Luxury Knives Are Not Cheap: Are They Worth It?

The best premium pocket knives are more than just a tool, they are true items of luxury. By blending the latest advancements in materials with exquisite craftsmanship, mankind’s oldest tool has been elevated to something truly special. Below are a few favorites, and you can check out some more offerings here: kcoti.com/48bVNja
Featured Knives
00:00 Intro
00:15 Rockstead Higo II: kcoti.com/47Vv2QA
02:15 William Henry Monarch: kcoti.com/41hjft1
03:49 Santa Fe Stoneworks Custom Dama-Tesoro: kcoti.com/46Z8Svu
04:57 CRKT Michael Walker Monument: kcoti.com/3TpcdAu
06:31 MKM Root: kcoti.com/48dTlZH
08:10 Andre De Villiers Tanto Premium: kcoti.com/41hjjJh
09:50 Randall Made Model 2 Letter Opener: kcoti.com/41dJbFW
11:23 Microtech Ultratech: kcoti.com/3TlM9q3
12:41 Pro-Tech Godson: kcoti.com/3RwcBMl
14:17 Chris Reeve Sebenza: kcoti.com/3t37NF0
14:47 The James Brand Barnes: kcoti.com/3GBEvQU
16:39 The James Brand Wells: kcoti.com/3RzOEni
18:23 Mikkel Willumsen Custom UrbanTactical Santoku: kcoti.com/3GG8E1e
The availability of custom and sprint run knives are often limited to stock on hand. Check our website for the latest availability and prices.
Slightly Larger that Average Patches: kcoti.com/3IXcovQ
Need a Tek-Lok? Get them here: kcoti.com/2MaMxqJ
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[@kich6172]

Your appreciation of these designs comes through brilliantly in this video. Thanks for making this.

[@18deadmonkeys]

today you are the Bob Ross of high end knives.

[@crookmcstealie]

If he speaks too loud it'll scare away the fancy knives. They are meant to be used in the library mostly.

[@siegfriedhorner4436]

Not sure that's intended as a compliment. It wouldn't be from me.

[@megacab]

They're worth it to people that buy them. Just like anything else. I have a sebenza that loves to work. I love when knives look used, adds character.

[@SpaceLab-ei5sq]

I totally agree, but I do think there's stil limits to it, and of course it depends on how hard you use your knives day to day, but I think it gets to a point where it's maybe not very wise. I've got a Heretic Manticore that was $1800 (by far the most expensive blade I own, and only was abe to pick it up cus of layaway), and I carried it at work for a while after I got it but now feel kinda dumb cus it caught several dings

[@megacab]

@SpaceLab-ei5sq that's a great knife from what I've seen. I've never handled one though. Everyone buys for different reasons. I just don't see myself buying a knife that I'm not going to use. I wouldn't feel dumb about the dings. If it's the blade in sure you can fix that.

[@eclipse7436]

Well here in the UK we aren't allowed to carry a toothbrush, still carry a leatherman or Gerber and huge folding buck knife, laws are for people that want to obey them!

[@jerrymuns]

DCA you are a very sophisticated knife bro, I just love your in-depth descriptions especially of these higher end knives. You leave no detail unnoticed.

[@austinfreiburger9095]

I could fall asleep to this video. Who needs ASMR when you have DCA describing high-quality pocket jewelry?

[@poncho151]

I would love to know the actual man hours that go into some of Rockstead’s knives. I don’t think someone can truly appreciate that kind of mirror polish unless you’ve mirror polished a blade yourself and let alone to a zero convex grind. It’s too bad zdp189 isn’t really available outside of Japan because it’s such a unique steel in that it gets so hard yet doesn’t have any vanadium and can still be sharpened on basic stones. That said, if there’s only going to be a few makers that have access to it, Rockstead has certainly earned the right and really pushes it to its full potential!

[@0zmose]

If you want to crunch the numbers, It's only a 6 man crew at Rockstead and they produce about 1,000 knives a year.

[@willaimwinchell1813]

I have a Al Mar folder, which is very well made but not too flashy. This is a strong knife, and the best thing was that it was free, my friend gave it to me.

[@Arto257]

Where exactly do you find friends like that?

[@georgezimmerman3334]

Is it made in japan?

[@Soloseas]

Kind of an incomplete feeling while watching with no prices while talking about them.

