View Full Version : "High Line" production folder?
So what makes one production folder "high Line" and another not?
Does a "high line" steel make a knife high line? Can you have a "hgh line" knife without a high line steel?
If you have a cheap steel in a knife with lotsa "glitz", is it still high line?
Does "high line" simply consist of "asking" for more money?
teach me.
sal
4 s ter
04-04-2004, 07:37 PM
Sal
To me, a "high line" product needs to be above the norm in all ways - top quality materials and superior manufacturing. A "glitzy" knife with a cheap steel emphasizes style over substance and form over function. In my opinion, a "glitzy" knife with cheap steel is what we often see out of China.
David
"Not all who wander are lost"
dsvirsky
04-04-2004, 07:38 PM
Sal,
I'm hardly an expert, but to me it's as simple as 1,2,3:
1 - fit
2 - finish
3 - materials
IMHO, it takes all three to be a "high line" knife. Doesn't necessarily have to be expensive.
J Smith
04-04-2004, 07:39 PM
To me high line is all these things together.
A company with a very good rep.
Better than average steel with really good grinds and finish
Real thought into the design
High end,close fitting scales and hardware.
Produced in a place known for great production facilities.
<img src=http://techhelpers.net/e4u/drink/trink36.gif
Edited by - J Smith on 4/4/2004 7:40:00 PM
Shards of Narsil
04-04-2004, 08:37 PM
Striders are not quite pretty, but they perform. Many folks plonk their considerable money on that, steel aside. Elegant knives cost lots and you can take them out everywhere but my Jester alone could probably out-cut them all. It all boils down to design and intent, with a few basics...
For me it is ultimately about performance and finish but most people tend to buy by finish as performance is only known over time.
Let's talk expectations.
If I got a 'high line' folder, I'd expect it to be razor sharp out of the box, PERFECT in fit and finish, with a COMPLETELY smooth action. Less than that I'd feel a little let down, even though the knife may be a long-run performer and I'd grow to love it and tell other folks to buy it in the end.
However, if it looks good but does not do it's job well, I'd cuss it to all my friends and make sure they'd never buy another of those pretty lemons!
'High line' steel then, is basically is a promise in the absence of usage that assures that the knife does not end up a pretty lemon. I've posted elsewhere my opinion that the older Spyderco steels are only a shade less good than the steels of the day like S30V, but if you are buying a 'high line' folder you tend to want 'the best', whatever that may be. If you are going for broke, why not? It may end up a lemon but you kinda hope that a blue-blooded knife won't go that way so often.
That's my 2 cents.
Edited by - Shards of Narsil on 4/4/2004 8:46:37 PM
DAYWALKER
04-04-2004, 08:47 PM
Howzit Mr. Glesser!
So far, I agree w/ what everyone else has posted.
If it has a "highline" steel, w/ titanium handles, highline screws and pivots holding it all together...It really doesn't mean a thing if the tolerances are off and the ergonomics of both blade and handle suck.
Sadly, cheap steel w/ a lotta "glitz" made by some manufacturers have made it into the highline..."420 Steel, BUT it has..." Gimme one of your AUS6 guys anyday, as you have proven that a highline knife can be made W/O a highline steel, i.e.: SS Endura, SS Delica, Meerkat, Jesters, etc...To ME, I consider these highline simply because of their fit, finish, and function. Thank God the prices aren't though!
For example, i bought a BM Elishawitz Stryker when they first came out...G-10 handles, titanium liners, ATS-34 steel (which was hot back then), paid 3 figures for it. Carried it for about a week, then went back to my SS SE Police model because it cut better, felt better, and didn't open when I put it back in pocket. (Something my Stryker did...phew, almost never had my daughter!)Simply put, I fell into the "glitz" of the time: Modified drop Point Tanto, Titanium liners, premium ATS34 steel...Don't get me wrong, BM does turn out SOME great knives. This was just an example.
Another being my recent trip to the surplus store here...Looked at an assisted opening, with blade lock in the closed position, CPM steel, flipper+thumb stud opening, aluminum handles, another variant of the same had a rainbow finish...3 figures. I ended up buying another PE FRN D'fly simply because I love AUS8 and the ergo's are excellent. Flat grind, fit, finish, low maintenance...THAT'S a highline to me.
