Building a collection....

Joined
Jun 8, 2009
Messages
14
First off a sincere thank you to everyone who's contributed to this forum. I have a lot to learn but the exposure to different opinions has shortened the curve! Recently purchased my 1st knife, a RAT RC-5 which I can't help but think will be a valued workhorse one day soon. My interest in Emerson knives brought me to these forums, and a CQC-8 SF and Spyderco Sharpmaker are en route as I type.

After browsing the forums I've 'locked on' to a couple of knives I'd like to get:

-Sebenza 21 (for EDC)
-Dozier Slim Hunter
-BRKT Bravo 1 or 2

I realize Emerson's are a lighting rod topic here and appreciate the different views, but I wanted one and it's shipped, so no use debating that one. Question is, are the other knives I have in mind classics to build upon or am I falling for the hype? Just wanted some opinions. TIA...

Russ
 
I don’t own any of those knives, but one that is under-hyped that I would like to mention is the Ontario Rat 1 folder. It is my favorite knife and it sets a high standard for knives in that price range (25 to 35 bucks). A lot of people will tell you the Tenacious is the way to go, but I have both and think the Ontario Rat 1 is way better. I would add it to any collection.

Here is a review, if you are interested: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfTiuenwSjw
 
I'm not sure what the controversy is over emerson, somebody want to point me to a thread?

But the knives you listed are good knives, you're definitly on the right track
 
Building a collection takes some thought. Alot of thought. Do you have a paticular style of knife that you want to collect? Narrow it down and then begin to accuire the pieces. Stay away from the cheap production knives. One great knife in a collection is better than a dozen 'OK' knives as you will loose all interest in them down the road. Trust me, been there done that.
 
I collect simply by getting what I find and like.

No real thoughts on the next one usually.

Having said that the knives you've picked are known to be quality pieces. But if I'd have that kind of money lying around I'd probably go the custom route instead. There's something cool about knowing that yours is the only one like it in the entire world.
 
Building a collection takes some thought. Alot of thought.

Does it?

I just look at a knife, if I like it, I buy it. If I don't like it I don't buy it. Simple as that. Maybe what I have is not a collection, but an accumulation!:D

Kind regards,

Jos
 
when i started, i had fairly narrow tastes.

i had a couple chris reeves and a benchmade. i learned a lot here, and have widely broadened my appreciation for many makers.

i have also recently become interested in slipjoints, and have three very nice ones (alsdorf, kr johnson).

now i like: emerson, spyderco, crk, busse, dozier, strider, caswell, hinderer.

i think like many others here, when i see something i really like, i try and acquire it. ive bought, sold, and traded. sometimes i feel like my collection is losing direction, and i thin it out. i typically use/carry everything i buy, and when something is being totally neglected, i tend to put it on the exchange so someone who will appreciate it will own it.
 
I just look at a knife, if I like it, I buy it. If I don't like it I don't buy it. Simple as that. Maybe what I have is not a collection, but an accumulation!:D

I collect folders.

I cant be more specific because i buy what appeals ME, either as a user or a draw queen.

Every thing I have has CERTAIN SOMETHING about it that Attracted me in the first place - materials,looks, seen it in a movie ten years ago just had to have one.:D

Just buy what you enjoy and you'll be Ok.
 
Does it?

I just look at a knife, if I like it, I buy it. If I don't like it I don't buy it. Simple as that. Maybe what I have is not a collection, but an accumulation!:D

Kind regards,

Jos
Same here......well....if it fits in the budget anyway.
 
I buy knives to use, and some just because they are fun. I also buy knives for my collection. My collection is hanging on the wall in display cases. Only knives that make me smile when I look at them go into the display cases. So I guess it depends on what you consider 'a collection."
 
this pretty much mirrors how I evolved as a collector. presently I'm really into slippies, but I like a nice skinner, and I can't seem to pass up a good deal on a tact folder, and disco'ed productions makes me feel like sayin "I'll take it" or offer a possible swap and.....well you get the idea lol:eek::D:thumbup:
when i started, i had fairly narrow tastes.

i had a couple chris reeves and a benchmade. i learned a lot here, and have widely broadened my appreciation for many makers.

i have also recently become interested in slipjoints, and have three very nice ones (alsdorf, kr johnson).

now i like: emerson, spyderco, crk, busse, dozier, strider, caswell, hinderer.

i think like many others here, when i see something i really like, i try and acquire it. ive bought, sold, and traded. sometimes i feel like my collection is losing direction, and i thin it out. i typically use/carry everything i buy, and when something is being totally neglected, i tend to put it on the exchange so someone who will appreciate it will own it.
 
