Custom Folder as EDC?

[pauljgallant]

I just picked up my first custom knife - a beautiful folder in damascus and mammoth by artist Charles Gedraitis. I can't stop playing with it and showing it off. It is incredible in fit & finish.
My question - do I keep this thing in its black velvet pouch and not cut with it? Or bring it into EDC rotation (even tho it doesn't have a clip)

PJG

 

[bquinlan]

I suggest you think about what will make you happiest. I am definitely a user at heart and I rarely buy, and even more rarely keep, knives that I don't intend to carry and use. On the other hand, that one sure does sound like an "art" knife, even if it is also practical. So, will you be happier having it with you and letting it acquire the little scuffs and scrapes of real-world use or do you want to preserve its pristine beauty for contemplation when you look through your collection?

The beautiful part is that there is no wrong answer.

--Bob Q

 

[Torah]

That's a hard one to answered. For me
if the blade is Damascus -> Categorize as art knife : Its a shelf knife.
if the handle has pearl or any other jewel type inlay - > Categorize as art knife : Its a shelf knife.
Actually I don't have any of the above type because I am a user.
I do have three DDR custom MADD MAXX and its in my EDC rotation.
But If I did get any of the above types of knife, it will be for display for sure.

 

[Boink]

If you really love the knife and know you're going to keep it and want to have it with you, accept the fact NOW that you're going to screw it up in some way. This is an unfortunate fact. But if you love the knife, it will wind up gaining what is called "character."

For example, you might bump into something and scratch the clip. You might handle the knife with rings on your fingers and scratch the scales. You might hold the knife together with something else in one hand and they'll bump together, the item with the softer finish will get scratched. You may even CUT SOMETHING with the knife and wind up having to resharpen it.

If you're not sure that you really dig the knife and may want to sell it for the best dollar, then put it in a display and leave it alone.

I try to buy customs as users and wind up getting well made stuff in serviceable materials. One day, I'll avail myself to some really beautiful art-like work with sumptuous materials. But at that time, I'll probably just keep it for display, especially if I have other customs that I've been depending upon as EDC.