Grails have saved me....

[matgarsmi]

.....money, time, sanity. Pick one.

I went through a phase when I was buying, selling, and trading knives fairly seriously. Knives had become an obsession for me, as they are with most of us. But recently, I have decided that there are a few grail knives out there that I don't have, and quite frankly will be quite difficult to ever acquire. This has slowed me way down in my acquisition of new knives. I don't feel the need to try out new ones like I use to. Now I am very focused on the particular knives I want and am saving money to get them.

My point is that if you feel that you are loosing control of this hobby, find something that is incredibly difficult to obtain. It will focus your energy, time, and money, and let you enjoy what you have while working towards something you really want.

This may be common sense to some, but its new to me. I find it enlightening so I thought I'd share.

 

[Jestersinthemoon]

Actually, I tend to agree with this assessment to a certain extent. The only time that it falls short for me is when I spend weeks or months saving up for a "grail" -- which is generally a knife that I have never seen in person, much less held and played with --- and when I finally spend an exorbitant amount of money and receive the knife, I end up with a huge case of buyer's remorse.

So, in some instances, this idea sounds great, but at the other end of the spectrum, its also very satisfying to find lower priced knives that you like and be able to appreciate the price/quality ratio that they offer.

I have both, and can enjoy them for what they are.

 

[Locutus D'Borg]

I'm doing just what you suggest. I've sold off three nice knives that I never used, and bought one that I have been lusting for for months, that just came up on a site.

My collection has 11 knives, 2 of which are grails, 6 semi-grails, and my goal is to have 12 very nice or grails. My display case only holds 12 so that helps me.

I'm older, so in my limited time left I want to focus on quality, not quantity. Not for everyone, but it is how I roll.

 

[BladeChick777]

I have really cut my knives back to only ones I love, carry, use, whatever. I own several quality knives and own a few under $200. What is even fewer is the amount under $80 I own. I am very happy with what I have. But I do still get an itch. It's just how it goes.
My knife case also only holds 12, so if my favorites or the knives I want to keep are over 12, I get rid of one or a few. I do this so I can keep it all under control.

 

[Locutus D'Borg]

You one smart chick, 777. And at so young an age. I'm impressed with the wisdom and judgment displayed by some of the younger members like you and Isaccsawesome. I was an idiot at 13 and a moron at 21. My wife said I've never changed.

I have really cut my knives back to only ones I love, carry, use, whatever. I own several quality knives and own a few under $200. What is even fewer is the amount under $80 I own. I am very happy with what I have. But I do still get an itch. It's just how it goes.
My knife case also only holds 12, so if my favorites or the knives I want to keep are over 12, I get rid of one or a few. I do this so I can keep it all under control.