I guess his point was more to the effect that you use what you got and make it work. I've bought the best knives I could find, and the difference in quality is not nearly so important as my ability to use them.

After all, there have been an awful lot of folks that got by with a lot less than even a lousy buck knife.

I am sure he would not turn down trading that buck knife for one of my busse knives if I were stupid enough to make the offer. Ultimately, I think the knife wasn't that important anyways. He uses his multi-tool for any real blade work 99% of the time.