Whats the real reason we all buy high end knives

[Dr Ducati]

Years ago i had a large griptillian, which was an awesome knife for the 60 odd bucks it costs, but then it was on to higher end benchmades then sebenzas, striders..into customs etc.......but in reallity a griptillian will do 99.999999% of any knife task . So why then do we all travel the knife ladder.

 

[DallasSTB]

Because our appreciation of them increases over time, as do our means to acquire them (hopefully).

 

[bh49]

I agree than griptillian, or delica/Endura/Native will do 99.999999% of any knife task and this is the reason why these knives are bestsellers. Still, keep in the mind that most of the people here are knifenuts in their quest to perfection. I am one of them.

 

[Flashpoint]

I can understand moving up in quality/cost as one gains appreciation for the workmanship/art of the knife. What I don't understand is how one can spend $300-$500 for a knife, that's not so fancy that it wouldn't be a user, and still not use it. Unless they just get the knife not like enough to use it.

 

[STR]

Ego. Its that simple really. It feeds the ego.

STR

 

[T.K.C.]

Because our appreciation of them increases over time, as do our means to acquire them (hopefully).

I agree with this. I like what I like, and I don't care if you do or not. I happen to love custom knives, and that is what I buy and use. It has nothing to do with ego for ME, maybe for some it does. I can only speak for myself.

 

[cj65]

I do it for a couple of reasons. I watch a large amount of leisure money going to our spoiled rotten children. I watch chinese plastic toys with a half of life of about a month, go from coveted, to appreciated, to forgotten, and then to broken and in the recycle bin within a month of purchase. I add up the dollars in my head prior to throwing them away, and think to myself, "Am I being greedy to think that I could now have that Sebenza that will last past my lifetime." To rationalize, I say to self, my kids will get my knives when I die, so it is like future toys, non plastic, that they will hopefully take care of. I just moved from a Griptilian 152CM to a paramilitary in D2. So, I moved up half a rung myself. If I do what I think, then I think I would be greedy.

 

[Charlie Mike]

As I've climbed the knife ladder, I've really zeroed in on what floats my boat. Paying $500 (and up) for something I know I will enjoy using is something I take for granted sometimes. I mean that in the sense of all the new collectors who will spend a lot of money before they find what they really like. The sales and trade forums are evident of that.

 

[Morrow]

I do it because it makes me cool.

 

[Brad Greulich]

For the same reason some people can justify spending $200,000 on a Corvett. If you like high end cars you'll find it worth your money. The same thing goes for guns to country club memberships. You spend money on the things you like.

 

[Alann45]

Most of the answers are pefectly valid (not sure about the "cool" one ).

It's something of an addiction. For others, of course. I'm certainly not addicted.

I've thought about this same question, and been asked by those who are not into knives. The simpliest answer I could come up with is:

It gives me pleasure.

 

[DallasSTB]

...To rationalize, I say to self, my kids will get my knives when I die, ....

This is pretty funny, in a creepy sense. My kids are already getting in line for my knives when I die. My nine-year-old asked me last night if he could have my plain sebenza when I'm gone.

 

[hardheart]

I really can't stand the fake reasons. Like it is necessary to spend $500 to make sure the knife won't self-destruct or lasts a 'lifetime'. Ask the guy who has carried the same stockman, 110, or Vic soldier for 2 or 3 decades why he didn't spend 20 times as much.

 

[joebobx]

i do it because it makes me cool.

.......+1

 

[flipe8]

I really can't stand the fake reasons. Like it is necessary to spend $500 to make sure the knife won't self-destruct or lasts a 'lifetime'. Ask the guy who has carried the same stockman, 110, or Vic soldier for 2 or 3 decades why he didn't spend 20 times as much.

I certainly see what you're saying, but this is one of the few hobbies(that interest me, anyways) where I can basically afford to own a "benchmark" or genuine "high-end" product in its field. In relation to many other hobbies, buying a $300-$500ish knife is a pretty good bargain.

 

[kamagong]

Because I like to. I don't gamble, smoke, do drugs, or go around chasing fast women. I barely drink. I don't have a motorcycle, boat, or tricked out car. Compared to those things my knives are cheap, and my wife agrees with me.

Is my Sebenza better than my Endura? That's debatable, although I like the Seb more. I'm no longer a starving student though, and I buy nice things for myself occassionally. They give me pleasure and that's all the reason I need.

 

[stoffi]

I wouldn't have as many as I do if they didn't have any flaws. You see, I am forced to purchase the next one in my quest to find the perfect knife.

 

[silenthunterstudios]

There's no valid reason why anyone on here can't get by with a Griptilian, Leek, Endura etc for a folder.

That said, it is a hobby for most of us. I am carrying a Remington scout knife made by Camillus in the 80's, and a Spyderco Terzuola slipit. I could get by fine with my Vic farmer. I could get by without my collection. But I'm having fun.

Even within the knife community, spending big money on knives (depending on who you talk to), is taboo. To an extent.

I know people who would not think twice about dropping big money on a hot rod etc, but balk when I tell them I got a great deal on a knife that MSRP is 350 bucks.

 

[vba]

I have found my self going in the opposite direction. I used to buy hi-end in the 90's but sold them all for firearms and have gone back to the basics.

Basics like: Endura, Delica, Tenacious, Military, Blur, Skyline, OD-1, G-10 Tyrade, Buck 301, 303, 119, 503, Buck 110/112, Becker BK2, Western L-46 (8" blade), Pal, Cattaraugus 225Q (nice) and SAK's.

I've not really missed those "High End" blades, even the Sebenza's as everyone of my cutting tasks can easily be handled by one of my present knives.

Vinny

 

[kamagong]

I'm willing to bet that most non-knifenuts would consider a $60 Griptilian to be a high-end knife. Why spend that much when you can buy a knife at the gas station for $3.99? It's a matter of degree...