Buying a working custom, and never use it?

[Buffalohump]

In a word, YES.

I now prefer to buy high quality productions for this reason.

More bang for your buck IMO.

Doesn't stop me from yearning after customs though

 

[Danbo]

I think that probably 90% of the custom knives I've bought have gone unused. Many of them were custom order, with every intention of being used, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. However, I feel no guilt. It's all part of the fun.

 

[on_the_edge]

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.

It sounds like you may be keeping a few items in new condition to give to your kids someday. I have found myself in a similar position and asked myself this question: "If I was to get one of my dad's knives, which would I want the most--the one that sat in the drawer all his life and never got used, or the one he used all the time, including during my first (hunting, fishing, or camping) trip?"

If you're like me, I already know how you will answer.

 

[thombrogan]

I have one custom EDC I haven't used yet, but my other customs are choppers and kitchen knives, so they've been used.

 

[sakoluvr]

If you're like me, I already know how you will answer.

That is the right answer! Spot on my friend.

 

[dsvirsky]

I have several custom knives that I purchased to be users, but never have because I haven't found the "opportunity." For example, I purchased a very nice side-lock folder from Frank Centofante at the 2002 Blade Show, with every intention of carrying it. Still plan to, but it's a little too big for work and a little too dressy for jeans. Plus, I own a number of other gents folders that carry better (i.e., are much lighter) when wearing a suit.

 

[RogerP]

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

Thank you for expertly fielding this one Coop. :thumbup:

I have a few custom users and I enjoy the heck out of using them. I have vastly more customs that will never be used (by me, anyway). I don't feel "guilty" about my interaction with either group.

Roger

 

[C Ben Susrool]

I will admit, my customs are kept in a display case. I have been known to carry a custom, knid of a rare occurence here lately.
For the last few years, I usually carry 2 high end productions, one to use and one just because I enjoy carrying a good knife. Would only use that one in an emergency, SD type situation that I hope to never get into.
It would disappoint some people that know me if I could not show a fine knife when asked. (Never loan tho)

I can't afford an expensive gun, car, or watch, but I am happy with my knives, I guess they satisfy some need, or desire, or just quirk in psychology for me.


Tom

 

[sakoluvr]

It's hard to like nice rifles and nice knives.

 

[Mark G]

I have not had the discretionary income yet to buy a true "custom" but I don't understand buying and not using (but there is nothing wrong with that if it is your thing). Just me......if I bought one I would use it.

 

[Doberman_Dave]

Hi sakoluvr,

While the "COLLECTORS" Coop describes are obviously in the majority on the forum, there are some oddballs that are 'collectors' of users. I buy customs to use them and make my purchases with that in mind. The enjoyment I get from using them is worth the depreciation to me.

Most anything can be made to the level of art for its own sake. While I appreciate such things, I'd rather spend my money on things I can enjoy using. Knives, guns, whatever. Need really doesn't enter the picture for me any more than for a COLLECTOR.