Collecting for hobby not investment

[lisantica]

When I first started collecting Chris Reeve knives about a year ago I became aware that many hold value, increase in value, and that some are more sought out than others. I'm kind of jealous that many of you knew that years if not a decade ago or more. After reading a lot of threads on CRKs, I bought a couple of rare ones thinking I needed to have them to be considered a collector.

Now, however, I've decided I just want the ones I like, and some may not have any value to others and I'm okay with that. That was a tough pill to swallow, knowing I may be not be able to recoup what I spent, but it's kind of liberating. Some I will likely over pay for just to have them, and some I will pay market value and some (I hope), I'll get a deal on, that's always fun

Here are the current large in my collection, minus my large "P" that stays tucked away, the one that goes against my current principle of keep what I like....oh well, I'm a work in progress.
A couple in this group may be sold in order to fund another...but it's getting harder to pare down.

 

[tri-core]

I've really enjoyed following your collection over the past 12 months. The diversity of Chris Reeve knives over the many years is astounding. Collecting is a hobby and not a business for the majority of us. Thanks,

 

[lemmuhj]

I feel the same as you Lisantica. I started to try to collect the rare CRK's, but decided to get the one's that, when i held them, really did something for me, regardless of their value... Great collection (of one's you love)!!

 

[lisantica]

Thank you both for the replies. :thumbup:

 

[tgomav]

You have one of the best collections of Sebenzas I have seen.

I got tired of buying a bunch of guns, so I started getting into knives early last year. Even though I haven't focused on any particular manufacturer, I really took a fancy to CR knives. These are the CR knives I got my first year of collecting:

"Don't Tread on Me" large Sebenza - still my favorite (it doesn't get carried anymore)
WC Startac x2
WC large Starbenza
Shadow I, III, IV
Sable III
Tanto I
Ubejane Skinner
Kathathu 4"
Mountaineer I, II
Pacific
N.R. Warrior
Green Beret 5.5", 7"
Professional Soldier

I also got a bunch of ZT (0350 x5 - various models, 0300, 0551, 0500, and soon to be 0561 and 0777), a few Kershaws (G-10 Offset and 1850 Tyrade), and a XM-24, which is now my EDC along with one of the Startacs. I don't really have anything fancy, but I think I have done okay thus far. The nice thing about knives is they are a heck of a lot cheaper than custom 1911s.

 

[ThievesLikeUs]

Lisa..because of you we get to see some of the most interesting and at least in my case didn't even know existed Sebenzas around.

Its always a pleasure to see what you come up with next.

 

[RubiconSS]

Not much to say ..... Beautiful, really beautiful pieces. Congrats! Wouldn't care what the value was/is - that collection is too artistically beautiful to even consider parting with.

 

[1SHOT1KILL]

Lisa...what model is that Sebenza on the right 3rd down...the one that's ball-milled?

 

[lava_lamp]

I tend to rotate through many knives. I rarely regret selling one; it makes it possible for me to buy another. I'm fortunate enough to have the money to buy what I want, but I'm more comfortable keeping it within certain limits. I have about thirty knives worth about two-thirds of the value of the 12 in your photo. I usually only have 3-5 in the Sebenza price range at a time.

Right now, I also tend to keep what I like - not complete a set, fill out a brand, 'cause a knife is rare or valuable. It is all about the subjective feeling I have about it. Does it look and feel good? Ride well in my pocket? Will I really use it?

The economics for me are that I would prefer to buy at a good price, but I'm not going to pinch pennies til Abe Lincoln screams, nor am I going to be mercenary in my selling. Some of that is that we have a community here and we should treat each other with repect.

 

[Geode]

Lisa, I agree with you that it is liberating not to worry about the value of your collection. As a side note, I started collecting CRK knives over 10 years ago. Even those that I use have increased in nominal dollars due to the rising costs of producing the products. The part of the equation that makes up for any dollar loss is the enjoyment of the knives, and that's worth something for sure.

