Buy expensive knives, carry cheap ones. My dilemma.

[The Aflac Duck]

I think what is closed-minded is to act like we assume that most people have "more or less" the same resources, and "more or less" the same range of disposable income. I say "act like" we assume that, because I know we are smarter than that.

The most expensive knife I own is worth around $200 or less. I could afford more expensive knives, but I have other priorities, limited resources, and none more expensive right now that are "calling my name". I've had more expensive knives in the past that I sold, simply because I wasn't using them. They were safe queens.

But I remember a time when the most expensive knife I owned was worth less than $75, and I was extremely happy with it, and hesitant to use it. Because at the time, I wasn't sure if I would EVER be able to reasonably afford anything more than that. I think it's pretty arrogant and borderline obnoxious to talk down to people who are concerned about their "inexpensive" knives that cost $300 or less.

Some of the worst excuses for human beings and biggest wastes of oxygen I have ever known had a ton of money. Some of the best people I've ever known were dirt poor. If you judge people mostly based on their socio-economic status, in my opinion, that means there's something wrong with your judgement, if not your character.

I hear ya man. We all value our dollars differently depending on how many of them we have. $600 to one may be $5000 to another. If someone poor found a rat 1 or buck 110 new in box, he may put it a drawer and never use it, whereas someone with more money may edc it and thrash it. It's all relative. Therefore to tell someone not to have a collection of unused knives of any price is to not have a grasp of reality. Some guys buy a corvette as their dream car and baby it. Other guys buy a Ferrari as their baby and thump on their vette. And some have a private jet and will burn out clutches on both and not care. Again, it's all relative. If some guy tells me that I'm inferior because I don't shred my vette, I'd say he's closed-minded to my personal situation.

You guys obviously have no idea what the hell you're talking about...

Never once did I "act like" or "assume" that everyone has the same resources. To assume that I did is close-minded.

I've lived the lifestyle where I could only afford a less-than-$20 knife, but even then, I would use it. You guys seem to think I'm ignorant/arrogant because of the picture I posted. Would you have felt better if I posted a pic of my cheap old chinese beater knife instead?

My point is that it's all about your state of mind. If all you can afford is a $10 Opinel, I would encourage you to use it and get the most out of your investment. If you can afford a $1,000 knife, I would still encourage you to use it.

Personally, I think it's silly to own a knife of any monetary value and not use it. Financial situation has nothing to do with it, nor did I intend it to. My comment was refering to your mental situation, and not financial situation.

Please, before you assume that I'm some big shot who looks down at others with knives that don't cost as much as the posted Rockstead, get to know me first. Being close-minded and assuming things about me is flat out ignorant.

In the last week, I've given away a Manix to a forum member, a set of Mule Team scales to someone, and made a strop for another forum buddy...all for free... If anything, I'd say I like to help others out and am a giving individual rather than a close-minded one.

I'm very happy to be in the situation I'm in, and I'm blessed that I have the honor to carry a Rockstead. Not that long ago, I was driving a car that costs less than that very knife and was living in a trailer park eating Ramen noodles. I know about living on a budget very well...

 

[Nap]

Why do we have to judge people based on their attitudes toward their collections? It doesn't seem any different from judging a person's personal aesthetics and telling them that they're an idiot for preferring overbuilt titanium framelocks or traditional slipjoints or what have you.

My most expensive knives are actually my heavy-duty fixed blades, and I bought them to be used. I also have some fancy folders that I'm a bit gentler with, though I still use them, mostly because I know I can sharpen them up later. (I confess that I do also keep a tougher and/or more disposable knife in my bag, just in case.)

But if someone wants to buy a Sebenza just for apples and peanut butter, more power to him. On the flip side, if he wants to use it to pry open paint cans, it's his knife to use.

 

[rje58]

Blues Bender,

Please accept my apology. It was not my intention to offend you, or to imply you aren't a good person. I hope no one inferred that from my post! And I wasn't specifically directing it at you - nor do I accuse anyone of anything.

What I did was outline certain types of behavior that I do think is arrogant, without accusing you or anyone else of that type of behavior. Again, I apologize if I didn't communicate clearly, and gave you or anyone else the wrong impression.

That said, I think it's easy for me, or someone else, to get the wrong impression, as well, when you post things like:

"You see, the problem is that we're not talking about a $30,000 Ron Lake knife. We're talking about knives in the $300-600 range, which is quite on the low-end when you consider that many people are shelling out $800-1500 quite often these days."

This left me with the impression that you might be implying that people whose financial means - or any other factor - causes them to consider a "$300-$600" as "expensive" in their world - were somehow close-minded or lacking in some way (other than financially) - or worse. Obviously, I was wrong, based on your reply.

