Building my collection back up again... would appreciate your opinions

[silenthunterstudios]

After stripping down my collection considerably to about 30 pieces (EDC's, ones in the drawer and roll/cases, in my tackle box, and in my truck!), I'm buying up a lot more. My want list has a fair number of production models, and some customs that are, right now, out of my league. I already have models that suit all of my needs, basically fishing, EDC (light work), and camping/hiking. I'm starting to get into small game hunting, and might use some of my collection for that. Right now, I have

Buck 110 custom damascus/stag scales, stockman 301, 315 yachtsman, Cadet 303;
Spyderco Pacific Salt yellow handles SE, Military black blade CE, Native PE, Native III SE, Spyderfly PE;
SOG Twitch II PE;
Kershaw Splinter cocobolo PE;
Case medium amber bone stockman;
Becker BK10 Crewman;
Scott Gossman Razorback Knives camp knife with African buffalo horn handles;
Benchmade Nimravus Cub, Outbounder, Apparition;
Mora utility;
Rapala lg and small filet utility;
Spencer British Navy marlin spike;
Victorinox Swiss Champ;
Leatherman Juice, new Wave;
Cold Steel Bushman, Kukri machete;
Western W36
and I just won a Queen Mountain Man cocobolo...


I am looking at the following. As you can see, all of my "needs" are met by the collection above, but a pretty piece turns my head. I've "graduated" to mainly Benchmades and Spydercos, and I don't want a BM vs Spydie war, or a Chris Reeve vs Strider war. The models below are listed with their intended uses, and with the questions I have about them. I do want some more information about these pieces, I have done searches on this site, but I guess what I really want is a pat on the back, and a "Yeah, SHS, you can buy these .


Benchmade 551 Griptilian(this will be my new EDC, until my next flavor of the week) Presidio (I like the design, I don't know if I really want it, if I decide to get this model, should I get the Mini Presidio instead, I don't really need any big folders), Nimravus (I like my Nim Cub, but I've heard that the Nimravus gets uncomfortable after prolonged use, your observations?), 705 (I just like the design), 42 balisong (I wanna customize it with wood scales ) (all PE)

Case amber bone large stockman, preferably carbon steel blades (I haven't seen any with carbon steel blades, this would just be a weekend knife, I don't really hard use my stockmans)

Kabar full size serrated black handle/black blade 1214 (this will just be a back of the truck utility, does it deserve better?)

Kellam Wolverine (I really like this design, but have no specific use for it in mind)

Marbles Woodcraft stacked leather handle (another really pretty traditional piece)

Queen Cutlery large and medium stockman cocobolo (these will pretty much serve my want for a stockman with quality steel)

Randall Model 1, Model 5(just want to see what all of the hype is about)

Spyderco Assist I (yeah, it's goofy, but I want a truck folder, and this seemed appropos), Atlantic Salt(I already have a good belt knife for the water, but I wanted this one too), Manix (for the EDC rotation, should I get the mini Manix or the full size? ), Salt yellow handles (a pocket Salt for fishing)

Swamp Rat Camp Tramp, Ratweiler, Rat Daddy (I just really like the Swamp Rat design, I will get some Busse in the future, but I'm going to stick to being a Rat for now)

I decided to omit the Strider and Chris Reeve stuff that I want, as that always starts a war on these forums. For the record, I want several models from both companies.

I have asked for reviews on some of the above before, I've done research, I've searched on Bladeforums for information. This is more than just making conversation, I really would like to hear your opinions. I'm not looking for any particular purpose to my collection, I think I'm leaning more toward whatever turns my head. Like I said before, I think I am just looking for some approval mainly, on the above models. Anyway, you guys and gals seem to like looking at knife collections (I promise a picture). Thanks in advance.

 

[Quiet Storm]

If I was you, I'd put a bit more of a focus on knives that have something in common. For example, I almost exclusively buy knives that match certain criteria that I want in a defensive knife - I'm more of an accumulator though.

There is a pretty heavy bias towards medium to large combat/utility fixed blades in your list. Let me suggest expanding on that theme, and maybe upgrade.

That could, for example, mean that you leave the folders out and instead buy a traditional leather-handled Ka-Bar in addition to the one you listed. Buy one Swamp Rat instead of three and get a Busse instead.
Take a look at some of Cold Steel's and SOG's offerings in the higher end large fixed blade department, like the Military Classic or Trident II.

Consider buying an Entrek.

Get one or two fixed Striders and a Chris Reeve Green Beret and one model of their one-piece line. Instead of buying more of these, get another Randall.

To satisfy your folder needs, get one or two really good folders and an inexpensive Mora plus a high quality multitool that fill the EDC utility folder/fixed blade beater niche, use them and don't consider them part of the collection.

Just a suggestion.

 

[djolney]

If you really want the Marbles look for an old one: the new ones are not that well made, and there are some questions about materials. Check out Northwoods or Wolverine if you want a good traditional production knife.

Two of the Swamp Rats you mention are always available, so get something that may not be available later on while it’s available. The Busse Satin Jack TAC is available from the Busse Company Store at the moment.

 

[jujigatame]

The 520 Presidio is a big heavy duty folder, built like the proverbial tank. Since you already have a Military, which is bigger than the 520, I'd say look at the 525 Mini Presidio. Same build quality and great design in a smaller package. I love my 520 but I'm considering replacing it with a 525.