I like Benchmade's Griptilian too, but I really love certain Kershaw's like the Avalanche which features CPM 440V (S-60V) steel, titanium liners, textured G-10 scales and the Speed Safe assisted opening. I carried one EDC for four years and it really took a beating with great edge holding ability, the materials alone should have priced this $80 knife over $100. My Dad switches off between an Avalanche and a Benchmade 690. My other new fave production is the Chesapeake Knife and Tool exclusive Random Leek by Kershaw that has an S-30V blade and is a frame lock with the Speed Safe feature, really nice small knife and again, a bargain at $70 considering the blade steel.
My EDC now is a Strider GB, very big, strong and expensive ($350, and I wanted a folder that was basically a folding fixed blade and was considered nuke-proof), but worth every penny.
I look at knife value in relation to tool value. If you are a novice at knife usage and care or just a casual user, you purchase a reasonably valued one, like you would buying a homeowner grade powertool (unless of course you simply appreciate the highest quality as a rule). As you become skilled in knife care and usage you become less concerned with the value and more concerned with the quality and serviceablility of the knife and graduate to more expensive but more reputable and higher grade knives much like a professional will use only reputable professional grade power tools from companies that are held in high regard in the industry, they may cost more but in the long run offer the benefit of the highest quality along with the best guarranteed service relationship with the maker and a piece of their integrity.
TSG /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
