I scribble a lot about knives (and other gear) on MTJS. After so many years and so much steel accumulated, this “hobby” has brought forth some interesting conundrums. We talk a lot about value, us gear aficionados.
We have this idea that value is the perfect balance between performance and price, but I found after so many years that, really, you never do reach knife nirvana. There is always something newer, something shinier, something that will be more on the mark in terms of being the perfect value. And thus as I scribble this holding my latest shiny (a super sexy Helle Temagami), it’s dawned on me that we should really have a chat about the true meaning of value in this industry.
I get around 20 e-mails a day. 90% are spammers asking to do a guest post or for me to spam my readers with some crappy mall ninja product (spoiler alert: we will never allow guest posting nor will I ever sell access to this community – ever), but buried among these emails, every week or so I get one from a genuine reader asking me to recommend what in my opinion is the “best knife for the money.” The prerequisites vary a lot, but searching through my e-mail archive, I respond a solid 70% of these emails with one suggestion (for survival knives) – a Mora.
The thing is, a knife is a sharpened piece of steel. We can spend hours discussing fit and finish, but at the end of the day, we are still looking for a tool that cuts. Being a knife nut, reviewing and owning so many knives, and yet still accepting that we are talking about what is essentially a pretty basic tool puts me in an odd position. If the answer to all outdoor knife suggestions is a Mora (and nearly all folding knife questions an Opinel), then why do we spend so much money on knives? On my nameplate website I humorously describe MTJS as the marketing arm of Spyderco, and all jokes aside, it’s true that I have built up an emotional attachment to these tools.
Spyderco Military Folding Knife – Amazon / Blade HQ
And you know what? I’m not sorry!
It’s okay to appreciate the performance of a perfectly ground blade, even if the cost is disproportionate to gains in cutting ability. If we are to be honest with each other, it’s clear that our love for certain brands, styles, and steels supplant logic and allows us to forgive the high price for the sheer amount of joy we gain from handling a beautifully crafted knife. I will always review knives with cost in mind with regards to the value it can offer to all of you, but at the same time, I maintain that the Benchmade 940 is decent value all things considered. I know it’s not as tough as a $10 fixed blade, nor does it cut as well as an Opinel, but value can also be in relation to the materials, craftsmanship, and the general ethos behind the design.
On that note, I took a gander into my box of steel and picked out 5 blades I own at varying price point to discuss value relative to their purpose. The interesting thing is that beyond materials, the end result is very similar amongst those 5 knives with regards to end user purpose.
Helle Temagami Fixed Blade Survival Knife – Amazon / BladeHQ
Survival Knife Value Comparison: 5 Valuable Knives in Various Price Points
Knife #1: The Mora Companion
Oh the Mora Companion. What a perfectly designed slab of steel and plastic you are. Folks, if all you care about is peak performance for your buck, you won’t be able to do better. The grinds are shockingly good, the steel is excellent, and the mindset behind the design is from the perspective of performance. These blades are time tested! I know some people with a questionable understanding of knives often point at the lack of a full tang, but I have never broken a Mora and that’s after owning (and using quite roughly) in excess of 30+ of these guys. They are tough, well made blades that I would trust with my life, as many survivalists do.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
Knife #2: The Cold Steel Finn Bear
I have owned the Cold Steel Finn Bear for a while. I have yet to review it, but its general design is super interesting. It’s a modern take on the Puuko and the fit and finish is very tight despite a low emphasis on materials. The steel is inferior to a Mora’s, but good enough for anything you can throw at it. To be honest, 40 years ago it would have been considered a fantastic steel. New technology and steels get released all the time, that doesn’t mean older blades magically stop working.
Or at least if they do, my Buck 110 hasn’t gotten the memo!
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
Knife #3: Condor Bushlore
The Condor Bushlore is the poor man’s bushcraft knife. I consider it to be excellent value as long as you understand that this is more of an “artisanal” product. Sure, its performance out of the box is great, but to get the most out of it I would advise putting some sweat into it. It’s obvious where the cost cutting went into play with regards to the more blocky nature of the handles, but ultimately, I still think it is superb value and to this day it’s Elise’s favourite fixed blade.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
Read our review of the Condor Bushlore
Knife #4: The Helle Temagami Ca
My latest baby, the Helle Temagami. Review to come soon. The fit and finish on my Temagami is absolutely perfect. The scales are contoured to the point that it feels like a natural extension of my hands. It’s truly bizarre to hold this and then a Mora because of the price difference, but objectively, I think you would get your money’s worth with the Helle. The materials are great, but for me the biggest selling point are all the little details, how the blade naturally tips downwards just a touch, the fact that the tang is only visible on the spine, which is great for cold weather (steel + bare hands + cold weather = bad mojo), and the general feel of craftsmanship I get from this tool is amazing.