It wasn't clear to me that your message was "I believe in using any knife - perhaps short of a $30,000 Ron Lake - and don't understand those who feel otherwise." Maybe I still don't understand your message, if that's not what you were trying to say, either. Again, I'm willing to accept responsibility for any poor communication skills or lack of understanding on my end.

My intent was not to be critical or confrontational, and if my posts came across that way - again, I apologize.

You guys obviously have no idea what the hell you're talking about...

Never once did I "act like" or "assume" that everyone has the same resources. To assume that I did is close-minded.

I've lived the lifestyle where I could only afford a less-than-$20 knife, but even then, I would use it. You guys seem to think I'm ignorant/arrogant because of the picture I posted. Would you have felt better if I posted a pic of my cheap old chinese beater knife instead?

My point is that it's all about your state of mind. If all you can afford is a $10 Opinel, I would encourage you to use it and get the most out of your investment. If you can afford a $1,000 knife, I would still encourage you to use it.

Personally, I think it's silly to own a knife of any monetary value and not use it. Financial situation has nothing to do with it, nor did I intend it to. My comment was refering to your mental situation, and not financial situation.

Please, before you assume that I'm some big shot who looks down at others with knives that don't cost as much as the posted Rockstead, get to know me first. Being close-minded and assuming things about me is flat out ignorant.

In the last week, I've given away a Manix to a forum member, a set of Mule Team scales to someone, and made a strop for another forum buddy...all for free... If anything, I'd say I like to help others out and am a giving individual rather than a close-minded one.

I'm very happy to be in the situation I'm in, and I'm blessed that I have the honor to carry a Rockstead. Not that long ago, I was driving a car that costs less than that very knife and was living in a trailer park eating Ramen noodles. I know about living on a budget very well...

 

[The Aflac Duck]

Why do we have to judge people based on their attitudes toward their collections? It doesn't seem any different from judging a person's personal aesthetics and telling them that they're an idiot for preferring overbuilt titanium framelocks or traditional slipjoints or what have you.

My most expensive knives are actually my heavy-duty fixed blades, and I bought them to be used. I also have some fancy folders that I'm a bit gentler with, though I still use them, mostly because I know I can sharpen them up later. (I confess that I do also keep a tougher and/or more disposable knife in my bag, just in case.)

But if someone wants to buy a Sebenza just for apples and peanut butter, more power to him. On the flip side, if he wants to use it to pry open paint cans, it's his knife to use.

I don't judge anyone because of what they do with their knives. However, I do find some things that people do here to be kinda silly (like not using your expensive knives).

To me, it's no different than joking with your buddy about how he "shoulda bought a Ford". It's not a judgment, it's mostly in jest and says nothing about the persons character. We all have different opinions and ideologies, and this place would be boring if we all agree on one unanimous opinion.

 

[jasonp]

I'm a knife user so they all pretty much get used to some extent. That being said, I do have a few safe queens that I'd like to leave for my kids.

 

[The Aflac Duck]

Blues Bender,

Please accept my apology. It was not my intention to offend you, or to imply you aren't a good person. I hope no one inferred that from my post! And I wasn't specifically directing it at you - nor do I accuse anyone of anything.

What I did was outline certain types of behavior that I do think is arrogant, without accusing you or anyone else of that type of behavior. Again, I apologize if I didn't communicate clearly, and gave you or anyone else the wrong impression.

That said, I think it's easy for me, or someone else, to get the wrong impression, as well, when you post things like:

"You see, the problem is that we're not talking about a $30,000 Ron Lake knife. We're talking about knives in the $300-600 range, which is quite on the low-end when you consider that many people are shelling out $800-1500 quite often these days."

This left me with the impression that you might be implying that people whose financial means - or any other factor - causes them to consider a "$300-$600" as "expensive" in their world - were somehow close-minded or lacking in some way (other than financially) - or worse. Obviously, I was wrong, based on your reply.

It wasn't clear to me that your message was "I believe in using any knife - perhaps short of a $30,000 Ron Lake - and don't understand those who feel otherwise." Maybe I still don't understand your message, if that's not what you were trying to say, either. Again, I'm willing to accept responsibility for any poor communication skills or lack of understanding on my end.

My intent was not to be critical or confrontational, and if my posts came across that way - again, I apologize.

No worries my friend!

That's exactly the point I was trying to get across. I don't literally mean that a $300-600 knife is not expensive (it is!). But relatively speaking, that amount is not that much $ in the knife world. Kinda like how a $40,000 BMW is expensive, but not really if you look outside the box and realize that there are a lot of cars that push $100,000+ (Now that is expensive).

Anyways, I think it's much more rewarding to put your knives to use. I feel that you don't get your money's-worth unless you use it for what it was made for: cutting things!