Does it?

I just look at a knife, if I like it, I buy it. If I don't like it I don't buy it. Simple as that. Maybe what I have is not a collection, but an accumulation!:D

Kind regards,

Jos


I'm the same way. In the rare occasion i don't like the feel of the knife when it arrives i usually get my money back selling it on the bay.
 
whoa.. wait.. you want your RC5 to be your workhorse "one day soon" It should be right now, and for the rest of your life!
 
My collection is based on diversity. Each knife I own has to have a new feature to it- the trick is coming up with what the new feature is. Plus I use my collection when designing knives, take out 20 or so of various types and get the feel for each one with a starting point for design in mind.

You either start with a plan for your collection or time makes one for you, it doesn't really matter in the end unless you are in it for money (DON"T BE!!-IMO). Over time you will discover what you like and dislike and you will adjust your collecting or collection appropriately. If you never sell/trade a thing, or if you buy frequently but maintain a base number in your collection is up to the individual but still is knife collecting.
 
I don’t own any of those knives, but one that is under-hyped that I would like to mention is the Ontario Rat 1 folder. It is my favorite knife and it sets a high standard for knives in that price range (25 to 35 bucks). A lot of people will tell you the Tenacious is the way to go, but I have both and think the Ontario Rat 1 is way better. I would add it to any collection.

Here is a review, if you are interested: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfTiuenwSjw


I'm also interested in getting one of those, what color blade do you have?
 
IMO, it's a great collection if YOU like it. You can't go wrong with a Sebenza. Everyone should have at least one. Dozier Knives, again IMO, nobody makes a better hunting/skinning knife than Bob Dozier. I have two of his skinners and would not think about going hunting without them. Bob is the Master of D2 steel.
 
Let me suggest an Emerson CQC7b. That along with the Spyderco Endura are the knives which fathered the tactical knives movement.
 
Collection might have been an ambitious word given that I'm about 3 weeks into my interest in knives, but since I can empathize with the addiction I figured I probably wouldn't stop after getting my 1st.

Jake B...pretty funny and pretty accurate. It's my only knife and it's in my hand so much my johnson's getting jealous. The RC-5 is a BEAST and I'm taking it out tomorrow.

Thanks for all the comments and suggestions. Haven't been a fan of Spydercos looks since I first laid eyes on them, but people here rave about them so it might be a case where function edges out appearance. I imagine it's gets prettier every time you use it.

Never heard anything but glowing reports on Doziers and appreciate the additional confirmation.

Obviously I agree that acquiring knives is a personal choice and if I like them I should snag them, but reading people's input and experiences helps me hone in on ones that I'm intrigued by.
 
Collection might have been an ambitious word given that I'm about 3 weeks into my interest in knives, but since I can empathize with the addiction I figured I probably wouldn't stop after getting my 1st.

Jake B...pretty funny and pretty accurate. It's my only knife and it's in my hand so much my johnson's getting jealous. The RC-5 is a BEAST and I'm taking it out tomorrow.

Thanks for all the comments and suggestions. Haven't been a fan of Spydercos looks since I first laid eyes on them, but people here rave about them so it might be a case where function edges out appearance. I imagine it's gets prettier every time you use it.

Never heard anything but glowing reports on Doziers and appreciate the additional confirmation.

Obviously I agree that acquiring knives is a personal choice and if I like them I should snag them, but reading people's input and experiences helps me hone in on ones that I'm intrigued by.


It is very true with spyders. I was the exact same way when I stumbled on these forums. Now I love them and they really appeal to me. Once you actually use a spyderco, you appreciate the beauty of quality and function and that eventually rubs off and you love the looks too. Just like a good women I guess :)

As far as your collection is concerned, I think you have made some great selections. I have had the Bravo 1 for a while now and I love the knife. I also picked up my large sebenza 21 a few weeks ago and I am in love with this knife. It will be my main edc for a long time I think--nothing I have can beat it:).

One thing I have found with collecting knives is that the knives I use are the ones I love. Something empty about a non used knife. They look great and are fun to fondle but they lack character. I don't buy knives anymore unless I was to use them. Helps be spend less and I really enjoy the knives I get. Your mileage may vary:)
 
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