Sure, it’s just a knife. But when you handle something that’s manufactured so nicely with such exquisite attention to detail – is it still “just a tool”? This is a tough one for me. We spend so much money on clothes, cars, etc. and accept that brands and superficial features impact the price, but when it comes to knives, it’s easy to be dismissive and say – “It’s just a piece of steel, shouldn’t cost more than $30!” I disagree and if you spend a day working with the Helle, I reckon I could convince most of you of the same.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
Read our review of the Helle Temagami
Knife #5: The L.T. Wright Genesis
The L.T. Wright Genesis is a super interesting selection to throw into the mix. It’s a scandi bushcraft blade, its materials and steel are relatively common place amongst more competitively priced production blades, but here’s the thing: it’s not a production blade. This is a custom knife and thus the value has to be quantified based on the labour and time of the craftsman and its scarcity in the marketplace. It’s difficult to ascertain value in this context because many craftsmen make what are considered “production” blades – the Helle above being a good example.
Read our review of the L.T. Wright Genesis
L.T. Wright Genesis Black Handled Survival Knife
Your Turn: What Are Your Thoughts on Knife Value?
This is such a loaded topic that I have decided to reach out to you all to find out what you consider a high value knife.
Let me know some examples of what knives you think are valuable (at any price point) and why you think they are high value.
I will do a reader’s choice round up with your recommendations and we will explore this topic further!
Edit: That reader’s choice round up has been published here.
Great conversation. I really enjoy knowing that my inner knife geek self is not alone in the world. Man times contemplated why the knife thing ??? Must be some primordial need to be able to control environment with the calorie transfer thing. Think about it, cut the wood transfer the “heat” calories, stay warm. Cut a trap, catch a critter, clean and cook on the fire, transfer the “food” calories; boil water. Knife does all this with a bit of added skill. So, we find the one that fits our hand and constantly think about how to keep our families safe and our adventure thoughts kindled. Have you all checked out BackWoodsman magazine?
Agreed, I think mankind also seeks to control and modify its environment, its ingrained!
Currently I carry a kershaw multi-tool for 90% of tasks and a folding kershaw for when I need a really sharp knife or for occasional food prep. I also have a leatherman wave, but it’s semi-retired, I keep it in the glove box.
A few others I’ve owned include an opinel, a Swiss army Mauser and an early wave, but my all time favourite is an ex-army stainless steel penknife made in Japan.
It has a 2 inch blade, a flat screw driver and a can opener. The beauty of it is when it’s in my pocket it’s invisible, and when I pull it out nobody is going to run and call the cops. The one I have was made in 1968, the rivets holding it together have almost worn away, and it cost me £3.50 about 36 years ago.. They are still available, this
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RAF-ISSUED-METAL-UTILITY-KNIFE/201812905121?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649
looks original but there are lots of spurious ones too.
Hah, I used to have one of those “British Army Issue Penknives” back in the days- solid little tyke but the steel was quite soft and didn’t keep an edge for too long- atleast my one didn’t! Which Kershaw multi-tool do you EDC?
What do you think about Anza knives?
Personally? I don’t see the appeal. File knives that you can make at home with equivalent fit and finish. I don’t think the price is reflective of the quality you get but thats just my opinion.
I totally agree on this value/tool/need post of yours. If a non-knife person asked me which “do it all” knife to buy, i would have answered Mora 2000 or Basic 511.
The only reason i have the number of knifes that i have, is purely based on interest/hobby, not need. But like somebody once said: “I don`t golf so…”
On the Temagami: I have the SS model (Bonpertuis T7Mo laminated with 18/8) and it is my favourite go-to-knife, and sheat, at any pricepoint. Along with my Fallkniven s1, that is.
One thing about Helle though; since they still are handmade in Holmedal, Norway, to this day. They may vary quite a bit in fit & finish. I looked at a few, before i found “my precious!” :)
yeah, I read online that some people had fit and finish issue with their Temagami- mine is pretty perfect so I feel pretty damn happy about the whole thing!
I’ll second the Spyderco nods… I bought a Dragonfly 2, and looked down at this tiny, minuscule knife with a weird leaf-shaped blade and full-flat grind and second guessed dropping $50 on the VG10 steel “cheap” version of it. Until it felt like it disappeared in my pocket, didn’t scare anyone who saw it, and made me chuckle out loud the first time I used it for cutting. Sure, any sharp knife cuts. But a well designed, well-ground knife with great (albeit tiny) ergonomics elevates the tool from an object that merely aids in finishing chores, to a tangible quality of life change, an increase in efficient work output, and then also manages to transcend that and become something that one would choose to use simply to enjoy how well it does it’s job.
I’ve previously mentioned my Benchmade Contego in M390. As soon as I think I won’t go to jail for using it to do a job I have it out. Every movement with that knife is smooth and natural and one-handed. And as quickly as it cuts, I pull the lock and flick it closed and reseat it in my pocket one-handed and I still have to suppress a grin. The knife feels like if I left it alone in a dark room it would just go ahead and do my job for me without me.
