Can't find time for the budget blades?

BlueSpartan007

BlueSpartan007

Joined
Dec 23, 2015
Messages
227
I recently started carrying my Tenacious again. First Spyderco I'd ever purchased, and not a bad choice to say the least. I realized that after that purchase, my collection has only gone uphill since then, as far as quality of knives. I feel I've kind of neglected that interest in what I (not everyone) consider a budget blade, given the quality of knives I've acquired lately. After recently carrying the Tenacious for the time I have, it brought me back to how I felt upon receiving my FIRST SPYDERCO! And how much I loved it (still love it).

Did you ever put a knife "off to the side"?

(I realize my budget blade could be MUCH different than those on here who own multiple customs, or higher end productions/midtechs for that matter. So it's all relative to the person, and the knife could be of any value!)
 
I own a Spyderco Endura and an Esee Izula that were my cherished possessions for so very long. I still get to use them, but they are my beater knives. I still have a very high appreciation for them, but I am not afraid to use them in tasks or carry them when I would be more hesitant with other knives. It would still hurt if I lost them.
 
Only time budget knives ride along is when I'm going somewhere where losing it is a possibility. Concerts, out of state trip, etc.
 
I keep some budget folders stashed in vehicles on the off chance I manage to walk out the door without a knife in my pocket, but that's honestly as far as I mess with these days. Very few of the knives I really carry a lot and use hard are, in the scheme of things, very expensive. Most are around $100 or under and very replaceable should I lose or break them.

That said, my Real Steel E775 would probably fit the definition of a budget knife for many and that I sometimes carry just for the fun. Buttonlock plus bearing pivot equals a ton of fidget factor.
 
It's ok to upgrade and not go back to the original knives that got you into the hobby, our tastes are always evolving and it's perfectly natural that nicer knives get carried and used more, that's why they were made nicer in the first place.

Just because your Pilot G2 pens made you realize that some pens are not created equal doesn't mean you should feel bad that you don't use a Pilot G2 anymore because you upgraded to full-custom aluminum and titanium pens with hand-crafted style and functionality.
 
I kinda noticed the same. For 2+ years I carried a Mini Cold Steel Recon 1, and since that knife I have only purchased/carried ZT's and a griptilian. I was looking at the knife a few days ago, and realized how great of a knife it was and how much I enjoyed using it. I think these "budget" blades have a sweet spot, they are special because of how much you use them (creating memories with the knife) and you don't have to worry about ruining an expensive knife. When I carry many of my other knives (many are which now discontinued) I worry about damaging them in usage and I cannot replace them or would expensive to replace.
 
I got rid of most of my cheaper knives. They were all replaced by a single blade: a Protech Emerson CQC7. It's a beautifully crafted thing, but since it's easily one of the ugliest knives I own I've never been apprehensive about wailing on it. No need for any other "beaters."
 
linuxology said:
I own a Spyderco Endura and an Esee Izula that were my cherished possessions for so very long. I still get to use them, but they are my beater knives. I still have a very high appreciation for them, but I am not afraid to use them in tasks or carry them when I would be more hesitant with other knives. It would still hurt if I lost them.
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Yeah, that's how I feel. When I started collecting, I was pretty concerned with anything past opening packages/ paper or cardboard cutting. Stuff that doesn't leave serious cosmetic imperfections. I no longer feel this with knives such as my Tenacious, and it has grown on me that some consider scuffs/scratches to give the knife some character. Gives it a story to be told. There's no torture testing being done by me, but now if there's a task the Tenacious is capable of, it will certainly be done to completion.

Basp2005 said:
Only time budget knives ride along is when I'm going somewhere where losing it is a possibility. Concerts, out of state trip, etc.
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Makes sense. This has crossed my mind on a couple of occasions. I've been lucky enough to have never lost a knife. I would be upset even with my Tenacious, but would probably lose my mind with anything of more value, as my collection currently stands.

Insipid Moniker said:
I keep some budget folders stashed in vehicles on the off chance I manage to walk out the door without a knife in my pocket, but that's honestly as far as I mess with these days. Very few of the knives I really carry a lot and use hard are, in the scheme of things, very expensive. Most are around $100 or under and very replaceable should I lose or break them.

That said, my Real Steel E775 would probably fit the definition of a budget knife for many and that I sometimes carry just for the fun. Buttonlock plus bearing pivot equals a ton of fidget factor.
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I'm glad you mentioned that, this actually happened to me recently, although I hadn't planned it. Realized something wasn't right, and sure enough, there was no pocket clip visible where there usually is. Checked the glove box and center console, and to my surprise, found a Kershaw Volt I'd put in their a while back. Opened my eyes to the idea, since it could be something I'd use as a last resort if need be, or something I could put to use. Pretty great idea if you ask me. I tend to prefer something in my pocket or in my safe, but with the relief brought on by the "surprise" in my car, I've started to do this.
 
Danke42 said:
I find by carrying 2 knives I can help keep stuff in circulation.
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I've tried this out a couple times, although the Tenacious isn't much smaller than a typical edc in my rotation (3.5" is the max due to county law). I like to have a smaller backup however. Do you carry two of similar size?
 
I did the same thing with my Tenacious. I think it is the best knife you can buy for that price, but I have a lot of nicer (more expensive) knives competing for time so the Tenacious gets left out.

(the blue one is mine, the green one is my daughter's)

photo409c.jpg
 
KingMC said:
It's ok to upgrade and not go back to the original knives that got you into the hobby, our tastes are always evolving and it's perfectly natural that nicer knives get carried and used more, that's why they were made nicer in the first place.

