[jungleboy]

Originally Posted by clintc

This is a great thread, lots of good points and input but some knowledgeable folks. From a knifemaker perspective I believe WinFwt summed things up nicely. His circumstance and summary of costs and process pretty much mirrors my own.

I make knives with a large variety of stainless and tool steels but I also forge a lot of knives from high carbon and damascus/pattern welded steel, just because that's what I enjoy. Materials choices on knives always boils down to performance trade offs, cost and preference, so I don't think there is a solid winner for the majority, a person has to do a bit of research and make those choices for themselves.

As has been noted, you don't have to spend $200 for a good knife, but it seems to me that pride in ownership and having something handmade that can be passed on is worth it to those who want it. I attached some photos of a bit of my work in a variety of blade and handle materials, including CPM3V, CPM154, damascus, G10, micarta, blackwood and antler.

That pattern welded blade with bone handle is a beauty, Wow!