Luxury Knives Are Not Cheap: Are They Worth It? 

Your appreciation of these designs comes through brilliantly in this video. Thanks for making this.

today you are the Bob Ross of high end knives.

They're worth it to people that buy them. Just like anything else. I have a sebenza that loves to work. I love when knives look used, adds character.

DCA you are a very sophisticated knife bro, I just love your in-depth descriptions especially of these higher end knives. You leave no detail unnoticed.

I could fall asleep to this video. Who needs ASMR when you have DCA describing high-quality pocket jewelry?

Kind of an incomplete feeling while watching with no prices while talking about them.

I have a Al Mar folder, which is very well made but not too flashy. This is a strong knife, and the best thing was that it was free, my friend gave it to me.

This needs for Part 2.

I noticed DCA never mentions the prices of these knives. I suppose the thinking was "if you have to ask the price, you can't afford it." LOL!

Im pretty convinced that CRKT will go under within a year or two. They've lost their place in the market to Civivi and CJRB, now they're collaborating with other companies to produce knives thay those companies could make themselves but they have to bump up the price to pay their own execs. The CRKT Hogue knives were a perfect example, more expensive than a Hogue, but using lesser materials than Hogue normally use. Its a shame, people were begging them to improve when they pumped out good designs in crap materials. Nick Shabazz has described some of their knives as being great designs, picked apart by the accountants.

Id be real nervous about sharpening that rockstead and ive been sharpening for 25 years.

I would love to know the actual man hours that go into some of Rockstead’s knives. I don’t think someone can truly appreciate that kind of mirror polish unless you’ve mirror polished a blade yourself and let alone to a zero convex grind. It’s too bad zdp189 isn’t really available outside of Japan because it’s such a unique steel in that it gets so hard yet doesn’t have any vanadium and can still be sharpened on basic stones. That said, if there’s only going to be a few makers that have access to it, Rockstead has certainly earned the right and really pushes it to its full potential!

I can really feel the passion and appreciation of the knives from DCA in this video!

Very cool. Love the different background music, too. Never get tired of Thomas’s deft handling of folding knives.

Tactile Turn also steps into the Chris Reeve level. This is when it's just about being a thing of beauty. Fun video.

It's kinda like people who buy $100,000 off road vehicles and never take them off road...Or buy an $800 pair of Nick's boots and don't have a job...what's the freakin point? Necessity wins!!! But, there again I'm old school and never understood the idea of collecting...I buy what I use and use what I buy.

I've not gotten to the point where I can appreciate all that, I'm maxing out at 300-400 bucks a knife for now.

I had several William Henry knives years ago and they were great

If you collect and all you want to do with it is display it, then sure. I know if I was spending over 200+ on a knife I would be less inclined to damage it with use. 50-100 dollar knives are the most I spend and still willing to use.

That microtech ultratech is slick. I'd be more than happy to own any of these expertly crafted blades. Im super jealous of your job

I just got hold of some vintage Al Mar boot knife blanks and was looking for a cool design, the letter opener is perfect for what I wanted - thanks for all the great vids I'm learning a lot

Beautiful knives, thanks for the vid.

Cool video. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.

how come you're not giving the pricing?

No prices??

Some really interesting knives. But the Rockstead is art in the form of perfect craftsmanship. It really gives me that "want to have" feeling.

Started using randall made knives in the 70's when they were $75.00 when hunting or in the bush I still rely on it.

I think I got that tanto at the county fair in the late 80’s….$6. What a deal back then 😂

Would’ve liked to see a Shirogorov. Brilliant video though, love it.

Beautiful selection of gorgeous knives today fellas, Ive always loved them Rocksteads(one day I swear I'll have one lol). But I'm kinda feeling them James Brand knives you had on today, especially that integral! So dang clean and beautiful, gonna need to put that guy on the list. Oh one thing, price would have been nice. I know I could always go to your site n all but hey I'm lazy!

I have a black DLC mirror polished Rockstead Tei. Love the thought of a mini Japanese katana in my collection 😎

The mammoth ivory in the William Henry handle is cool. I have a half dozen mammoth ivory guitar picks. I don’t really use them much but they are nice to have. The Randall “letter opener” looks like a smaller Fairbairn-Sykes commando dagger. Some beautiful blades on display. Thanks.