[@damyr]

This needs for Part 2.

[@DylanLey]

I can really feel the passion and appreciation of the knives from DCA in this video!

[@toma1460]

I like DCA. But that's his job bud he's a knife salesman.

[@andrewdarowski1975]

Im pretty convinced that CRKT will go under within a year or two. They've lost their place in the market to Civivi and CJRB, now they're collaborating with other companies to produce knives thay those companies could make themselves but they have to bump up the price to pay their own execs. The CRKT Hogue knives were a perfect example, more expensive than a Hogue, but using lesser materials than Hogue normally use. Its a shame, people were begging them to improve when they pumped out good designs in crap materials. Nick Shabazz has described some of their knives as being great designs, picked apart by the accountants.

[@georgecook5120]

I noticed DCA never mentions the prices of these knives. I suppose the thinking was "if you have to ask the price, you can't afford it." LOL!

[@knifecenter]

That was the thought behind this one lol. Normally we do talk current prices, but these are timeless and it felt tacky to be talking about "luxury" goods and money in the same breath. Cheers! -DCA

[@georgecook5120]

@@knifecenter I wish KC had Sezzle as a financing offering. Can you pass this along to the powers-that-be at KC? Thanks!

[@TKO593]

I have a few knives that are comparable from this list. One of my protech godsons is one of these brass/alum handles w/ fat carbon inlay and mop button; that was about $450. I have a Chris reeves sebenza with bog oak inlay; that was about $500. Also have a microtech troodon d/e Damascus blade; that was $650ish.

[@davidcooke8825]

Very cool. Love the different background music, too. Never get tired of Thomas’s deft handling of folding knives.

[@kentuckyboy541]

Id be real nervous about sharpening that rockstead and ive been sharpening for 25 years.

[@crookmcstealie]

If it's not sharp yet after 25 years of sharpening maybe you should just buy a box cutter. I'm surprised there's any steel left. Seriously though I agree, I bought a sandrin Monza and my main worry was sharpening, luckily they weren't lying about edge retention, it's still a razor after about a year. It's my inside knife though, boxes, tape, string, packages, stuff like that. I use cheaper knives at work.

[@johnboyd7158]

I had several William Henry knives years ago and they were great

[@The4cp]

Tactile Turn also steps into the Chris Reeve level. This is when it's just about being a thing of beauty. Fun video.

[@bobbywhite1152]

That microtech ultratech is slick. I'd be more than happy to own any of these expertly crafted blades. Im super jealous of your job

[@lord_haven1114]

If you collect and all you want to do with it is display it, then sure. I know if I was spending over 200+ on a knife I would be less inclined to damage it with use. 50-100 dollar knives are the most I spend and still willing to use.

[@BR-ur2gk]

I just got hold of some vintage Al Mar boot knife blanks and was looking for a cool design, the letter opener is perfect for what I wanted - thanks for all the great vids I'm learning a lot

[@Albert-Duz-It]

Some really interesting knives. But the Rockstead is art in the form of perfect craftsmanship. It really gives me that "want to have" feeling.

[@Chiller11]

The mammoth ivory in the William Henry handle is cool. I have a half dozen mammoth ivory guitar picks. I don’t really use them much but they are nice to have. The Randall “letter opener” looks like a smaller Fairbairn-Sykes commando dagger. Some beautiful blades on display. Thanks.

[@JustMakinProgress]

how come you're not giving the pricing?

[@Tgkjj]

Put it in prospective the rockstead higo is anywhere from 14 to 1800 dollars

[@chrisoneill325]

@@Tgkjj Where can I get a Rockstead for $14?!?! 🤣

[@adamkolb113]

No prices??

[@lyman135]

Click the links. Its not that hard. How lazy can you be? Also prices change so if he says them they will eventually be inaccurate....

[@jdmvette]

I have a black DLC mirror polished Rockstead Tei. Love the thought of a mini Japanese katana in my collection 😎

[@jmb574]

Started using randall made knives in the 70's when they were $75.00 when hunting or in the bush I still rely on it.

[@dinner_workingsly]

I think I got that tanto at the county fair in the late 80’s….$6. What a deal back then 😂

[@JOB1925pk]

It's kinda like people who buy $100,000 off road vehicles and never take them off road...Or buy an $800 pair of Nick's boots and don't have a job...what's the freakin point? Necessity wins!!! But, there again I'm old school and never understood the idea of collecting...I buy what I use and use what I buy.

