High End Pocket Knives

As you can guess by the title, this page is devoted to high end production pocket knives. I realize that the definition of “high end” varies from person to person, but for purposes of this website I am going to define a high end pocket knife as anything over $300. I may include some knives between the $250-300 range.

I think for the longest time our idea of the high end in the world of production pocket knives was dominated almost exclusively by Chris Reeve Knives, Strider Knives, and Hinderer Knives. There was a time when collectors of production knives would seek out the “Holy Trinity”: a Chris Reeve Sebenza, a Strider SnG, and a Hinderer XM-18.

Indeed even today these are probably the most recognizable high end knives, but we now live in a world where there are more options. Most recently, a number of high end Russian and Chinese companies have been producing knives in the $300+ price range. With the proliferation of CNC machining and the internet, manufacturers all over the world are realizing the demand for a more premium product, and are able to bring high end knives to market in ways that were previously impossible.

High End Pocket Knife Reviews:

What follows are all of the reviews of premium pocket knives that I have reviewed. Scroll further below for commentary on high end knives.

Why High End Pocket Knives?

Invariably when I set down to write a review on a $300+ folding knife, the subject of price and value comes up. People want to know if it’s “worth it” to buy a $300, $400, or $1000+ pocket knife. This is a very personal question and it’s impossible for me to divine whether an expensive knife like this is worth it to you.

At the end of the day these are luxury goods, and it’s all relative. No one “needs” a $500 pocket knife. A $50 or $100 knife will work just as well to cut things. Hell, some people will argue that a $15 SanRenMu or a $5 or $10 box cutter at the hardware store works just as a well as a $50 or $100 pocket knife. It’s all relative.

Buying a high end knife is like buying any other luxury good. You are paying more for incrementally better performance, higher levels of machining, more expensive materials, and perhaps because you perceive some value in the brand of the knife. This is not unlike buying a German car, or a Swiss watch. Much in the same way a Honda can get you to work as well as a Mercedes Benz, or a quartz Casio can tell the time as good (if not better) than a Rolex, buyers of high end knives don’t necessarily buy them because they are better than a cheaper option. The marginal utility of a knife shrinks with each additional dollar you spend. At some point the idea that you are buying a legitimately better pocket knife goes out the window, and the decision to buy a very high end knife is simply because you want it.

There is also collectibility to consider. Some people simply enjoy collecting high end knives, admiring the materials, the fit and finish, the nuances of the design. There is nothing wrong with that. I collect knives myself and I totally get the appeal.

There is no right or wrong answer when exploring the merits of a high end knife. You buy it because you can afford it and because you want it. You don’t buy it because you can’t afford it, or simply don’t want to spend the money on it.

As an enthusiast of all kinds of knives, expensive ones and cheap ones, I can see both sides to the argument. I enjoy checking out expensive knives, but I also get excited when I get my hands on a truly great $40 knife. That is part of what makes this hobby so enjoyable to me.