As a serious collector of knives i do understand the quality. However my main fixed blade, ive had for over 30 year's is my Buck 119. Just saying.

I’m amazed Thomas had no comments today.

I wanted to meet DCA at Blade West 2023. For the past three days I've been obsessing and re-doing the math for The William Henry Monarch that is in this video. To stumble upon a KnifeCenter video with DCA demo-ing what I wanted really surprised and delighted me enough to stop the video n drop a comment. What I did do was somehow miss Mosaic Damascus after all the emails from and time spent at Chad Nichols website and scored 3 small pieces of Rolling Rock which I ordered Friday morning. I asked Mike Norris for Crazy Lace back in 2019 n a modest piece he agreed to create and that I did receive in a timely manner was about two to 3 days wages in cost. I'm trying to make a souped up version of a knife I love, but had mine stolen and has been discontinued. Then I found more from Mike Norris and that he makes San-Mai so I'm going koo-koo with all these expensive materials and KnifeCenter Monarch which I can't easily afford and it's close to my daughters birthday and 10 days later Christmas. I've never had a knife that cost a month's wages, I once had a Frank Centofonte with blue mammoth which was $700 back in the last millenia and got stolen. I'd be tempting fate to go 3x that on a single knife again. But a ready made, luxury. State of the art, full dress gentleman's knife would be BOSS. I also love the Rockstead DON with opal and Desert iron wood. I suppose, like everyone, I'll go to my grave with items still unfulfilled on my wishlist. This is fun to think about n I really appreciate this video n those who made it! My man DCA came through for me, not even trying and in such good timing, it's Ike he read my mind.

Incredible.

I saw a new luxury knife today that i have no darn use for or perceived future use. It looks so fun and uber cool. Its Svord Carcass splitter!!! Id love to have that. 8670 is the toughest alloy that has some edge holding barribg PM steels snd some tool steels. Its the most appropriate steel for this design for use.

I love all of them!😊

I call them 'Lottery Knives'. 😁

Someday I'll own a Godson and/or a Godfather. So beautiful 😭

Don’t need a knife like these they are a work of art..

Hey DCA and friends, I've been trying to find a good straight razor. I want one with a regular single blade. No replacement blades. Of course Amazon has the cheapo but this is actually for use on my face. Any good suggestions?

@19:09 is that rust near the handle on the Mikkel Willumsen?

I like my knives to perform. ESSE does that and then some.

Cool!

Depends upon how they're valued. Most well-enough made knives (which include the majority across all prices ranges) will do what they are designed to do; cut. Some require more care than others. But most will serve their design purpose. As we all know, some are better for certain applications than others. But still, all will cut. We also know from test results that high price is no guarantee of superiority for a task. Those of us who have bought very expensive, or blade-smith's custom knives have probably made the decision to cherish and preserve those gems, and use more mundane, but perfectly serviceable knives for everyday work; Because, they also serve well as knives. So, are "luxury" knives worth it? Usually not for their useful value. But as collectibles and as investments, probably so. I'm as guilty as anyone for buying, but not using an expensive knife; and carrying a perfectly good workhorse blade instead. There are countless knives in that "workhorse" category. Each user has to define where that too-expensive-to-use point is for him. For me, based upon experience, it's not very high.

nice

The letter opener is cool. So was that santoku.

Wow!

No offence but I can’t find one decent looking between them. Maybe the Randall just to push it…I’d rather buy a BRKT or a custom knife at that point.

Many of these are more like investing in artwork. Which isn't my jam, but damn they are beautiful and have amazing craftsmanship.

Why no prices

DCA with a soft voice and mellow background music, channeling David Attenborough. I did like the video. Not enough attention paid to the pricier knives, in general.

If I could have just one knife from this lot. It would be the protec godson😘

These knives may not be overpriced but they are still out of my budget

luxury knives don't make sense to me. I'll bet they don't last or work harder than much cheaper blades. That first one alone would never get used if you want to keep that mirror finish on the edge.