[@brunorojas3992]

Its hard to become unbrainwashed. Marketers know very well how humans behave and use that to manipulate us ibto constantly buying. Along with thinking is not being taught anymore.

[@armenarakelian9876]

Would’ve liked to see a Shirogorov. Brilliant video though, love it.

[@nickiesiple5222]

I wanted to meet DCA at Blade West 2023. For the past three days I've been obsessing and re-doing the math for The William Henry Monarch that is in this video. To stumble upon a KnifeCenter video with DCA demo-ing what I wanted really surprised and delighted me enough to stop the video n drop a comment. What I did do was somehow miss Mosaic Damascus after all the emails from and time spent at Chad Nichols website and scored 3 small pieces of Rolling Rock which I ordered Friday morning. I asked Mike Norris for Crazy Lace back in 2019 n a modest piece he agreed to create and that I did receive in a timely manner was about two to 3 days wages in cost. I'm trying to make a souped up version of a knife I love, but had mine stolen and has been discontinued. Then I found more from Mike Norris and that he makes San-Mai so I'm going koo-koo with all these expensive materials and KnifeCenter Monarch which I can't easily afford and it's close to my daughters birthday and 10 days later Christmas. I've never had a knife that cost a month's wages, I once had a Frank Centofonte with blue mammoth which was $700 back in the last millenia and got stolen. I'd be tempting fate to go 3x that on a single knife again. But a ready made, luxury. State of the art, full dress gentleman's knife would be BOSS. I also love the Rockstead DON with opal and Desert iron wood. I suppose, like everyone, I'll go to my grave with items still unfulfilled on my wishlist. This is fun to think about n I really appreciate this video n those who made it! My man DCA came through for me, not even trying and in such good timing, it's Ike he read my mind.

[@nickiesiple5222]

Drat! I just robbed myself at the surprise upon unboxing Monarch now that I watched a cool aSs video that had it in the video! HA HA HA!

[@nickiesiple5222]

I'm might be silly because this morning I got a hankering for Jay Fisher knife : Creature. Read about it for hours today

[@nickiesiple5222]

I saw a new luxury knife today that i have no darn use for or perceived future use. It looks so fun and uber cool. Its Svord Carcass splitter!!! Id love to have that. 8670 is the toughest alloy that has some edge holding barribg PM steels snd some tool steels. Its the most appropriate steel for this design for use.

[@TheWatcher60401]

I've not gotten to the point where I can appreciate all that, I'm maxing out at 300-400 bucks a knife for now.

[@Countryboy071]

As a serious collector of knives i do understand the quality. However my main fixed blade, ive had for over 30 year's is my Buck 119. Just saying.

[@christianmcbride9905]

Beautiful selection of gorgeous knives today fellas, Ive always loved them Rocksteads(one day I swear I'll have one lol). But I'm kinda feeling them James Brand knives you had on today, especially that integral! So dang clean and beautiful, gonna need to put that guy on the list. Oh one thing, price would have been nice. I know I could always go to your site n all but hey I'm lazy!

[@jafo4u508]

I love all of them!😊

[@philiproche2355]

Why no prices

[@traditionallarry5378]

I’m amazed Thomas had no comments today.

[@stephenbarabas6286]

@19:09 is that rust near the handle on the Mikkel Willumsen?

[@mattdenison658]

Cool video. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@caidenjones918]

How much did James Brand pay you to compare them to a Sebenza? I’m not even a huge fan of the Sebenza, but it seems like an absurd comparison to make, especially when companies like Grimsmo, Holt, Koenig, and Herman exist.

[@hawkshadowoseanacy5171]

So Rocksted, like every other manufacturer, must pass the cost of failures to meet tolerances into the customer. ZPD-189 isn't cheap and their heat treat must also add significant costs. Anyone know how many blades of 100, or even 10, are QC rejected?

[@MarthaTorres-gu7vd]

A lot would be my guess.

[@RichardPoogerman]

Beautiful knives, thanks for the vid.

[@stevewalker4638]

Don’t need a knife like these they are a work of art..

[@bones10145]

luxury knives don't make sense to me. I'll bet they don't last or work harder than much cheaper blades. That first one alone would never get used if you want to keep that mirror finish on the edge.

