2018 Buying Habits?

DJC72

DJC72

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Aug 1, 2014
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I noticed a number of resolution threads near the end of 2017. Many stated that they would be much more frugal in purchasing knives in 2018. I’m just curious if people have followed through on their “promise.”

This year I have purchased a pair of Spyderco knives (on sale) and one Gec folder. In addition, I have placed an order for one Busse fixed blade. That use to be an average month for me.

Between the rising cost of production knives and personal finances, I am much more careful this year and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. While knife collecting/sharpening and using my knives is my favorite hobby, I dont find any pleasure in the “hunt” for the next knife anymore. So, how has your 2018 knife life been?
 
The hunt is what I most enjoy.

While I did not make any resolutions (and generally don't - I don't kid myself that I will honor them) I am a little ahead of what I intended as far as money spent. Right now I have nothing "pending" but I do have my eye on a few things.
 
Yes I've been frugal and will continue to be. I don't have much room in my collection for more knives. I don't want an ever-expanding collection.
Lately I get the most pleasure from modding relative inexpensive knives. Cold Steel is good for that.
I've burned out on ti framelocks other than perhaps adding an upcoming Reate as a "safe-queen."
I've been a long-time Spyderco fan but there isn't much new that I have to have at the higher prices we now see. The occasional Sprint is attractive to me. I'd like a plain edge in LC200N when available. Year-end closeouts are always appealing too.
 
So far this year I've bought a Sebenza, an Allan Elishewitz Phantom, six Spydercos (admittedly, three were on clearance and one was on sale) , three vintage Benchmades and a Skaha ... but I don't plan to add a whole lot more over the rest of the year.

There are a few upcoming Spydies I have my eye on, I'm considering a Specter or a Wayfarer 247 if things break right, and I'm always on the lookout for the opportunity to add to my AFCK and BM875/880/885/886 family collections. But I consider these fairly modest ambitions as knife purchases go.
 
Stopped buying knives for the most part due to the increased prices. I used to buy a knife every month. Now with the prices of most Spyderco and Benchmade knives being over $180, I refuse to buy. I have purchased 1 knife this year for myself and 1 as a gift. I don't plan on buying anything from Spyderco or Benchmade simply because of the prices. My income hasn't gone up with the prices of knives. Now knives that used to be around $135-$140 are up around $175-$180. That is no longer a good value to me so I quit buying.

GEC is a brand I plan to continue buying. Great company and great value.
 
DJC72 said:
I noticed a number of resolution threads near the end of 2017. Many stated that they would be much more frugal in purchasing knives in 2018. I’m just curious if people have followed through on their “promise.”
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I didn't read anything after this but holy cow did I do terribly good this year. I bought myself a Lionsteel Roundhead as my knife for the year AND a modified sharpmaker! (Overall around 300$, which is sadly the standard... [Really taking the buy once cry once philosophy to heart lol])

My goal for this year was to get a sharpening system for super steels, and guess what? YA BOI HAS DONE DIDDILY DID THAT. (Yes I am overly excited to receive any gratification in what I did this year).

Also I introduced my friends to knives (they're all getting the Gerber EAB Lite), made a new knife friend, and found a lovely B&M who persuaded me to buy a BM from him!
 
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Picked up the new Zero Tolerance / RJ Martin 0609. It's getting a lot of pocket time. Amazingly executed for the price IMO.

A Bradford G4 in M390 that has redefined what an all-around outdoor fixed blade can be for me. Thrilled to have it for this years camping trips.

Very close to pulling the trigger on a Kizer ZipSlip Ti as my "city" knife.

No specific plans or trends. Much prefer dealing with guys in the Knife Exchange vs new retail.
 
I am on track for purchasing about the same number of knives as in 2017 if I am consistent with my purchasing trends or objectives. I don't really have any targets other than to reduce the knife expenditures overall from previous years.

I tend to buy knives in groups which correspond to knife store or show visits which happen a couple times a year to this point. Next event if I decide to attend is the Blade Show in Atlanta in early June. All the blades I purchase are intended to be used whether or not I use them. I have purchased 5 knives so far this year. But with Knives Ship Free (KSF) moving to my area, I will likely be tempted to buy a few more knives than I normally would. In particular, I want to look at some of the handmade stuff that KSF carries as well as a lot of the Bark River stuff that I have only been able to look at pictures of online for the most part to this point. More than likely the number of knives I buy will continue to shrink or be stable, but the cost in total dollars (per year) will likely go up a little. Frankly, I don't need any new knives, but I am still very interested in what's coming out and so forth. Buying knives other than kitchen oriented knives are pretty much just "wants" these days.
 
I am almost overwhelmed by the sheer number of production, mid tech and custom options/knives available. I feel desensitized anymore. M390/exotic steels,carbon fiber, titanium, exotic woods...

I’m not complaining, it’s just 20 years ago these options were not commonly seen. I guess what I am saying is nothing really impresses me much anymore.
 
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DJC72 said:
I am almost overwhelmed by the sheer number of production, mid tech and custom options/knives available. I feel desensitized anymore. M390, carbon fiber, titanium, exotic woods...
I’m not complaining, it’s just 20 years ago these options were not commonly seen. I guess what I am saying is nothing really impresses me much anymore.
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You know what people are saying about Chinese knives now, it's that they blow... people's expectations away with the quality for the pricepoint! (I'm Israeli and am not a fixed blade guy, so I try not to have too much of a stake in country of origin lol)
 
The way I look at these things is that there is an ebb and flow to it (hobbies). Interests change gradually or you refine your knife focus. I think I have pretty much found the niche I am comfortable with. I can't see changing much and if I look at my buying and ownership trends for the last 20 years, it has essentially been moving toward this comfort point.
 
I have been more frugal, I have only purchased 1 knife in 2018(and it is for sale) so far. Mainly been looking at watches and other things so far as there are very few knives that excited me this year.
 
I only buy limited exclusive flash unlimited sprint one offs for my endless uber flips. It's good for the industry :thumbsup:
 
Phixt said:
I only buy limited exclusive flash unlimited sprint one offs for my endless uber flips. It's good for the industry :thumbsup:
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I honestly want to double down on some sprints, but I fear that they will just sit as safe kings because of their exclusivity (pricing isn't a problem for the most part. If only we had a place to see where people sell their knives:D)
 
I promised myself I would only buy 1 knife a month this year. So if I have to stick to that I should be good until April of next year. I picked up 15 New and New to me knives so far this year. (at least I am under last year on an average per month). 11 Days into April and I have not pulled the trigger yet. Maybe I am rehabilitated.
 
woodsmanoh said:
Maybe I am rehabilitated.
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See I thought that I was going to start my rehabilitation, but there are certain diamond pastes calling my name to complete my sharpening system... Want to pull the trigger together for the next purchase? I heard it's easier to do things in groups haha
 
Since I get my knives from the US, it's easier for me to order several at once a couple of times a year. A good mate of mine runs import/export business and brings them to Argentina for me, not having to deal with third world customs bureaucrats is well worth the extra charge.

I've been buying knives in batches of 5 or 6, usually spending about 200-250 dollars on each of them.

Keeping my knife buying under control is easy because there just aren't many decent knives available here and getting them from the US takes a month or two.
 
The change in my buying habit is that I refuse to pay over $100 for a knife. I have enough knives to last several lifetimes, so those high-zoot knives hold less appeal.
 
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