At what point do knives become too nice to use?

D

dr0

Joined
Apr 3, 2007
Messages
102
I'm interested in where other people draw the line on using expensive knives.

Clearly there are some knives that are created as "knife art" and not intended to be used, or at least used hard, and these often feature incredible details and materials, Damascus steel, mother-of pearl or other exotic handle materials, etched or engraved blades. That's understandable and not really the question I'm asking. (Aside: I don't really like super-fancy knives and don't own any.)

I have a about 1/2 a dozen "safe queens", mostly fixed blade knives I really loved when I bought them, and still think are really awesome. Even though I only pull them out to play with every blue moon or so I still enjoy possessing them. Some have grown more valuable over time, so could legitimately be considered "collectors" knives at this point.

For instance I have an original SOG Trident, in mint shape, with the original sheath. I suspect it's worth a couple of hundred dollars. Do I take it camping? No, I don't. (In fact, if I was going to use it I think I'd buy the current version for $100 an thrash that.)

When I go out camping I take my Ontario RAT-6, which I've used for everything from a fireplace poker to a shovel, on occasion. (In fact, thinking about it I suspect one reason the RAT and ESEE knives are so popular is that they are solid, but not special enough to feel bad about using flagrantly.)

Lately I've been thinking about getting a really nice Bowie knife by a custom maker, it's about $600. But I wonder if I would really use it, or if would just be a nice piece of steel in the gun safe keeping the few others company?

Do you use expensive knives for hard work? Where do you draw the line, if you have one?
 
A knife is only "too nice to use" when you feel uncomfortable using it because of perceived beauty or value. My line is all over the place, honestly. $300 auto? I treat it like a $5 gas station knife. $120 San Mai fixed blade? Currently in limbo because I can't bring myself to put marks on it yet.
 
It's not just monetary value either, now that I think about it. There is an X factor involved.

Safe Queens:

Original SOG Trident
Original 1980s Cold Steel "San Mai" Tanto
Buck Frontiersman
Custom Shop Buck 110
Strider Fixed Blade, about 5" (forget model names)

Users:

RAT-6
Ontario Air-Force "bolt" knife
Blackie Collins 12" Machete
Case Stag Slabside (Large) (lighter stuff, and dress up)
Benchmade Dive Knife
 
The only folder that is a Safe Queen is an original Al Mar SERE. I'm pretty sure that has some value, and it's not as good a carry knife as more modern designs with pocket clip, but it is totally awesome.
 
Depends on everybodys priorities.
There isnt even a money barrier so to speak.
A $600 Knife advertised as indestructible and backed by multiple lifetimes warranty you can bet I use it that way.
Some historical Kukri even if it costs just $100 will be babied by me.
 
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*checks in to see if Blues Bender has responded to thread yet*

[He has not]

*Will check back later*

all my knives get used except a SAK I got that was my grandfather's. I had used it, and almost lost it too many times, so now it sits in the safe because I'd never forgive myself if I lost it.
 
dr0 said:
Lately I've been thinking about getting a really nice Bowie knife by a custom maker, it's about $600. But I wonder if I would really use it, or if would just be a nice piece of steel in the gun safe keeping the few others company?

Do you use expensive knives for hard work? Where do you draw the line, if you have one?
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Use it...don't use it. Whatever makes you happy, you know? Nothing wrong either way.

And everybody's "line" is different, like Jens S noted. Some people beat on $1500 knives....some have $100 safe queens.

Just do what makes you happy. :thumbup:

( I have some of both...users and safe queens. My users are pretty inexpensive....just because there are so many really good inexpensive knives out there...Vic SAKs, Opinels, etc...they seem to bump mid priced knives out of my pocket!)
 
I would say anything under 10K is good to go for using. Of course that number has progressed upward over the years. To put it into perspective. My buddy has knives that are all art that start out at 25K-100K. At get-togethers you should see the security he brings. All my blades have always been tools. Most I never used but I could. Just perspective I guess.
 
eon blue apocalypse said:
*checks in to see if Blues Bender has responded to thread yet*

[He has not]

*Will check back later*

all my knives get used except a SAK I got that was my grandfather's. I had used it, and almost lost it too many times, so now it sits in the safe because I'd never forgive myself if I lost it.
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This was my same reason for clicking on the thread!:thumbup:
 
I carry all of my knives, that being said when I have my Custom Emerson in my pocket there is usually a production beater knife in my back pocket for real work as if I were to seriously damage that knife I would probably vomit everywhere.
 
