Let me try to put my view into words for you Squidders ...
Basically, rid your mind that with a knife comes a transplant of skill from the maker or designer. A blade at its most basic is a sharp bit with a blunt bit that you hold. There are cheap knives out there (the Moras or Kellam) and very expensive knives out there.
A.) Are they not very good?
Well, they are OK but considering the price and the fact that they are really just production run blades with either a wood or micarta handle, they are pretty pricey. Thought of that way, they are just blades. For an extra £30 (and a wait) you get an Alan Wood Woodlore with a sheath that holds a firesteel. Alan Wood is a master craftsman that really takes care over blades and makes sure that each and every blade he lets out of the door is spot on, something that really cannot be said for WS.
I'm also slightly jaded having had one for less than 6 months before it had to be replaced.
B.) Are they not very good compaired to many other knives?
There are a LOT of knives out there worth considering that fit the bill - the trick is getting a blade that you are happy with that works. A few I'd recommend you looking at are:
Fallkniven range (especially the F1)
The Kellam range (
www.kellamknives.co.uk)
The BRK&T North Star
Allan Blade knives (
www.bladecutlery.com )
They are all different - handling and comfort is an important issue. Take your time and see what takes your fancy. Just because a blade works for someone else doesn't mean it works for everyone - remember that the Woodlore was designed by Ray Mears for Ray Mears. Hand sizes and use means that a knife designed for one person might not suit someone else.
Take your time to choose!
C.) Are they as good as other knives but cost too much to justify owning?
Depends of what criteria you are comparing them ... :rolmao: