Edc Wear and Tear

J

Jared Leland

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Apr 3, 2020
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185
Obviously they are “tools” BUT when you spend 70,80, 100-200 dimmers on a blade does the first scratch on the knife be it handle scales or blade itself bother you? Or do you think it ads to the overall appearance as a patina and tells a story?
 
It doesn’t matter what it costs, if I bought it to daily drive- I’m daily drivin’ it. Part of the fun of ownership (to me) is using/enjoying those expensive features we all pay for. I love it every time I use one of them.
 
As a general rule I just use them and don’t worry about it. The one exception though is when you get something that is not being made anymore and can’t be easily replaced. I have a hard time dropping that in my pocket with my keys and my flashlight to get scratched up. For example, a while back I got a like new Camillus electricians knife, and as much as I wanted to carry and use it I was afraid to damage it because it cannot be easily replaced. It’s not that it is that valuable or anything but there is something that keeps me from using and abusing it. Makes me almost not want to buy something like that because then it serves no purpose and I feel like I can’t “enjoy” it. Then I get tempted to buy a user and another as a keeper so I can have my cake and eat it too. This is one of my dilemmas
 
The first (and subsequent) scratches, bolster discoloration, nicks, dings, and other indicators of use don't bother me. I don't expect a knife to look new/unused after using it. I have no use for a "safe queen"; if I can't use it, why have it?
Knives are as bad as classic/show cars/trucks/vans or motorcycles, classic/antique books, hurricane/barn/train oil lanterns, and/or milk glass for investment purposes.
 
I don’t have any “collector” or showpiece knives as I see them, so wear and tear is of no concern. I imagine if I spent thousands on such a knife as an art piece, it would be the proverbial safe queen. Otherwise, use and enjoy.
 
Thread title = EDC Wear and Tear .

So we're not talking about safe queens or investment collectables etc . I still have a few in that realm . Might get some fondling / fidgeting at most .

But most of mine now are subject to use as tools . Especially anything "EDC" will get used as needed . They definitely get looking used .

I mostly EDC "hard use" folders these days , so they can take a lot of abuse if necessary .

But : If I know I'll be facing some really dirty or tough job , I'll carry an appropriate beater knife/machete . Usually a sturdy fixed blade .
 
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I don't own any safe queen, and don't plan to. To me, knives are meant to be used, and they should resist the work they were meant to do. Scratches are par for the course.

For that reason, I tend to shy away from coated blade, for example, because when the coating start to wear or peel off, it look like crap. Also, not all my knives are hard use; they might all get used, but I'm not gonna pry open a crate, or batton firewood, with a custom Laguiole.
 
I have a HFB disaster Jr that I’m pretty sure is a $350 dollar knife that I EDC and use for work. It’s starting to show its use. It’s a pretty good EDC and I don’t mind beating it up.
 
“Use brings about wear, tear, and rust. And that’s a real waste.” —Angeal

Seriously though. Nothing wrong with a few scratches here and there. If it doesn’t compromise the performance of the tool, I don’t worry about it.
 
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