Daisy_CutterBy extra you mean $150 (more than 2x this drop) for a different handle, different color blade, and cobalt steel added to the blade. For not know much about blades it seems like this drop is a great deal for folks trying to get into knives, like me.
SenorSchwiftyI got the F1dz on Amazon at slightly over $170. You just have to wait for the price to dip.
But I didn't mean to take anything away from the F1z. I don't own one, but by all accounts it is an excellent blade and you can't go wrong getting one at this price.
Still, I wouldn't really consider this a starter knife for 2 reasons: (i) the convex edge is a bit trickier to maintain and use, and (ii) you won't appreciate a nice knife like the F1z until you've used an average knife.
If I were you and just getting into knives, I would get this and a Mora Companion, and spend a good month or two using and maintaining the Companion. When you feel comfortable with the Companion, take out the F1z and then you'll really appreciate how good it is.