Advice on how to narrow down collection

Probably repeating several already addressed points, but I’ll let you know what works for me.

We all have a fascination/joy for looking at, holding, and using knives here. Hence, why were here in the first place, but what you like and are attracted to may be slightly different than others. Start recognizing what it is you like about in certain knives and go from there. I buy knives all the time. Upon receiving one I either know for sure if I like it, or I’m not sure. If I’m not sure I let it sit for a week or two. In that time if I have very little impulse to pick it up and play with it or use it, then I know it won’t stick around. At that point I’ll sell it in the exchange here or on another forum I list my knives on. Sold 7 just last night in fact. And then the cycle continues…

At this point in my collecting though I’ve narrowed down my interests pretty well and am down to less than 10 folders that will likely be my keepers. One thing I like about collecting knives though as opposed to other hobbies is that it’s an asset that is relatively easy to liquidate for close to what you bought it for. Assuming you’re buying decent knives that is, and not exclusively gas station specials.

So maybe take a look at your collection and pick out the ones that speak to you, and start purging the rest. Again, assuming they’re worth something it frees up a lot of funds for future purchases. You can also use them as trades if you find a knife you like on the secondary market. A lot of people might be interested in what you got
 
There are currently 354 knives in my collection and that's after I sold around 100 knives last year (mostly cheaper Kershaws/CRKTs, which were among the 1st that I purchased when I 1st started collecting) but then I bought around another 55 knives since then.

I'm planning to sell some more knives this year but nothing near the number I sold last year. The result will be a more "refined" and "tighter" collection but the total number of knives will remain relatively unchanged.

So, sorry, I can't help you. LOL! ;)
 
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RousingRabbles said:
Probably repeating several already addressed points, but I’ll let you know what works for me.

We all have a fascination/joy for looking at, holding, and using knives here. Hence, why were here in the first place, but what you like and are attracted to may be slightly different than others. Start recognizing what it is you like about in certain knives and go from there. I buy knives all the time. Upon receiving one I either know for sure if I like it, or I’m not sure. If I’m not sure I let it sit for a week or two. In that time if I have very little impulse to pick it up and play with it or use it, then I know it won’t stick around. At that point I’ll sell it in the exchange here or on another forum I list my knives on. Sold 7 just last night in fact. And then the cycle continues…

At this point in my collecting though I’ve narrowed down my interests pretty well and am down to less than 10 folders that will likely be my keepers. One thing I like about collecting knives though as opposed to other hobbies is that it’s an asset that is relatively easy to liquidate for close to what you bought it for. Assuming you’re buying decent knives that is, and not exclusively gas station specials.

So maybe take a look at your collection and pick out the ones that speak to you, and start purging the rest. Again, assuming they’re worth something it frees up a lot of funds for future purchases. You can also use them as trades if you find a knife you like on the secondary market. A lot of people might be interested in what you got
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A lot of people have been suggesting to do this, which should be relatively easy for me because I believe I've finally settled on what I really like most.

I tend towards button locks, crossbar (Axis) locks, & compression locks most. I used to not be a huge fan of liner locks or frame locks but I've come around on those. I particularly enjoy titanium frame locks.

I was thinking about it today and I do have a few I think I can liquidate. It's definitely going to hurt, because a couple of them are customized and would cost a lot more to replace than what I have into them. I'm still kind of turning ideas over in my head, but I'm pretty sure I'll come to a resolution and figure out a way to get rid of at least several knives and put about 1K back into my savings for now.

I've already noticed a huge difference in the drop of the number of notifications I'm getting, so that's already made a difference in the temptation department. As someone stated above, any time I don't make a purchase I'm proud of myself. Being a recovering addict, I definitely tend towards impulsive behavior & I've come a very long way.

I really appreciate all the thoughtful responses from you guys. I'm still relatively new to the forum and I've only made a few posts, so it means a lot.

I feel a lot more clear-headed today regarding what my collecting will look like moving forward, and I'm confident I can get my finances worked out for the car. 😃
 
I carry 2 knives. Ive got actual pocket users like customized Spyderco and Benchmade. Then I have my pocket candy "rewards" or special occassion gifts. Whats going to beat a Delica, Griptilian, or PM2 as a nice user? The pocket candy knives are Microtech/Marfione customs. Special knives are for graduating undergrad Suma Cum Laude, graduating Med School Cum Laude, anniversaries, and a couple very difficult periods along the way. When I get overwhelmed or feel like I need some perspective I reach in for the pocket candy. Im building a nice little display case for my office now. I dont have a ton of knives, but my last 3 have been in the $800 - $1500 range. Ill get another when I get a big raise or special recognition. In the meantime I make lists and go over what knife I REALLY want.
I'm doing a PM2 group - one with regular DLC blade and copper scales the other with tanto blade and titanium lotus scales. The only reason is that the DLC/copper one was a "special" knife many years ago and I really like the tanto and the lotus scales which will take it out of the "user rotation"
The other group is nicer Benchmades with the axis lock.
The guys that buy every knife they might like spend alot more than I do. Its a nice "direction" for me
 
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I suffer a similar problem. Maybe 30 knives. I have 3 CRK’s, I only carry a small 21 daily. Saving one new small 21 for my son and the large 21 Insingo for a rainy day. I have a Rockstead, the small Hizen, too nice to carry. I have several Spyderco sprints. Caly 3 and 3.5 Superblues and several PM2 and Miltary sprints. Orange dodo, sprint worker, PM2 in 4V, Cruwear in several models, etc. I can’t seem to bring myself to carry and use them. My user Spyderco are a Gayle Bradley 1 and an Endura ZDP-189.

I need to focus on sharpening.

I tell myself not to buy another knife.
 
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