Buying a working custom, and never use it?

S

sakoluvr

Joined
Jan 10, 2008
Messages
129
Who is guilty of this. Have you ever ordered a custom to use, maybe as a EDC, and then cannot bring yourself to use (and truly enjoy) it? I am guilty, but hate myself for it.:o
 
I do use the custom knives that I have purchased as users. However, there was the Ed Fowler Pronghorn that I purchased with the intent of using it. Other than to open a couple of boxes, I never did use it. That was when I decided to sell it.
 
Back when I was collecting old knives I found myself never using them because I wanted them to look like they did when I got them. :)

And still today, I made knives for myself to use and never have. I suppose that it's the new look that stops me. But most of the knives I made I sell and do not have them long. :thumbup:
 
I've had a lot of hunters,mostly stock removal knives,that I never used w/I "flipped" 'em
I guess,'cause I don't really get to hunt much.I used some of 'em just to cut some steaks in the kitchen,lol!
I really like small fixed blades I can "pocket".suits me better,no freaking out sheeple
I've had slipjoints & other folders I never carried after I got them.
Selling a lightly used & carried custom slipjoint,and getting close to your purchase price is tuff,unless by a certain few makers It seems that custom slipjoint collectors like 'em minty,just my opinion
But,I'm guilty as charged
-Vince
Edited in to add - Lately,I have 4 Tony Bose & 1 Reese bose custom slip,and a hunter by Reese,too
But as far as these slips I just mentioned & a couple were carried w/ I bought them,I feel,that even carried & used ,I can easily recoupe what I paid on the second market
The cost was way higher than other slips,but to me,the fit & finish,and perfection they are made to,combined with the idea they will hold thier value better,even used,is worth every penny
So,despite them costing me way more,I find I carry them more
Does that make any sense?
 
Hey Vince, is that an Ingram SLK II with stag scales you posted on the other site? Let me know when you want to flip that one over.
 
sakoluvr,"1200S" here on BF's now owns it.Big story behind that one,too
-Vince
 
sakoluvr said:
Who is guilty of this. Have you ever ordered a custom to use, maybe as a EDC, and then cannot bring yourself to use (and truly enjoy) it? I am guilty, but hate myself for it.:o
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There's one custom fixed blade I'm able to use because I asked the maker for an "exact" copy as well.

_______________

Thing about using a custom knife means eventually having to sharpen it - and that's what bothers me.
 
The reason why I buy customs is to have the pleasure of using them. A LOT!

The way I see it, a custom blade represents one of the last true handmade crafts and using it is a wonderful experience.

Nothing too expensive for me or I would be at a loss as to what to do.....:o
 
rifon2 said:
There's one custom fixed blade I'm able to use because I asked the maker for an "exact" copy as well.

_______________

Thing about using a custom knife means eventually having to sharpen it - and that's what bothers me.
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rifron2 You should try a Charles May Scandi ground custom.The bevel of the Scandi grind,acts as your "guide",VERY EASY to sharpen.And looking at one,you would think that the edge/blade geometry would make for a poor cutter,but I'll tell you,MISTAKE.They cut like you cannot believe
I think he can do any model in his line up in a Scandi grind
-Vince
 
VCM3 said:
rifron2 You should try a Charles May Scandi ground custom.The bevel of the Scandi grind,acts as your "guide",VERY EASY to sharpen.And looking at one,you would think that the edge/blade geometry would make for a poor cutter,but I'll tell you,MISTAKE.They cut like you cannot believe
I think he can do any model in his line up in a Scandi grind
-Vince
Click to expand...

I've seen many pics of those knives; they do look terrific

Thanks for the input :thumbup:
 
sakoluvr said:
Who is guilty of this. Have you ever ordered a custom to use, maybe as a EDC, and then cannot bring yourself to use (and truly enjoy) it? I am guilty, but hate myself for it.:o
Click to expand...

I do this all the time. I've carried and used a bunch of the knives that I've owned, but I've had even more that ended up as safe queens.
 
Ive actually ordered folders, carried them, and realized I was afraid to cut with them because I didn't want to mess them up. Then I just found that most of my time was spent flipping them open and closed. Pretty bad..
 
I always want to buy strong customs (xm-18, Q36, lochsa)

but i know for a fact i wont carry them when I get them
 
This topic pops up on the radar every few months.

If you are buying the knife as a USER, then you can feel guilty about not using it. Handmade custom knives are meant to be a step above production in quality, and that performance will show in usage.

But, how many users does a person need? Not all that many.

A COLLECTOR, on the other hand, will purchase far more knives than he/she needs, and will spend far more of their discretionary income supporting the industry in return, because of this.

A collector pays attention to the value of their inventory, and knows that a knife will lose a substantial portion of its value once it goes below mint/unused. Knives will come AND go on a consistent basis for many collectors. Not a bad thing.

My point, is that there is no reason to feel guilty about not using a handmade knife. Your priority is protecting your assets, not proving a knife's usefulness; that's the responsibility of the maker.

Coop
 
SharpByCoop said:
This topic pops up on the radar every few months.

If you are buying the knife as a USER, then you can feel guilty about not using it. Handmade custom knives are meant to be a step above production in quality, and that performance will show in usage.

But, how many users does a person need? Not all that many.

A COLLECTOR, on the other hand, will purchase far more knives than he/she needs, and will spend far more of their discretionary income supporting the industry in return, because of this.

A collector pays attention to the value of their inventory, and knows that a knife will lose a substantial portion of its value once it goes below mint/unused. Knives will come AND go on a consistent basis for many collectors. Not a bad thing.

My point, is that there is no reason to feel guilty about not using a handmade knife. Your priority is protecting your assets, not proving a knife's usefulness; that's the responsibility of the maker.

Coop
Click to expand...

Very well said Coop, as 100 years ago a man was dependent upon his knife for protection and livelihood. But these days how many REAL uses does the average person have for a knife in everyday life with the exception of preparing food and the occasional hunting trip?

Perhaps one could feel wise, not guilty for not creating ways to place wear on a custom knife that may cost hundreds or thousands when a less expensive knife will do.
 
MANY times, I buy them fully intending to use them but when the time comes I usually go back to a trusty old one thats seen lots of use. I have a few that I havent used because I dont want to sully the gorgeous wood, or get a smear on a hamon. Part of me really wants to use them, the other likes seeing them stay mint.
 
I am new at the custom knife game, so that is why I started this thread. I was not aware that this comes up from time to time. Here is my story:

I started out with a very nice Gene Ingram dropoint to be used for dressing out hogs and deer. I never realized how little effort it would take to dress game with a well balanced and super sharp knife. I have bloodied the heck out of it.

Then I decided I needed another one for EDC when it hit me. I bought another knife and another knife fooling myself that I would use them. I think I may sell a couple, and really only keep knives that I will use. I went through this with guns too. Buying them thinking how great a deer rifle such and such would be, only to be afraid to scratch them up.

I am beginning to think (FOR ME) that life is too short to warehouse stuff. Maybe keep a couple of things to give to my kids, and use the heck out of everything else.

BUT, then again, a fine knife is like art. Heck, a painting hangs on a wall to give you pleasure. I guess a knife pulled out every once in a while can do the same. :foot:
 
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