I've been reading up on this forum for a bit, and have started a small collection. I am currently looking at an assortment of fixed and folding knives, trying to decided on my next acquisition. For folders I am looking at strider smf or a CR Umnumzan, and for fixed at Rat Cutlery and Bark River. Since some the models of these brands are getting up there price wise, I am thinking, why not just spring for a really nice custom?
One reason is that if it is too nice, I may not want to use (abuse) it. I did spring for a large Sebenza, so no hurry with the next upscale folder-- this one will keep me happy for a good while. As for a fixie, I ordered a USMC (based on some recs from this awesome forum), so I am all set for my next few outdoor adventures in that category.
So going forward it's all just collecting for pleasure, but I still prefer knives I will use, even if only on occasion, or in rotation, if you will.
Should I bypass the next one or two mid-to-high-priced production purchases and just pool it all into a really sweet custom? Is there a custom folder out there that has the functionality of a CR or a Strider, but with more pizzaz (whatever that is, lol)? Is there any point paying any more then a Bark River costs-- I mean those are pretty nice already? In addition, I have seen a couple of very nice custom knives by some talented knife smiths going for no more then some of the high end production models.
Also, one big question: do people actually use their damascus blade knives? I know it almost seems sacreligious, but there is something about having a really high end, even art-like tool or piece of equipment and using it in realtime that appeals to me. As a musician I can get away with using my fine instruments without worry about "using them up," so to speak, other then a bit of minor wear over many, many years. A knife is a bit of a different animal.
One reason is that if it is too nice, I may not want to use (abuse) it. I did spring for a large Sebenza, so no hurry with the next upscale folder-- this one will keep me happy for a good while. As for a fixie, I ordered a USMC (based on some recs from this awesome forum), so I am all set for my next few outdoor adventures in that category.
So going forward it's all just collecting for pleasure, but I still prefer knives I will use, even if only on occasion, or in rotation, if you will.
Should I bypass the next one or two mid-to-high-priced production purchases and just pool it all into a really sweet custom? Is there a custom folder out there that has the functionality of a CR or a Strider, but with more pizzaz (whatever that is, lol)? Is there any point paying any more then a Bark River costs-- I mean those are pretty nice already? In addition, I have seen a couple of very nice custom knives by some talented knife smiths going for no more then some of the high end production models.
Also, one big question: do people actually use their damascus blade knives? I know it almost seems sacreligious, but there is something about having a really high end, even art-like tool or piece of equipment and using it in realtime that appeals to me. As a musician I can get away with using my fine instruments without worry about "using them up," so to speak, other then a bit of minor wear over many, many years. A knife is a bit of a different animal.
You don't need anything else