Value can be hard to quantify. I am of the opinion that you should always buy the best you can afford. I bought my current knife, a Becker BK10, for $45. At the time that was the most I could spend. I've used it a lot and have been very happy with it. I am currently waiting for a Randall 25 6". When I get it in June of '09 I will shell out about $385. Is it going to be able to do anything the Becker can't? I doubt it. But I want one anyway. If, as you say, your Gerber has performed well for you then my advice is to use it and be happy.