Why do people buy expensive knives?

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Mandeep

Joined
Jan 30, 2007
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Hey guys, I'm looking into buying my first folding knife for EDC and the occasional hiking/camping/etc trip. I only have 30 bucks to spend so I guess I'm gonna buy a Spyderco or something since they offer a lot of left handed knives. But, I was just wondering why do I see people buying a knife for hundreds of dollars if they're just gonna go out and abuse them?
 
This isn't a suggestion for a folder for you (for cheap you might look at Cold Steel though, Voyager series) - but the reason that people spend money on knives that they're going to abuse is so that they don't BREAK! I'm not rich by any means, but I spent $100 on an Ranger RD7 because I know that if I was in the woods and REALLY needed it, it would hold up. I'd hate to have a cheapo knife and realize that all of the sudden my life depends on it. I can't afford a $500 Busse at the moment, but those are from what I understand tough as nails, and they are also simply beautiful. So... back to my original point, for my money, I'd rather have 1 knife that I can trust with my life than 2 that I can't, just to save a buck or two.

Edit: CRKT M16 knives are ambidextrious and of pretty good quality for the money.
 
cause we can. everyone spends their money on something. whether you like car stereos, video games, guns, jewelry, clothes, whatever.

never say someone spends too much money on something the love.
 
And... when I can... I'm gonna get that BUSSE! For now, I'm pretty happy w/ my RATs and Rangers for users... Aaah, the life of a starving college student who is supporting a family....!
 
check out that website knifetests dot com, not sure how many $30 knives can hold up to that abuse. Plus if you want a knife that will hold an edge beyond a week or two of light use, you are probably going to have to spend a little more for .... well... quality.
 
Your $30 would buy a byrd cara cara, if you need suggestions. Byrd is Spyderco's outsourced brand that is high on quality, low on price.

I buy nice knives because the fit and finish is higher. I started out on the cheap side though, as did a lot of people I imagine. My $40 CRKT KCF, or $40 Endura were just fine until I could afford better. With great lament, I suppose I'll be at the high end of things before all is said done.

Right now I'm pretty hung up on Benchmade, specifically their axis lock.
 
Grab one off of ebay - I think you'll score a 4" for about half that. And they're pretty tough.
 
Mandeep said:
Hey guys, I'm looking into buying my first folding knife for EDC and the occasional hiking/camping/etc trip. I only have 30 bucks to spend so I guess I'm gonna buy a Spyderco or something since they offer a lot of left handed knives. But, I was just wondering why do I see people buying a knife for hundreds of dollars if they're just gonna go out and abuse them?
Click to expand...

Spyderco's Byrd line are tough to beat for the price point.

I don't spend hundreds on a knife just to baby it.
I spends hundreds on a knife so I don't have to.
And seeing the look on someone's face when you cut steel bands off a bundle of pipe with your $100+ knife without damaging it is priceless :D
 
Two things my Father taught me when it comes to toos, buy the best you can afford and treat and use your tools with respect they deserve.

Spyderco are great value for the $$$.

If your going to buy an expensive knife do yourself a favor and buy a Prybaby, thay way you dont F-up your good knife.
 
I enjoy them. Having them, playing with them, using them, etc. And in the end they rarely 'cost' me anything. I hardly ever buy an expensive knife that I don't think I will make money on when I eventually get rid of it.

I also enjoy owning a custom knife that's made by hand and getting to meet and maybe know the maker a little.

It's a little similar to owning a mechanical watch. Just a little more interesting than owning something generic that everyone else has.
 
Yeah, its ambidextrious - got one sitting right in front of me!

You'll like it for a good cheap user knife. They also have a tanto style blade. I'd avoid the serrated Voyagers as the teeth are pretty weak and I've long since broken all of my little teeth off. For a good, cheap, EDC, you'll be happy.
 
And go w/ the 4 inch - the 3 inch is just too light. Look at everyone else's suggestions though as well - and you might look at the CRKT M16 line if you want to spend a little more money for a similar sized knife.
 
I'd stay away from most of CRKT's knives, their Aus6 is too soft. And I would imagine their Aus8 isn't much better. I try to stay above VG-10 (Spyderco's VG-10 is premium stuff), Benchmade's 154cm holds an edge fairly well, Cold Steel's Aus8 isn't much better than CRKT's Aus6 as far as edge retention goes. Aus6 & 8 are fine if you enjoy sharpening a lot, they do take a shaving sharp edge easy!..And if you're concerned with edge strength - they are strong and will bend before they break. I speak from personal experience, individual results may vary. For Aus steels I like a harder Rockwell rating, I don't like soft steel for pocket knives.
 
If there's a Wall Mart around you I here they have Spyderco Natives in S30V for a good deal.

Helle
 
After looking at the pic of the Voyager, wouldn't the clip get in my way since it's on the left side? After all the knives I've looked at, I really like how this Voyager looks and I do like the price.
 
Eel - I agree that the CS Voyager does require some sharpening maintenance, but it is a solid knife and is very easy to sharpen.
Mandeep - for ease of sharpening, you can't go wrong w/ the tanto - very, very easy to sharpen - just two flat edges that glide right down a stone. The pocket clip is not ambidextrious though, so you'll probably carry it on the right side. Weak side carry is often the most tactically adventageous as it leaves your strong arm free, if thats an issue for you.
 
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