Collecting

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Rebel4ever

Joined
Oct 18, 2014
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As you may notice, I'm a new guy here but have been casually building a small collection of Benchmade over past couple of years. My question is whether it is better to stay within a brand/maker you like or to branch out and build a collection of one or more other brands. My funds are limited as I am retired, but I love accurate rifles and sharp knives by quality builders. Both areas are VERY expensive!
So, my first order was placed today for a ZT. What do you do? Go far as many models of one maker as you can, or pick and choose from several? I know I'm nowhere in the same league with most of you guys but I am sort of obsessive-compulsive with my guns/knives collection.
 
If funds are limited, you may not want to dive headfirst into a huge moneysink of a hobby like knife collecting can be. ZTs can be had for as little as $80 used on the Exchange, or as much as $1,000+ for the limited edition (of which there have been several, all highly sought after).

If you're new to knives in general, I'd do a LOT of reading before spending a dime. Try to get a read for what you like, or what you might want to use the knife for. Then go from there. Good luck, and welcome to the Board.
 
I would recommend trying a different styles and brands that you think appeal to you.
Then sell back whatever your not found of; use the money you get back to help fund the next knife.

But that's just my opinion; and you know what they say about those.
 
Many makers and manufacturers have such great skill and variety that they alone are worth collecting. At the same time, there is so much out there to choose from just sticking with one category is in effect limiting yourself.

I'd say buy what you like and what your income allows. Enjoy!
 
Welcome to the forums.

The difference between a collection and an accumulation is that the collection tells a story. It is your creation and you get to write the story. It can be about a knife brand and is often about a subset of that brand, such as the Buck model 110 and the variations of that knife model over the years; but it can be about anything theme that you enjoy. Perhaps about a particular pattern or type as manufactured by numerous brands. It also needs not be static, nor overly expensive. One of the joys of collecting is that you can trade with other collectors to learn about and refine your collection. The important thing is to have fun.

n2s
 
I second the notion to go with whatever brand/style you like. It is your story, your collection and you are behind the wheel. You don't need the permission of anyone to delve into this complex and sometimes bizarre hobby.

A collection does tell a story. Sadly, the accumulation also tells a tale that smacks of raw addiction and can lead to a sort of temporary madness, not to mention financial woes. The slippery slope of addiction has claimed more than one credit card and check book! If you are curious about additions, I welcome you to read my previous posts on said topic.

But, if you can afford to buy here and there, just focus on having fun. Enjoy the hobby. You can learn and network with various collectors and subsequently buy/sell/trade/upgrade with others. It is a great thing to collect as long as the collecting does not HAVE you by the short hairs.
 
don't limit yourself to just collecting folders,it's much more fun to also own fixed blades/ machetes / axes & hatchets / tomahawks, and so on.
 
I guess by better I meant " logical" or "reasonable".
I appreciate the insights shared by all of you, especially the concept of " telling a story". The bulk of my rifle collection does that very thing...very accurate rimfires"... As told by Coopers and Anschutz. So, I get it now. I guess I did exactly what you guys suggested in building that collection.
 
Whom do you want to please with your collection?
Try to find an answer to that question.
As far as I understand the answers posted above it's "You".
There are many nice knives out there, but worth collecting?
I'm not sure if I could be of any help; more questions than answers.
red mag
 
Rebel4ever said:
I guess by better I meant " logical" or "reasonable".
Click to expand...

Again...what does that mean? Collect what you like, my friend. Why would there have to be logic or rules applied?

Unless you are trying to impress somebody or collect as an investment. Neither (especially the latter) makes much sense to me. :o

You are overthinking and sucking the fun out of it!
 
Spyderco is by far my favorite production brand, but I like to branch out. I've sold/am selling a lot of my knives as I've discovered what I like and don't. ZT is great, I have three. Check out Spyderco as well.

Current lineup:

5 Spyderco's--Manix 2, PM2, Gayle Bradley, Dragonfly, Schempp Rock
3 ZT's--0801, 0561, 0770CF
Three Sisters Forge Beast
LionSteel Opera
Brous Bionic
ESEE 5 and Izula
SOG Seal Pup

I love the exchange, buying, selling, and trading so much fun!
 
K.O.D. said:
Spyderco is by far my favorite production brand, but I like to branch out.
Click to expand...

Pfft. Don't listen to him, Rebel4Ever! I happen to like stacked leather handles. You will collect those and like it! To not collect them would be illogical and show unsound reasoning. Start collecting them now! :thumbup:
 
marcinek said:
Pfft. Don't listen to him, Rebel4Ever! I happen to like stacked leather handles. You will collect those and like it! To not collect them would be illogical and show unsound reasoning. Start collecting them now! :thumbup:
Click to expand...

Well at least its not collecting jarbenzas. I have 400 of them and the pawn shops want me to pay them to take them.
 
Stubai said:
I second the notion to go with whatever brand/style you like. It is your story, your collection and you are behind the wheel. You don't need the permission of anyone to delve into this complex and sometimes bizarre hobby.

A collection does tell a story. Sadly, the accumulation also tells a tale that smacks of raw addiction and can lead to a sort of temporary madness, not to mention financial woes. The slippery slope of addiction has claimed more than one credit card and check book! If you are curious about additions, I welcome you to read my previous posts on said topic.

But, if you can afford to buy here and there, just focus on having fun. Enjoy the hobby. You can learn and network with various collectors and subsequently buy/sell/trade/upgrade with others. It is a great thing to collect as long as the collecting does not HAVE you by the short hairs.
Click to expand...

Good posts so far, and this one is right on the money.

Welcome to Bladeforums!
 
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Just buy what you like. If that's only one brand or style of knife, as long as it makes you happy then go with it. Personally I like the Spydies, but I have a handful of other makes. I'm by no means a collector. I buy knives to use them. If I don't use it I sell it.
 
After testing the waters with several brands and models I decided to collect Kershaw's Blur because I like the knife and thought they were pretty reasonably priced. After many thousands of dollars and hours of leg work its a pretty nice collection now but dont know if I would do it again knowing what I know now lol. It can drive you nuts and into the poor house if you let it get the best of you just a warning.
 
Don't over analyze it. Buy the knives you like. I ask myself two questions to justify a knife purchase: 1) Do I like it? 2) Do I like it enough to pay the asking price given the materials? Everything else is secondary
 
The good news is that there is no "right" answer. It's your stuff and you should buy what brings you pleasure. You'll make mistakes, in the sense that you'll occasionally buy something that you thought you'd like, but don't. That's part of the experience. Enjoy.
 
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