 

[lisantica]

These are the CR knives I got my first year of collecting:

That is a nice list of knives! I only have one fixed, an Aviator.

Lisa..because of you we get to see some of the most interesting and at least in my case didn't even know existed Sebenzas around.
Its always a pleasure to see what you come up with next.

Thank you TLU!

Not much to say ..... Beautiful, really beautiful pieces. Congrats! Wouldn't care what the value was/is - that collection is too artistically beautiful to even consider parting with.

Many of the designs just draw me in, very therapeutic for me.

Lisa...what model is that Sebenza on the right 3rd down...the one that's ball-milled?

That's a modded or "pimped" large regular. Former owner milled out the scale (kind of looks like an LDC version), he created a larger thumb area and then actually put a lock stop on the back. Complete and total warranty voider, but heck, CRKs hardly seem to be faulty, from what I've read folks seem to utilize their spa service more than warranty service.

Right now, I also tend to keep what I like - not complete a set, fill out a brand, 'cause a knife is rare or valuable. It is all about the subjective feeling I have about it. Does it look and feel good?

I understand that, I'm at that point too.

As a side note, I started collecting CRK knives over 10 years ago.

I sure wish I knew about these 10 years ago, I'd have owned a few more no doubt.

 

[DallasSTB]

I like to see how you're consolidating your collection to suit your own personal preferences. I've never really believed in collecting as investment - that's what IRA's are for. Collect what you like, and will a reasonable eye on fair market values, you'll be a lot happier in the long run.

From what i've seen, your taste is clearly with damascus blades and interesting slab graphics. "Pretty knives" as you and Heather say. Stay with that, it gives everyone who sees your collection a glimpse at who you are as a unique individual.

 

[Jan I]

If it is not fun, why do it?

That saying is on the back of a Ben & Jerry's cycling jersey I have. It is so true. I do not look on my knives as investments. I consider them tools, albeit nice tools that hold their value well. If the day comes that I need to sell one or many to pay for dog food, I may or may not break even. One thing is certain, I could buy many more knives and I would have to try hard to lose anywhere near as much money on knives as I have already lost on Earthlink stock.

Lisa, how about a family photo of the smalls and Mnandis? Your adventures in trading have cost me, you know? Especially on the walking stick subject. Yes, I won the one on ebay and anxiously await its delivery. To whomever was bid the price way up at the end, I could say sorry about your loss, but you cost me a lot of money too. I actually use a cane/stick often so this one is probably going to get more use than any other CRK I have.

 

[lisantica]

Thanks Dallas for your comments, enjoy your thoughts as always
Jan I - I REALLY wanted that walking stick but decided to not wake up that night and bid on it. I think I may have put one bid on it early on, it is SOOOO beautiful. More titanium than mine has, congrats, I'm envious.
As for a photo of smalls and Mnandi, I can do that - stay tuned! Can't do the Umfaans until tomorrow after work, as my latest arrives tomorrow.

 

[lisantica]

Mnandi

Smalls & Umfaan

 

[Mad_Maxx]

great collection there! my facs are the "line" regular and the plain regular but the damascus one is cool too

very impressive what you have there, if those are the ones you like keep them or keep the ones you canno ttake your hands off at least
it's norlma to change, even those pieces you say you'll never part with

Maxx

 

[jackthedog]

As usual Lisa, beautiful collection.

 

[tomhalv]

I agree that this hobby should not be done as a investment, but looking back to 2008 I think Chris Reeve knives have held their value with far less risk then the stock market.

 

[Jan I]

Maybe I am miscounting, but seems you (Lisa) have more Large than Small in the not necessarily carried collection. I am thinking of how to correctly word a poll to see where this community is on the question of size and users versus safe queens. I tend to like larger knives. For instance, a Mini Griptilian feels oddly small to me and yet a Small Sebenza feels less so - and they are pretty much the same size. I definitely prefer a regular Griptilian over a Mini but I am not sure whether I prefer a Large over a Small Sebenza. Obviously I need more data.

 

[Fferrell1]

I see you still need a Moon Song