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I like to think of it more as curating a connection, not hoarding.
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Do you hoard knives, and how to break out of this obsession?
- Thread starter Etna
- Start date
a lot of nice advices here and I do have problem alike. at some point of my life 1/3 up to 1/2 of my monthly salary was spent on knives and flashlights. every month I will obtain 2-3 new knives (mostly spydercos)
and at some point it reaches where I was "bored" with this knife collecting thing and I just get some kind of enlightenment : "I got too much knives!". Thus I ended my journey in hoarding knives. I trim off my collections, use the knife money to take my family out for dinner, vacations, etc. I still buying knives, I still enjoy the feel of reading review on new steels, new designs and such, but my urges to own new (expensive) knife has vanished... Maybe I am just getting 2-3 new knives on a year.
and at some point it reaches where I was "bored" with this knife collecting thing and I just get some kind of enlightenment : "I got too much knives!". Thus I ended my journey in hoarding knives. I trim off my collections, use the knife money to take my family out for dinner, vacations, etc. I still buying knives, I still enjoy the feel of reading review on new steels, new designs and such, but my urges to own new (expensive) knife has vanished... Maybe I am just getting 2-3 new knives on a year.
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- Nov 20, 2005
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That is TRUTH. Noticed above that you (Etna) placed another order for low end knives. Does it make you feel good to do that? I know we all get a bit of a charge when the UPS or Fedex truck pulls up in front of our house, but..... couldn't you have just ordered a third of what you did?
Compulsive behavior. Hmmmm. At least you aren't a shop lifter or heavy drinker/drug user. These are beasts that wear the same clothes. Beware.
On my last job, I was asked to pay one of the local guys to help him. We talked and he seemed okay. But, he had no conception about work and performance at a normal standard. I figured this out in about a day. He has simply screwed up his wiring and I can't repair it.
- Joined
- May 18, 2005
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- 23,087
Perhaps so. Spending enough for good knives, and having a pile of junk seems pointless. You sound like a drunk, who pretends to think of rehab, if only for a minute while drinking. It will never happen unless you do something about it.
A good way to force ones self from spending 1/3 of their income on knives is to live on their own, having to pay a rent or mortgage and have a spouse and maybe children. Move out of the parents' house.
That may not be your situation at all.
If not, instead of spending all that money on boxes of crappy, worthless knives....give it to charity. There are people starving and dying of uncured diseases, children who never went to school, veterans on the street, species dying off, cultural instructions withering away, etc etc etc....and you are hand wringing about disposable income and missing out on a SanReMu?
Hell, spend the money on a knife maker member here who is just getting started if you have to spend money.
Sheesh.
That may not be your situation at all.
If not, instead of spending all that money on boxes of crappy, worthless knives....give it to charity. There are people starving and dying of uncured diseases, children who never went to school, veterans on the street, species dying off, cultural instructions withering away, etc etc etc....and you are hand wringing about disposable income and missing out on a SanReMu?
Hell, spend the money on a knife maker member here who is just getting started if you have to spend money.
Sheesh.
- Joined
- Sep 5, 2006
- Messages
- 20,593
Post pictures of all those cheap knives you have in a group, when those arrive. Sorry, but it's very hard to believe you're really doing this and I can't begin to get my head around it without visual effects. 🤑
- Joined
- May 18, 2005
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- 23,087
Another option is start buying knives on the home shopping network, you will get even more garbage knives you will never use, for less money.
THIS!!!!!
I used to have a collection that was way more that I needed. I had a lot of customs like Randall, Hastings, George Stone, and others and all kinds of production knives. Slowly, like coming-out of a fog of temporary insanity, I looked at it all one day and thought "what am I doing with all this shite?" I had a wife and family, and over the course of many years had accumulated this product of obsession.
I sold off all the customs, gave say the rest to fame;y members, co-workers, friends and never looked back. Now I keep my knife accumulation down to where it all fits in one hand, with care. I have a rule; one in=one out. If I absolutely have to have a new knife, Ihave to pick one of the small collection to gift off to someone.
Another thing I do is, if a knife catches my eye, I have to ask myself "What will that knife do that the knife in my pocket will not do?"
So far it's been almost 20 years since I quite obsessively collecting and hoarding. I've kept my knife accumulation down to a steady 6 to 8 knives at any one time. Again, way more than I need for the rest of my life. I watched my old man live a full life with a little Case peanut in his pocket and a cut down machete in his car trunk. He got by very well, but he did not have our knife obsession. And it is an obsession, right up there with compulsive behavior disorder.
I will say that I accumulated the Randall's and other customs before I got married. Once I had a wife and kids to raise, the knife obsession took a very definite back seat to real life. The full time job of raising kids and being a soccer dad took over keeping my mind on other things.
In 1997 I did my giant downsizing and sell off, and the better half and I sent a month on the road taking a second honeymoon on the knife money from the customs. Camping gear in the Toyota and we hit all the big National parks in May before the summer rush with the kids out of school. Yellowstone, Custer, Badlands, Bryce, Arches, Grand Canyon, and Mesa Verde. Had a ball and memories that will last a lifetime. But you won't do that off cheap knives. The Randall's at least had went up in value. I don't think any production knives will let you do that.