I believe in getting the most out of life while it lasts. I wouldn't want to be on my death-bed wondering about how that knife I never used actually performs I wanna look back and remember how much enjoyment I got out of using said knife!

 

[22-rimfire]

I doubt I'll be thinking about knives on my death bed. As I said before, do what feels good for you and who cares what other people think about value, why you have so many knives, and so forth. It is not a race. It is a hobby and about fun. I chuckle at the other thread and going below his $300 minimum..... I don't have many knives that cost more than $300 and they are mostly handmade knives. To each his/her own is what I say.

 

[The Aflac Duck]

I doubt I'll be thinking about knives on my death bed.

Apparently, my smiley wasn't sarcastic enough

As I said before, do what feels good for you and who cares what other people think about value, why you have so many knives, and so forth. It is not a race. It is a hobby and about fun.

You say this...

I chuckle at the other thread and going below his $300 minimum..... I don't have many knives that cost more than $300 and they are mostly handmade knives. To each his/her own is what I say.

...but then you say this. Didn't you say "who cares what other people think about value"???

Seems a little hypocritical.

 

[GlockandBalls]

I don't judge anyone because of what they do with their knives. However, I do find some things that people do here to be kinda silly (like not using your expensive knives).

To me, it's no different than joking with your buddy about how he "shoulda bought a Ford". It's not a judgment, it's mostly in jest and says nothing about the persons character. We all have different opinions and ideologies, and this place would be boring if we all agree on one unanimous opinion.

I don't apologize, and I still think you're myopic and close-minded in regard to this topic. An open-minded approach would not refer to anyone as "silly" for any of their own personal choices regarding what they collect. It's not like we're talking about prying nails with an opinel 7 (which would warrant some criticism) You're essentially saying that in you're opinion it's silly if one has a collection of anything that they don't use. This is clearly flawed logic. Should I use the autographed baseballs on my shelf? I mean that's what they were made for. One with a grasp of reality realizes that it's ok if I want to collect them without a worry of how they perform. One with a closed-mind calls me silly. You're response draws parallels to one who is too proud to admit that their logic is flawwed. It's hard for people to admit that sort of thing. Maybe you should enroll in a logic course or even a math class. It's all basically the same, as logic comes from math and knowing how to divide the argument properly. It's ok man, you'll be ok. I'm going to go play a show and then smash my guitar because anyone who doesn't do that really doesn't get all the joy out of ending a show, and when they are on their death bed, they'll always wonder what its like.

 

[The Aflac Duck]

I don't apologize, and I still think you're myopic and close-minded in regard to this topic. An open-minded approach would not refer to anyone as "silly" for any of their own personal choices regarding what they collect. It's not like we're talking about prying nails with an opinel 7 (which would warrant some criticism) You're essentially saying that in you're opinion it's silly if one has a collection of anything that they don't use. This is clearly flawed logic. Should I use the autographed baseballs on my shelf? I mean that's what they were made for. One with a grasp of reality realizes that it's ok if I want to collect them without a worry of how they perform. One with a closed-mind calls me silly. You're response draws parallels to one who is too proud to admit that their logic is flawwed. It's hard for people to admit that sort of thing. Maybe you should enroll in a logic course or even a math class. It's all basically the same, as logic comes from math and knowing how to divide the argument properly. It's ok man, you'll be ok. I'm going to go play a show and then smash my guitar because anyone who doesn't do that really doesn't get all the joy out of ending a show, and when they are on their death bed, they'll always wonder what its like.

Actually, I have a degree in mathematics and I have aced many logic classes. Nice try though...

Again, we are all entitled to our opinion. In this case, you seem to think yours is the only right way:thumbup:

 

[22-rimfire]

Seems a little hypocritical.

Interesting comment and hypocritical never occurred to me. But not judgmental in this case. I don't really care if someone has a $1000 minimum on knives. I just buy what I like and can mostly afford. Of course that doesn't keep me from commenting.

 

[GlockandBalls]

Actually, I have a degree in mathematics and I have aced many logic classes. Nice try though...

Again, we are all entitled to our opinion. In this case, you seem to think yours is the only right way:thumbup:

Hahaha.. I'm sure you're worthy of rubbing elbows with the table members at Plato's Symposium. Nonetheless, your lack of societal awareness has been exposed. Do you have a sociology degree as well? If so it's done about as much as the others have. I eat brains for breakfast, chilled.. If you'd like to explain you're heightened sense of logic again I'll give you a chance to sound smart. So here's your question: Why is it not acceptable for someone to collect items they have no plan on using, but find joy in solely admiring?

