Collecting versus using

[mrn8]

Mine are all users whether it be knives, pistols, rifles or whatever........

Same here. I don't often buy anything that I don't have a specific use for. Sometimes I'll over-buy because I want quality, but it will still get used.

Using doesn't mean neglecting, though, because I've also learned that most things will last quite a long time if you put a little work into it.

 

[Arkanian]

I'm a user but have safe queens as well. I think everyone here has at least 1 safe queen, well except Widerstand - check out his threads about using his BK77.

And in full disclosure... I have an unused safe queen for every user I have. The good news is Ethan benefits from my OCDs!

 

[daizee]

Most of mine are users, though I have more than I can put to use.
Some are 'just cuz' - like my BK-5. I just wanted the damn thing. I could lie to myself and say it's a HUGE carving knife, or I'm going bushwhacking or... or... But really I just wanted it. It will get some use here and there. I have a couple like that. MOST often, though, I'll buy something to fill a perceived need, but no safe queens. Don't have the space or funds to tie up in that kind of stuff. Some knives and guns do hold their value, and a few go up, but they're generally no good investment vehicles.

 

[Guyon]

At one point, I also had a user and a spare in every main configuration (aside from the desert colors).
I finally decided that if I'm keeping them, I'm using them. Life's too short and all.

 

[Bladite]

so far, all of my guns are users. point of fact, many are bought pre-used, though nearly like new, and taken very well care of.

originally, all my knives were users, and some of the hard to find ones got duplicates so i would not run out as some aged, and became i made a point to put back the NIB box copies, because i had current users. many of them were cheap due to my prediliction of bargains.

in the case of Beckers, it's kinda fun having the "whole catalog", it's a limited collection thing i don't have to obsess about. small. fits in a trunk. well, kinda

then of course, certain patterns became extinct, or certain eras were best of class. i like having backups. i'm pretty much over that, have nearly one of everything either MINTY MINTY, or a couple, with one being minty, and some users... fun!

most of my knives are inexpensive. though it's getting to the point i could trade one or a few for a gun or other nice thing. weird, eh?

there might be a day soon, where i buy a gun, and don't shoot it. ever. MMM.

in the distant past i collected used stamps, and coins, and other things of not much value. these days, those states quarters. it's nearly free.

 

[messer454]

. I only buy knives outta of my extra job money not family money.

Steve

I promised my wife I would not use family money for knives, guns, or bullets and I never have except for some overtime $ now and then. I am in the minority here though because I have been collecting knives for about 33 years (since I was in kindergarten) and can't possibly use all of them. That is where the 454 came from, messer is knife in German and I had 454 of them when I started my "other auction site" account selling my collection to buy more expensive guns. I am pretty much done doing that the last few years though. It worked for me as for most of my childhood I got knives for Chrsitmas and birthdays and then years later I started selling off all the Case and Remington year knives so I could buy Sig pistols. Its pretty cool being able to sell 2 christmas presents you got 20 years ago and buying a pistol. I had a neighbor and a Scoutmaster that were knife collectors so I am sure thats where I got it from.

My guns are all users though except for the family heirlooms that have been semi retired.