Collect or use?

rwdata

rwdata

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Mar 3, 2011
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image.jpgimage.jpgTo use or just collect?

For the last two years I have collected a nice number of knives that I keep in a display case. I have some Busse and Busse kin knives, Snody, Farid, Three Sisters Forge and other not inexpensive knives. Here is my dilemma, I don't seem to be able to use them for the fear they might not be as nice afterward. Ever since I started collecting, I find it harder to really use any knife like I used to. I know these are tools, but they are really nice tools.

What did you come up with to overcome this? I am not a spring chicken anymore and it seems a waste to not use these higher quality tools before I pass them down. Thanks for any input.
 
If you find it hard to use the ones you really like then buy doubles :D keep one for display and use the other. I only have 1 knife in my collection that I havent used outside my house and thats my small micarta sebenza its my first anniversary present from my wife, other then that all my knives are users to a degree.
 
Unless you are passing them down so your heirs can sell them then there is little reason to keep them pristine. You can still use them a little without abusing or damaging them. Bottom line is they are your knives, so do whatever you want with them without fear of reprisal from others.
 
The only thing I was good at collecting was debt.

but I only buy knives to use, luckily.
 
I have a number of knives that I have not used. I have more I don't use than the ones I do use and carry - and just because I carry it does not mean it sees heavy use. Most of my users see very light action. My most used knives are Opinel #6, #8 and #10 that I keep in the kitchen. Easy to sharpen and great cutters. But how many knives can you really use? If you have 30 knives you rotate them one for every day of the month but most people have a favorite or two that they prefer to use and carry.

I also have about a dozen machetes of various makes - mostly Condor, that I will never use. The one machete I have that has seen some fairly heavy use is a $5 Harbor Freight special. I put a decent edge on it and it cuts ok. Very thin and flexible so not a great chopper. Mostly use it for vines, saplings and weeds around the yard.

So, the knives I do not use are what I consider a collection and investment. They can always be sold. But I would prefer to hand them down to my surviving kin when I go. Have to amend my will to state that the collection is not to be sold or broken up though - not that I would know if it was.... :p. But I consider them heirlooms. I ain't leaving much else of value behind except my knives and guns. Maybe a car, some home electronics and gadgets and some tools.
 
Why can't I do both?

Here are some of my more modern medium knives.
DSCF6524_zps8f76cae4.jpg
 
It's really up to you. If you like to just look at them and that is fulfilling then that's fine. People collect stamps without ever intending to use them to mail bills. I have a collection but they are all used. As an example, I picked up a small Insingo Sebenza. First thing I did was put it in my pocket with a handful of change. Took the new right off and I no longer had to worry about how it will look.
 
Most people don't use knife that much in life, unless you are a military or something, my opinion: no force on both side, do whatever you want. Like you got a pricey knife and you think better get it used then cut few hundred away from it lolz.
 
Could you tell me what type of display case you have pictured and where can you get it? I have seen some similar versions but not that exact one.
I would say use your knives. You only live once and since you already have the knives it shows you are able to be smart with your money and can afford some of the finer knives then you might as well enjoy the finer things in life. Live life and enjoy the finer things in life, it will actually make you appreciate the quality almost more when you use the knife and see how well it performs compared to others. I use to collect and not use the more expensive ones, but now I collect more and use the knives, even the more expensive ones. I enjoy using the knives and why not enjoy the nicer things in life.
 
And someone keep saying some expensive knives are made to be used, yes they are, but under "extreme condition", i don't see any points of using strider or maddog to cut an apple or opening mailbox even cutting a tree for fun.
 
I do both.

I collect slip joints but still use a few of them and use all modern knives that I own.
 
Rin said:
And someone keep saying some expensive knives are made to be used, yes they are, but under "extreme condition", i don't see any points of using strider or maddog to cut an apple or opening mailbox even cutting a tree for fun.
Click to expand...

I use knives when I need them, I do not just go out of my way to find things to cut which it seems some people do with their expensive knives. Like you said just for fun.
 
I seldom buy a new knife to use. I love used Sebenzas and Zaans, and don't have to worry about worm-trails on the titanium scales. I carry the same knife every day and prefer it that way.
 
If I wanted to collect man jewelry id probably collect watches, knives to me are to be used.

however if filthy wealthy I could see myself with some high priced safe queens.
 
If you don't use them then what is the point? I have some himalayan imports knives and they are probably about the prettiest knives that you will find. So shiny and perfect... But I get a lot of satisfaction out of using them because I find that each hand made knife has its own character and personality. There is nothing more awesome that chopping stuff with a big shiny blade. Furthermore, when you use knives, you train yourself how to handle them properly. This way, you will be better equipped to use your blades when they really count like in self-defense (God forbid), or in a survival situation. Plus, using knives has taught be how to resharpen and reprofile blades. Just reading this post makes me want to chop a pumpkin in half just because I can!
 
All my friends look at my kukri with fear.

who would mess with anyone wielding a kukri???

But I swing my kukri every few days, its almost soothing and relaxing.
 
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