the buck thing. Yes it was stupidly expensive IMO, but it was far cheaper to get what i got, rather than buy a stripped one & build it up. I don't have any safe queens. I have a few that i have not used yet, just because i have aquired them all so quickly. Who knew knives were addicting ? LOL :D
 
I think a 400 dollar knife can be worth it depending on how much you value 400 dollars. I personally don't really care much about 400 bucks. It isnt a lot of money in my eyes. It is a lot for a knife, but I adore my knives and they give me a lot of satisfaction through the day.

For your average joe that honestly just uses a knife to cut their bread and spread some butter, I think that a 400 dollar knife would seem quite ridiculous. Of course people like this don't care for fine cutlery and throw their knives in the dishwasher and sink.

My knife is my daily companion and goes with me whereever I go. It is something that I play with and fondle daily. It is something that relaxes me when Im stressed via sharpening, carving or even enjoying this forum. $400 bucks for something that does all that? A bargain in my eyes :)
 
I love questions like this because there's no substantial reason knives should cost $400+. Sebenzas are the targets of most threads like this, and Sebbie owners will point to the inlaid grips, exacting tolerances and so forth. Of course the knives cut much better and longer when they cost more (everyone knows that). And tolerances are much better on the Sebenza than other brands of cheaper knives. And just knowing that Sebbies have these tolerances make them worth owning and using.

All of what I just said is, of course, balderdash! A revolver with tighter tolerances is demonstrably better than those that don't, but a knife with tighter tolerances doesn't cut one whit better than modern manufactured knives. Sure, you can take the Sebbies apart easier and clean them, but you can do that with my CRKT S-2. Yeah, but the S-2 has teflon washers! No it doesn't. I replaced them with with bronze phosphorus washers and it's working very well. But what of fit? Well, I don't see any reason to spend $300 more for a smaller knife with a pouch, and one without a highly polished blade at that! My knife will cut just as well and just as long as any Sebbie out there, and performance is what counts.

Like I said, tight tolerances in a gun gives demonstrably better results. The same does not hold true with knives, and spending as much for a folder as I would a revolver doesn't make much sense. In fact, I just bought a S&W stainless 9mm in almost new condition for $400. I got two boxes of ammo with it, which is what I could expect to pay for a good working folder.

But then, each person determines what is best for them. And no one will ever change anyone's mind.

.
 
TwinStick said:
We can discuss price point. It is different for diferent people. I guess my ppoint is around $100. I have only ever had 2 knife failures. I have seen some serious $300-$800 fail, complete with pics on the internet.
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But you see, where you made the mistake is basing your personal price point cutoff as the be all end all of price points. You matter of factly said, there is nothing, NOTHING that makes a folder worth $400. You know, there are folks that buy $10 knives and feel the exact same in regards to your $100 knives. How can you say that there is nothing, NOTHING that makes a folder worth $400? What you should have said is there's nothing that makes a folder worth $400 to YOU. How many $400 knives have you owned and used to make that assessment in the first place? As far as the $300 - $800 fails you mentioned, what were they doing to those knives? My guess is something the knife was not meant to do. I've seen a guy take a Busse and baton it through a metal pipe. Why? A knife is not designed to hammer through steel pipes, so when the handle scales break off, how can you complain? When you're trying to split logs with a folder, how can you complain when it fails. Do you think your $50 or $100 knife would have fared any better in those ridiculously pointless tests? Does it make your knife a failure for failing at a ridiculously pointless test? I don't think so.
 
A folder can be worth $400 and even more if it's made of the right materials and is beautiful. I've seen gorgeous folders that would be a great addition to any safe. Alas, the Sebenzas don't fall into that category. The frame is titanium, the blade is a flat gray, the frame lock fairly standard. I don't think they last any longer, cut any better or are more beautiful than many knives costing far less.

I've seen people posting photographs of knives costing about the same as Sebenzas, but made of far nicer materials and more beautiful blades polished to mirror finishes. Some make intricate Damascus blades, and the fit and finish is every bit as good as Chris Reeves' knives.

