Do you hoard knives, and how to break out of this obsession?

No, I don't hoard. My wife and I are strict budget people. We are focused on maximizing retirement savings and paying off the house (the only debt we have).

I put $ aside each month into my toy fund. My toy fund covers: knives, firearms, ammo, gear, etc. Like a lot of folks, I have enough knives to last me and there isn't anything I must have.

I'm thankful I'm not obsessed with knives like the OP and maybe some other folks are. Thankfully my wife isn't a big shopper of anything either.
 
An old thread but a relevant one for many of us. For me it comes down to managing my mad money. I don't have kids in the house to raise and I don't have to support the woman in my life. I have pretty much all the tools I'll ever need for the home and yard. My other hobbies have taken their share of my cash over the years and I'm happy with the kit I have for those hobbies, so there doesn't need to be any spending there beyond maintenance. If I'm no longer getting enough out of the stuff from those hobbies I'll either sell that stuff or give it away (I've given away over a dozen of my knives over the years). I have enough unread books to keep me going for next ten years, so I've drastically cut back on book buying. I'm not currently doing any traveling, going out for shows, dinner, or drinks these last couple years, so there's a bit more mad money to spend than usual. I don't need the latest tech gadget and I don't have the spare time to do console/PC gaming. I don't have a drug habit, don't smoke, and barely drink since getting out of the military (unless I'm drinking with someone I was in the military with). The fact that I've been cutting my own hair for the last two years has probably saved me enough money for two knives right there. If I can't pay bills or eat because I'm spending all my money on knives or another hobby there's a big problem. If I blow all my mad money on knives for the quarter, then I've blown all my mad money for knives for the quarter. I either make more money or I don't buy more knives or blow cash on non-essentials.

My knife collecting has definitely spiked in recent years and it's become much more of a hobby, but this is the year I start to dial it back a bit and be a bit more focused on my purchases, because I've already bought a lot of the knives I wanted to. I don't want to buy things just for the sake of buying things. My knife buying has coincided with wanting to expand my bushcraft skills. There are a number of knives out there I'd love to have, but the prices aren't realistic for my budget and I can live with that. I can look at a picture of a knife or car I can't afford right now and be able to appreciate it for what it is, without stressing over it. I make a plan and I follow it, making adjustments where needed. There are still a few purchase when available knives and there is the odd impulse buy, but that's getting a lot rarer as the holes in my collection keep getting filled. If you find yourself spending more than you can afford, you need to have a long look in the mirror and ask what you're getting out of it and if it's worth it. Most people either have a notional or written in stone budget to live by. If things get a bit out of control, you need to write out a budget to see where your money is going and make the necessary corrections.
 
I can tell you I have a compulsive shopping addiction. When it's not knives, It's watches, bulk food for SHTF, And other nonsense.
to be honest. I feel a rush and a sense of happiness when I buy stuff. For a time. I have not been the same since many relatives and my child passed away.
I later on get depressed or end up regretting some purchases. Including some more expensive knives that are not what they seem to be.
Take it from a fool. You DON'T want to continue in this pattern. If you do there will come a point of no return. I fear I am already there.
I have been seeking professional help for my impulsive shopping. Everyone's story and reasons are different.
I buy stuff as I want to look important, get the buy rush, and trying to impress women and friends.
I am a flat out screw up and also deal with PTSD and moderate depression/memory loss.
You do as you wish. But if I were you. I would seek some professional help and not quit buying knives or things I enjoy. But have a professional help you develop more positive ways of budgeting and help cope with hoarding. In your case it may not even be a hoarding or mental issue. But just budgeting issues. Only a professional can diagnose that though.
One thing that may help. Is to slow down (Not Quit) on YouTube knife reviews, knife shops, reddit, Facebook knife groups, and even blade Forums.
And try focusing on other things such as another hobby, art, music, exercise, martial arts classes, or anything to occupy your time.

I say that because. At least with me. The more I see something being sold as the next big thing.
The more tempted I am to buy. Not just knives in my case.
I know many commenters say buy expensive knives. That may work for some. And more power to them. But for me.
I been mostly disappointed with very few exceptions. And a few thousand in debt. Which has impacted my credit score and been a struggle to fix. But I am getting it done. Plus when you die. Your kids may not realize the $1000 flipper knife is worth money, May get lost, stolen, or at the very least. Will end up in a landfill someday just like a cheap knife. I truly admire the Shaolin Monks. Not for their martial arts. But their ability to be content and happy with minimal clothing, food, celibacy, and very few possessions. In other words. Happy as they are. I wish I were more like them in that aspect. Find what works for you. And best of luck and positive wishes.
Anyways, I wish you the best Etna and I hope things get better for you.