I’m getting long-winded. My whole point is paying for a cutting tool is one thing. Paying for a marvelously desired tool is something else. Paying for the pleasure of using a well-crafted machine is something else. Paying for something you can simply admire the beauty and genius of is something else. Paying for all of it at the same time in one product instantly throws its value far beyond that of any mere tool. Value comes in the form of feeling disgusted at thinking about anything less than what you have now become accustomed too. Anyone whose had a great tool, lost it, and had to use a crappy standby until the good one could be replaced knows exactly what I mean here.
Aye, I also think that good value doesn’t necessarily equate to “cheap”. As I mentioned, I think the Benchmade 940 is great value even though most non-knife people would consider the price absurd.
Wholeheartedly agree with the choices of Mora Companion and Opinel. I usually pick the #8 in both carbon steel and stainless. But I am also fond of my Buck 110, 112, 119, and 120. The Case Sodbuster would be in the top 5 if they were lockblades.
Howdy Mike, the Buck 110 is definitely on my list of the best value knives, a slice of Americana that looks and handles like its worth twice the cost. As for the Sodbuster- I wonder if Case will ever make a locking version, didn’t they have a series with a brass liner lock?
Living in the Pacific NorthWET on the shores of a gigantic inland portion of the Pacific Ocean (Puget Sound), and leading a life outdoors. I need a durable, stainless steel blade I can trust with my life.
For me that’s the Fallkniven A1 and F1
Always wanted to review the F1- I have yet to get my hands on one, seems like I missed the boat because now they are pretty damn pricy, especially here in my neck of the woods.
Tops, Condor, Benchmade, Zero Tolerance, ESSEE, are all great high quality knives, excellent steel,nice grips, fine fit and finish. My go to knife for over 40 years had always been a Navy copy of the KBar made by Camillus. Soft steel, nicks easily, can be sharpened on your belt or boot is razor sharp and has never failed me and a few sentrys will attest to it slicing ability. It’s not always the knife maker. Find what you like, what you can afford and become best of friends. Know it like your hands, learn to use it and be comfortable with it. $500 or $50, if it feels right in your hand it is the right knife.
Aye, the hand picks the knife. ;) I still find it so odd that so many people find the Spyderco Pingo comfortable- I can barely hold the damn thing without wincing! I picked up an ESEE 4 a couple of weeks ago and the value is pretty damn high- especially taking into account the best-in-class warranty!
For actual EDC use and carry, I depend on my trusty Swiss Army pocket knife which hasn’t let me down in any everyday carry situation where I need a blade or tool. It’s in my front pocket 24/7. For harder jobs I have a Leatherman multitool and Gerber I can use that are 1 in the car and 1 in the house. I would love to have a decent Spyderco knife but find the cost versus usage equation not worth the expense. It’s more of having a Cadilac vs a VW. The Caddie would be nice but the VW gets the job done too.
Additionally, I gave several single blade lock back knives from various makers that don’t cost over $20.00 each. Again I have a Victornox lock back knife with several tools as part of my primary EDC kit.
For fixed blade knives I have a Mora which I absolutely adore, in my EDC kit, and a Ontario brand SP-3 Air Force survival knife in my primary BOB. Both these knives are of good design, not overly expensive, and have been dependable for the cost incurred. JMHO!
At the front top of the SP-3 handle is a vertical piece of rubber material that can be cut off. By doing so, you can move your hand forward on the top and have better control for close in work in cutting.
Thank you so much for the great tip. I just pulled it out and looked at it, you’re right, that should help.
Excellent recommendations, I love my SAK’s and when you look at it objectively, unreal bang for buck. The fit and finish is remarkable on my Alox Pioneer. Have you checked out the Spyderco Tenacious by the way?
First I have to describe the model. It is a three bladed pocket knife like grandpa carried. No fancy way of opening. You open the knife and there isn’t a fancy feature that holds it solid. This would be what is called a “stockman” knife. The style of knife ranges in price from about $9 to $100. The $100 versions are beautiful like the Boker. The $55-$85 versions of the Case knife are collectables. You might even find a used Sears Craftsman for about $40 in pristine condition. Now to the very low end, one of the Taylor Brands, Imperial. A close out type of stockman that may come in a tin box. Oh, the last one I obtained. Wouldn’t close. Had to pry the sides of the knife to facilitate closing (it was sold with blades partially opened in the container). That problem solved. Opening and closing? A bit sticky, so it was cleaned and lubed with Tuf Glide. Price – about $13. The blade – sharp!!
I have nothing against a Mora – fine knives. Just look at the circumstances. You go to a movie, the beach, a walk around the block, up the hill in the backyard for an inspection, you need to open a package. You don’t strap on a Mora, you reach in your pocket for a pre-Letherman type tool, an inexpensive stockman knife. This pocket knife will outlive you if you keep it rust free and play mumbly peg (an old fashioned knife game) infrequently. By the way, you tell an oldtimer, he used to take a pocket knife to elementary school, play mumbly peg and 1-2-3 English bulldog without the police being called.
Those classic patterns are for sure excellent value- any thoughts on the “Rough Rider” brand? I have gotten a lot of requests for me to pass judgement but I have yet to review one.