God will put you over...if you let Him! Mark 11:23!
samosaurus
04-04-2004, 09:14 PM
mmmm... interesting argument Poppa Spyder.. Some people would pay, some won't. If the "high-line" knives are "semi-customs", there will be a draw.. Personally speaking, Spyderco have been doing justice to knife users around the world by making quality and performance available.. As for "asking for more money", there are risks involved in marketing premium knives in large quantities featuring exotic steel and handle materials.. And when it comes to fine factory-made cutlery, Spyderco is in a class of its own.. <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0><img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0><img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
Sam
"have scars will travel.."
Much of the following is probably personal preference, but here it goes:
- Steel of the moment (momentarily S30V, but this is improved upon every year or so..)
- Either G-10 or Ti handle, but really nothing less.
- FLAWLESS action and MOTIONLESS lock
- Preferably Ti liners
- ehh.. pretty sharp.
I would rate my Millie as a High liner, and as such, I feel it is one of the cheapest on the market, and still one of the best. I've handled too many High End folders of $300 which still feaured blade play..
Again, all this just my two cents..
Civilian
04-04-2004, 09:38 PM
One thing not mentioned so far is Customer Service/Support, it must not be lacking also. There may always be a "lemon" but I know that with certain company's(not just in the knife industry) this is taken care of pronto almost always exceeding the customers expectitations.
Actually making good product's is important too<img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
_________________________
MAT<img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>TER
To me:
For definition of highline folder please see Lil' Temperance.
Its the entire package: Good steel, good craftsmanship, good handle materials, sensible design. Design specifics, like size, blade shape, specific handle materials and "gliziness" are individual preference anyway and therefore can not be the criterion for a highline folder.
I am sure that even to somebody who is really into elegant stag horn handle knives there is no doubed that the Military is a highline folder, even though such a person would probably never buy one.
Maybe I should say what I mean by sensible design: A design that fulfills the intended purpose. Put a 4 mm blade and dual nested SS/G10 handles the thickness of those of the Military or Lil' Temp. on a Dragonfly and IMO you haven't made a highline folder but have butchered a beautiful design and created a monstrum
thom lambert
04-05-2004, 07:32 AM
Hmmmm, I think that there is a difference between a "high function" and a "high line" folder.
For me, high function is exemplified by a knife like the S30 Native: great steel, great construction, great design....all for a super-reasonable price. I get all the function I can humanly take advantage of, in a knife that didn't cost a fortune.
High line, on the other hand, is all that plus:
-superior fit and finish
-some 'high end' materials that are selected for aesthetics as well as some increased function.
Example: a G10/Canvas Micarta handled S30 Native, with full liners, with special attention paid to the finish and fit between the handle slabs and the liners. Does it cut anybetter than my FRN Native? No, but I probably take it out of my pocket more often to admire it.
Thom
vampyrewolf
04-05-2004, 08:07 AM
I guess I'll stick my 2 cents in here too. Got home from my graveyard shift an hour and a half ago, so typing may not be great. Might ramble too.
As much as we can follow the line of "it's only worth what the consumer will pay for it" for a basis for the thought pattern.
I have a BM 921 coming my way, ran me 120usd, 190usd factory. BM rates that as thier 2nd level of "quality". S30V/440c, alum, axis. It should fill a niche in my carry(clip carry warncliff/dress carry). It's also my first BM to own(though certainly not my first to handle).
I've been beating on my millie for over a yr, and my ss 'fly for 2yrs+.
I've bought 5 customs this year so far, one for 280cad, the rest for under 100usd. 3 makers so far.
For me, "high line" means:
*tight, tight tolerances(I know my machining teacher[high school, 3yrs with him] expected 0.001" as max deviation on projects, and that was already 5% off the mark)
*high grade materials(high proformance steel, durable handles, durable lock)
*high ergo handle
*99.9% fit and finish(always going to have a perfectionist)
*user adjustable(always the smooth/tight, left/right and up/down arguements, not to mention customizing).
Going by that, the Military covers most of that already. A lock that can withstand more pressure than most humans put out, nearly able to take it apart fully, top grade steel at the time, g-10 can withstand hot and cold beyond what humans can withstand, and even us with big hands can get a secure grip on the military.
Does that mean a Damascus CF military with compression lock and dual stainless liners wouldn't be appreciated and probably sell quick among us fanatics? of course not, it's sell like crazy among the military fans provivded we had funds. It just means that for the 100usd it runs online that something like the military already covers what 95% of people consider high line.
If we're talking a model out of the blue to make a high line of, how about a VG-10 or CPM with titanium handles and a good strong mid or rear lock? Even something like an Endura with Ti handles would work. Just jack up the lock strength.
