aznav

1. Aside from collectibles, why are some folding knives $300+??
2. Are they really that good?
3. Recommendations for a good auto?

Sgt.Rock

Well, usually when they're $300 +, they're either collectables or the materials they are made out of are very high quality.

I recently purchased a benchmade 630 skirmish, which is usually a 270 dollar knife (got a good deal for 190, all expenses included), and am extremely impressed. You generally get what you pay for.


As for auto's, can't really say, though I do have a benchmade auto thats real good, but I can't remember the name..... hold on, let me dig it up.



Edit- here we go

630- http://www.benchmade.com/products/pr...aspx?model=630

auto (9050 AFO)- Product Details (Benchmade Knife Company - Premiere manufacturer of knives and rescue tools.)

MadDog

I couldn't justify spending a couple hundred on knife. I bought a Smith and Wesson knife at a gun show and couldn’t be happier. I’m sure it’s not as good as a benchmade, but if I am spending over 200, that’s almost LCP

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BentLink

aznav, I love your avatar!

1. I see the high price point reflecting exotic materials, precision construction, and often rarity (i.e. hand-fitted limited runs).
2. You can get something that cuts just fine for $50, but the more expensive ones have other "value" that you'll have to determine.
3. Sorry-won't venture any uneducated guesses on the autos for ya.

KenpoTex

1. IMO, with a few exceptions (Sebenza, BM Skirmish, etc.) you're mostly paying for the name.

2. For the most part, I don't think so. There are plenty of knives out there in the $50-150 range that will serve you just as well and won't send you into cardiac arrest if you lose/break one. (Spyderco, Benchmade, Cold Steel, SOG)

3. Microtech, Pro-tech, Benchmade, or maybe M.O.D. (though I really don't see a real advantage to an auto).

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tegemu

I am partial to Ka-Bar. Well made, reliable, traditional and reasonable.

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LastManOut

I sort of look at a tactical knife like ammunition. You don't use it to open the mail, (that would be a heck of a shot) but, when you need to use it, you will likely loose it afterwards, either stuck in an eye-socket or a bone or the LEO's will take it for evidence. Loosing a $65 knife hurts, but not as much as a $300 knife.

flagflyfish

I bought a ProTech auto, it's been a really good knife. stays sharp, reliable mechenism. As you probably already know, Auto's are legal in AZ, but I'm not sure in other states. I bought the one called the "runt" the website says it's Calif. legal? I don't think I'll chance it.

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and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the
service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the
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cwblanco

In comparison the usual cost of the Smith & Wesson knife is much much less than the $300 folding knife. However, these lower cost name brand name knives including what Smith & Wesson sells are of very high quality, and unless it is a collectible, it will be lost many years before it will ever wear out.

I have a few of the very expensive knives and wonder why I ever bought them. Actually I do know -- it is pretending that it is far better than what most have. However, in reality I know that they are not likely to cut any better or last longer than a much cheaper quality knife.

All that being said -- if you are buying a knife as a collectible, that is another story and has little to do with utility. For example, my Randall given to me years ago is a dear item to me, but it is too heavy for practical use. Also, because of the cost, it has to stay in the drawer.

Rob72

Maybe a little different answer, and not always a guarantee, but:

Better locks. Cheap liner-locks are cheap finger removers. If you're cutting fishing line, or stripping some 20g electrical wire, having a lock failure is more likely an inconvenience that a serious cut risk. If you carry a knife as a back-up, or for places you can't carry your firearm, that's very different usage. Amok Hodges has a fine little 30 sec YouTube vid detailing his liner lock mod.

Materials and finishing. Machining and CNC machines cost money,as does R&D. sometimes you get what you pay for, sometimes you won't. Depends on your needs & uses.

Autos. Pretty much, I'd only endorse a MT HALO, OTF, if you intend it for geniune SD/self-rescue/one-hand use. Side openers require more space in their opening arc, and (personally) don't offer anything a wave & thumb hole or stud doesn't.