Edit. Fixed typo errors.
 
Last edited:
I don’t have anything to add, but I would strongly recommend that the OP and others that posted with similar issues read all of the above posts at least twice, with a notepad in hand, and take some notes. There are many excellent management strategies and philosophies here that should start you on the right track if/when you’re ready. Best wishes.
Scdub
 
To the people with compulsive spending habits:

I recommend donating your knife money to an orphanage and then take the same ammount of money and burn it.

That will help with putting things in perspective...

It's all about breaking the circle of selfish/self destructive behaviour :)
 
GAGL said:
To the people with compulsive spending habits:

I recommend donating your knife money to an orphanage and then take the same ammount of money and burn it.

That will help with putting things in perspective...

It's all about breaking the circle of selfish/self destructive behaviour :)
Click to expand...
I was actually thinking of something similar. I been thinking about taking a sledge hammer and busting up my most expensive knife and giving a $300 tip to the local coffee shop lady who makes my drinks. Or donating to a cure for cancer cause.

What you say makes a lot of sense.
 
JAF1973 said:
I was actually thinking of something similar. I been thinking about taking a sledge hammer and busting up my most expensive knife and giving a $300 tip to the local coffee shop lady who makes my drinks. Or donating to a cure for cancer cause.

What you say makes a lot of sense.
Click to expand...
No. No it doesn’t.

How about just using the expensive knife and donating whatever you want to whoever you want. Breaking a knife just to break it and burning money just to burn it are both asinine gestures that don’t mean anything other than you have no sense.

There’s not a damn thing wrong with buying anything just because you want it, unless it cuts into rent and food money.
 
AntDog said:
No. No it doesn’t.

How about just using the expensive knife and donating whatever you want to whoever you want. Breaking a knife just to break it and burning money just to burn it are both asinine gestures that don’t mean anything other than you have no sense.

There’s not a damn thing wrong with buying anything just because you want it, unless it cuts into rent and food money.
Click to expand...
Heck YouTubers beat knives with hammers, shoot them, And so on. But they get famous and considered professional knife experts. and the funny thing is. Prestigious companies even give them knives to break and beat on. But we sure don't call DBK, Noz, NutnFancy, or Survival lilly asinine. But I am making an asinine gesture if I do what they do?
As far as burning money goes. Tell that to our 30 trillion and growing national debt.

In all seriousness. If a spending habit causes any issue at all. Or you need to buy something to feel good and you get feelings of regret or a guilty conscious/mental issue. Then yes. There is something wrong. It does not have to necessarily be rent and food money. And I will be the first to admit I am guilty.

In the wise words of that rock band Kansas and that song I hate with a passion because it is disturbing truth.
I close my eyes
Only for a moment and the moment's gone
All my dreams
Pass before my eyes, a curiosity

Dust in the wind
All they are is dust in the wind

Same old song
Just a drop of water in an endless sea
All we do
Crumbles to the ground, though we refuse to see

Dust in the wind (ah, aah, aah)
All we are is dust in the wind

Oh, oh, oh

Now, don't hang on
Nothin' last forever but the earth and sky
It slips away
And all your money won't another minute buy

Dust in the wind
All we are is dust in the wind (all we are is dust in the wind)

Dust in the wind (everything is dust in the wind)
Everything is dust in the wind (the wind)
 
I fear not collecting knives and …whatever. What would I do with all of that energy and drive? Let’s face it collecting is a relatively harmless pursuit. If you invested the same drive into food, drinks, travel, drugs, gambling or women; you would have been dead a long time ago. Life is too short to worry about this stuff. Don’t over think it. Whenever you find something that is sustainable and brings you joy, just go for it and don’t ask too many questions.

n2s
 
Hmm, the OP hasn't been seen on Bladeforums in over two years. So I'm thinking that either he kicked his knife-buying obsession, or he became homeless and broke from spending all of his money on knives, and now wanders the streets clutching his box of SanRenMu and Elan knives muttering to himself "Gotta buy one more. Gotta buy one more."

