Art knives

[1oldthro]

For me the joy of collecting knifes is being able to carry and use a knife so I find it interesting that people are willing to pay $$$$$ for knives like the ones made by Shaun and Sharla Hansen. I do own a few spirit run knives but only one remains boxed and it bugs me that I spend money on something I don’t use.
I guess it’s like collecting fine art but for me it’s like buying an engraved screwdriver with gold inlay. I guess it’s just the blue collar redneck in me, no offense intended.

 

[Mk-211]

Some of those spirits are scary yo!

 

[Jsega51]

the joy of collecting knifes

This would make a good title for a kid’s book, you should right one!

 

[mitchnola]

I totally get collecting art knives or even safe queens but over the years I’ve found it’s just not for me. Just my preference but like the op if I can’t use it I let it go to someone who does appreciate safe queens.

 

[Terry M.]

Had a few knives that I wouldn’t use and had to let them go. Just couldn’t justify. Here’s one in full dress:

 

[Blues]

I've divested my collection of most all of what might be considered high end "art" knives...though I still have a few high end but extremely functional traditional knives made by makers who are friends.

There is room for both in a collection, depending upon one's means and tastes. Collecting, (and using), covers a broad spectrum and the hobby is the better for it, in my humble opinion.

 

[1oldthro]

I've divested my collection of most all of what might be considered high end "art" knives...though I still have a few high end but extremely functional traditional knives made by makers who are friends.

There is room for both in a collection, depending upon one's means and tastes. Collecting, (and using), covers a broad spectrum and the hobby is the better for it, in my humble opinion.

I like Blues comment “means and tastes”, I have the taste for a Great Eastern Ebony Wood Whaler just not the means

 

[edgelion]

A geek I am, appreciate some fantasy knives, swords, etc., and have collected some. I shoot for the really cheap ones that I like, pre-owned, even, because I have zero expectation of performance from them. It's not terribly removed from "art" knives for being a frivolity, but I dare not let it become an exorbitant branch of my hobby.

Not gonna lie, though, it'd be pretty cool to mount a 1/1 Buster Warenski in a display case in the den, but that would be of greater material worth than everything I own, combined.

 

[Insipid Moniker]

I buy knives because I want to carry and use them, but I also love to see the amazing art pieces that some of the members here collect.

I think one of the coolest things about Bladeforums is seeing how other people approach their collections and one of the most annoying things is the folks that will tell you that you're collecting the wrong way.

 

[1oldthro]

I buy knives because I want to carry and use them, but I also love to see the amazing art pieces that some of the members here collect.

I think one of the coolest things about Bladeforums is seeing how other people approach their collections and one of the most annoying things is the folks that will tell you that you're collecting the wrong way.

agreed, I’m constantly coming across knives costing a couple grand that I would love to own and I wonder who I might be if I had a multimillion income, someone with an engraved screwdriver with golden inlay in there tool box?
My jealousy is dangerously exposed.

 

[Blues]

agreed, I’m constantly coming across knives costing a couple grand that I would love to own and I wonder who I might be if I had a multimillion income, someone with an engraved screwdriver with golden inlay in there tool box?
My jealousy is dangerously exposed.

I appreciate all the great knives that other members own, but I've never felt jealousy, envy or resentment.

I don't think that being able to afford a particular knife or not is the bottom line. It's more about where it would fit within the continuum of what I gravitate toward aesthetically, collect or intend to use. There are lots of knives I could afford to buy...but many of those might cause buyer's remorse in their wake. And not infrequently, it's the less flashy, less expensive knives that I buy that seem to satisfy the most. Especially when supporting a worthy maker on the rise...whether production or custom. Go figure.

 

[norcalAF]

I like Blues comment “means and tastes”, I have the taste for a Great Eastern Ebony Wood Whaler just not the means

I got a champagne taste on a beer budget!

 

[norcalAF]

I buy knives because I want to carry and use them, but I also love to see the amazing art pieces that some of the members here collect.

I think one of the coolest things about Bladeforums is seeing how other people approach their collections and one of the most annoying things is the folks that will tell you that you're collecting the wrong way.

Well, see, that's where you're wrong.

 

[Chefget]

Love using nice knives!

Got a pretty nice car and I use it. Don't go muddin' with it but don't keep it in the garage either.

Same with knives. Don't bushcraft with my knives but use them for the little knife deeds in life, considerate of the fine, sharp instruments that they are.

Same as in the kitchen; love using fine kitchen knives! Might even make the food taste better!! (Side note: why do so many knife collectors settle for crappie kitchen knives?)

Though some knives like the Hansen's are more towards the 'art' and less 'knife'. Once bought a D/A stiletto from D.Ralph. When i mentioned it was a sharp as a bowling ball he said it was an 'Art Knife'. Yeah, no.

Face it, to a non-knife person the idea of using a $350 Benchmade is insane. Cripes it's just a pocket knife, $350 dollars!!!!

I don't mind spending money on a fine instrument and using it respectfully. One of the 'cheats' I take in life is an overly fine knife.

Could be very expensive autos
Could be a huge wine cellar
Could be a pocketful of blow

"Life's too short to own an ugly knife"
-A.T.Barr

 

[Danke42]

I got a champagne taste on a beer budget!

I got beer taste on a water budget