Actual Knife Usage

S

Serengeti

Joined
Dec 1, 2006
Messages
53
I'm new to this site and am by no means an expert, but it seems that there is an alarming amount of talk about investment, yet almost no reference to actual usage of these tools. I understand that there is a great deal of money tied up in these blades, but that is like owning an original Mauser Big Game rifle and never actually shooting it. I have an extremely nice custom knife that was made in honor of my dad, but I use it each time I'm in the woods, though it could be a museum piece. Just wondering what others thought of this. Is this what custom knives have turned into, show pieces or tools that are still used??
 
My goodness no!! At least I hope not.

I have a small number of favorite customs I use all the time. Then I clean them off and put them away, reverently.

I also have two customs I would never think of using. Not so much because of the great expense, but because they are really 'high art.' Some elements of their design are rather delicate...for a knife. And they are just so beautiful, so stunning, that I choose to look at them rather than slice or chop with them. I think most folks would react to such knives in the same way -- say a delicate Buster Warenski or a particularly wild and wonderful Joe Kious. Some custom knives are obviously intended only for observation.

There is nothing wrong with this. Every person should make their own choice.

I'll be interested to see how others respond.
 
I have a bunch of customs and not one safe queen. All my knives get carried, all my knives get used. Some get used harder then others but that is just because of luck. If it is in my pocket it will get used, sometimes for things as mundain as opening packages sometimes for stripping wire but they all are used. I buy knives I like with no thought of resale as I don't plan on selling any of them. If I did have to sell them it would have to be "as is" because they all show some signs of use. As a user I don't know if I am in the majority or minority. I am sure there are people here who buy as investment pieces and that is their right, it is just not why I buy knives.
 
Serengeti said:
Is this what custom knives have turned into, show pieces or tools that are still used??
Click to expand...

Both.

Pony up $3,000 for a knife, yourself, that you worked to get the money for, and then come back an tell us how you used it, and are OK with maybe getting $1,000 for it, should you choose to sell it.

In my time I have used knives by Jerome Anders, Carson, Crawford, Chris Reeve, John W. Smith.....don't talk about it, because it is simply something to be done and enjoyed, whereas there seem to be so many variables in collecting, and selling.

Welcome to BladeForums

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
About a week or so I posted a thread about knives in action and there were very few replies. Interestingly, there was a thread about performance that was fairly active. Well, I think that if there was so much interest in performance, then these knives must certainly be used.

I have several custom longbows, one cost $600.00 and the first thing I did when I received it was to take it ouside and start flinging arrows. It has accompanied me in the woods, and has been dropped (accidently), rained on, and dragged through brush. It has been worth every dollar of depreciation to hunt with that bow. And the first animal I harvest with it will add even greater value...to me.

Funny you should mention Mauser. I have a Mauser made Luger made in 1972 that is new in the box. It sits there and every now and then I pull it out and admire the craftsmansip. I get no further joy from it other than saying I own it. The day may come that I pass it on to one of my nephews and may get some satisfaction when I see the appreciation on their face. Lately, I've been wondering what it would be like to fire such a beautifully made, classic firearm. If I do shoot it and take care of it the value may drop some 20%. However, I think that intrinsic value gained would be priceless. Matter of fact, I think I just convinced myself to shoot it.

So to get back to original question, there is obvioulsy a market for both types of knives and depends on your collecting philosophy.
 
I build ever knife as if it will be used,no matter how fancy I am getting with it.I look at my knives and hope they are still around 100 years from now.But I also look at what I see happening,like Grandpa has this real cool knife and it gets handed down to a grandson,who has a kid that sneaks that cool knife of dads out and whacks on some tree branches and trys it as a thrower,next thing you know the knife can be destroid,but if it was built to last and be used hopefully it will servive with just some scratching....What we pay for our knives and cherish may not be thought of in a couple of generations,it will just be looked at as a fancy tool handed down and get used.

Price daggers from the gold rush are the most expensive knives ever created in the US and with inflation would probably still be today,but they were made to be carried and used,they were a status symbol but still a tool to be used everyday....Have you ever seen a truely mint knife from him,no a used one yes....

Knives should always be made to be used or they are nothing more thana stage prop and worthless as a true tool.If the knife cannot perform when the chips are down what good is it....

I know if I was in a survival situation and the only thing between me from living and dying was using my multy thousand dollar knife,I would use it and hope to god it was built as a true tool and not a prop...

Bruce
 
Serengeti said:
I'm new to this site and am by no means an expert, but it seems that there is an alarming amount of talk about investment, yet almost no reference to actual usage of these tools. I understand that there is a great deal of money tied up in these blades, but that is like owning an original Mauser Big Game rifle and never actually shooting it. I have an extremely nice custom knife that was made in honor of my dad, but I use it each time I'm in the woods, though it could be a museum piece. Just wondering what others thought of this. Is this what custom knives have turned into, show pieces or tools that are still used??
Click to expand...

Carrying a bowie is frowned upon here in Seattle. In fact, anything above 3.5 inch folders is verbotten.
 
