I've got a $250 dollar gun in my back pocket and a $300 knife in my front.
Why? Well for one thing, pocket pistols tend to cost less, but even at that I rarely buy a pistol more than $600.
I'm a knife guy more than a gun guy, so spending $300 on a stylish edc with great ergos, blade steel, fit, finish, and smooth action is worth it to me. Plus I'll use this knife about 15 times a day. Will I thrash it on the job site? No. Same reason most won't roll around in the mud with their BBQ gun. It can handle it just fine, but why tear something up on purpose? That said, knives are made to cut. I don't have safe queens be they blade or blaster. All of my carry pieces will proudly wear the scarring of actual use.
Even my edc work knife is an entry level ZT 350.
However, I don't blame anyone for carrying whatever they prefer. My dad has carried some form of Buck 110 folder to work every day for about 50 years. He keeps a "nice" one that I bought him for going out. It's all the more he wants despite having the means to get something more premium.
I can easily get by with a nice $50 folder or less, but I prefer a nicer cutting tool. It's not about the money or even status as most people don't know what my knife costs unless they are a knife nut like me. It's about enjoying what you own. After all, a cheap gas station folder that cost $6 will cut just like my $300 ZT. Just like a Hi Point will shoot just like a $2000 target 1911
At the end of the day, just enjoy what you like