Collecting: Are There Limits?

Actually, I've been considering thinning my little collection down a bit to make room for one of my other true passions; outdoor adventure. I've always had a thing for knives since I can remember, but it was only until very recently that I seemed to go from looking for "The One" to collecting because I wanted more than just "The One" and realized that it was OK. This came about becuase of two things, in my opinion. First, a good friend and partner at work became very interested in knives so I had someone to share the interest with in the "real world"(you know, the one away from the computer). Second and more importantly, I became injured and wasn't able to get outside and go paddling or climbing and I needed somewhere or something to focus on with this increase in free time. That's when I discovered the Forums. Now, that I'm back to work and more importantly, life, the need to acquire more knives has been greatly reduced and replaced by the want for more outdoor gear and trying to save up for trips related to my outdoor interests. In truth, I'd much rather have savings for a climbing trip than a new knife,even a custom one. I think I'm coming to a sort of compromise and I'll still have my collection, but it's unlikely to be the main focus anymore. That said, I really enjoy coming here and won't be going away anytime soon. It will just be with fewer knives.
 
Great responses here-- thanks, guys. It seems knives draw some really good people and I have yet to scratch the surface of this culture. Love all your perspectives and agree that careful consideration when buying is the way to go.
 
I wouldn't want to find myself collecting for its own sake, so my acquisitions are limited (intentionally, and of necessity) by a number of factors.

First and foremost, I like to use my knives. I collect folders and fixed blades, always with my next wilderness outing in mind. Some knives I see on this forum are truly beautiful works of art, but since I use my blades pretty hard, I tend to stick to good quality basics. I have more knives than I need, but I try to make sure that they all see some use, and I often give 'extra' knives to friends.

Cost is also an important factor. I would love to be able to afford some of the customs I see around here, but a steady stream of priorities ensures that my money goes elsewhere first. I don't regret this one bit, and I get no hassle about purchases from my wife. Rather, I enjoy those rare moments when I feel that I have enough cash to spare that I can shop for a new knife.

Display space is a third factor. As an academic, my walls are dominated by book cases, and I have found a few nice display cabinets that fit perfectly on the shelves. With only two cabinets worth of display space, I am conscious that each new purchase will likely assign an old favourite to storage. Since I like to have my collection on display when it's not in use, I try to keep my storage items to a bare minimum.

Finally, I have over the last few years become something of an amateur knifemaker, though I work mostly from kits. I love heading out into the woods with a knife that I have created, and I enjoy working on projects in my spare time. Compared to purchasing production pieces of similar quality, kit making is cheap! I keep looking at production knives that I would like, and then thinking 'I could make something like that', and since I try not to start new projects until the old ones are completed, this keeps my collecting in check.

Interesting thread,

- Mike
 
I collect custom forged, fixed blade knives only at this time. I have a feeling that I just might add some stock removal knives in the future. At one point I collected only bowies, but I am expanding my focus to include fighters and chute knives.

Knives are definitely not number one in my life, but collecting them is something I enjoy doing very much. I don't work extra hours to pay for my knives, although I would not rule out doing so in the future. Hard choices are just a part of not being independently wealthy.
 
donny b- a degree *in* mental illness or degree *of* mental illness? You've obviously collected your thoughts, so that's a start.
 
I haven't found myself collecting knives just for the sake of having a collection yet. So far what I've done is bought a knife every month to couple of months and been active on the trade forums. I put some non-knife items up for trade and got a Manix out of it. Through the Manix I traded for a D'allara, then a Para, then a nice collection of cheap knives which are the types I prefer (SAKs, Moras etc). The total amount I've personally spent on knives is probably around 125$ at this point.

My collection is based solely on users. When I trade for a knife I'm not so sure I'll want to keep, like I did with the Para and D'allara, it was mainly just a way I could experience the knife for a few weeks, trade it off and do the same thing again. It's a good way to play around with various locks, blade shapes, blade steels etc and only pay a few bucks per knife for shipping. I know what I like at this point, that's Opinels, SAKs, Mora's and Scandi ground fixed blades, Buck 110's and Spydercos (Flat ground preferred). I've got all the knives I'll need until I die, except I could use a large fixed blade. Otherwise I'm set. I just keep active with trades to keep experiencing new knives. I haven't owned an axis lock yet, any customs, anything from many big companies like SOG, Case, Busse etc. When I have extra money I might throw some of it towards knives because I enjoy using and studying various kinds as a hobby, but I don't see myself ever buying them for collection purposes. The reason I do what I do is to find what knives suit me and my needs the best. Then when I find that knife, I stock up on it. Lots of Opinels in my collection for instance, with SAKs being the most dominant force in my knife drawer.
 
