[big kahuna]

I use a butcher steel to sharpen everything from fillet knifes to my kitchen knives.

 

[big kahuna]

I understand where you are coming from, and I used to think like that. They are expensive compared to "cheap" knives. I have found buck to have the most brittle blades. Until you have tried a good knife you won't be able to justify the expense. I was "issued" my first quality knife in the USMC. I worked horse trades with Spec Ops to obtain a few more quality blades. I grew up on Case and Kershaw, the only thing I hated, and still do about case, is the non-locking blade. I nearly amputated my fingers on several occasions when the blade folded while I was improperly cutting. I plan to get several more MKC knives. I have a large drawer and several peg board hooks filled with cheap knives I bought for work or have received as gifts. I carry the Gerber/buck/case etc. at work. I cut a lot of tape, zip ties, boxes, cable etc. and always get asked "do you have a knife". My response "Uh, yeah, I am a man don't you". So, I use the drawer of cheap knives for work and loaning. I use good knives as my EDC and hunting. At work, I always have a cheap knife and a good knife. I use the cheap one 80% of the time. As you can see, I get a lot of Gerber knives when they are on sale. They are not good knives like they used to be. They are in the Walmart category of Buck knives. View attachment 1840916 View attachment 1840917

I’ve had two different knife makers make me promise to never use a Work Mate including the Ken Onion one on their knives before they would sell them to me. They claimed the flexing belts these have are a quick and decisive way to ruin a good blade. Obviously they weren’t producing junk Gerber blades.

You guys are right about Gerber knives made now-a-days. I bought a Walmart cheapie this year and it is terrible. Won't hold an edge.