I take issue with his characterization of wedding knives as bling. For many younger couples, they replace a collection of stamped knives and yard sale finds, so

I take issue with his characterization of wedding knives as bling. For many younger couples, they replace a collection of stamped knives and yard sale finds, so they are a qualitative upgrade. They often get used a lot, as families cook more than singles, so they are probably one of the more intensively used gifts. Finally, they act as a commitment device and a symbol of being married - singles and unmarried people rarely have a matching knife set. Sort of like wedding rings, which aren't usually purchased for their own blinginess, but as a symbol. Over the course of a 20000 day marriage, an extra 200$ isn't going to make much of a difference