What makes a knife "high end"?

My "high end" knife price range when I joined Blade Forums in 2006: $100 and up

My "high end" ranges now: $1000 and up

I personally wouldn't focus on other people's measures and just focus on figuring out what you like. The longer you actively engage in this hobby, the more that taste will evolve in time.
 
Interesting question, since while some aspects are definitely subjective (ie: at what price something is considered "expensive), some are definitely objective, such as materials and workmanship.

Myself, I would consider "high end" when materials are better than aluminum, steel, or plastic for handles, and S30V steel or better. So, carbon fibre, G-10, Micarta, CTek, titanium, etc for the handles. So, something like a BM 940-2 or Spyderco made in Golden or Taichung might be at the lower end of "high end", and then increasing in quality (and probably price) from there. Obviously there's going to be overlap. Nobody would consider a Microtech OTF with HAIII aluminum to be anything but "high end", and there's plenty of less expensive knives (mostly made in China, which isn't to imply that they're low quality) with those higher quality materials that cost substantially less but wouldn't be considered by most of us to be "high end".
 
I think the terms we use should be more definitive, and timeless....
We shouldn't Have to name names, or even list materials.

It's been proven that what's super high quality today, might not be as Fancy tomorrow. Technology changes. New materials are discovered, and perceptions change..... Heck. Lowly "horse stall mats" are all the rage the last number of years....That in itself is pretty awesome to think about. Maybe a reverse appreciation?

Categories of Knives

Junk knives: Something you lend to a stranger.

User knife: Knife you lend to a friend. You actually hope to get said knife back, but if you don't you are still happy THEY love it, and Use it.

Mid-Tech: Knives of either well respected manufacturers, or custom makers. Limited quanity, Quality modern materials. Cost accordingly how easy to manufacturer, and materials. (This knife is used and loved, hopefully)

Collector knife: Knife that has perceived value? Might not be in current production, or made by the Flavor of the Day maker/designer. Maybe that maker has passed, or the company no longer exists. Often referred to as "Safe Queens" Actual monetary amounts fluctuate. Not a good investment, but obvious sentimental value, and it's fun to cherish and covet.

Art collections: Knives that are Never meant to be used. Expensive for the sake of being expensive. Some knives truly are Beautiful, everyone would agree..... Then others just cost More because the designer says so. Maybe they have a fancy website, maybe they embellish with inlays and gemstones, polishing Everything.....and maybe "all the Special Forces" use them. Idk? Buy what YOU like......waste your money.

Historical Collections: Actually worth something......Wow!
These are pieces that Changed the World.
Big events, New historical designs, something you aren't going to own...... Think original Bowie, William Scagel, Floyd Nichols, Kephart....etc.

Should be in a museum, or under My pillow.
Maybe you can find one at an estate sale, or in your late uncle's attic?
 
honestly I don't even know anymore.....to me high end would be let's say my limited edition exclusive release collectors club numbered spyderco shaman in cruwear that less than 500 were made and cost $300...I used that thing to cut down a small tree, trim off all the branches, make feather sticks and it didn't dull one bit....that's high end to me....my friend recently got a bench made infidel for $400 with d2 steel and aluminum handles...$400 D2 and aluminum....I wouldn't pay more than $35 for that knife especially considering its a otf and if you attempt to hard use it that things gunna snap...that ain't high end to me that's an expensive fidget toy that serves no other purpose...high end is relative apparently
 
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