collecting, vs using

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jonesjp@surry.net

jonesjp@surry.net

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I am always puzzled by folks who -can- collect something like a knife or a handgun. For me, much of the joy in owning a fine piece is using it, experiencing the balace, the fruition of function and execution....

Still, I have 2 rainbow leeks... mostly because I found the first one during spring cleaning:) And I ordered 2 1660dam in hopes of getting radically different blade designs. I may get a second 1660 cb just because I'm so impressed with the first.

I have a real hard time throwing a fine thing like this in the safe and putting on gloves before looking at it; makes me feel like Silas Marner, I guess.

other inputs?
 
I guess as a collector , I have exactly the same issues toward actually using them as you do in not. I guess that is what makes the world go round, if no one used their knives , knife companies would have a hard time staying in business and on the flip side it is those of us that collect, that preserve older models for folks to admire and remember what was and how it used to be.


Dave
 
well i seem to always buy models that are discontinued and/or kinda rare more so as a coincidence than in any way trying to. i still use my knives but i am also very nice to my knives and try to keep them as clean as i can.

i have a leek that i love but the fact it is pretty rare (red/black handle with black blade) makes me want to buy another leek in a few months just do i dont mess up the one i just got just because its rather sexy.

why must manufactures make the products the sell soooooo sexy when they should be used

-matt
 
My problem using them is more related to the fact that I often have to sell something in order to get something new. Buyers will pay more if an item is New In Box, and even then they try to drive the price down.

However, my general solution is if I like something enough, I will buy two of them - one to keep for a rainy day and one to use. It requires spending more money and I can't always afford to do it, but this has always been my favorite way to approach collecting - keep one new as a spare and use the other.
 
Users and collectors together make the world go 'round and keep knife companies solvent.

I use some of my knives (5 or 6) I also collect knives (60 or 70). Both are fun and practical things to do. The former could save your hide or just make your life easier. The latter, if done right, provides hours of enjoyment and can make you a buck or 2.

Do what feels right to you. Buy users that suit the need and will provide years of service. Buy collectables that are priced well, have relatively low production numbers and are something that pleases your eye. Just enjoy being a knife nut. It's all good.
 
jimmer_5 said:
My problem using them is more related to the fact that I often have to sell something in order to get something new. Buyers will pay more if an item is New In Box, and even then they try to drive the price down.
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I'm like you in that in-order for me to get a new knife, I have to either sell something or trade for what I want.

It sucks being poor, and having a good taste in knives.:(
 
kershawguy said:
I guess as a collector , I have exactly the same issues toward actually using them as you do in not. I guess that is what makes the world go round, if no one used their knives , knife companies would have a hard time staying in business and on the flip side it is those of us that collect that preserve older models for folks to admire and remember what was and how it used to be.


Dave
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As always, VERY WELL SAID DAVE! Between the "collectors" and the "users", there seems to be another very small category, the "accumulators". I tend to fall in this group. This is why I have multiples of certain models - to be able to use as they were intended for, and yet to keep pristine for my future blood lines. Everyone around me knows I always carry a knife, have for years, and a lot of them will ask "What have you got in your pocket today?" It's nice to pull out a mint or unique something or another from your pocket and pass it around for inspection, knowing I have a "working model" of the same knife at home, ready to do the intended job.

That said, there are always going to be certain models that are used gently and far between just because of the uniqueness of them. As an example, I only fire my matched set of Colts (Python and Anaconda) once every few years and then only 8 to 16 rounds each, yet I'll rip off 100 rounds thru another identical Colt in a heartbeat. My wing guns are all Ruger Red Labels, and I use them as often as I can, except for the 50th Anniversary Edition matched set, which have never been fired.

So, as an accumulator, if I find something I really like, whether its because of personal preference, uniqueness, or other reason, I'll usually buy another of the same item, for preservation purposes.
 
glockman99 said:
I'm like you in that in-order for me to get a new knife, I have to either sell something or trade for what I want.

It sucks being poor, and having a good taste in knives.:(
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I'm like that too, in a sense. I have relied on the contests to get my "fix". so far it has been very successful. it depends on which knife i have that determins if i use it or not.

Take the Offset for example. I wont use that knife to save my life. Same with my Lahar (even if that is the best knife I have at the moment).

My JYD2 or Groove or Needs Work will get used constantly. None of these are really the "same quality" (i say that in terms of materials and technology ONLY) as the Offset or Lahar.

I think, for me at least, it depends on how much I pay for it if i use it. If I can afford it, I will buy another of the same knife and use it and put up its "clone".
 
