Can't scratch the itch!

fulloflead

fulloflead

Joined
May 3, 2002
Messages
6,192
I'm upgrading the collection so I basically only will have Microtechs or better. (Like Jacks or better in Poker.) I've even only got rid of all my Spydercos and Benchmades except for a very few specific-purpose models.

The only problem is that I can't scratch a knife itch very easily when I get one. I used to buy a Spyderco or something on occasion when I get the itch, but if I'm REALLY going to stick to the upgrade I'm STUCK if I only want to spend $100 on a knife to "tide me over" for a while.

Ack! :( I've got the itch.
 
I dunno, fulloflead, your proposition sounds like a difficult one to keep. Plus, to me, it begs the question of, "What makes a good knife?" If a good knife is one that can reliably do its intended cutting function for a long time to come, then I think you are cutting out a lot of "good knives" from your collection...
As I see it, the knife world is exploding with wonderful options. To take out all knives that are under the Microtech level cuts out, so to speak, a lot of really good cutting instruments. On the other hand, I can understand the desire to "thin the herd" a bit, particularly in regards to the readily-available and less-unique production knives. Therefore, I propose that you keep a few of the run-of-the-mill Spydercos and Benchmades. As someone else suggested elsewhere, put all of your potential sropped-knives into one box. Over the course of a couple months, put every knife you use or carry into one box, leaving the untouched knives in another box. At the end of the alotted time, get rid of every knife that you did not touch in the first box...

At least, that's what I would do. Good luck with your quest :)
 
That sucks, I know what you mean I've been wanting an to upgrade an X5 to an E2e, for a while, but haven't had the cash.

If you go the green to back it up, it's all good. :)
 
underaged! said:
I've been wanting an to upgrade an X5 to an E2e :)
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Go for the E2e when you can, but keep the X5 when you do. The E2e will burn through those expensive batteries pretty quickly compared to the X5, but the depleted E2e batteries will still light up your X5, which thereby runs on what amounts to free power. :)

And the X5 makes a great emergency or backup or glove compartment light, when you don't need the glare of the E2e.
 
I feel your pain. I've been ruined since I bought my first CRK. To make matters worse, I found my ultimate EDC pocket knife shortly after that first small Sebenza....the Victorinox Settler. The small Sebbies and Umfaan are gone. They have been replaced by an Mnandi/bocote inlay. :cool: I plan on adding a blackwood inlay Mnandi someday. Now, when I have the "itch", I pick up something from Victorinox. I've tried a few others, but instead of scratching "the itch" they just left a rash. :eek: :D

Paul
 
Why would you get rid of most of your Spydercos? That's just perverted and sickening. Reading that just made me throw up in my mouth a little.

As to having the itch to acquire yet another knife, think how much better that itch will be scratched by an MT Makora or similar high-end knife versus a 'place-holder'.
 
It has more to do with moving toward quality over quantity. It means scratching the itch better, but less often. They really need to make a gum or a patch for this. ;)
 
I feel your pain FullofLead, I am in the same situation as you. Its hard to fulfill that hunger when its filet mignon you crave every meal :)
 
TheBadGuy said:
I feel your pain FullofLead, I am in the same situation as you. Its hard to fulfill that hunger when its filet mignon you crave every meal :)
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LOL! :D
It's been a year. You're part of history. You sold me my first custom a year ago. ;)
Now my collection is about 75% customs and midtech (CRK, etc.).
It's been an interesting trip.
 
Jim,

You got rid of most of your Benchmades in-order to "go Microtech" ???.:eek:.
 
I've even only got rid of all my Spydercos and Benchmades except for a very few specific-purpose models.
Click to expand...

BLASPHEMY! :eek:

Seize the infidel and smite him!! :eek: :p :D

I think Trout Tamer's approach is a decent enough idea before you run amok here. If I were in the same situation, it's probably what I would do. Thank you, God(!) that I'm not. Spydies and Benchmades are the core of my folder carrying nowadays!
 
The opinel isn't a bad idea. Get user knives and make an effort to actually use them. Plus it's very rewarding to give them away when you lose interest.
I love doing it.
 
glockman99 said:
Jim,

You got rid of most of your Benchmades in-order to "go Microtech" ???.:eek:.
Click to expand...

Technically no. I once sold the BMs for customs. I just never got rid of the Microtechs.
I've got three keeper BMs: D2 Axis AFCK, Ares, Mel Pardue Auto
There are a few select Spydercos too. I'm just trying to save for customs instead of buying MORE.

Jeez, guys, don't kill me!:eek: ;)
 
Esav Benyamin said:
Go for the E2e when you can, but keep the X5 when you do. The E2e will burn through those expensive batteries pretty quickly compared to the X5, but the depleted E2e batteries will still light up your X5, which thereby runs on what amounts to free power. :)

And the X5 makes a great emergency or backup or glove compartment light, when you don't need the glare of the E2e.
Click to expand...


Roger that!
 
I got two Spydercos in a trade, one coming in the mail and I've got bids on a couple others! Ahh! :eek:

It was easier to quit smoking.
 
I scratch the itch by constantly looking for that great deal I can't pass up, usually eBay or here.

I have found over the years that the hunt is half the fun or more, when you get something for an amazing deal you tend to keep it for a lot longer & appreciate it more than a high priced safe queen.

Although I didn't wipe the slate clean like you, I have replaced ~$100 production pieces with excellent custom knives that I was able to get for a bargain.

How can you pass up a one of a kind Russ Easler slipjoint for $65, or a Damasteel Diotte wharncliffe for $100, or a $500 Rick Browne slipjoint for $135.... I could keep going but these are some of the deals I've gotten lately.

My favorite conquest is a Case Large Sodbuster pattern slipjoint made by a relatively obscure maker. O1 blade, NS bolsters and excellent finish for $35 :eek: I'd have probably paid $300 for it if I saw it at a show.

Then, when you see something you really like that you have to pay a premium price for it makes you do a lot of soul searching to decide if you really want it, or wait a few days until the next amazing deal shows up.



.
 
Some times the itch is more about the hunt than the acquisition. Ebay can be a good paliative if you hunt for items that are sufficiently rare, but not all that sought after. On ebay you can pick really bazaar things to look for. For example you could decide to look for a movie poster of Jim Bowie film, "The Iron Mistress". You could decide that you really want a sample of an Egyptian commando dagger from the Seven Days War. You could decide that you need to find a nice example of the first pocket knife that you owned as a boy. I often hit ebay hunting for a particular blade alloy. The trick is that I look for a listing where the seller forgot to put the word "knife' in the listing and the item is languishing.

Maybe you need an historical section in your collection. Something like bayonets of the second world war. I have a fondness for combat knives. If you hunt ebay and the right shops, $100 will get you a classic piece of history.

As a final option, how about some kitchen knives? These knives will actually get used. Maybe you need to compare the utility of a classic chinese cleaver with a japanese usuba.

Maybe you need to try a little knife smithing. You could acquire a belt sander, some tools, and some materials and try your hand at making something of your own. You could send it off to Paul Bos for heat treating. This would certainly use up some of that nervous energy.
 
I am starting to question my motives for buying new knives and other widgets online - is it
A) the content of the package or
B) seeing a new parcel arrive and the joy of opening it -
that "scratches my itch". I am leaning towards b).
Maybe I did not receive enough presents on Birthdays or at Christmas when I was a child? Maybe I miss understood the meaning of Iron deficiency? Maybe this forum has been a corruptive influence?
I wonder what I will receive in the post Today???:confused: :D
 
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