Just because your Pilot G2 pens made you realize that some pens are not created equal doesn't mean you should feel bad that you don't use a Pilot G2 anymore because you upgraded to full-custom aluminum and titanium pens with hand-crafted style and functionality.
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I've definitely seen plenty of transformation towards nicer quality. Especially after experiences with different knives. I was at a point a while back where I didn't even use some of my knives, but my appreciation for quality only got greater when I realized the difference in capability that was made apparent after use.
 
I don't have that problem mostly because edc knives I wait till it breaks to buy another one


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Gideons said:
I kinda noticed the same. For 2+ years I carried a Mini Cold Steel Recon 1, and since that knife I have only purchased/carried ZT's and a griptilian. I was looking at the knife a few days ago, and realized how great of a knife it was and how much I enjoyed using it. I think these "budget" blades have a sweet spot, they are special because of how much you use them (creating memories with the knife) and you don't have to worry about ruining an expensive knife. When I carry many of my other knives (many are which now discontinued) I worry about damaging them in usage and I cannot replace them or would expensive to replace.
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One of my realizations after carrying the Tenacious, performs excellent for the money and using it doesn't bring the stress it would for something I own that isn't as easy to get your hands on.
 
Pardon said:
I got rid of most of my cheaper knives. They were all replaced by a single blade: a Protech Emerson CQC7. It's a beautifully crafted thing, but since it's easily one of the ugliest knives I own I've never been apprehensive about wailing on it. No need for any other "beaters."
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Ugly's a broad term, haha. A one knife that does it all seems like a great idea, I have the hardest time getting rid of any of my knives though. Hope to be at this point some time soon.
 
bdmicarta said:
I did the same thing with my Tenacious. I think it is the best knife you can buy for that price, but I have a lot of nicer (more expensive) knives competing for time so the Tenacious gets left out.

(the blue one is mine, the green one is my daughter's)

photo409c.jpg
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Have to agree with you, at least in my experience. Great action, pretty smooth, and blade shape/profile means the slicing and cutting capabilities are endless. Great looking knives.
 
Currently I've been into my traditionals and am carrying a Barlow, but if I do want to carry something a little more modern again I'll definitely go back to my trusty buck 482. I carried it every single Day for over 2yrs and it never faild me, but it recently became time to give it a break and carry a few other knives that I bought and didn't use like my sodbuster Jr ( I couldn't bring myself to leave the 482 at home )
I think it's the reason that I haven't bought any more modern folders to use ( cheapo's with novelty factor are always entering my collection though)
For my needs and preferences in folding knives in general, the buck 482 is a better knife than a ZT could ever be.
The 482 also took the place of my buck 110 at the time ( I couldn't get past all the fingerprints , and the 482 took care of that )
I still kinda feel the same way because stainless blades show wear too easily, but have actually carried it some recently and been less afraid to use it than I initially had.
So yes I have put a few knives off to the side because of my buck 482 ( I'm the kinda person who finds what works and sticks with it, like my hat that I've worn every single day since I was 12 )
And have just recently put the 482 as well as some other knives aside for my imperial jackmaster Barlow that a generous forum member gave me, because I really love the carbon steel blades and the nice patina.
 
Hickory n steel said:
Currently I've been into my traditionals and am carrying a Barlow, but if I do want to carry something a little more modern again I'll definitely go back to my trusty buck 482. I carried it every single Day for over 2yrs and it never faild me, but it recently became time to give it a break and carry a few other knives that I bought and didn't use like my sodbuster Jr ( I couldn't bring myself to leave the 482 at home )
I think it's the reason that I haven't bought any more modern folders to use ( cheapo's with novelty factor are always entering my collection though)
For my needs and preferences in folding knives in general, the buck 482 is a better knife than a ZT could ever be.
The 482 also took the place of my buck 110 at the time ( I couldn't get past all the fingerprints , and the 482 took care of that )
I still kinda feel the same way because stainless blades show wear too easily, but have actually carried it some recently and been less afraid to use it than I initially had.
So yes I have put a few knives off to the side because of my buck 482 ( I'm the kinda person who finds what works and sticks with it, like my hat that I've worn every single day since I was 12 )
And have just recently put the 482 as well as some other knives aside for my imperial jackmaster Barlow that a generous forum member gave me, because I really love the carbon steel blades and the nice patina.
Click to expand...

I feel you on that. When I first started out, I carried the same Kershaw everywhere I went, about 1.5 - 2 years. Also about not being afraid to use it, I'd do most anything now with some of my knives, and I use to be all about keeping knives in perfect collection. But I've got more of a rotation now than something that sees all of my pocket time. Congrats on the Barlow!
 
BlueSpartan007 said:
I feel you on that. When I first started out, I carried the same Kershaw everywhere I went, about 1.5 - 2 years. Also about not being afraid to use it, I'd do most anything now with some of my knives, and I use to be all about keeping knives in perfect collection. But I've got more of a rotation now than something that sees all of my pocket time. Congrats on the Barlow!
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Thanks man, the only problem is that now i may not be able to stop carrying it, at least until I get another suitable primary with carbon steel. I love it's ability to easily take an edge and the patina that hides wear.
I've always liked carbon steel, but never had a suitable one I could carry. ( both my old timers have issues, the 34OT had loose blades when my dad got it around '79-'80,and the 33OT only gets used for whittling because the sheepsfoot is limp )
I'd probably be carrying my sodbuster Jr, but when I bought it I didn't really realize that it was a stainless model.
I kept it because I still like it, and may get a cv model eventually.
 
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