Those who buy Sebenzas don't get better cutting power, neither do their knives last longer. All they get are better tolerances, which gives them nothing. If people must, chase the steel. But the tiny Sebenzas might be like Rolexes. A Rolex isn't going to keep better time than more inexpensive watches, but Rolexes look better, and Sebenzas don't really, at least in the opinions of many. If I found a scratched up Sebenza on the street and didn't know what it was, I would have no idea I had a premium quality knife. I might know it was a good knife, but not one costing several hundred dollars. If I found a Rolex, I'd know immediately it was a good watch.

If I had $400-$500 for a folding knife, it would be jaw-droppingly gorgeous. A Rolex will last longer than other watches and will be built exactingly. A revolver or auto will shoot better or faster, or more reliably than other, cheaper guns. Expensive cameras will offer better optics and features; and so it goes for other products. The bottom line on a Sebenza is that it doesn't offer a longer life or better cutting. It's not more beautiful and, in fact, is a bit bland compared to other knives. Just doing some random shopping for knives in the price category, I found the Sebenzas to be at the bottom of the barrel for looks. I've seen others that had mirror bright blades and really beautiful scales. That said, I find them to be nothing more than status symbols in the knife world.
 
Medic1210 said:
But you see, where you made the mistake is basing your personal price point cutoff as the be all end all of price points. You matter of factly said, there is nothing, NOTHING that makes a folder worth $400. You know, there are folks that buy $10 knives and feel the exact same in regards to your $100 knives. How can you say that there is nothing, NOTHING that makes a folder worth $400? What you should have said is there's nothing that makes a folder worth $400 to YOU. How many $400 knives have you owned and used to make that assessment in the first place? As far as the $300 - $800 fails you mentioned, what were they doing to those knives? My guess is something the knife was not meant to do. I've seen a guy take a Busse and baton it through a metal pipe. Why? A knife is not designed to hammer through steel pipes, so when the handle scales break off, how can you complain? When you're trying to split logs with a folder, how can you complain when it fails. Do you think your $50 or $100 knife would have fared any better in those ridiculously pointless tests? Does it make your knife a failure for failing at a ridiculously pointless test? I don't think so.
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IMO, there is NOTHING that makes a folder worth $400. Thats pretty clear. I think a chopping of a metal pipe is rediculous. MANY people use knives to chop wood, pry things, the blade edge/tip as a screwdriver & other HD things, that it really was not designed for. Many work just fine for this as well. But not too many chop metal pipes with them. I can get a Becker BK-2 for $58 or so. It is 1/4" thick blade, has about 3x the metal of a folder and can do more & is more HD. So, yeah, I still feel that NO folder is worth $400. Sorry. A $12 hacksaw can also cut through a metal pipe, much faster & much cleaner, with no damage to the blade. You can get a Tops/Buck folder for $100, an OKC XM/XR-1 for $150. They are made in america, have thick blades & strong locking mechanisms, as do Cold Steel's. If money was no object & i had it like that, i may change my mind. Maybe someone will send me one for free to change my mind & get my re-evaluation of a $400 folder ? I doubt it though. I have limited funds for my knife addiction, so i look for things that are excellent performers, made in America, & have a reasonable price point. A knife is primarily made to cut, chop, slice. Mine all do that just fine. They also all shave paper & hair, which has always served me well. Even my $12 Buck 1 7/8" blade will do that. I thought i was entitled to my opinion, you are not expected to agree with me. I guess we will agree to disagree. :D
 
Confederate said:
A folder can be worth $400 and even more if it's made of the right materials and is beautiful. I've seen gorgeous folders that would be a great addition to any safe. Alas, the Sebenzas don't fall into that category. The frame is titanium, the blade is a flat gray, the frame lock fairly standard. I don't think they last any longer, cut any better or are more beautiful than many knives costing far less.