<img src="http://www.members.shaw.ca/pjharyett/spyderco/spyder5.gif"><br>Mei Fides, Mei Victus<br>We are programmed to receive. You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.<br>
The Deacon
04-05-2004, 10:09 AM
<B><I>So what makes one production folder "high Line" and another not?</I></B>
Sound design, quality (although not necessarily the most expensive or absolute best) materials, coupled with superior fit and finish.
<B><I>Does a "high line" steel make a knife high line?</I></B>
No, a Franklin Mint knife in S30V would still be a piece of junk.
<B><I>Can you have a "high line" knife without a high line steel?</I></B>
Depends a bit on whether you differentiate between "high line" and better than average, and how the knife will be used. For something like the 25th Anniversary Delica, a "high line" knife condemned by its high price and limited availability to see very little use other than perhaps opening an occasional letter, just about any stainless capable of taking a nice mirror finish would work. On the other hand, in a knife like the jigged bone Kiwi, which in my eyes equals the C76 in the "fit and finish" department, and comes darn close to the quality of the C27 Jess Horn, the steel is a factor for me, as this knife sees a lot more use, and even occasional abuse. To me this use demands quality, but not necessarily "super" steel.
<B><I>If you have a cheap steel in a knife with lotsa "glitz", is it still high line?</I></B>
Again, is "cheap" a relative term or a synonym for "low quality"? Where would AUS-6, or AUS-8 fall? Am guessing they are less expensive than VG-10, but are they "cheap" steels, or just a decent quality, lower priced ones. I eagerly await the release of the Kopa, and can honestly say that whether it comes out in VG-10, AUS-6, AUS-8, AUS-10, ATS-34, ATS-55, or GIN-1, matters little to me, as I assume Spyderco has always used good quality steel. On the other hand, you could "glitz" one up with gold inlays in the bolsters and engraving on the blade, but if you made that blade out of "surgical stainless" it would just be a pretty piece of junk.
<B><I>Does "high line" simply consist of "asking" for more money?</I></B>
No, the user has to perceive some superior quality for the money. What that superior quality is can differ from knife to knife, and some users will give more weight to certain qualities than to others, but something must be there to justify the cost. For me, my expectations in the fit and finish department go up as the price increases. With Spydercos, where steel quality is alway high, and functional excellence the norm, handle material is one way I determine "high line" vice "field grade". Practicality for my intended use then enters into the equation. I would, for example willing pay more for a Persian with stag, jigged bone, or wood scales, and use it as an EDC, the "glitz" would enhance an already excellent knife but not interfere with its usability as a general purpose pocket knife. Do the same treatment to a Chinook II, another superb knife, and I'd either pass or buy it knowing full well it would be a wall hanger. It's just too big to be an EDC, the only use mine may ever see is as a hunting knife, and G10 is a lot easier to clean blood off of than bone, stag, or wood. On the other hand, I might go for, and use, one with carbon fiber scales over skeletonized titanium liners.
<B><I>teach me.</I></B>
The picture below can perhaps give you a bit of insight into what my idea of high line is. I was playing around in Xara X yesterday, putting together an "ultimate" EDC Spyderco. Started with a picture of an FRN 79mm Rescue, made "a few little" modifications. For what it's worth, results are below.
<img src="http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-9/378550/wharncliffe_jigged_bone_inlaid.JPG" width=786 height=523>
Blade length reduced to just under 3" to make it legal as many places as possible. Flat ground wharncliffe blade with a Spanish notch, for ease of sharpening, in VG-10 or perhaps H-1. 14mm opening hole for ease of opening with my old arthritic hands. No clip, no Boye dent (sorry Sal,there's a lot of things I love about Spydercos, but clips and Boye dents aren't among them). Finely serrated thumb ramp. Ideally, the liners would be skeletonized and the back strap hollowed to keep the weight down.
Paul
timlara
04-05-2004, 11:15 AM
(This is gonna be a long one...I'm on vacation this week, so I've got way too much time on my hands and I'm trying to avoid cleaning up my house!) <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
<b>RANT SECTION:</b>
"High Line" is, of course, a subjective term that can mean something different to everybody you ask.
From the money standpoint alone, a "rich" person in one country might be considered "middle-class" or even "poor" in another country (or even in another city or state, in the case of a place like the USA).
