Why do people buy expensive knives?

If anyone wants, check out the Toolshed. Tom Krein modded a BM grip for me, and he did an amazing job. That is partially where I mean going custom for desired performance. But still, I found the BM as stock to still be very well put together. If I didn't think it was a good knife to begin with, I wouldn't have requested he work on it. I think productions and customs can both provide a user with excellent performance. You go custom when you want something particular to you, hence the term, but I believe there are very talented people working for production houses who put out a fine working tool for us all.

link for the knife mod http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=451515

EDIT: also, I'm discussing custom vs. production, but there are plenty of expensive productions. Heck, that BM was very pricey compared to the Cara Cara I've been carrying for weeks with no problems whatsoever, and there are other productions that make the BM look cheap. There's a premium to be paid for materials, brand name, appearance, etc. But for just cutting performance, an SAK, Opinel, Mora, etc. will do it for just a few dollars, and without fail.
 
We all start by buying folders in that price range. But once you try something a little more expensive, you see a difference.

My Evolution:

Chinese cheapie
Camillus Heat
Camillus Maxx

I handled a Benchmade, they are great too. I bought a Spyderco, but it was lost in the mail and I bought the Maxx with the refund.

I can't say for more expensive knives, but there really is a difference between 30 and 60$

BUT there are good "affortable" knives too, like Byrds.
 
Originally posted by Mandeep:

"...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...

Because I'm worth it.
 
like most people, i started with some cheap knives, but the more expensive knives drew my attention. I like to use stuff I like. I enjoy taking out a knife that has qualities i like whether it be the steel, appearence or whatever. The price isnt the huge issue, its having a knife I like. I buy knives from 50-200 dollars and im looking at some william henry knives (i really like how they look=))
 
Not to sound smug but why do people do anything that they do? "Who knows", is the only real answer. Genes, past experience, desires, dreams, it really doesn't matter. The fact that there is the entity called "humans" that can even ask such a question is increcible in itself. We are free to choose, for whatever reason, and it is the grandest and also the most dangerous gift that we are given. Just be ready for whatever comes from each choice.

Regards
 
It really doesn't matter why people purchase expensive knives, I'm just glad they do. If not, then all there would be is inexpensive knives, and I would find that extremely boring.
 
hi im a lefty to . ive owened a two large voyager's one serrated and one plain there a nice knife so is a buck 110 the native stated earler. but it is small but has real good steel . when you are able to afford it look into a lg doug ritter gripper its a lefty has bronse bushings. and a axis lock 3.6 in droppoint blade and its s30v steel nice knife for 115.00 about its always fun getting a new knife yesterday i got a new boker stockman in green bone its the best slipjoint ive ever owened:D
 
Price is not as big an issue with me as workmanship, blade steel, and handle cosmetics, etc.
 
Why do I buy expensive knives? Thats easy I have obsessive compulsive knife buying disorder.
 
bladeprince said:
Not to sound smug but why do people do anything that they do? "Who knows", is the only real answer. Genes, past experience, desires, dreams, it really doesn't matter. The fact that there is the entity called "humans" that can even ask such a question is increcible in itself. We are free to choose, for whatever reason, and it is the grandest and also the most dangerous gift that we are given. Just be ready for whatever comes from each choice.

Regards
Click to expand...

Hay now this is a knife discussion....why you tryin to get all philosophical on me?;)

Hardheart summed it up well for me "Now, if there is a specific combination of materials I want, for a desired performance, and no one mass produces it; then I do need to go to a custom maker. I also buy customs because of aesthetics and the owning of a unique piece of work created by a dedicated individual."
 
Why do people buy a Lexus or Caddilac when a bare bones Ford will get them where they want to go?

They buy expensive knives because they are worth it. You get a knife that won't fail when you need it and you get pride of ownership. You als gat a work of art compared to a cheap print.
 
"you eventually end up with an exponential growth in cost for an incremental increase in quality."

This is a very good description of the market, although I think it's a little more complicated. Clearly, "art knives" are a different category than "work knives." What someone pays for an art knife is a balance between what the artist and buyer feel it's worth. And nothing is more personal than the value of art.

Work knives are more complicated. After buying 3 MT's, IMO they're over-priced. I have several Mcusta's because, again IMO, they're under-priced. Comparing MT's and Mcusta's is a little like "apples and oranges." But based on common elements, like the blades, quality of the handle materials, and the component fit tolerances...I don't see much difference. Some of the extra MT cost is certainly due to the action -- but MT's are 2x to 4x more expensive across the board. And a lot of that is the MT 'mystique.'

OTOH, I recently bought a Classic Sebenza with box elder inlays. It cost >$400, but is without a doubt the highest quality knife in my collection. The blade is spectacular, the inlays are grade "A," and the advertised "bank vault" feel is no exaggeration. If I needed a knife I could really count on, a bare-bones Sebenza at $385 would probably top the list. I've yet to handle a folder as sharp, versatile, and sturdy for less money.

But to repeat my earlier post, in the real world -- out in the field -- why carry a $400 knife when a $100 Leatherman has *2* high quality knifes as well as a dozen other tools? Carry a gun for defense.
 
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