Whats "mid-priced" and "hi end"...to you?

What about Microtech :O

Microtechs are grossly overpriced, even moreso given their declining QC and lack of customer service. And their tendency to copy designs hasn't helped in that regard either.

On the original subject
Mid: 50-100$
High: 100$+
 
Mid: 50-100$
High: 100$+

I agree!

It really is all based on what you like, what you can afford, and how much you're willing to pay.

I am more than willing to pay $400+ on a good knife. The thing is, I can't, I do not have the money to do so.

I paid around $125 for my Spyderco Chokwe and that was really pushing it for me. It's a lot of money especially when you don't really have it. But I just HAD to get that knife. So I did lol. And it's high end for me. Even though I own knives that are more high end, it is currently my favorite. And probably will remain my favorite. I'm telling you, I'm going to be buried with that knife.
 
My definition of "high-end" seems to start around $100, stuff like the Yojimbo 2 and Para 2. After that functionality and fit and finish don't increase too much.

I agree that functionality doesn't increase much past the 100 dollar mark, but saying that fit and finish doesn't increase much is just wrong.

I've only seen one knife in the 100 dollar range that could even begin to compete with my 400+ dollar knives, and that was a Gayle Bradley. The difference in F&F from 100 to 400 and beyond is pretty substantial.
 
Do you have any direct experience with this supposed "declining QC?" Or are you just parroting what you've heard on the forums?

My local knife shop has one of the largest selection of Microtechs in the country, and I must say that their F&F is higher and more consistent that most big names in the industry. I'm not a microtech fanboy at all, but there's no denying that they built good knives.


Microtechs are grossly overpriced, even moreso given their declining QC and lack of customer service. And their tendency to copy designs hasn't helped in that regard either.

On the original subject
Mid: 50-100$
High: 100$+
 
I have to say that the fit and finish on the Taiwanese made Spydercos are amazing and that they are close to being or are on par with higher end blades. I've owned a few of them and they are just amazing.
The Sage series, Gayle Bradley, Chokwe, etc.

If you're looking for a hell of a knife for under $200... I would check those out. =]
 
Currently I have 12 knives that I rotate carrying.

2 - $150
2 - $300
1 - $350
1 - $390
1 - $435
1 - $510
1 - $540
2 - $610
1 - $800
 
I don´t buy such expensive knives, though I use to carry and use them a lot. Mostly traditionals

- mid-priced til 130 $ (~ 100 €)
- hi-end over 130 $

Kind regards
 
Low: < $60
Mid: $60 - $175
High: $175 - $300
above comfort zone: >$300

values are subject to change as this addiction progresses....
 
For me, mid-price is in around $150, while high-end starts around $300. I find knives that fall in between these price ranges are almost in a "dark-zone" for some strange reason. I just haven't had much luck smack in the middle of these two price-points.
 
Do you have any direct experience with this supposed "declining QC?" Or are you just parroting what you've heard on the forums?

My local knife shop has one of the largest selection of Microtechs in the country, and I must say that their F&F is higher and more consistent that most big names in the industry. I'm not a microtech fanboy at all, but there's no denying that they built good knives.

I'm obviously parroting, though if you read the automatic forums here on a semi-regular basis, you'll run into enough reports of people getting duds to make it a valid point (i.e. CMTX5 sear issues - which MT refused to fix, 2010 Blade Show UTX-85's, the ones people enjoyed flipping on the exchange here, people having to find dedicated dealers to take care of warranty issues and so forth).

I own a 2009 Makora II, DLC/PE. Not a lemon, though the only reason I'm keeping it is to have a token OTF in my modest collection. I must admit it is a pretty unique piece, though the anodizing on the body has started to give away to friction from the firing switch.
 
$200-$500 mid
$500-$900 mid high
 
I agree that functionality doesn't increase much past the 100 dollar mark, but saying that fit and finish doesn't increase much is just wrong.

I've only seen one knife in the 100 dollar range that could even begin to compete with my 400+ dollar knives, and that was a Gayle Bradley. The difference in F&F from 100 to 400 and beyond is pretty substantial.


You're probably right, though I have read that you will come across flaws in knives at any price range.
While I don't doubt the extra finishing is there, it's just not significant to me. The way I use knives the extra polish will be roughed up or covered with gunk within a few weeks. You could say I'm the ideal customer for Strider, if only they would make a design I actually like and use more insane steel types.
 
IMO ZT framelocks are definitely high end production. Stronger than Strider or Chris Reeve designs. Price doesn't determine value, Performance does; makers can charge any price they want. Some expensive art knives are worthless.
 
low end 0-$100

Medium-$100-$500

high end- $500-$1000

Pocket jewelry/collectors pieces- $1000+
 
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