Collection of Thoughts on Collections

Dan of Bazz Clazz

Dan of Bazz Clazz

Joined
May 10, 2017
Messages
736
True to BF traditions, there are about 2 times as many definitions , reasons, and philosophies about collecting knives and what you should do with your knives as there BF members. Though I don't guarantee the accuracy of my math in that factoid.

A lot of members seem to feel knives are tools, and should be used. No point in buying it if you are not going to use it. A practical point of view to be sure. Others have no problem accumulating Safe Queens, if for investment hopes, or as a collector. Some have a "collection" of 5-10 knives, often with the intent of 1 for each day of the week as EDC. Still others have hundreds or thousands of knives in their collections. You know who you are. lol

As for myself, I crossed the 100 knife threshold awhile back. Some are users, some EDC, some may never see strop, stone, or cut a breeze, much less a piece of paper. I do not own a Safe Queen for 2 reasons. I do not own a safe, and I cannot currently afford either the safe, or a knife that would warrant needing a safe. So that is the depth and breadth of my collection. I personally classify myself as a collector and knife guy.

The "knife guy" part of me appreciates and uses a quality knife. It is a tool after all. And I learned long ago how handy it is to always have one in my pocket when needed.

The "collector" in me, I put on the same level as one who collects coins, or stamps, or shells, etc. If a stamp collector specializes in buying sheets of US commemorative stamps, and rips off a stamp from his sheet to mail a letter, most people would think he had a screw loose. And he would. Stamp collector has stamps he collects and others he uses. No one would think it odd to have some of each kind. Same for a coin collector. Guy says he is a collector, but is fine reaching into his "collection" to get change to do laundry? That seems more like having a lot of possibly well organized pocket change rather than a coin collection.

Yet, some will look at my collection (as my son commented this weekend) and say "Why? You never can or will use them all. Stop buying more knives." But that's not the point is it. It is a collection after all. They don't have to all get used. As long as it works for me, it's all good. :cool:

Anyone share or differ in that point of view?
 
I have one safe queen that I really like but don’t feel a particular need to carry or use. I have a few that are true users that I grab when there’s a possibility of hard work. The rest of my collection gets carried to some degree and sees light EDC use.

My system brings me enjoyment, which is what it’s all about.
 
I was happy while owning great many knives. I remain happy after having to sell some and will remain happy as I continue to sell more. I enjoy many aspects of of the knife.
-Utility/everyday usefulness.
-Tactile feel of quality even on relatively inexpensive knives. Of course subjective.
-Well thought out and yes sometimes poorly thought out designs.
-Artistic flair/visual appeal of materials and design.
-Technological advancement or sometimes time proven aspects of materials or craftsmanship.
-That impossible to describe "That's the ONE!" feeling when you see, feel or use a certain knife. This can happen many times so please be aware and don't say I didn't warn you.
So collecting,using or just accumulating; around here we don't judge lest we be judged. As long as you aren't hurting anyone gather them up and call it what you like .
 
I have a collection of knives that I use.
Simple as that.

Now some will say "Arrrgh, that's an accumulation!!!" or some such thing, but those people are the ones I like to call wrong. ;)
 
How many knives would you consider the point where it's gone from collecting to hoarding?
My other hobby/profession is watchmaking. If you have more then 7 watches (Different watch for everyday) you are a hoarder. Now I have literally buckets full of watches so I'm a hoarder.
 
Currently only have 15-20 total, and that's where I like to stay. I don't buy knives with the intent of being a safe queen. Some may not get used often, but they have or do get used occasionally.
If you're a collector and have knives that will never be used, that's fine too. To each their own. Do what makes you happy!
 
cbrstar said:
How many knives would you consider the point where it's gone from collecting to hoarding?
Click to expand...

I don’t think it has to do with the number of knives and more to do with how they are stored. Collectors keep their bunch of stuff nice, organize it, sometimes even display it.

Hoarders just accumulate, and the stuff tends not to be well cared for. It is not catalogued, not organized, not stored for easy retrieval and use, etc....

An interesting distinction was once made to me by a psychologist who is a good friend of mine.

He said collectors show off the things they accumulate as a hobby. Hoarders tend to hide it.
 
cbrstar said:
How many knives would you consider the point where it's gone from collecting to hoarding?
My other hobby/profession is watchmaking. If you have more then 7 watches (Different watch for everyday) you are a hoarder. Now I have literally buckets full of watches so I'm a hoarder.
Click to expand...

There's always going to be that fine line between collecting and hoarding. IMO, if you know what you have, keep track of everything as 19-3ben 19-3ben stated, it's a collection. If you discover new knives in your own home, you might be a hoarder.
I've got over 100 knives, I could pick any two and they would do just fine for the rest of my knife life. But, I like sharp pointy
and having that many ice picks is just weird to me. So, I collect knives instead.
 
