I don't know if I would refer to them as a starter brand or not. Yes, they have some inexpensive models that may seem like toys compared to Spyderco or Benchmade, but that's not typical of the entire line. The M-16/M-21 series are tough as anything else I've encountered, and I have had an M16-12 since the earliest days, even before they put flippers on them.(Image removed from quote.)I've never babied that knife and it still looks (and functions!) amazing, even now.I haven't handled too many of their bigger fixed blades, but I can honestly say that there are few better knives out there than the Neckolas if you want something you can abuse the living crap out of and keep using.(Image removed from quote.)I've had this one for quite a few years and it has been on many water related activities like kayaking and snorkeling, and honestly those little spots could be rubbed out with a couple of minutes worth of effort.Def