Right on, Vivi, neat perspective. A true knifer. I say keep that level-headed outlook, I wish I swooned less over knife after knife. But you know how it goes, it's a blessing and a curse. I have a small collection myself, both because of budget and practical needs. At least I know what I like and don't have to worry too much about fixed blades, though I too have a few good survivals-- always nice to have around.

BTW, nice to have Canada in the house. You seem to have a good, mentally healthy knife culture that speaks well of your country.
 
Very interesting:D For me, collecting folders is only one aspect of my "hobby" side. I went pretty hog wild once I stuck my toe in, but I'm definitely becoming more focused with what I want. With that, also, it's costing me more. Being able to use it, even for short time, is the primary intent. I'm one of those ones that will think about something for a while, try it, if I like it, I'll go pretty full bore at it until something else comes along. My collecting began actually when started monkeying around making my own knives/kits. Naturally, after that came leatherwork and then production folders. I don't do that much in the making side any more due to time constraints (my work is getting in the way of my hobbies......:mad: ) but the leatherwork and folders is still going pretty strong. I used to golf a lot and for a few years there I got into making clubs, etc. Because of where I live in Calgary, I pretty well have to have cable, and because there so little to really watch, I only have cable for my PC and started collecting movies. I also play pool - 8 Ball in two leagues - we won't go into the history behind my cues.... Like many, I do have to juggle a bit and if some major expense comes along, the collecting part goes first. One thing that has hit me recently, was that there was very little catching my eye like before. Not that stuff isn't there, it just didn't seem as practical to me anymore. Maybe just an evolutionary thing.

- gord
 
I have stopped collecting. I'm looking at what I can use. I'm also looking at some higher priced knives. Same with guns.
 
davidm said:
Collecting something is both wonderful and painful....
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Good observation. I finally hit overload with it and started feeling like the safe queens were weighing me down. IMO a knife that you don't use is sort of like having a wife who's a virgin .... a safe full is like an untouched harem. :)

Still got quite a few to move, but my spirit is feeling a lot lighter.
 
I collect too many things. Art, Guns, Knives, Hot Wheels, Toys, Music etc. I'm trying to pare down my hunger for collecting to just Art and knives for now. My wife buys most of our art so I have the money to spend on knives.
Can't buy Hot Wheels anymore because I have no more room. Hot Wheels are too inexpensive for a ravenous collector. You can amass a huge, unwieldy collection very quickly (took me about 5 years).

I don't really buy guns anymore because my Dad has a huge collection he's been working on his whole life, and he's starting to shift it over to me now, because he can't possibly use or enjoy them all. How lucky am I?:D Dad used to be a pretty serious competitive shooter (on the Army team for years and an alternate on the Olympic Pistol Team) plus he makes sick money so he has some really amazing guns I could never afford. No need to buy guns anymore, Pop has almost everything I want and I'm his only son.

So I'm collecting knives pretty much exclusively now. But there are so many knives, which do you collect? Right now I'm focusing on Spyderco but my overall collection focuses on mid-price range production tactical folders (Spyderco, Benchmade, SOG, Kershaw, Cold Steel, Buck, CRKT etc.)

I really, really, really enjoy collecting knives and I enjoy the hell out of my collection. I spend entire nights just going through and examining every single detail, comparing and contrasting different aspects of different knives. My wife thinks I'm crazy but I think she understands, she's an artist and a collector-type too. (her poison is handbags).

But is my knife collection the most important thing in my life? No way. My work and my career is much more important to me. (I'm an artist), and so is my family.
 
I just want customs and Chris Reeves knives ONLY. No more production knives.
 
The Internet has definitely added a whole new dimension to most hobbies and collecting. I've been collecting knives on and off for about 30 years. My interest in knives was a by-product of my interest in hunting, back then the only knife talk was a couple of times a year back at the hunting camp.

Today my hobby is not only collecting knives but also discussing them here with other people interested in the same thing. For me it's not just a race to acquire the most knives, it's more of a thrill to get something different and then discuss it or share your thoughts with others. I like that you can meet people who are into specific types or even a specific brands of knives. I pretty much collect Kershaw, BM, Emerson and Buck folders, but I do buy other brands and even slip-joints. Lately I've been attracted to stag handled slippies.

