What is your top dollar for a blade? Does your max number change if its hand made vs. production? Taking it one step further, would that top dollar blade actually get used?
My most expensive knife is a collector knife, not made to be used. It was a gift, and is a mid 4 figure value knife. Hand made in Thailand, from pewter and 24k gold leafing.
Knives I use, I have a few that are in the $200-$300 range. 2 production, 2 hand made, and a 3rd that is in the process of being made custom for me.
mine is a 130.00 fixed blade made by a quality manufacturer, I really like it....would prefer having a custom - handmade - but I just cant afford it....the knife makers put a lot of effort and time in on a blade and earn their price but they are for people with more money than I have...thats just the way it is...
most i've spent is around 180. there comes a point of diminishing return, and its different for everybody. what can a 400$ knife do that a 160$ one can't?
given the resources, i'd be willing to spend more.
I guess it would depend on the knife. I've considered having a custom dagger made someday, for a display, if I come into a pile of cash but I don't think I'd want to go more than $500.
most i've spent is around 180. there comes a point of diminishing return, and its different for everybody. what can a 400$ knife do that a 160$ one can't?
given the resources, i'd be willing to spend more.
Might not be able to do anything different, but you're getting into custom territory where it's the skill of the maker that makes a difference. I have a few $400+ knives, some with exotic steels that demand a premium... I can't imagine I would ever be able to even consider one, but a Bruce Bump custom would be awesome. After getting to spend some time playing with one they are far beyond anything I've ever seen before or since... If you are in need of some knife porn, do a Google search for him.
oh yeah, i'd love one of his knife/pistol combos, but that's another thing all together. then you're paying for art, an investment, even. i'm talking more production blades. steel type, proprietary heat treat, handle material, sheath system... its all preference really. i prefer simple carbon steels with a good heat treat. can't justify the cost of something like infi, when i have a well treated piece of 1095 that is going to outlast me. do like some busse blades though.