I've seen people posting photographs of knives costing about the same as Sebenzas, but made of far nicer materials and more beautiful blades polished to mirror finishes. Some make intricate Damascus blades, and the fit and finish is every bit as good as Chris Reeves' knives.

Those who buy Sebenzas don't get better cutting power, neither do their knives last longer. All they get are better tolerances, which gives them nothing. If people must, chase the steel. But the tiny Sebenzas might be like Rolexes. A Rolex isn't going to keep better time than more inexpensive watches, but Rolexes look better, and Sebenzas don't really, at least in the opinions of many. If I found a scratched up Sebenza on the street and didn't know what it was, I would have no idea I had a premium quality knife. I might know it was a good knife, but not one costing several hundred dollars. If I found a Rolex, I'd know immediately it was a good watch.

If I had $400-$500 for a folding knife, it would be jaw-droppingly gorgeous. A Rolex will last longer than other watches and will be built exactingly. A revolver or auto will shoot better or faster, or more reliably than other, cheaper guns. Expensive cameras will offer better optics and features; and so it goes for other products. The bottom line on a Sebenza is that it doesn't offer a longer life or better cutting. It's not more beautiful and, in fact, is a bit bland compared to other knives. Just doing some random shopping for knives in the price category, I found the Sebenzas to be at the bottom of the barrel for looks. I've seen others that had mirror bright blades and really beautiful scales. That said, I find them to be nothing more than status symbols in the knife world.
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I have to disagree with ya on that. i have owned alot of high end and lower end knives , and the crks def stay at a higher function level longer than cheaper knives. saying that a knife with g10 and steel liners is just as strong as a knife made of titanium is flawed logic. i agree the price point may be a little high on them sometimes but that doesnt mean they arent stronger or last longer. if its not worth 400 bucks to you then cool. but lets say you buy a knife for 130 say a benchmade with nice annondized alumminum and a nice satin blade, well in a years time you CANNOT send that knife into benchmade and have them refurbish it correct????? so if you CAN do that with a sebenza , how is it not lasting longer than the bm???? just using bm as an example but you can see the logic. do yourself a favor and pick up a CRK and see if everything isnt just a little better.:)
 
wfochris said:
As I google shop some of them, there are several knives that are going for close to $400. I'm not doubting their worth, but as a newbie to this end of the knife world- what differentiates them physically from their lower-cost, more mainstream little brothers? Quality of steel?

Sorry for this very basic question. I tried to search for previous topics but this verbage is a bit hard to pinpoint.

Very cool forum!
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i also happen to be a car guy, so i'll make a car analogy. what makes a $400 dollar knife $400 is the same thing that makes a ferrari F430 3-times more expensive than a Z06 corvette. IMO, there are 3 major factors that influence a knife's price:

1. attention to detail/fit and finish.
2. materials. expensive materials or materials that are harder to work with.
3. country of origin

personally, i tend to gravitate toward "best bang for the buck". before i get a knife i think about how i'm going to use it/what role will it fill and a general price im willing to spend. then i look for getting the most knife i can.
 
Confederate said:
A folder can be worth $400 and even more if it's made of the right materials and is beautiful. I've seen gorgeous folders that would be a great addition to any safe. Alas, the Sebenzas don't fall into that category. The frame is titanium, the blade is a flat gray, the frame lock fairly standard. I don't think they last any longer, cut any better or are more beautiful than many knives costing far less.

I've seen people posting photographs of knives costing about the same as Sebenzas, but made of far nicer materials and more beautiful blades polished to mirror finishes. Some make intricate Damascus blades, and the fit and finish is every bit as good as Chris Reeves' knives.

Those who buy Sebenzas don't get better cutting power, neither do their knives last longer. All they get are better tolerances, which gives them nothing. If people must, chase the steel. But the tiny Sebenzas might be like Rolexes. A Rolex isn't going to keep better time than more inexpensive watches, but Rolexes look better, and Sebenzas don't really, at least in the opinions of many. If I found a scratched up Sebenza on the street and didn't know what it was, I would have no idea I had a premium quality knife. I might know it was a good knife, but not one costing several hundred dollars. If I found a Rolex, I'd know immediately it was a good watch.