Serengeti said:
I'm new to this site and am by no means an expert, but it seems that there is an alarming amount of talk about investment, yet almost no reference to actual usage of these tools. I understand that there is a great deal of money tied up in these blades, but that is like owning an original Mauser Big Game rifle and never actually shooting it. I have an extremely nice custom knife that was made in honor of my dad, but I use it each time I'm in the woods, though it could be a museum piece. Just wondering what others thought of this. Is this what custom knives have turned into, show pieces or tools that are still used??
Click to expand...
Serengeti,

If you are new to this site, you may be new to the dealings of Custom knives. You to own one--as a user. I am pleased, as is everyone else who knows you enjoy this knife as the tool it was designed for.

All Custom knives should be a useful tool of some form. The blades shall be hardened and the edges sharp. That's a standing criteria.

There isn't one of us who doesn't have a custom knife for a user. I can't imagine one consistent member not utilizing one, two, or ten custom knives. But..... at some point, your tool crib of knives can cover all of the intended tasks that your needs dictate. (For me, it's only rope, packing materials and cardboard. :jerkit: )

That said, I own over one hundred knives. Seventy of them are full 'Customs' (Generic term that is a coverall). I enjoy a variety of styles and patterns and embellishments. Each time I purchase a Custom Knife I have helped the industry prosper in a small way. It is a direct support to the makers that these purchases are made. Many makers rely on sales in making a portion of their living to sustain their craft.

As STeven allowed, there is a direct corollary to the return value of a knife and its condition. User knives may lose 60% of their value immediately.

In order for me to perpetuate my ability to collect other pieces, I keep an eye on my 'investment'. I don't have any influence on the increased investment value of a knife, that's up to the market and the maker. I do, however, have direct control over reducing the value of a knife. And that comes by simply using the knife. As I wish to get a new piece, I may have to sell another. How can I maximize this effort?

I want to welcome you to our world also. There are a wealth of wonderful knives and people that reside in these forums. As soon as you understand more about them you will be less apt to dismiss those of us who choose to support the industry with our hard earned dollars, by keeping our very-usable knives pristeen.

Thanks,

Coop
 
Hey guys, I was just interested in sparking conversation. The whole idea about actually using these blades was based a bit on my background. A little bit about me: I spent 6 years as a Green Beret in the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), and saw duty in all three campains in the early 90's, (Desert shield, Desert Storm and Provide Comfort). To me a knife is a tool, that is not to say that I do not treasure my tools, as I mentioned that original Mauser rifle; however, in the years that I was in service, and the years afterwards, I have owned many great working knives. Some of them I broke, some I traded as they were not worth their salt, and some I still have today.
Except for the Lin Rhea bowie (The Norba) inspired by my dad and dedicated to him, my favorite all time blade which has seen a ton of use is an EK commando knife. I know some people would think otherwise, but I put that knife through pure HELL, and it always came back and smiled at me. Since that time I have had it cleaned up and it sits, more for relishing the good times, so to speak. I was just wondering what others thought about using their knives, that are individually made and one of a kind pieces. No offense intended, just wondering, as I use mine a lot.
 
Sounds like you've used your knives more than I ever did and more than I ever will.

Excellent. Welcome to the Forums. Glad you're here! You've got a lot to share with us.
 
It's not an "either or" proposition. There are users and safe queens in my collection, but the latter vastly outnumber the former. Which is a very good thing for makers, I submit. If you are buying a knife solely to be used - for the purpose of meeting your cutting needs, how many custom knives do you figure you will own over the course of your life? 2 or 3? Safe queens, well, there's no limit on how many of those you "need".

Roger

PS - My primary small user is a carefully forged, properly heat-treated and wickedly sharpened Master Smith hunter / utility. It came with a very well made custom leather sheath. It cuts like a laser and holds an edge longer than most anyone could reasonably expect. It also cost under $200:

orig.jpg


By Burt Foster, MS.

PPS - MY large user cost even less (in terms of dollars, anyway), was made by a no-talent operating under the close instruction of a big-talent and as a result actually cuts stuff:

orig.jpg
 
I always use a knife to cut things. The fork made too many holes and the spoon kept bending the handle. Yes, I do use my knives to cut what ever needs it. I also throw almost everyone that I make (before it is heat treated) :) I just can't help it.
Any way, I also believe that a knife should be capable of being used. I have spent a lot of time on fit and finish of some particular complicated piece (for me that is) and would definitely hate to see it abused. Not so much used for cutting but to make a pry bar out of it or dig rocks out of the tread of the old pick up truck. The buyer will always have the option of using or not the knives he buys. Same as with any thing else that could be a collectable. Hindsight is a wonderful tool, it always makes us wish we had bought knives from some of the makers that are now gone and their knives are in great demand. I am just glad that I got to enjoy their company and share a few thoughts with them. "IF", I had bought a knife from them, you can bet it would be in a place that I could see and reflect on the memories of times we had shared. That is one reason that I try to get knives from some of my friends. Definitely another reason for collecting. :) Some of them aren't even finished and still have a lot of memories in them.
Those are some of my thoughts on the "User Knife" and the status that it may achieve during its life.
 
