Something I've been pondering too Bill.
Is this the year I take another step up the price ladder?
One "problem" I have, is that I don't mind the mid-range knives. I do not like Damascus or high polish. I'm not overly particular about F&F as long as the blade grind is good. I'm starting to play with handle making so that lowers the desire for fancy offerings. I like to sharpen and this rung on the ladder makes me less nervous of diving in and scratching things up. And mid-range means I get to play around more and keep things fresher and have new experiences.
On the other hand, I've done a fair bit of playing around the past two years and have knives I really enjoy. As a result, I find myself passing by more and more things. "Will this $250 really kick my _____________ off the rack?"
With the economy, I think being able to quick-turn things for a minimal loss seems to have slowed down quite a bit so you can't just have that card in your back pocket.
So again I find myself asking myself, is this the year you take another step or two up? I don't have the disposable income to be delving too deep so it would really limit my purchasing. Is that worth it to me?
If I do decide to, the maker at the very top of my list is KKF's own
@DanielC of Cauble Stone Cutlery. Gosh damn his work trips my trigger and gives me tingles in all the right places! If I'm 100% honest with myself, I'm actually a little intimidated by it. A fear of screwing up that gorgeous polish work he does. I know I'm far from that caliber but man his knives look fantastic.
Next up is another KKF'er, Harbeer of
@HSC /// Knives. Love his work and have been a fan for years. Really leans into my shared function over form sensibilities while still being sexy as hell.
Others that also interest me are Shihan, Knots Handcrafted, and Heartwood Forge.
But, I'd probably only be able to swing one or two off the list for the year.
Decisions, decisions... It's a great problem to have though!