I too carry all my knives, but I think that's because I buy them with the intent to use them, rather than just collect them. I think the only way I'd refrain from using a knife, other than just not liking it as much as other knives, would be because I was planning on selling it to someone else. In either case, I think the decision would be made before buying the thing.
 
Only got one I call a safe queen. Puma Skinner made in 66 according to the marking on it. Did use it a couple times for deer processing but hesitate now when I see the prices paid for the carbon steel vintage ones.
 
AKWILD said:
I would say anything under 10K is good to go for using. Of course that number has progressed upward over the years. To put it into perspective. My buddy has knives that are all art that start out at 25K-100K. At get-togethers you should see the security he brings. All my blades have always been tools. Most I never used but I could. Just perspective I guess.
Click to expand...

Would love to see that do you guys go to any knife shows up here? I'm in wasilla
 
Comeuppance said:
A knife is only "too nice to use" when you feel uncomfortable using it because of perceived beauty or value. My line is all over the place, honestly. $300 auto? I treat it like a $5 gas station knife. $120 San Mai fixed blade? Currently in limbo because I can't bring myself to put marks on it yet.
Click to expand...

marcinek said:
Use it...don't use it. Whatever makes you happy, you know? Nothing wrong either way.
And everybody's "line" is different, like Jens S noted. Some people beat on $1500 knives....some have $100 safe queens.
Click to expand...


I think you have it. A knife needs to be used, not using it seems like a waste and somehow the knife is not being fully appreciated. So if you have a knife that you really like and intend to keep for a long time, then use it. If you have a knife that you aren't sure about yet, and you might want to sell it, you can hold off a bit and not affect the value. I also recognize that knife enthusiasts can be very fickle and the knife that you buy today and you want to keep forever may be for sale tomorrow. But still there is room for a knife that you do expect to keep a long time. I've also noticed that I have bought some custom knives in the past that would never be worth as much to a buyer as they are to me so it doesn't hurt to use them.
 
marcinek said:
Use it...don't use it. Whatever makes you happy, you know? Nothing wrong either way.

And everybody's "line" is different, like Jens S noted. Some people beat on $1500 knives....some have $100 safe queens.

Just do what makes you happy. :thumbup:

( I have some of both...users and safe queens. My users are pretty inexpensive....just because there are so many really good inexpensive knives out there...Vic SAKs, Opinels, etc...they seem to bump mid priced knives out of my pocket!)
Click to expand...

Yup. Personally, I don't buy knives that I won't happily use at this point, but that's what helps me enjoy them. And I still have safe queens for various sentimental reasons. One is a Buck Metro that was a user for more than a decade that my grandfather gifted me one Christmas. When he passed away it came off my keychain and has been retired ever since. Another is a gorgeous M. Nieto lockback my parents bought me in Spain on a cruise they went on. It's all about personal reasons and what makes you happy.
 
when constant use will damage the scrimshaw handle, wear out the gold plate on the guard and pommel, as well as the scrollwork and gold inlay on the blade itself.

online photos:
595265-Randall%2012-9%20RBS%20Resized.jpg

fixed-blade-knife-soaring-eagle-dagger-scrollwork-with-sheath-721121d32ac360725e396aa5af9b31d3.jpg

twl6.jpg
 
I draw the line by knowing what the knife will handle. I'd stick a $400 Sebenza in a muddy pond and kick it through gravel with out a problem, the knife would be fine. I wouldn't do that with a $30 SAK though, that would be stupid:D
 
I don't like buying stuff just to look at it, no matter what the cost. Even when I buy a knife I don't intend on using, I still toy around with it, scratch it up, carry it around the house, etc.
 
I haven't ran into a blade im not willing to use yet. One thing that helps me to use a knife that i want to stay 'pretty' is knowing that i can always get back that way. Plenty of knife makers/custom workers that can clean up, cerakote, and do just about anything you want to it.
If i did come across something really rare though, i would probably safe queen it.
 
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