RogerP said:
It's not an "either or" proposition. There are users and safe queens in my collection, but the latter vastly outnumber the former. Which is a very good thing for makers, I submit. If you are buying a knife solely to be used - for the purpose of meeting your cutting needs, how many custom knives do you figure you will own over the course of your life? 2 or 3? Safe queens, well, there's no limit on how many of those you "need".

Roger

PS - My primary small user is a carefully forged, properly heat-treated and wickedly sharpened Master Smith hunter / utility. It came with a very well made custom leather sheath. It cuts like a laser and holds an edge longer than most anyone could reasonably expect. It also cost under $200:

orig.jpg


By Burt Foster, MS.

PPS - MY large user cost even less (in terms of dollars, anyway), was made by a no-talent operating under the close instruction of a big-talent and as a result actually cuts stuff:

orig.jpg
Click to expand...

I am guessing that the "no talent" was you, Roger? Not too shabby, my man. So who was the cruel taskmaster that supervised you? lol My everyday knives are a Caffrey EDK, which is reasonable priced,and a Sentz foldr, which is a bit on the pricey side. My "field" knives that I would use if the opportunity arose would be hunters by Ed Caffrey and P.J. Tomes, fighters by Charlie Ochs and Craig Camerer, and a small ST24 type knife by Mark Sentz for vehicular defense purposes. There are a couple fo tothers that I could use. There are a couple of ones that will never be used, even though as couple, including a FIsk Sendero, were designed as users. I would have used my Bagwell bowie that I got a number of years back for $500 or so as a hog knife.........until i saw somebody talking about what they bring these days.....yipe!!!!
 
Welcome Serengeti! I imagine that most collectors have a few users and more than a few safe queens... that's my MO. I just got a wonderful knife from Matt Lamey. It would be criminal not to use that baby... I'll post some pics soon. It's insanely sharp and made to be abused. I can't wait to get outside and put it through it's paces. It's not satisfied just shaving my arm... :) On the other hand, it's highly unlikely I'm going to risk scarring up some of the more high end knives I own for exactly the reasons STeven alluded to. Roger - your post was very insightful.. I "need" many more knives than I will ever find occasion to use.
:D
PS That big user has a suspiciously Farr-ish look to it Roger ;) I think it's a beauty!
 
I use almost all my knives, especially my customs because I had them made for me. There are a few I consider safe queens because of how and what they are made of. If you have used your dads knife and enjoyed it, forget it, use it man. If you like using it and it gives you honor and pride, by all means continue to do so. If it makes you feel less than satisfied using it, put her up man. Serengeti I collect EK's if your using one your my type a guy. EK's speak to me for some reason and I have no qualms about you gettin em dirty.

If you wanna use them, use them. Thats what I say.
 
jdm61 said:
I am guessing that the "no talent" was you, Roger? Not too shabby, my man.
Click to expand...

Correct - and thanks. Dan Farr walked and talked me through my first (and and only) two knives and made sure I left with all my fingers. xuesheng - the handle design on that big one is pure Farr. I had several examples close by for "inspiration". He does some of the best handles in the business, so it seemed a good design and construction methodology to try to learn.

Roger
 
xuesheng said:
I just got a wonderful knife from Matt Lamey. It would be criminal not to use that baby... I'll post some pics soon. It's insanely sharp and made to be abused. I can't wait to get outside and put it through it's paces. It's not satisfied just shaving my arm... :)
Click to expand...

We still waiting for pics of Lamey's knife in actions bro. Cheers!

Frids
 
I always carry and use at least one piece out of my collection at any given time. Realistically, I buy almost everything in my collection with the intention of carrying and using it, but I really only get around to using a small percentage of the pieces that I buy. Some of my most expensive pieces have been users, though.
 
Interesting thread.

I have a number of "custom" knives that are used every day of my life. They are the set of kitchen knives that Tim Wright (a knifemaker who is seldom mentioned here but deserving of reverence because he is a GOD) made that work damn hard. A2, D2, and something exotic too, these knives are worth every penny that I spent on them. The bread knife would be one of the things my wife would run for if there was a fire btw. That knife gets used for all manner of stuff and works equally well on tomatoes as it does on bread, slices you can see through.

I have also used a Barry Wood folder for going on 20 years and an Al Mar White Micarta Falcon is my daily carry knife (not custom but close enough for me). I noticed recently that the Al Mar is beginning to resemble an exacto knife and I may have to set it aside. Luckily for me I have another brand spanking new one waiting in the wings, although I may try out a Loveless City knife from Lone Wolf which has a similar configuration. Given my penchant for losing things these days I am hesitant to carry "REALLY" expensive customs in my pocket for everyday use. The kitchen customs, though, are a joy. I realize this may be blasphemy btw but those knives get used more, and harder, then any other knives in our home. I may have to try to persuade Tim to make me set of steak knives one day (though that would bore him to death I believe).

Syn
 
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