I have been down that road. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" /> But, I don't think they were bad knives and I didn't take significant losses.

Chris Reeves definitely makes (or at least "machines" and "finishes") a high quality product. His folders are held at the highest levels... although, I haven't been able to justify a $350 - $400+ folder yet. I had a Jereboam and a Neil Roberts. Both were nicely made, just ultimately not the style knives I wanted. I don't like the round hollow handles of the Jereboam and similar and the Neil Roberts just didn't feel right in my hand. So, I sold.

Same for the Katz knives. I also had the Aristo Kat Lion King, along with an Alley Kat and a Cheetah. They were decent knives and I agree the Lion King was one of the better and it "did" feel nice in my hand. But, it still just was not up to par with so many better Busse and kin options I have and even some other options. Also, I am not a fan of hollow grinds - especially on my larger knives. I just had to sell stuff to pay bills and slim the collection from time to time and the Katz blades just eventually couldn't keep making the cuts (pun intended). Also, I found a lot of Junglee knives at a fraction of the cost that were almost identical or even nicer..... that I still have (Hattori Fighter, Baby Fighter, Waterloo, Marco Polo and Yakuza... none of which would bring me much if I resold, but I bought at good deals anyway... )

I still have a couple of Entrek Tantos including a Wakizashi that was custom re-ground and satin finished by Ray Ennis personally. The other is the "Brute". I used to have one of Entrek's sub-hilt models. I forgot which model. The finish quality and guard was horrible on the Sub-hilt. I sold it. Entrek sheaths are also horrible, but the knives are pretty decent for the money and I won't realistically carry the Wakizashi or Brute - just collectibles.

I used to have an ivory handled custom Ray Ennis knife with a blued steel blade and very nice simple rounded file work on the spine that was VERY nice. But, I sold it as I needed cash and couldn't justify some of the customs I had... I think I sold it to some guy in England. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />
Considering the competition, Entrek isn't really a stand-out option. I would have to recommend quite a few other options instead for my uses. I will probably keep the Tantos as they are unique (sort of like the DMCG - super thick pry-bar like. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />) In the past, I had more Entrek knives on my wish list, but those knives have fallen so far down on the list, I don't see them being relevant considerations anymore - unless I come across a "mega"-deal..... even then, I couldn't and shouldn't justify it. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/paperbag.gif" alt="" />

Knives coming and going is part of collecting. You learn what you like as you go. But, I have become (or at least continue to try to be) much more careful about what I buy - more sure about what I want or might use and more sure I buy right so I can minimalize losses if I have to sell. But, it is hard to buy certain brands when the only places you see them are on pictures on the internet. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" />

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