Given that point of view, it seems to me that the question becomes "What qualities make something (or someone) 'High Line' when you take away preconceptions based on class or creed?" A good analogy would be that of a world-class runner who is from a small, poor country yet can consistently beat other runners from more "privileged" backgrounds. Although this runner may have no fanfare, no multi-million dollar Nike sponsorship, no famous, hall-of-famer coach (at least, not yet) - based on his abilities and performance, no one would ever question the fact that this person was a "High Line" athlete.
To translate this concept to a product such as a knife, I think that in the end, everything boils down to brilliant, elegant, functional design, and the effort put behind taking advantage of the inherent advantages brought to the table. The kind of design where seperate elements merge together seamlessly into a cohesive whole that just "works" - nothing else can be added, and nothing else can be taken away without degrading the design.
When I hear the term "glitz", I think more along the lines of "hype", "pomp", and "circumstance" than "prestige" and "integrity". To me, "glitz" is more of a component of fashion and social status than a hallmark of a product that hopes to achieve long-term market success. "Glitz" is fleeting. "Innovation" has the potential to stick around much longer.
It seems that a fair amount of people do shop by price when they are trying to discern the quality level and "credibility" of a product, but this is usually an indicator of a lack of experience. Sometimes, you really do get what you pay for, but more often, when you buy the most expensive item in its class and automatically assume that it is the best without doing enough research, you end up disappointed in the end when you find out that the product does not live up to your expectations. There is some truth to the assertion that placing too low an MSRP on a product (even if it's honest) can actually backfire and cause certain people not to take the product seriously. An example where this is definitely true is the business software industry. Many "Chief Technology Officers" with business backgrounds as opposed to technical backgrounds will not even look at off-brand or low-cost solutions because they tend to look like a joke next to those that cost thousands or millions of dollars. The irony is that a smart 15 year old computer geek might see the folly of the situation in a heartbeat because he understands the technology being used. (This is one reason why a lot of young entrepreneurs made a killing in the "dot com" boom of the nineties.) I would say that "Knife Knuts" are kind of like the computer geeks of the knife industry in a lot of ways because they understand the underlying technology well enough to see through the hype. Sal already knows that he can't fool his customers since he's spoiled us for too long now!
Ken Delavigne brings up a good point in The Spyderco Story when he compares Spyderco to Porsche. While Porsche undoubtedly puts out some of the best cars in the world, the company itself is really more of a high-end design and engineering company than a manufacturer, as most of the parts for their cars are actually made by outside suppliers. In the same way, whatever the materials and whoever assembled them, what really makes a Spyderco knife worth the money to me is the thought that went into its design. Though Spyderco's design process often results in the use of new and exotic materials, they are never used gratuitously as "gimmicks"; rather, new materials are incorporated because they further the elegance and cohesiveness of the overall design. You never see Spyderco putting something on a knife as a "me too" feature just so that they can check off a bullet point on a list for their catalog. This is not to say that Spyderco never has any missteps (such as the sticky Kraton on the INSIDE of the clip on the SS Pro-Grip, IMHO <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> ) but for the most part, you won't really find anything on a Spyderco knife that doesn't serve a useful purpose and make you say "Why didn't I think of that??!?"
<b>SUMMARY (short version):</b>
1 ) I feel that all of the steels currently used by Spyderco are "High Line", in the context of their individual design parameters. In other words, I'm not so sure S30V in a Jester would really make a difference that would be worth the price. Like Daywalker, I already consider the Jester a "High Line" knife in its class.
2) "Lotsa Glitz" will never make up for cheap steel and inferior workmanship in a knife, at least not to repeat customers who know the difference.
3) Asking a higher-than-honest price may make some initial sales to people seeking a status symbol, but if the quality and performance of the knife does not live up to the hype, this approach will not result in a sustainable demand due to the inexperienced buyer feeling let down and spreading negative word of mouth. Even a collectible "safe queen" type of knife should be of such great design and workmanship that it drives you crazy not to use it.
------------------------------
<b>AN EVEN "HIGHER" LINE:</b>
If Sal's purpose for starting this thread is to test the waters for creating a line "above" the current Spyderco line (as with the "byrd" line that is shooting for the market just under the Spyderco line), then I would make these suggestions, taking into account the fact that I already consider everything Spyderco makes to be "High Line":
1) "Midtech" Custom: A high level of "custom quality" design and finish work using best-of-class materials with some CNC machining done to save time where it doesn't really make much of a difference in the end result, or in the rare case that a machine can actually do a specific, tedious task more accurately than a human could. Preferably, this would be a collaboration with a custom maker whose knives are out of reach for the average joe.
<a href="http://www.kenonionknives.com/cgi-bin/ikonboard/topic.cgi?forum=1&topic=243" target=blank>Here</a> is a good discussion on the "Midtech" topic.
2) A knife of this grade should be able to be easily disassembled, cleaned/serviced, and reassembled in the field if necessary. The tolerances should be so tight that there is little margin for error in putting the knife back together, so one would not need to be an expert to get things right. Also, the design should be elegant and clever in the sense that it uses as few parts as necessary. Obviously, taking the knife apart should not impact the warranty!
Edited by - timlara on 4/5/2004 11:24:55 AM
Jurphaas
04-05-2004, 11:37 AM
Well Sal, now you know what "High Line" is. Just walk into your office. Take a seat, lean back and close your eyes. Now, think back at all those knives that Spyderco has released over the years...... How dare you to ask what "High Line" is. You are the one that has been teaching me all that I know about quality and tolerances in knives. Keep an open knife against the light and see if there are fat or narrow spacers in there. Are the tolerances thight or do you see (big) gaps? I believe a "High Line" knife is the knife you are proud of to posess because it reflects the love of the designer, the maker and the buyer.
I know that you know all this, you just wanted to check the feed back from the Forum guys.
I think the new KOPA will be "HL" and that there will be many more to come.
Say Hi to all and we'll meet again.
Jur.
Clipits work!
thombrogan
04-05-2004, 01:23 PM
It's definitely a question of perception.
The materials, design, and workmanship should both be and seem top-notch.
FRN is a great material, but titanium or steel-lined g10/micarta/carbon-fiber/exotic hardwood/semi-precious mineral/bone/horn is perceived as better in looks and strength.
AUS-8 is a great material, but people would rather see ATS-34/VG-10/S30V/S90V/D2 as a blade steel (I'd prefer to see M2 for folders and 5160 or similar for fixed blades).
Outside of Spydernuts and Extrema Rationals, the lockback is not seen as a high-end lock (oddly, the liner lock is). I waiting on a special order for a knife with an integral liner-lock even though I know that a Compression Lock (integral or nested) will be stronger and more reliable.
Then there's also the uniqueness factor. Does it come off as a high-tech innovation or a goofy gimmick?
Them's my thoughts.
AllenETreat
04-05-2004, 01:59 PM
Sal -
Here's my take :
"High line" ( or "end" ) would be more indicative of workmanship ( usually price
comes with it ) and non-standard materials
( i.e. G-10, carbon fiber as opposed to FRN ) And individual attention paid to each
"high line" produced ( better quality control ) than "production".
Custom collaborations come immediately to mind...<img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
The Gunting, Chinook, Military fit what I'd
define as "high end" tacticals, for example.
The Endura, Delica, Native ( & III ) are
"low end" ( i.e. "production" folders ; Not
necessarily "low" as in quality, perhaps more in attention paid to their production.)
Sort of like comparing an Emerson to a Buck
110 ( for the sake of "high end" and "low end" ) Just my two copper coins.
AET
Some things are necessary evils, some things are more evil than necessary. John Le Carre
spyderwa
04-05-2004, 02:15 PM
For me high-line means that the quality of the material used is of the highest quality. Fit and finish should be flawless, and the operational features of the knife should be smooth with a concise lock-up. The appearance should be attractive or distinctive in a way that says quality.
When I think of quality, I think of the gaps between panel on automobiles. High quality means that the distance is constant. In a knife, there should not be gaps between adjoining pieces, and each part of the knife should be finished in a way that is consistant with the desired expectations of the knife design.
One example of quality is the Chris Reeve line of knives. There certainly are more ornate knives out there. The Jot Singh Khalsa knives come to mind, but they are more jewelry/art that high-end user pieces. An example of dissapointment is when I bought the Anniversary Delica and found that the Damascus etching on the edge of the bolster had been buffed out in the finishing process. This is a beautiful knife, but that is a failure in quality control.
Last but not least, high-line/high-end items exude an air of excellence that is somewhat hard to define. It is a combination of tactile sensation, along with a visual stimulus that says "possess me". High-line means that you are willing to sacrifice to pay for it. It is not merely an necessity, but a desire.
My two cents. Thanks.
spyderwa
Rare Spydercos
www.angelfire.com/trek/spyderwa
Qship
04-05-2004, 02:56 PM
Clarification on "high line" would be useful, as would a definition of "production". For example, is something available through a custom shop "production"?
A high line combat knife can be as ugly as a mud fence, so long as it is strong, durable, capable, and ergonomic.