 

[The Aflac Duck]

Hahaha.. I'm sure you're worthy of rubbing elbows with the table members at Plato's Symposium. Nonetheless, your lack of societal awareness has been exposed. Do you have a sociology degree as well? If so it's done about as much as the others have. I eat brains for breakfast, chilled.. If you'd like to explain you're heightened sense of logic again I'll give you a chance to sound smart. So here's your question: Why is it not acceptable for someone to collect items they have no plan on using, but find joy in solely admiring?

Wow! Somebody is sitting in their high-chair today!

When did I state that it's unacceptable? And to clarify, were specifically talking about knives and not signed baseballs, your stamp collection, or anything else...we're talking about cutting tools.

I said not using a knife is silly in my opinion. I don't care if you never use your knives, but I think that's silly. You really seem to jump to conclusions and take strong jabs at someone's character over such a simple concept.

I collect German steins and I have no plans on using them. I understand the concept of collecting. However, to me a knife is a tool and I don't get the point of placing such an object on a pedestal if it's a tool.

You see, we can discuss things without taking jabs at eachother, but I guess that logic escapes you...

 

[GlockandBalls]

You guys obviously have no idea what the hell you're talking about...

Never once did I "act like" or "assume" that everyone has the same resources. To assume that I did is close-minded.

I've lived the lifestyle where I could only afford a less-than-$20 knife, but even then, I would use it. You guys seem to think I'm ignorant/arrogant because of the picture I posted. Would you have felt better if I posted a pic of my cheap old chinese beater knife instead?

My point is that it's all about your state of mind. If all you can afford is a $10 Opinel, I would encourage you to use it and get the most out of your investment. If you can afford a $1,000 knife, I would still encourage you to use it.

Personally, I think it's silly to own a knife of any monetary value and not use it. Financial situation has nothing to do with it, nor did I intend it to. My comment was refering to your mental situation, and not financial situation.

Please, before you assume that I'm some big shot who looks down at others with knives that don't cost as much as the posted Rockstead, get to know me first. Being close-minded and assuming things about me is flat out ignorant.

In the last week, I've given away a Manix to a forum member, a set of Mule Team scales to someone, and made a strop for another forum buddy...all for free... If anything, I'd say I like to help others out and am a giving individual rather than a close-minded one.

I'm very happy to be in the situation I'm in, and I'm blessed that I have the honor to carry a Rockstead. Not that long ago, I was driving a car that costs less than that very knife and was living in a trailer park eating Ramen noodles. I know about living on a budget very well...

Look at your first line buddy. You initiated the insults and then felt the need to give a resume pertaining to your moral fiber and philanthropic nature. How quickly ones memory fades when their back is against the wall. Oh and beer steins are tools as well. Drinking tools.

 

[The Aflac Duck]

What are you trying to acomplish here?

You insult me, then you act like your opinion is superior. As I stated previously, we are entitled to our opinions. You seem to think that one opinion from someone dictates the whole person, then you go on about logic, Plato, Philosophy, Sociology, Mathematics

You are taking this way out of context, and I still think you don't know what you're arguing about.

Anyways, I'll stick to my opinion that knives are solely tools and meant to be used. I've never heard of someone that collects hammers, wrenches, or Sawzall's. As a construction worker, knives fall into the same category of "tools of the trade" to me. It might not make sense to you, but it does to me...

Please just drop this argument and agree to disagree with me. We're probably an inch away from receiving infractions...

 

[Charlie Mike]

 

[The Aflac Duck]

I agree. I don't know why I continue to engage in such a petty argument...

 

[GlockandBalls]

Why drop it? Isn't this what forums are about? To help others and debate.. Again, you initiated the insults. So I guess it does make sense that youre worried about an infraction. I just like to point out hypocrisy in our society.

So what if some people view knives as art. Are they silly for displaying their art and not using it? I just want to be clear on your stance.

 

[The Aflac Duck]

Why drop it? Isn't this what forums are about? To help others and debate.. Again, you initiated the insults. So I guess it does make sense that youre worried about an infraction. I just like to point out hypocrisy in our society.

So what if some people view knives as art. Are they silly for displaying their art and not using it? I just want to be clear on your stance.

My conversation is done with you on this forum. Ever heard of "Thread Drift"? We have successfully accomplished that here.

If you want to discuss philosophy, ethics, math, Plato, or any other areas of study...click on my username and email me:thumbup:

 

[GlockandBalls]

My conversation is done with you on this forum. Ever heard of "Thread Drift"? We have successfully accomplished that here.

If you want to discuss philosophy, ethics, math, Plato, or any other areas of study...click on my username and email me:thumbup:

I haven't drifted. My last post asks you specifically about knives and why someone may or may not use them. It directly relates to the subject. I don't see the problem here. But no need for emails. I'm confident that I've successfully defended those who don't like to be referred to as silly for their own personal choices about what they choose to collect.