Evolution of a Knife Knut.

LeonWilderness

LeonWilderness

Joined
Jun 23, 2010
Messages
105
As I close in on my 30th blade in 2 years, I am taking some time to reflect upon my journey in the wonderful world of sharpened steel. It all started when I met a knife collector in college. I'd always had a fascination with knives, and had collected roughly a dozen "made in china's" which I kept in a box hidden in the garage, but was astounded by the beauty and quality of the higher end knives this kid had in his apartment. Everything from Cold Steel to Smith and Wesson, fixed blades, throwing knives, tactical spring assisted folders (he was WAY into tactical...) I couldn't get enough. Soon, I knew I had start my own collection...

Enter a promotion at my part time job and a lil more money to play with. I decided that I was not a tactical knife kinda guy, but a wilderness man, and would base my collection around knives that could be used for the woods. Succumbing to the same delusional thinking as many before me, I began a holy grail search for "the best survival knife" first obsessing over rust (and buying a Spyderco Aqua Salt Yellow Handle Plain Edge) and then over cost (Condor Rodan, multiple Moras) and then over size (Ontario SP-48) and finally buying an ESEE 4. It was at that moment, when I held the ESEE 4, in my opinion, the closest thing to perfection in a mid size woods knife, and realized its limitations, that I knew how foolish I'd been. There was no one knife, just a whole wonderful world of tools to explore.

Fast forward... Kershaw Speedsafe fascination... Swiss Army Knife period...Obligatory falling in love with Spyderco...Buck, Benchmade others...

Now, I just collect knives (and use them). In my old age (I'm 24 now) I've realized I'm more impressed with functionality than anything else. I also find sharpening therapeutic, so soft steels dont bother me. My newest kick? Douk Douks... I also am digging the Svord Peasant Knife, may be investing in a 1990NZ soon. I like knives with history, with longevity. My Higonokami arrived today; it is the sharpest knife I have ever gotten out of the box.

Bladeforums has been there for my entire journey, providing wisdom and insight, so I wanna thank y'all for that. I would also like to hear your knife histories. What was the knife that inspired you to start collection? What blades in your collection brings back the fondest memories?
 
Well, I am similar in age to you, and with my first big boy job out of college (and no wife or kids to spend money on) so I started to indulge my knife fascination. It all started when I got a Kershaw Storm II as a gift. Then I bought a ZT 350. Now within a year I am a little embarrassed at what I've spent on my collection that ranges from 6 ZT's, a few Hinderers, a few Striders and Emersons, tons of Spyderco's, some Esee and Becker knives, and even a Busse.

I hope this addiction doesn't keep getting worse. I'm engaged now, so it's only a matter of time before the whole shared checking account thing brings it all to a halt...
 
Well it's a little different for me I'm a bit older. I've been into knives since I was about 7, but didn't start EDC until HS. Most of what I bought was at flea markets , sporting goods stores or mail order. I got my first Case lockback when I was about 17 or 18 , that was the best I owned up until that point. My father paid $70 for that knife back in the 70's , that was expensive for a knife back then.

I was drawn to modern knives in the early 80's when I saw a Gerber fixed blade dagger at a local mall. I've consistently bought knives since that time.

I saw my first Sebenza and Spyderco around '99 or 2000. My boss is into knives and he showed them to me. I wasn't a member here and had no idea about those brands. I figured if it wasn't a Gerber, Buck, Schrade , Camillus or Case knife they must suck.

I joined this forum because I was researching other brands and wanted something different. Now 8 years later I have more knives than I will ever use in 20 life times.
 
Great story! Being a young man developing into a knife knut it is always great to hear other stories like mine!
 
jcrain said:
Well, I am similar in age to you, and with my first big boy job out of college (and no wife or kids to spend money on) so I started to indulge my knife fascination. It all started when I got a Kershaw Storm II as a gift. Then I bought a ZT 350. Now within a year I am a little embarrassed at what I've spent on my collection that ranges from 6 ZT's, a few Hinderers, a few Striders and Emersons, tons of Spyderco's, some Esee and Becker knives, and even a Busse.

I hope this addiction doesn't keep getting worse. I'm engaged now, so it's only a matter of time before the whole shared checking account thing brings it all to a halt...
Click to expand...

Your addiction doesn't have to end. I routinely "lose" knives and tell the wife I have to replace them. She thinks I'm forgetful and a idiot but it works for me!

I started with an Old Timer that was my late grandpa's. I didn't want to misplace it so I bought a Gerber Paraframe. What a waste of money. Then looked into kershaw and buck and found short comings. Finally settled on a Emerson CQC10 since I believed the hype. I wish it had a better steel but I love it. Branched out to Spyderco and now up to a full custom. This hobby is great but its pricey. After I get the custom I'll probably focus on getting a few more guns.
 
Yea I would be considered one of the "young knife collectors" as well. Although you need to buy a few balisongs for your collection to round everything out.
 
Enjoyed reading your story!

The Kershaw Skyline represents a turn in my knife preferences. Beforehand, I used to only like stiletto style blades and balisongs. Buying a skyline helped me realize how important blade shapes are in EDC!
 
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