I guess I just don't get it. I've been carrying inexpensive knives all my life. As a kid on the farm I used them to cut twine, sharpen pencils, scrape paint - whatever. Now I carry a Gerber Gator and I'm just as rough on it - opening beer bottles, stripping wires, slicing apples, etc. I use it every day and clean, lube & sharpen it all the time. I've gotten so many years of reliable use from it that I feel if I were to break it tomorrow, I would have gotten many times my money's worth from it and I'd go straight out and buy another for thirty-something bucks. In this way I consider knives to be semi-disposable. Use it. Abuse it. Replace it. And, God forbid, if I were ever to need it in a defensive situation I feel like it would do the job. It sits solidly in my hand and snaps open with a flick of the wrist. Now, I like nice things but with my usage I just can't figure spending over $100 on a blade. Really, does a guy like me have any business carrying a "tactical" knife? I feel like I'm missing something.

No, you do not need a knife that costs over $100. Yours does what you want it to do, and you are happy. By definition, you do not need anything else.

But a $100 or a $200 knife can give you some sexier steels that will offer improved performance. They will likely be a little better built, in terms of fit and finish. They may have some fancier handle materials.

If you do not value those things or are not willing to pay the additional cost, then don't feel like you are missing out. Your knife does what you need.

I do think that there are some knives that, and those labeled "tactical" can be prime examples, are more expensive than even the improved materials or better manufacture can justify. There is no reason to buy these knives. For example, I have an Emerson knife. It is a very well made knife - good steel, and very stout. But I think its price was a good bit higher than is justified. The handles are plain slabs of G10, and there is no hand fitting. Emerson has succesfully placed itself in the "super-operator/tactical" segment of the market. A good knife, but overpriced in my view. I don't blame Emerson, I would happily do the same. I will likely not buy another, however.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: jhe888,

My fellow Texan just nailed it (He's got a wealth of info should you decide to get into finer blades BTW).

If it you don't want the upper level stuff don't sweat it.

My Spyderco Endura with G10 scales and VG-10 steel (hell even Aus-8) will do everything the same as the benchmade De Ja Vo that I carry everyday.

I have a fondness for the late Bob Lum's work, and Benchmade's colaberation with him and his All Rounder is just about perfect for me. I love the way the scales feel and balance in my hand. I love the hardness and edge taking ability of the S30V steel (it is a bit of a chore to sharpen again since it is so hard). All that to say, I can justify spending twice as much on this as my old Endura.

Spyerco just called me to let me know that my Bob Lum Chinese Folder in ZDP is ready. Again, those knives sell in a less sexy steel for $125, but this ZDP brings the cost up to $199.

Is it worth it? Hell, I don't know.

Do I want it? You bet your sweet ass I do!

It does it for me. That's it. The same goes for my new found attraction to Busse Co. Knives. (Swamp Rat, Scrap Yard Busse Combat).

I have no "need" for a knife that I can baton through a pipe or small branch, but I want one. *shrug*

I guess I don't "need" my AR-15 or P220, but I chose them over a mini-14 and and Mil-Spec 1911.

Get what you want, and what works for you and your needs/desires.

You have business carrying whatever you want to carry! (so long as it is legal in your area of course... Me thinks that should be your business, too, but it's not... yet)

Spyderco is making Lum Chinese Folders again? That was a knife I always wanted, and never could find. Do you have a link?

(Alas, Mr. Lum is now grinding knives in heaven, so I can't get a Lum made one.)

right on. This is about what I'd figured, but it's good to hear from those in the know (all I know of knives is which is the pointy end). By the way, where abouts in Tejas are you guys? I'm looking for folks to shoot with in El Paso. Thanks guys.

Houston. Couldn't be much further away and still be in the same state.

In every other state except Alsaka, you would be in another state.

quote:

Originally posted by jhe888:
Spyderco is making Lum Chinese Folders again? That was a knife I always wanted, and never could find. Do you have a link?

(Alas, Mr. Lum is now grinding knives in heaven, so I can't get a Lum made one.)

Yeah, they just finished a small run (been waiting forever-I put my name in for one over a year and a half ago). Call the Spyderco shop and see if you get anywhere.

Let me know what they say.

ETA: I talked to Ms. Gessler when I put my name in (she was giving me some pointers on putting an edge on my filet knives, and she eluded to the fact that this might be near the end of the line for that series.

ETA2: I called up Bob shortly before he died to inquire about getting one made. We chatted about things for a bit, and he recommended the knife I EDC today, my Benchmade DeJaVoo (Benchmade's version of his All-rounder).

I just read in the Spyderco section over at bladeforums that Sal has been in contact with Bob's widow and that they are allowed to remake the colaberations.

Pretty cool if it's true. I have to think it is true, since Sal probably would have posted otherwise. He is a mod over there.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: dnittler,