Since a big part of what attracts me to knives is the often incredible precision, and quality materials used, i would have to say, i greatly prefer and generally only buy either high-end production, or relatively pricey customs, however, in the world of fancy customs, a $500-$700 knife IS actually sort of bargain basement, and i do often see knives in that range that appeal to me for whatever reason, and i have to admit, as long as the quality is there, i dont care how much it costs, for example, i am VERY pleased with my new Microtech Dragonfly, which i got for only $75 at a show recently, and it is an extremely well made butterfly knife for $75, and i would definitely call it bargain basement considering the quality you get for the low price. At the same show, carbon fiber/black blade DA Microtech LCC's were selling for $200, and you cant beat that knife for the relatively low price. Truly custom-quality at mid-level production pricing. I guess to me, bargain basement is bang for the buck and i often see some great values out there.
I also admit, i own a few speedsafe kershaws because i like the design and these are my user knives. I now have my eye on a Busse Active Duty, and i would have to say that while not cheap at $270, its still a bargain as you get a lot of quality and design for the $.
