What Makes a Knife “Worth It”?

Breaking Down Value Beyond the Price Tag

In the knife world, we’ve all seen it: two blades, same steel, similar size, and one is twice the price. So what makes a knife actually worth it?

It’s easy to focus on numbers. Blade steel, handle material, country of origin, or price. But when you really dig into what makes a knife valuable, it comes down to how it fits your hand, your life, and your expectations.

Here’s a list of what we think every knife buyer should keep in mind:

1. Design That’s Meant to Be Used

There’s a difference between a knife that looks cool and one that feels right in your hand. A good design blends comfort, ergonomics, and purpose. We try to build knives that invite you to use them, while mixing purpose with taste. In other words, we attempt to create interesting pieces, without sacrificing utility. 

2. Materials That Match the Mission

Not every knife needs M390 or MagnaCut. Sometimes toughness matters more than edge retention, or weight matters more than fancy finishes. The key is using materials that make sense for the knife’s role. That’s where the real value is, not in the fancier spec sheet, but in how the knife performs for you. Remember, these tools are with you everyday. 

*High end collectors also see value in unique pieces. Knives that are hard to find, or anything that will sell at very high prices in the coming years. That will be a conversation for another day :) 

3. Manufacturing That Respects Design

A great knife design can be ruined by poor execution. That’s why we partner with manufacturers like Kansept and Kizer, because when the tolerances are tight, the lockup is solid, and the blade is dialed in, you feel it. The price should reflect more than just the materials that were used, but also the care put into the build.

4. Support That Sticks Around

Value doesn’t end at the purchase. If something goes wrong, or you have questions, you should be able to get help from a real human who actually cares. That’s how we operate at Orbital, because if you’re part of our community, you’re not just a transaction. 

5. The X Factor: How It Makes You Feel

EpicSnuggleBunny (one of the guys I look up to in the community) made a video years ago regarding custom knives. In that video he compares knives to cars. He said you can buy a $2,000 car that gets you from point A to point B, and it’ll do the job. But if you care about how it drives, how it feels, handles, and sounds, you’ll want something better. Knives are the same. Sure, a $10 gas station knife can cut, but it’s not enjoyable. A well made knife turns a basic task into something you actually look forward to carrying and using. 

You can watch his whole video here.

I do believe this is a very real type of value, and respect it greatly. 

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing wrong with saving money, or splurging it, if you know why you’re doing it. Price matters, but it’s not the whole story. When a knife is thoughtfully designed, well made, and fits your needs (and maybe even your personality), that’s when it becomes truly worth it.

Thanks for reading, and have fun out there :)