If I had $400-$500 for a folding knife, it would be jaw-droppingly gorgeous. A Rolex will last longer than other watches and will be built exactingly. A revolver or auto will shoot better or faster, or more reliably than other, cheaper guns. Expensive cameras will offer better optics and features; and so it goes for other products. The bottom line on a Sebenza is that it doesn't offer a longer life or better cutting. It's not more beautiful and, in fact, is a bit bland compared to other knives. Just doing some random shopping for knives in the price category, I found the Sebenzas to be at the bottom of the barrel for looks. I've seen others that had mirror bright blades and really beautiful scales. That said, I find them to be nothing more than status symbols in the knife world.
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Hmm? I just gotta ask if another knife even looks remotely close to this one:
IMG_0008.jpg


Ergonomics-wise this knife really does have the perfect design. The hollow grind makes it an excellent slicer. The handles give me a firm grip and the balance is just right.

My only real beef with the Sebenza is that the steel could have been heat treated harder for more edge retention, and the titanium could have either been anodized or finished to be more resistant to scuffing, as I managed to scuff my handles up with only 2 days of pocket carry where it lightly grazed the pocket clip of my S90V Para2.
 
All the usual responses have made an appearance.

Bottom line is buy what you like and what fits your needs better.

If you like knives made to a higher standard that are well regarded then spend a bit extra otherwise spend less and still get a reasonably good knife. Just remember that in life you always get what you pay for (as long as you know what you are doing).
 
jimnolimit said:
you could always send your blade to be re-heat treated (paul bos).

p.s. that's a beautiful knife.
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Perhaps, but I believe that means I would have to buy another set of double thumb lugs since it's not exactly screw construction, and I'm sure the HT will ruin them. Would also need to refurbish the blade itself. I'm estimating total costs would run close to $200, which is enough for a new knife already.
 
Noctis3880 said:
Perhaps, but I believe that means I would have to buy another set of double thumb lugs since it's not exactly screw construction, and I'm sure the HT will ruin them. Would also need to refurbish the blade itself. I'm estimating total costs would run close to $200, which is enough for a new knife already.
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i figured everything would cost less, but i know what you mean. i was pricing out custom scales for one of my knives and for the price i was quoted i could just buy another knife on my "buy list".
 
TwinStick said:
IMO, there is NOTHING that makes a folder worth $400. Thats pretty clear. ...SNIP...I thought i was entitled to my opinion, you are not expected to agree with me. I guess we will agree to disagree. :D
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That's fine, but in your original post, you didn't say IMO, you just said matter of factly, NOTHING makes a folder worth $400. Had you stated "IMO or JMHO", then fine, that's your opinion. The way you came across was that it was a fact, nothing made a folder worth $400.
 
Confederate said:
Those who buy Sebenzas don't get better cutting power, neither do their knives last longer. All they get are better tolerances, which gives them nothing. If people must, chase the steel. But the tiny Sebenzas might be like Rolexes. A Rolex isn't going to keep better time than more inexpensive watches, but Rolexes look better, and Sebenzas don't really, at least in the opinions of many. If I found a scratched up Sebenza on the street and didn't know what it was, I would have no idea I had a premium quality knife. I might know it was a good knife, but not one costing several hundred dollars. If I found a Rolex, I'd know immediately it was a good watch.
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Silly statement. Look at my 2nd post on pg. 4. It. IS a better knife (& IMO) actually a bang for your buck. It WILL last longer than most any other knife out there. As for tight tolerances, which I did not really address, it obviously makes a difference. Looser tolerances mars and grinds up the surfaces causing more damage over time... Sure, the knife will still function, but a Seb will last as new for longer. Period.
 
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