When she thought I was protecting the crew, but I was just keeping the customer from getting stabbed by the manager

Pure Beauty ❣️🤗

My Ginsu will not be beat😅

Yes. Paid 350$ for model 14 Attack. No wait time. Did it again, Model one Fighter.

The sexy music in the background was a nice touch! 😂 Great list. I’d still take the ProTechs over most of them.

I love how DCA is whispering like he's in a museum. And I suppose it would be gauche to ask the price of any of these.

I actually think that it's very easy to get zdp to a mirror polish. But regardless, rockstead is an impressive brand that has created some unique knives

That De Villiers is a very nice design with a bunch of flashy crap plastered all over it.

Unfortunately, any switchblade type of knife is banned in Canada.

I love my Columbia River CRKT 4014 Michael Walker Limited Edition Fortuitous Liner Lock Flipper Knife 3.51" CPM-MagnaCut Black Reverse Tanto Blade, Milled Black Flourish Titanium Handles, Damasteel Pivot. So classy, unique and special. Everyone asks about it and I am happy to share. Compliments galore over this one as well.

Loveless drop point hunter in green micarta for the win

Finally!

AKA: D.C.A's dream video. I also call them goal knives.

Are those Damaskus are Carbon or Stainless?

Does that Rockstead look even higher end to the laymen as the Sharp by Design Knives?

Surprised that the sebenza wasn't included

One day I will get a Rockstead.

Clickbait title for sure, I thought there was going to be some wild prices but then I saw CRKT and Microtech on the table and knew it was comical. Nothing over 2k 😂

So Rocksted, like every other manufacturer, must pass the cost of failures to meet tolerances into the customer. ZPD-189 isn't cheap and their heat treat must also add significant costs. Anyone know how many blades of 100, or even 10, are QC rejected?

Thank you for this 20 minutes dreaming video! My choice of three are: - Rockstead High II - CRKT Michael Walker Monument - The James Brand Barnes All of them are master pieces !

Kyle royer knives is luxury..

Jim Pugh made $40,000 knives 50 years ago.

Not sure how much I will abide by your recommendations. The Civivvi you mentioned broke 60 days after I purchased. CIvivvi has not even replied to my email.

Have a knives day 😊

my first custom knife is ready in 1-2 weeks with magnacut steel 🥳

That adv reminds me of the böker mermaid

This thumbnail sounds like a challenge. 😂

Good luck charms

I get it - some folks have money to spend and they like knives, but $2K buys me a really nice new guitar. My Larivee’ was under $2K and I just can’t see spending that kind of cash on a pocket knife.

Love these videos. The only thing I would change is the 70's porno music in the background.

that James Brand Barnes is so beautiful. But, yeh, $650...

I'll stick with my Ontario RAT 1 and 2.

$700 for JB Barnes 😂

DCA bringing out his most passionate sexy voice for this video. Needs more saxophone! 🎷

Unfortunately the beauty of most blades are totally ruined by the imprinting of the manufacturers' names on the blade.

I really struggle to understand why folks would want to collect these. Isn't subtlety and balance part of most art pieces? The William Henry and SF Stoneworks knives in particular look like they were made with all the restraint of a rapper ordering their first chain from Jacob the Jeweller

In terms of performance....NO. In terms of pride of ownership....perhaps.

Most I Spent Was On The Esee JUNGLAS. Nowadays I'd Rather Buy FIREARMS & AMMO..

It is like cars, a packard 120 limo will get you there just like a Toyota,. One in luxurious style and one in low dollar

obviously toys for rich since there is very little said about actual quality of prduct and no testing at all

for a tool they are not worth it for collectors yes

No $300 Laguile?

Some folks just want dust collectors , that they can hold , wipe off & put away from time to time & then , maybe latter on sell it for a small mark up above what they paid for it , & maybe they replace it with another dust collector !!!

How much did James Brand pay you to compare them to a Sebenza? I’m not even a huge fan of the Sebenza, but it seems like an absurd comparison to make, especially when companies like Grimsmo, Holt, Koenig, and Herman exist.