>>1807531>pocket knives are a bell curveI agree at lest for value for money. But I would argue the best range is $80-$165. In that range you see most knives move to more premium steels and HTs that hold their edge longer, and the general design and materials of knives lend them self to actually being able to last a life time daily use if maintained well. For me this range is defined by the Cold Steel Code 4/AirLite to the Spyderco Para 3/PM2/Military.
I argue some $40-$80 knives may have potential to last a life time but with cheaper steel you need to sharpen more often and thus use more material. And quality of construction as well. The Chines Spydercos are great knives, but they are known for having soft Chines screws that are easy to strip out, it’s one of the reasons I recommend the Ontario Rat 1/2 more often.
>won’t cry when you inevitably lose it or it breaks The last knife I lost besides around the house, was when I was like 14, it’s easy to keep track of knives especially when they have good pocket clips. And I don’t worry about it breaking because why should I? I’m not gonna beat it against a wall and I expect any knife over $20 should be well constructed enough to handle normal cutting tasks.
>$100 is literally just paying for brand nameA little bit maybe, but no you are also literally paying for better materials and construction. Also with brand generally comes good warranty and design as well.
>likely sit in your drawer Speak for your self. I have no issue carrying and using even $200+ knives because they are good tools and good tools take care of your if you take care of them. I sharpen knives for a side income and I have gotten a lot of Spydercos, BMs, ZTs, ect... in, and while yes some of them are from people who have obviously rarely used them, most of them are clearly well carried and used. I know a lot of people who carry and are not afraid to use $100+ knives.