But it's still an ongoing struggle. Being an obsessive knife buyer is like being an alcoholic, you take it day by day, and say "Not today" as far as buying a new knife. And ask yourself if that new knife will do anything your present knife will not do. Almost every time the answer will be no.
Don't pick up any knife magazines, they are shills for the 'knife of the month' knife companies they show on the cover. And these forums don't help either, so cut down on the time you spend on them. It's habit forming. It's all about showing off your new purchase. I've had to cut way back on how much I visit the forums.
It's tough, like getting a handle on any compulsive behavior.
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- Nov 20, 2005
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- 19,385
The problem is that Etna does not purchase these knives to use or if they are to use, it is some sort of mental back up justification.
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- Jul 18, 2003
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- 1,889
Since you also avoid American made knives so switching to CRK or Busse etc is probsblt a no go.
You'd at least get some knives that would accrue value that way.
Maybe it's going to take something big to change your way of thinking but I still say that the best way to stop is by stopping.
You'd at least get some knives that would accrue value that way.
Maybe it's going to take something big to change your way of thinking but I still say that the best way to stop is by stopping.
Sonnydaze
Gold Member
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- Jul 6, 2009
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- 11,696
There are various methods:
1. When you get tired of seeing the monthly credit-card bill that you can't afford to pay..
2. When your wife says she about ready to wrap it up and call it a day...
3. When you have purchased (and resold for a loss) just about every knife that you can think of, that you ever wanted to hold in your hand.
It's not difficult...just expensive and VERYYYYYYYY stressful.
1. When you get tired of seeing the monthly credit-card bill that you can't afford to pay..
2. When your wife says she about ready to wrap it up and call it a day...
3. When you have purchased (and resold for a loss) just about every knife that you can think of, that you ever wanted to hold in your hand.
It's not difficult...just expensive and VERYYYYYYYY stressful.
He needs a wife.
Joke aside, there is just one way to get rid of this addiction. Start to ask yourself " Am I REALLY needing it?" Write the reasons Pro and Con on a paper, and don't buy it right away. Check next day your Pro and Con writings. Usually you will not buy it since most of buying addictions are based on impulsive purchase. Try this.
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- Joined
- Jan 9, 2022
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- 18
I know Im late but holy hell!! This is my EXACT issue. It really sucks bc of the extra $$$ spent and just the lack of space and simply the fact I dont need this many of whatever it is. My anxiety/ocd definitely is connected to this but thats a convo for a diff day. How it goes for me is I find item a for a great price and end up loving it. Then my mind tells me 'what if it breaks and you cant find this knife anymore or the sale price is gone and you cant afford it' so then Im like ahhhh and end up buying a 2nd maybe even a 3rd and repeat for item B item C and etc...it really sucks. But for me I already know its an OCD thing and it goes beyond just being a hoarder or shopping addict and though I know this, its still hard to stop. End up spending $$ I dont have which causes more stress and its a cycle. Whats worse is I ALWAYS end up finding a different item or the SQME for the SAME or another great price that I like even more than the previous item and even though I know I can always find this or a better item later my mind still tricks me into thinking that I NEED to get a 2nd bc itll either be gone or back to a price I cant afford so I buy a 2nd. Then little while later find a different item on sale and repeat. Its just awful. Feel free to dm me if you have questions. I know this is years old but still. From my personal situation, its deeper than just buying/wanting knives or whatever. Maybe same for you?
Hashishiin
Gold Member
- Joined
- Dec 29, 2021
- Messages
- 4,184
Sometimes I am scared that if I mention/talk about a knife I am interested in, everyone will immediately go buy it all and it'll be over. I was actually worrying over mentioning my Sage 5 casually because I want one for myself (got that for my girlfriend) and my mind really tricks itself into thinking the mere mention of it will make people buy it up.
I have been getting more reasonable, though I did get from zero to nine Spydercos, from Dec. to Jan.
I have been getting more reasonable, though I did get from zero to nine Spydercos, from Dec. to Jan.
Haha, that is not true! There is a big difference between being able to buy something, and truly being able to afford that item or activity or whatever.
sgt1372
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Oct 16, 2018
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- 8,343
I'm a "collector" not a "hoarder."
Hoarding implies a "compulsion" that motivates someone to buy/acquire and keep at lot of "stuff" (mainly "junk") w/little or no intrinctive value to the "hoarder" and for no apparent reason that eventually overwhelms the "hoarder's" living space due to a lack of self-control.
Collecting is a hobby that involves buying stuff of some "value" by making distinct choices based on one's pocketbook, preferences and interests that provides the "collector" with a sense of enjoyment and satisfaction not experienced by a "hoarder." While you may only collect things of interest to you, the value of a collection would be determined by how many others also value/appreciate your collection too.
Hoarding is a psychological "problem."
Collecting is NOT unless you are collecting more than you can afford or have space to store. I don't have those problems despite having a +350 knife collection currently valued at around $50-70K.
