i remain somewhere in the middle ...liking both old and new blades.... ... after making a few myself.. i've a healthy respect for the smiths who do this for a living... i do think that there are some people doing very nicely in the biz of knives... but probably not a good as some of the antique dealers.. (maybe)
i've seen some 50lbs lil giant hammer go for 2000.... but the 30 ton hydraulic press seems to be more fashionable now a days..
all that being said... i do find pendray's blades abit pricey, but apparently he's got the name to sell it
i do like this kard he made... ( except the mokume pommel
)
http://customknifegallery.com/pendray1f.html
G