I never really got into the "Limited Editions" like Case, because I didn't like the idea of knives not intended to be used , just sitting around in boxes.

Whats my limit? Besides the obvious like not putting collecting before family and essentials or borrowing money from loan sharks, I don't think I can drop over $400.00 on a single knife , even though I've spent much more than that on knives over a two-year period or a single rifle purchase. I've thought about buying a Sebenza, but I'm still not sure...Well maybe someday....

Presently I'm into other things too like collecting/restoring antique radios, classic cars and Corvettes. I've also collected toys, firearms, depression glass, cigarette lighters and die-cast cars.

Antique radios can become a lot like work. Classic cars can be an expensive, time consuming hobby too. The only collecting aspect with old cars is constantly looking for parts. A few years ago I stopped hunting for parts and decided to only search when and if I needed something rather than stock pile parts.

Knife collecting is more of a relaxing hobby ( except when you out using one) .

Great thread and a great bunch of guys....
 
digdeep said:
I started out collecting guns, (wife complained-why do you need so many guns) so switched to flashlights (wife complained - why do you need so many flashlights.) Now into kinives - you guessed it - why do I need so many knives? Realistically she is right - I don't need all these things - I need help - any suggestions?
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Sell the wife and buy new toys:D . Really if you can comfortably afford to buy them then it shouldnt matter if you need them. Do women really need so many pairs of shoes? or purses? then they say (Oh but I need them to match) Black matches everything babe so you need a few pairs of black shoes and a black purse and were good:rolleyes:. So just say you need all these knives to match your outfits. do you hunt or fish or do outdoor things? Thats a good excuse. When it comes down to it though you dont need an excuse. Your doing something you like to do and buying something you like and want and as long as it doesnt interfere with clothing on your familys back and food on the table you should be A OK!

I mostly collect busse's, swamprats and my newest love SCRAPYARD. I collect custom folders and just about anything I want. I used to say "just customs" but I found myself buying a Mora the other night cuz I wanted one and Spyderco is constantly comin out with new temptations. I really love big folders and fixed blades so if it falls in that category and I want it....I will find a way.
 
barrabas74 said:
Do women really need so many pairs of shoes? or purses? then they say (Oh but I need them to match) Black matches everything babe so you need a few pairs of black shoes and a black purse and were good:rolleyes:. So just say you need all these knives to match your outfits. do you hunt or fish or do outdoor things? Thats a good excuse. When it comes down to it though you dont need an excuse. Your doing something you like to do and buying something you like and want and as long as it doesnt interfere with clothing on your familys back and food on the table you should be A OK!
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Well said barrabas! I forgot about the literally DOZENS of pairs of shoes that my wife NEVER wears.
 
I just bought my first knife 10 months ago, and I must admit I've spent quite a bit of time learning about knives since (it's more interesting than work...) I only buy knives that 1.) I can afford 2.) I think I'll use and 3.) seem like a good deal. I try to sell knives that are just going to collect dust on my shelf or I'm not 100% impressed with, and I've found it's self sustaining at this point. I'm fascinated by different steels, handle materials and locking mechanisms.
Roger
 
Collecting is by its nature an unlimited enterprise, provided one has the means to keep on aquiring whatever it is one collects. Collecting knives or guns is no different from collecting stamps or antiques. The collector will buy as many as he can afford. "Need" has nothing to do with it.

It has always angered me how some portray gun collectors as mentally unstable people, who's degree of instability can be measured by the number of guns they own. The reasoning goes that no one needs more than two or three guns for hunting or self-defense, so each gun a person buys beyond that number signifies a step away from reality. And if you own a dozen or more guns, you must be plotting the next Columbine shooting.

And yes, women too get carried away with collecting things far beyond what they actually need. Shoes and pocket books seem to be the most common choices. I once knew a man who's wife had a collection of over 70 tropical birds (he eventually divorced her - couldn't bear to clean out another cage!)
 
It's a hard habit to control. I recently bought a new car and realized that I can't just drop $550-$600 (and sometimes a lot more) everytime I see something I like anymore. I really have to get myself out of debt. I just keep saying "I can't, I can't. I've had to limit myself to one a year (that one being a large left hand Limited Edition Sebenza inlay). Believe me it hurts, I've had to pass up on some really nice customs. It's like quitting drinking alcohol, you know it's in your best interest but it makes life a lot less fun. There's nothing like getting a new knife. If I won the lottery I'd buy a house and fill it with the knives I like!:D
 
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