Why would I spend $300 on just a knife?

[Gordon]

My son sent me this email today from aboard some research vessel doing work with remotes at VERY deep depths. When he recieved one of his PHDs a few years back I gave him a Mad Dog DSU 2 knife (Deep Submergence Unit ) which he used as a dive knife, and on the Alvin and now he put it in the robot's mitt!

"HI Dad,
Just a quick note because I'm busy right now. Things are going fine. I deployed
one lander and have the 2nd one almost ready. We sent the DSU2 down on the dive
today because they broke 2 knives yesterday. It cuts amazing! One stroke and the
rope severs. Now the Jason team wants 2 custom ones made with T-handles forged
onto the end. Let Mad Dog know they are interested and that I will give him
video and pictures of it being used. I miss you guys and am looking forward to
being home soon.
Love,
Sam"

So there you have a good reason for a knife over $300 !

 

[Myles]

I've got a early Dawson 101 that I paid the unthinkable sum of $125 for it, 20 years ago.

Seamlessly hand-fitted, flawlessly finished, tough as a crowbar, always razor sharp and easy to maintain the edge.

He still makes them the same way, but they range from $400 and up, now. Sound investment in more ways than one.

 

[kevin7769]

I recently watched the movie 127 hours about the guy that got trapped between a rock while hiking.. My favorite line is about how he wished he'd spent the extra couple minutes looking for I think it was a Swiss Army knife rather then settling for the Chinese knife he ended up taking with him.. Movie might have had a shorter name if he did. The bulk of my knives are on the cheaper end of better quality, Kershaw Leeks, older Schrades, etc.. But I know with them when it comes down to it they won't fail me for whatever I use it for.. I do have some more expensive stuff, Benchmade is one.. If it comes down to my life depending on my knives, the cheap giveaway stuff I've gotten with purchases of tiewraps, flashlights, etc.. won't be handy for me while any of the better stuff is always handy. One of my favorite expensive ones is a Dunn folder.

 

[s2harry]

I have an older thin handle spyderco police model favorite of favorites. it cost $60 if i remember right back in the 90s. Working at BB guns for employees 49$ or something. it has a certain kind of robustness but not that robust. maybe these more costly knives have that in the blade pivot I dont know but there is a compromise where strength usefullness sharpness and edge holding come to a dollar ammount and its around 50-75$ it seems. Want to pry puncture and lift with it and now it takes a thicker blade hardened more or better steel etc and that seems to bring the price up more. the rub is Bayonets can pry puncture and lift for less cost. Maybe 70-90$. but like all custom things hand made hand ground etc you pay for shop time and sweat. Plus skill and esthetics. You pays your money you takes your chances. So its up to you really what is your fancy? Me I like sturdy fighting folders and g-10 handles or glass filled like spydercos. Blades I like as close to 4 inch as legal. Or longer for a folding sheath. $300 is just out there in space for me a few dollars more and you've bought a used 642. So for me I wouldnt buy a $300 dollar custom c-6 woopie stainless blade when there are knives just as good for $100 or less just not so custom and may even fit on the end of a rifle.......