Custom vs. Commercial: your thoughts

[jebib]

First, I'm green and readily admit it. Initially, I was overwhelmed by the scope and volume of the commercial stuff. But I have found, as I've found this site that I now rarely look at anything other than custom. I suspect moving forward if I wanted something I'd stick strictly to one of the knifemakers. I now have three and consider them something akin to pieces of art (don't laugh!) Just think what someone will say about one of them in 50 years, when compared to a commercial model. Frankly, at one level I'd be interested if there would be any guidance out there on how to build a collection. Is this really way out there, or something a lot of you eventually come to? Regards,