> I have seen this sentiment expressed, but I have yet to see any real evidence for it. This boils down to the definition of what "better" means, and for items

> I have seen this sentiment expressed, but I have yet to see any real evidence for it. This boils down to the definition of what "better" means, and for items like those listed that's actually quite easy! "Better" means "the way I want it". Customized to my individual needs. Factory produced can never give you that. If I want a Gyuto style knife with an octagonal handle made from carbon fibre and blade in CPM-10V alloy, I'm not going to find it at Ikea. If I want a suit or a leather boot that fits my particular body perfectly, it needs to be custom made. If I want a built K20 turbo engine, it will need to be very different if it goes in a circuit racing car or a time attack car, and both need to be very different from the factory engine. The factory needs to optimize for the average person. It needs to satisfy regulators, beancounters, shareholders. The artisan does not.