[@dennisiart2341]

nice

[@clintwestwood3539]

No offence but I can’t find one decent looking between them. Maybe the Randall just to push it…I’d rather buy a BRKT or a custom knife at that point.

[@Nerotique]

I like my knives to perform. ESSE does that and then some.

[@chrishynes6091]

I call them 'Lottery Knives'. 😁

[@thefeatheredfrontiersman8135]

Hey DCA and friends, I've been trying to find a good straight razor. I want one with a regular single blade. No replacement blades. Of course Amazon has the cheapo but this is actually for use on my face. Any good suggestions?

[@PeteRock13]

The more expensive the knife the more it looks like a cheap gas station knife

[@jwesley235]

Andre De Villier's knives look like mall ninja crap.

[@ChrisWolf75]

Some of these knives are just stupid. I understand it's "art" Yada Yada, but come on, it's a knife.

[@dinner_workingsly]

💯….they look like the knives I bought when I was 10, in 1990

[@MikeJ602]

Gas station knives are trying to look like these not the other way around. C’mon guys

[@justincortez3404]

Pffffft, what gas stations are you going to?

[@th00perman_]

Someday I'll own a Godson and/or a Godfather. So beautiful 😭

[@johndef5075]

My Ginsu will not be beat😅

[@brianwhitelaw7483]

DCA with a soft voice and mellow background music, channeling David Attenborough. I did like the video. Not enough attention paid to the pricier knives, in general.

[@devonnorris1586]

Cool!

[@siegfriedhorner4436]

Depends upon how they're valued. Most well-enough made knives (which include the majority across all prices ranges) will do what they are designed to do; cut. Some require more care than others. But most will serve their design purpose. As we all know, some are better for certain applications than others. But still, all will cut. We also know from test results that high price is no guarantee of superiority for a task. Those of us who have bought very expensive, or blade-smith's custom knives have probably made the decision to cherish and preserve those gems, and use more mundane, but perfectly serviceable knives for everyday work; Because, they also serve well as knives. So, are "luxury" knives worth it? Usually not for their useful value. But as collectibles and as investments, probably so. I'm as guilty as anyone for buying, but not using an expensive knife; and carrying a perfectly good workhorse blade instead. There are countless knives in that "workhorse" category. Each user has to define where that too-expensive-to-use point is for him. For me, based upon experience, it's not very high.

[@rwe1]

The letter opener is cool. So was that santoku.

[@franciscoantonio8464]

Incredible.

[@michaeltroster9059]

Unfortunately, any switchblade type of knife is banned in Canada.

[@leehannaford9166]

If I could have just one knife from this lot. It would be the protec godson😘

[@Philly1958]

Would like to see more videos focused on higher end knives, mid-tech and customs.

[@travhammer]

Yes. Paid 350$ for model 14 Attack. No wait time. Did it again, Model one Fighter.

[@user-xt8yx4tz8x]

Does that Rockstead look even higher end to the laymen as the Sharp by Design Knives?

[@sloanNYC]

Many of these are more like investing in artwork. Which isn't my jam, but damn they are beautiful and have amazing craftsmanship.

[@perrykomick9478]

$700 for JB Barnes 😂

[@scottmackey4182]

I love my Columbia River CRKT 4014 Michael Walker Limited Edition Fortuitous Liner Lock Flipper Knife 3.51" CPM-MagnaCut Black Reverse Tanto Blade, Milled Black Flourish Titanium Handles, Damasteel Pivot. So classy, unique and special. Everyone asks about it and I am happy to share. Compliments galore over this one as well.

[@graemegourley7616]

I actually think that it's very easy to get zdp to a mirror polish. But regardless, rockstead is an impressive brand that has created some unique knives

[@sharpshizz]

Not the mirror that’s most impressive it’s the toughness of the edge itself and lack of a need to sharpen seldomly yet only needs a strop from time to time.

[@kushviper]

That De Villiers is a very nice design with a bunch of flashy crap plastered all over it.

[@DavidZ101379]

Surprised that the sebenza wasn't included

[@spocker22]

Kyle royer knives is luxury..

[@themahones]

These knives may not be overpriced but they are still out of my budget

[@yellowboot6629]

Pure Beauty ❣️🤗

[@mikemckenzy]

The sexy music in the background was a nice touch! 😂 Great list. I’d still take the ProTechs over most of them.