Keep an eye out for a guy standing in the median near a freeway onramp with a sign that reads "Need money for more knives". It could be him.
 
Hashishiin said:
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.
Click to expand...
I'm kinda the same way. In the past I've been reluctant to mention certain obscure vendors who sell hard-to-find switchblades. I didn't want to risk the knives I was interested in being bought up and then I'd be out of luck if I decided I wanted one. It can take me a long time and a lot of deliberation before I decide to buy something, so I wanted to give myself plenty of time to think about it.

Although I now consider my knife-buying days to be over (unless I come into a large windfall), there is a particular knife I still won't mention because I'm concerned that if I do, others might Google it out of curiosity, and someone might buy it. There's only one available that I can find online, I just checked, and it's still there. It's over $1k, so I have no plans to buy it (though I did seriously consider it for awhile), but it's one of the few knives (switchblades) that I'd really like to own, and I just like knowing that it's there, and still available, if I ever change my mind (or have an extra grand to spend).

This knife thing of ours can make a person a little kooky sometimes. ;)
 
JAF1973 said:
Heck YouTubers beat knives with hammers, shoot them, And so on. But they get famous and considered professional knife experts. and the funny thing is. Prestigious companies even give them knives to break and beat on. But we sure don't call DBK, Noz, NutnFancy, or Survival lilly asinine. But I am making an asinine gesture if I do what they do?
As far as burning money goes. Tell that to our 30 trillion and growing national debt.

In all seriousness. If a spending habit causes any issue at all. Or you need to buy something to feel good and you get feelings of regret or a guilty conscious/mental issue. Then yes. There is something wrong. It does not have to necessarily be rent and food money. And I will be the first to admit I am guilty.

In the wise words of that rock band Kansas and that song I hate with a passion because it is disturbing truth.
I close my eyes
Only for a moment and the moment's gone
All my dreams
Pass before my eyes, a curiosity

Dust in the wind
All they are is dust in the wind

Same old song
Just a drop of water in an endless sea
All we do
Crumbles to the ground, though we refuse to see

Dust in the wind (ah, aah, aah)
All we are is dust in the wind

Oh, oh, oh

Now, don't hang on
Nothin' last forever but the earth and sky
It slips away
And all your money won't another minute buy

Dust in the wind
All we are is dust in the wind (all we are is dust in the wind)

Dust in the wind (everything is dust in the wind)
Everything is dust in the wind (the wind)
Click to expand...
Nice. I love Kansas and that song. As to the rest of your post, since you’re a noob I’ll go easy on you. ALL of them fools have been called asinine at minimum. And yes, you are being asinine if you break a knife for no reason. Those dorks get paid to do what they do. You don’t.

Burning money has nothing to do with the national debt (which is actually shrinking, not growing).

On your last part I don’t agree either. I’ve bought tons of sh!t that I shouldn’t have, or regretted, or had a guilty conscience over, etc. Doesn’t mean I’m mental. Know why? It’s that bit about still being able to provide for your family. If you’re able to do that there is no justification needed, period. Take care of you and yours, then buy whatever you want. Nothing to feel guilty or mentally ill about whatsoever.
killgar said:
Hmm, the OP hasn't been seen on Bladeforums in over two years. So I'm thinking that either he kicked his knife-buying obsession, or he became homeless and broke from spending all of his money on knives, and now wanders the streets clutching his box of SanRenMu and Elan knives muttering to himself "Gotta buy one more. Gotta buy one more."

Keep an eye out for a guy standing in the median near a freeway onramp with a sign that reads "Need money for more knives". It could be him.
Click to expand...
Meh. That guy just shifted away from knives. Probably has the same proclivities. I bet he’s buying up all the frilly doilies and is the envy of doilyforums.com.
 
JAF1973 said:
I was actually thinking of something similar. I been thinking about taking a sledge hammer and busting up my most expensive knife and giving a $300 tip to the local coffee shop lady who makes my drinks. Or donating to a cure for cancer cause.

What you say makes a lot of sense.
Click to expand...

AntDog said:
No. No it doesn’t.

How about just using the expensive knife and donating whatever you want to whoever you want. Breaking a knife just to break it and burning money just to burn it are both asinine gestures that don’t mean anything other than you have no sense.

There’s not a damn thing wrong with buying anything just because you want it, unless it cuts into rent and food money.
Click to expand...

both of you are right :)

Sometimes objects can become a symbol of struggle and an anker that keeps your worldly desires alive.