Indeed, it does take both types, and I don't think anyone inferred that I was valuing one was as THE way. Those of you who preserve rare old pieces in pristine condition do indeed provide a most valuable service, one I'd not considered.

We do all agree on price, at least:) Were I wealthy I'd own some very shibazz automatics, and I know I'd seldom take some of those I lust after out except to the opera.

It would be nice to be able to be a patron....
 
Thomas W said:
Contest success yes, but that tin cup of yours, and that one shifty move you made helped some as well.:D
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:D :D :D "hey buddy, can ya spare a knife?"

jonesjp@surry.net said:
Indeed, it does take both types, and I don't think anyone inferred that I was valuing one was as THE way. Those of you who preserve rare old pieces in pristine condition do indeed provide a most valuable service, one I'd not considered.

We do all agree on price, at least:) Were I wealthy I'd own some very shibazz automatics, and I know I'd seldom take some of those I lust after out except to the opera.

It would be nice to be able to be a patron....
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amen to that. it happens to some of us, and sadly only some of us.
 
jonesjp, think about this...if someone doesn't put away some of the sprint runs Kershaw has done or is planning on doing, the future may never see a preserved rare old pristine piece.

So take one of those 1660CB's and put it away. You can thank my grandchildren for this advice in 40 years...
 
I don't consider myself a collector but more of a user. When I decide to
buy a knife, I ask myself if I will really use it. With that said, there are
still a few I don't use just because I want to pass them along to my son.
My son TOLD me he was getting my Random Task when I'm ready to part
with it. I still have the 1st knife my Dad gave me at around the age of 10-12.
It's not a brand I buy(I only purchase Kershaws now) but it means more to me
then any other knife I own for sentimental reasons. It's a Buck and it will be passed
along to my son as well and I hope he passes it along to his.

As Spiral mentioned, "Just enjoy being a knife nut. It's all good". :thumbup:
 
I definitely have knives in the collection that I don't "use", but the excitement of getting a brand new razor sharp blade always causes me to at least test it out on something!!:D One or two slices won't hurt collectability, right?
 
I both collect and use. If I find something that I think is/will be collectible
and I think it would make a nice user, I'll buy more than one.
I have some knives that were/are users and wish I would have purchased
an extra to save back. :(

But it's all good, I barely have enough room now.
My purchases have tapered way off as of late, saving for something else.

You'll like those damascus Leeks. I know I do. :D

mike
 
jonesjp@surry.net said:
I am always puzzled by folks who -can- collect something like a knife or a handgun. For me, much of the joy in owning a fine piece is using it, experiencing the balace, the fruition of function and execution....

Still, I have 2 rainbow leeks... mostly because I found the first one during spring cleaning:) And I ordered 2 1660dam in hopes of getting radically different blade designs. I may get a second 1660 cb just because I'm so impressed with the first.

I have a real hard time throwing a fine thing like this in the safe and putting on gloves before looking at it; makes me feel like Silas Marner, I guess.

other inputs?
Click to expand...

I've only recently started collecting as opposed to just buying users, but I love to handle all of them, so I just have to ask:

How many of you that put away non-users actually only handle them with gloves on...I don't think I could do that...

For me, with collecting there's no thought of investment potential or return on investment...I just love knives, especially Kershaws (although I'm developing a taste for Bark River and other fixed-blades), and I don't want to create wear or use marks, so most are left in their boxes after an initial cleaning, adjustment and oiling, to be taken out periodically and handled...

And when I'm gone, they'll all go to my younger male relatives (or female, too, if any show interest)...sons, grandsons, son-in-laws, etc.

Anyway, just curious about the gloves...

Ray :)
 
glockman99 said:
I'm like you in that in-order for me to get a new knife, I have to either sell something or trade for what I want.

It sucks being poor, and having a good taste in knives.:(
Click to expand...

LMAO - My wife made a similar comment to me when I was showing her a Graham Bros knife that I was about to buy.
 
mikemock said:
Try having good taste in wristwatches.
I tried that for a while. I gave up.
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the russian guy that i took violin from for a while refused to wear anything but a rolex and since he couldnt afford one he didnt wear a watch. his view was that if you are going to buy something buy the best because it will last.

-matt
 
my rolex (vintage 1960) keeps worse time than a .99 Darch.. I've never understood the hype.

But the Leek (only Kershaw I own, so my only reference) gives me fit at least as good as any of my Microtechs, except the HALOs.

I very much like an object that gives such excellent value, and that's why I'm exploring other items ffrom the company.

shamelessly closing in on my minimum of 10 posts for the R.A.M. :)
 
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