Originally Posted by kbaknife
You ever buy a knife just 'cause you like it?!!?
OK.
I didn't mean "impulse buys", and fit and finish should be considered regardless, I just mean buying a knife without adding in all the other criterea of current market popularity of the maker, re-sale-ability of the knife, etc., etc., but just 'cause you like it!
It would seem to me that to add so many specifications on a purchase would detract from the pure pleasure of collecting!
Life is short, and this stuff should be fun!
Karl, I thoroughly enjoy collecting and it's not like I pull out my list every time I contemplate a purchase. It comes natural to me as I love ABS forged blades and I like the makers I buy from and they run their knife businesses in a manner that benefits me and knife collectors in general.
Yes, knife collectors in general. It's great to say it's all about the knife, however THE KNIFE will only be around as long as there are collectors to buy it. It seems to me at times, we have more new knife makers than new collectors. Without a favorable collector/maker ratio the industry will decline.
Short term, a poor ratio benefits the collector as prices will come down, however long term the collector will suffer as talented establish makers may drop out and great up and comers may not be able to grab enough of the reduced knife revenue to grow. Thus knife quality will suffer.
I can think of a very good established maker and businessman that just stopped making knives within the last 12 months. Most of you know of whom I'm speaking. The industry misses this maker for what he has done and for what he would have done in the future.
You have makers who are more concerned with THE KNIFE they make and sell today and collectors who are more concerned with THE KNIFE they are considering for purchase today.
You have makers that are more concerned with their careers and the industry being successful long term by promoting and getting new collectors interested and the collectors who support them.
I don't think my collection has suffered from abiding by my list of what I look for in a maker or by collecting the knives of the six or so makers I support. Collectors who buy less expensive knives can also benefit by selecting makers using points from my list. Lin Rhea for example, would be a maker of mid price range knives falling into my criteria.
I didn't start this thread to say I'm right, just to share what works for me and to generate good constructive dialog as to how other collectors view makers or what they look for in them.
And Karl to answer your question, I was just a nat’s ass away from just buying one of your cool and super clean “take down” knives at the Blade Show without ALL the criteria.