A high line art knife depends heavily on a pleasing design, perfect execution, rare and beautiful materials and embellishment. A pattern welded (AKA damascus blade) with mokume gane fittings, mastodon ivory scales, and decorative file work would be an extreme example. Simple oddity, such as oosik scales, may contribute. Engraving is another characteristic, as is precious metal.
With modern production techniques, the line is blurred. For example, is a laser engraved knife engraved, or merely marked? Is gold plating a significant enhancement? Is a computer driven milling machine the equivalent of file work?
Of all the knife vendors, the one who gets high end production folders closest to right is A. G. Russell. As one example, he figured out exotic wood shapes about as easily as ordinary wood, and offers Chinese quince, desert ironwood and birdseye maple scales. He carries Spyderco knives. You might want to ask him.
Qship
AllenETreat
04-05-2004, 04:12 PM
Qship -
As to "production" - generally used to describe something done "assembly line" style as opposed to "one-on-one" with each
knife. In other words, you won't find the
same going over with a Delica as you would with a Shabaria ( for example ). The quality control would be even more stringent than the knives produced for "mass market" ; 'cause if every <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> had
the same effort as one's like the Shabaria
( or other custom collaboration, for that matter ) the cost would be about the same
as a Shabaria ( Shabaria used for the sake of this post <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>)
"High line" ( or "end" ) is what Sal's trying to ascertain here ( from us ) what
we would consider "high line".
I agree with regards A.G.Russell. Thing is,
I wouldn't buy "production" knives from him
as better deals can be had elsewhere in CyberSpace. For "high line" ( or "hand made"<img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>) he can't be beat!
AET
Some things are necessary evils, some things are more evil than necessary. John Le Carre
Edited by - AllenETreat on 4/5/2004 4:16:25 PM
vampyrewolf
04-05-2004, 06:28 PM
QShip
<quote>
Clarification on "high line" would be useful, as would a definition of "production". For example, is something available through a custom shop "production"?
</quote>
By making a venture into the world of customs, the line of production vs custom does become clouded. By truth, I only have 1 *custom* and 4 *production* in my 5 "customs"(non-factory). The 3" skean dhu was done as a one-off from my sketch to my specs. The line becomes clouded when you look at both the work and end result. Take a "well-known" like tichbourne. My H-7 is modified from his basic line [left hand, and 2 pins instead of right hand, pin and tube]. Also, his blanks are an approx length, as they're done by hand[quoted 2.5", could be 0.125" either way].
The easiest way to define custom vs production is by the process. If it comes right off the line as a "cookie cutter" model and direct to consumer, I'd call it production. Custom, in my eyes, is something modified from the line, recieving a personal touch for the consumer.
<img src="http://www.members.shaw.ca/pjharyett/spyderco/spyder5.gif"><br>Mei Fides, Mei Victus<br>We are programmed to receive. You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.<br>
Roger Blake
04-05-2004, 08:19 PM
1. Great Design (ergonomics and function)
2. High end Materials
3. High end Workmaship
All three required.
Alan2112
04-06-2004, 04:01 PM
For me it's the over all quality, the fit & finish, followed by materials, and or blade steel. For instance I consider all my Queen slip joints high end, even the ones with 440A in them. I have a Beretta large G-10 Busfield with 8A steel in it, and I consider it a high end folder. RKBA!
AllenETreat
04-13-2004, 10:26 AM
Let's revive this "thread".
AET
Some things are necessary evils, some things are more evil than necessary. John Le Carre
AllenETreat
04-15-2004, 07:22 AM
Also, I think it would be "quality of workmanship" whether a "low end" or "high end" ( as I define them )
AET
Some things are necessary evils, some things are more evil than necessary. John Le Carre
Jimmy_Dean
04-18-2004, 10:12 AM
Mr Glesser asked if it was about asking more for the knife. To be it's not. For example, I've been a fan of the Mora Knife for some time and even though they cost less than 20$ they are high quality knives. It's nothing fancy but it works. Keep in mind that we're talking about high-end here, not collectible. So Damascus blades and pearl handles have nothing to do with it. I think a high-end working knife should have a versatile blade shape, super strong lock, comfortable grip and stellar fit and finish. The idea is that this folder will be 'more' than any other you own. If you ask me, the ATR is very close to being a high-end knife in its own rights.
-Dean
Some of thh better spiders , as wellas some Benchmades are way ahead of many "Hi end productions & customs . I guess it comes down to superior design and superior execution , (and attention to details )
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