[@jkgkjgkijk]

Loveless drop point hunter in green micarta for the win

[@rolandkovacs8772]

Thank you for this 20 minutes dreaming video! My choice of three are: - Rockstead High II - CRKT Michael Walker Monument - The James Brand Barnes All of them are master pieces !

[@petrvodkin5824]

Are those Damaskus are Carbon or Stainless?

[@joeyho5134]

Unfortunately the beauty of most blades are totally ruined by the imprinting of the manufacturers' names on the blade.

[@WilliacLHA5]

AKA: D.C.A's dream video. I also call them goal knives.

[@michaelbrown6223]

When she thought I was protecting the crew, but I was just keeping the customer from getting stabbed by the manager

[@docalexander2853]

Jim Pugh made $40,000 knives 50 years ago.

[@clo2715]

One day I will get a Rockstead.

[@user-hk9du6px9x]

Finally!

[@danielc3321]

I love how DCA is whispering like he's in a museum. And I suppose it would be gauche to ask the price of any of these.

[@hctrpnt]

Good luck charms

[@reegsgeer]

Wow!

[@DonStafo]

for a tool they are not worth it for collectors yes

[@ravingbadger]

my first custom knife is ready in 1-2 weeks with magnacut steel 🥳

[@Katzekoschi]

That adv reminds me of the böker mermaid

[@philipblake2687]

Not sure how much I will abide by your recommendations. The Civivvi you mentioned broke 60 days after I purchased. CIvivvi has not even replied to my email.

[@DDDDDDDD203]

Have a knives day 😊

[@JS-hu7pv]

I get it - some folks have money to spend and they like knives, but $2K buys me a really nice new guitar. My Larivee’ was under $2K and I just can’t see spending that kind of cash on a pocket knife.

[@christolley4946]

I went Taylor n Shirogorov. Larvae is a fine instrument. : )

[@danielschaeffer1294]

I hope you keep your Larivee at home and own a cheaper guitar for gigging. I used to own a D-35 Martin that got stolen. It still hurts after all these years. I could only afford a Yamaha to replace it, but what the hell. Bert Jansch played Yamaha exclusively, and a whole lot of other big names play them too.

[@preppy890]

I'll stick with my Ontario RAT 1 and 2.

[@JosephOlson-ui2pg]

I like videos from KnifeCenter on KZbin. Watching is fun. It would be cooler if it was a starting point to have unique discussions instead of the boring rhetoric about money waste and business. That stuff's way overdone and there's little else presented. Might be i don't look forward to the comments section as much any longer. Its missed opportunity

[@JosephOlson-ui2pg]

It looks like "humble-braging" to me. I disagree and find fault so I'm cooler than you, is what the comments are giving me. Wouldn't you think once a knife maker attains skill levels to use advanced materials and finishes and has the design ability to pull off something less urbane and generic that it would be an equal waste to put out only what everyone else is? When you can pour over your knife for hours and find new things, isn't that at all intriguing?

[@brandonw9958]

Clickbait title for sure, I thought there was going to be some wild prices but then I saw CRKT and Microtech on the table and knew it was comical. Nothing over 2k 😂

[@orangev81]

all of my Knives are grubby and weathered... because I use them.

[@MrFancyFingers]

Exactly, use tools, don’t worship them.

[@davidsobel3303]

that James Brand Barnes is so beautiful. But, yeh, $650...

[@jaegermeister1968]

Interesting knives but I think the Chris Reeve knives are overrated. In my knife collection I also have a Chris Reeve large Sebenza 31 with the raindrop damascus blade and the workmanship is really good but in my opinion the knife is not worth the price. I think that the advertising, the bloggers and the very poor availability triggered the hype. The advantage is that you can resell a sebenza at any time at your own purchase price.

[@jonathans2281]

This thumbnail sounds like a challenge. 😂

[@jaybolton9117]

There's only one nice looking knife there, and that's the letter. Opener, it's beautiful. It's actually a piece of a piece of art hands down the most beautiful looking knife on the table.

[@brokenrecord3523]

No $300 Laguile?

[@tonyhurley1029]

Medford thats it

[@danieleverywhere132]

obviously toys for rich since there is very little said about actual quality of prduct and no testing at all