Some of us knife collecting addicts had a lively discussion on this topic. The original question was posed: “Why do people use cheap blades. I’m talking quality not price. Why do people use the knives that clearly wobble when locked, with mystery blade steel, dull as a rock… get what I’m saying? Why do they choose the knife. My friend is like this. He has very few even halfway decent knives.”

One answer was “because they do not know better and most people feel its insanity to pay $30-$300 for knife”

Another disagreed with knife elitists saying: “I carry a knife which costs 20 bucks, and they don’t advertise their steel, and it is just fine for 99% of what I need. I think you have no idea. I prefer to look at it this way – most folks cut with their knife – and carry one which is in their price range and does what they want it to do. You guys are an exception – caring about what steel your knife is made of is unique to your subset of people – I think you’re being unnecessarily harsh on folks who carry a knife – like you.”

In the end the consensus boiled down to one shared opinion: “the issue is not cheap vs. expensive, but well made for the user’s purpose versus poorly made. I picked up my every day carry knife for 23 bucks. That is a cheap knife, in my opinion, but a good quality tool for my purposes.”

I’ve purchased some cheap but well made folding knives from Safety Enforcement online website. They run from about $12.95 down to $8.95 and with their flat rate shipping fees I usually pick up 2 or 3 of them and the shipping charge stays the same. That’s a deal – they come sharp and for the price point they’re well made folders.

I have some very expensive knives in my collection but for everyday chores like opening cardboard boxes, cutting cords etc, they sure fit the bill!