I usually have less than a dozen. All of my folders and small fixed blades get used, but I have a soft spot for larger fixed blades for which I don't really have a practical use. None of those have cut anything.
 
I don't think hard about the differences between collecting, hoarding, or using knives. As long as having a knife can make me happier, I will try to have it. Looking at, fondling, tweaking, sharpening, as well as using a knife can each and all make me happier. As someone said above, it is a hobby. So, try not to let others' opinions on or philosophy of owning knives dictate or affect you.
 
I find most folks do not understand why I like and collect knives. I was a carpenter and woodworker in my early career. I also fixed my own car when I was young. These pursuits exposed me to tools so maybe that planted the seed.
My father gave me my first knife when I was probably 11 or 12 so I could clean my own fish.
Flash forward to my 30s and I noticed a bite from the collecting bug...now I'm approaching 50yrs old and I have 27 folders and a few fixed blades. I plan to keep going. I just love the hobby. And I use them all.
But most people don't understand my affliction. I guess that's why I come here. To be among other enthusiasts. And I see a gold membership in my future soon.
But most others (including my father) just can't see how I would spend more than $100 on a knife.
I'm normal, right?
My wife has no understanding of my hobby and thinks I may need medication, haha!
She says, "Why do you need another knife?"
I smile and say, "Why do you need another pair of shoes?"
 
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For me the hobby has been a learning process to use many as brands, styles, steels ect. That was how I managed to find what works best for me, even though it is a never ending process. It is a great time to be in this hobby with all the choices to be had these days and being able to have a group of knife buds through social media has been an added bonus. I have 40-60 blades at any given time, have and do use around 3/4s of them one way or another- life is good.
 
My perception of a hobby is a specifically intense interest in a subject. People who study things tend to collect them as aids to learning. Knives are interesting to me, and I collect them as much to learn as to use (probably more so). Paleontology and Geology interest me likewise, but while I can collect rocks (and do) fossils are much less likely to be found in my collection due to rarity and costs involved. Conversely, it's much easier to find a good book on Dinosaurs than it is to find one on knives.
 
Pinemoon said:
She says, "Why do you need another knife?"
I smile and say, "Why do you need another pair of shoes?"
Click to expand...

exactly this right here - same goes for cars, guns, dolls, sports cards, stamps, hammers, wrenches, license plates, or anything else people 'collect'.

it could be for use, display, nostalgia, or any other reason
 
I'm trying to figure out where I fit. I'd like to think I was a very shrewd and savvy collector of hard use collectables fit for combatives, but I let my feelings get in the way sometimes. I'm not a hoarder, but my collector card might be taken away.

Months back I saw this Boker Special Run, Applegate Tanto fixed blade, and I wanted it, but did not have the funds for the preorder. Then, of course, it went on sale before I was ready. Much to my dismay, all of the micarta grips sold out immediately leaving only the resin/plastic and ebony wood grips. There were just 199 of these made so I was miffed. Yesterday I bought an ebony wood grip one. I don't know, is ebony wood a good grip / handle material? It can't be as good as micarta. Oy yoy yoy.....what a headache.

Doing my best here to collect what makes sense and NOT be a hoarder.
 
Psybull said:
For me the hobby has been a learning process to use many as brands, styles, steels etc. That was how I managed to find what works best for me, even though it is a never ending process.
Click to expand...

My tendency is to get HOT after some object: cell-phones, tv's, guns, knives, dog-breeds, and to do extensive research...well beyond the bonds of reason. (ask my wife)
After a while, I cool off and go after something else. This knife-thing has consumed my total interest for quite a number of yrs...as the more I learn, the more there IS to learn. But I love it. In the process, I collected many different brands and models...and loved them all...without carrying hardly any of them. Then, I lose interest and they're gone overnite. And...All of my once-decent collections have gone to the Exchange.
Occasionally, I'll buy a knife that attracts my interest...and then usually sell it off just as quickly.
Very few knives are still in my knife-box, and I never carry any of them...just nice things to look at occasionally.
I EDC a 3" fixed in cross-draw and a large clipped Sebbie. So hard to beat that combo.
 
I used to collect wanted posters. I may even still have some around.

I have been a knife collector for much of my life but the idea of having a huge collection is not appealing to me as it used to be. Give me a few, well-designed blades and I should be happy.

The idea of surrounding myself with tons of stuff is not part of my thoughts anymore. At least not right now. I want a simple life without a lot of stress.

Besides, the less I own means the less my wife and daughter have to throw out when I die.
 
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