Hoarding implies a "compulsion" that motivates someone to buy/acquire and keep at lot of "stuff" (mainly "junk") w/little or no intrinctive value to the "hoarder" and for no apparent reason that eventually overwhelms the "hoarder's" living space due to a lack of self-control.
Collecting is a hobby that involves buying stuff of some "value" by making distinct choices based on one's pocketbook, preferences and interests that provides the "collector" with a sense of enjoyment and satisfaction not experienced by a "hoarder." While you may only collect things of interest to you, the value of a collection would be determined by how many others also value/appreciate your collection too.
Hoarding is a psychological "problem."
Collecting is NOT unless you are collecting more than you can afford or have space to store. I don't have those problems despite having a +350 knife collection currently valued at around $50-70K.
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I’m no psychologist, just a dumb redneck nail bender, so my opinion may just reflect my own experience. If you’re like me, it may be helpful - if you’re different, it might be useless. But here goes.
When I’ve had spells of suboptimal behavior, I’ve brought them to an end by substituting better behavior.
My dad used to say, “You are the pilot of your own mind. It goes where you steer it. If you don’t like where it’s going, take the wheel and set a new course.”
Obesity runs in my family. We’re big boned, chunky, well rounded, husky punkins with big healthy lumberjack appetites. And our women are darn good cooks, too. We sure don’t want to hurt their feelings by leaving any vittles behind after mealtime.
Most of us work in the construction trades, where the strenuous physical exertion requires steady fuel. With a young man’s vigor and metabolism, I could stay strong and muscular while eating big. But when I got old, started slowing down and transferred to a desk job, I kept my old eating habits and bloated up almost 50 lbs.
After 2 years of that, I got disgusted with my weak and flabby self. I gave up my desk, got back out on a crew, hoisting joists and climbing ladders, and ate more salads and less ice cream. It took awhile to get back the performance I had lost, and at times my resolve started to waver, but I gave myself a dad-like pep talk.
“Friday morning donuts and 3 beers after work? That’s how I used to eat, but not any more. I didn’t like myself then, now I’m better, stronger, healthier. I make better choices now.”
I work smarter now, too. I run into guys I used to work with, some younger than me, and they have bad backs, bad knees, all stove up in different ways. They say I’m lucky I can still climb and lift and swing a hammer, but it’s not all luck. It’s partly making better choices, and not bulldozing through things like when we were 17.
You’re in charge of your choices. Nobody else is dictating your behavior. Set your new course, and hold it hard even when you’re tempted to fall back. Replace the thoughts of “what if they stop making this knife?” with “I’ve got plenty of spare knives, and they’re building more new ones now than ever before.” “Any time I break a knife, I can have a better one before sundown.”
Perhaps you can focus on maximizing the cutting performance of your existing knives, rather than fearing an imaginary shortage. Build up your mental discipline, and control your thoughts and attitudes, and turn them toward what you know is best.
It won’t always be easy, but the reward is worth the effort. Time comes when you no longer dislike your behavior, you’ll be glad you did it.
Parker
When I’ve had spells of suboptimal behavior, I’ve brought them to an end by substituting better behavior.
My dad used to say, “You are the pilot of your own mind. It goes where you steer it. If you don’t like where it’s going, take the wheel and set a new course.”
Obesity runs in my family. We’re big boned, chunky, well rounded, husky punkins with big healthy lumberjack appetites. And our women are darn good cooks, too. We sure don’t want to hurt their feelings by leaving any vittles behind after mealtime.
Most of us work in the construction trades, where the strenuous physical exertion requires steady fuel. With a young man’s vigor and metabolism, I could stay strong and muscular while eating big. But when I got old, started slowing down and transferred to a desk job, I kept my old eating habits and bloated up almost 50 lbs.
After 2 years of that, I got disgusted with my weak and flabby self. I gave up my desk, got back out on a crew, hoisting joists and climbing ladders, and ate more salads and less ice cream. It took awhile to get back the performance I had lost, and at times my resolve started to waver, but I gave myself a dad-like pep talk.
“Friday morning donuts and 3 beers after work? That’s how I used to eat, but not any more. I didn’t like myself then, now I’m better, stronger, healthier. I make better choices now.”
I work smarter now, too. I run into guys I used to work with, some younger than me, and they have bad backs, bad knees, all stove up in different ways. They say I’m lucky I can still climb and lift and swing a hammer, but it’s not all luck. It’s partly making better choices, and not bulldozing through things like when we were 17.
You’re in charge of your choices. Nobody else is dictating your behavior. Set your new course, and hold it hard even when you’re tempted to fall back. Replace the thoughts of “what if they stop making this knife?” with “I’ve got plenty of spare knives, and they’re building more new ones now than ever before.” “Any time I break a knife, I can have a better one before sundown.”
Perhaps you can focus on maximizing the cutting performance of your existing knives, rather than fearing an imaginary shortage. Build up your mental discipline, and control your thoughts and attitudes, and turn them toward what you know is best.
It won’t always be easy, but the reward is worth the effort. Time comes when you no longer dislike your behavior, you’ll be glad you did it.
Parker
- Joined
- Feb 27, 2014
- Messages
- 17,936
There is help out there if you want to change, but the key is wanting to change. Only then can healing start. Good luck