They can also become a reminder of a state of mind you don't want to go back to...it depends on the persons current state of mind and life philosophy

As an example: you get out of a relationship, good or bad, doesn't really matter but you have this feeling that your past relationship is hindering you from fully living in the present. Even worse, it might hinder you from tackling the future with confidence and optimism.

So, for some people, burning pictures or throwing their wedding ring into a river helps them overcome their struggle and pain. Or they keep them as a reminder of how foolish they were and that they never wanna go back and make the same mistakes again.

From an evolutionary standpoint, i get why buying stuff makes us feel good, as they are a form of resources.

JAF1973 JAF1973 , if you think smashing your most expensive knife into dust will help you overcome and change your spending habits, i'd say go for it.

Also, without wanting to sound patronizing,
ask yourself what you want in life. :)

Personally, i don't care if i'm happy or not, because happiness to me is a childs emotion.

I strive for inner peace and a purpose. Having a purpose often means making sacrifices and being selfless.

Loosing a child is the hardest thing a man can endure and i applaud your openess about your life. I lost family in one of the bloodiest wars and those who had to fight it, either drank themselves to death or are on their way to. I know that some day we will be together again and that gives me the strength to move on. That, and the love and support of those who are still around :)

Fighting addiction is a hard thing. I'm addicted to my art, back country skiing, climbing and cycling and one day one of those will either kill me or drive me (more) insane.

You realized what your flaws are and that is more than half-way to overcome those flaws.

pardon my grammatical errors, i'm not a native english speaker :)

tl;dr

life is about people and what you can do for them, not things.

you only need three knives:

one for eating
one for working
one for sticking bad guys
 
I would sell everything, buy a couple of nice CR knives, a Vic Cadet and/or a Pioneer X and invest what's left.
 
kobold said:
I would sell everything, buy a couple of nice CR knives, a Vic Cadet and/or a Pioneer X and invest what's left.
Click to expand...
Then they might find your body slumped in front of a stock ticker the next time the market makes a correction. “Investing“ can become just as obsessive. :oops:

n2s
 
I hope you break your passion for Sanrenmu/Enlan knives. The way the world is going right now don't be surprised if China ends up getting sanctioned along with Russia. As for how to break the habit of hoarding knives, there are several ways. One is to have a GF/Wife/Mother who knocks some sense into you as to where and how your disposable income should be spent. Another is to move a great distance, and your knife collection adds boxes and boxes. And some of those knives aren;t even legal where you're moving to.

There was a line from Spock in Star Trek..."Wanting is not the same as Having". Or something like that.
 
Etna said:
I suppose my preference for SanRenMu and Enlan knives is public knowledge by now, so i'll skip that intro and go straight to the point.

To put it simply, because of how SanRenMu and Enlan are being so opaque with their production plans and the fact that they are known to abruptly introduce new models or discontinue existing ones (or just simply cease production altogether), i have been going on a hoarding spree where I will always buy at least four or six of any model i set my eyes on. The result is that i now have an entire carton packed with SanRenMu and Enlan boxes and at least a third of my salary goes into those knives every month.

Common sense will dictate that I have way more knives than I will ever use in this lifetime and that this should really stop. And yet, as soon as i start worrying about how I will not be able to get replacements if i lose or damage a knife that may get discontinued in the future thanks to their track record of doing so without warning, out comes the credit card for yet another bulk purchase and it's really eating into my checkbook.

What would be the best way for breaking out of this obsession? Will switching over to brands with a more stable and predictable product lifecycle like Taylor and CRKT help?
Click to expand...
This probably has its roots in a deeper anxiety disorder which is very common these days. Anxiety disorders are strange they can pop up at any point, manifest in different ways, and go away just as fast but it often takes people a while to realize there is an issue.
 
An entertaining thread and somewhat sobering at the same time. I think if most were to take an honest look at their knife stock they might be rather perplexed as to why they have so many items that they really have no use for. We can joke around about "one is none and two is one", but at the end of the day we have to answer for our choices, to ourselves and to those who are closest and perhaps reliant on us.

Whenever this topic comes up (rather frequently I might add) I remember a forum member who whittled away her knife collection down to one knife. As far as I know, she is happy as a clam and hasn't thrown herself in front of a bus because she is down to "only" one knife.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top