How Do You Guys Decide What to Collect?

[anthony cheeseboro]

Since I have gotten into high-end knives, I have tended not to tell myself no but the reality of finances have really started to kick in. The result is that I look twice before I buy because I know from experience that some knives I find attractive, I will not carry. For instance, I love dressy gents knives in MOP, horn, etc. The problem is that I don't like to carry them because I know I will scratch them. I have also begun to note that generally speaking, I really like clips, even on gents knives. The one exception being very small Umfaan sized knives. The other group of knives I don't carry are larger knives. In Illinois, 3" is the general limit. I can over this by a about .25" depending on the build of the knife, but generally, I feel more comfortable if my carry is right around 3". Therefore, it makes no sense for me to buy larger knives like fullsize Model 4s or TNTs.

Positively stated, I like knives with 2-3.2" blades; durable scales like carbon fiber, micarta, G-10, stag, or stabilized wood; and I prefer clips. The other ones, I will just have to admire because I hate owning knives I won't carry or use. What are the parameters of collecting for some of you guys?

 

[KC Slim]

When I see a knife that really catches my eye, and I have some extra dough I try and pick it up. I like the diversity involved with collecting knives, So many different ones out there. Oh man I am screwed I am just hooked on these knives

 

[Rifter]

I collect what i use, if i will not use/carry it i dont buy it. So i have a pretty small collection But i use every single blade in my collection.

 

[Bali-Flipper]

I collect whats practical, interesting, eye catching, and fun. Basically i'm a balisong man who collects balisongs and stiletto's (very sexy and classic).

 

[Mark J]

Interesting question. I've noticed that I essentially have four "segments" to my collection: 1.) knives so nice/expensive that they will spend their life behind glass (yes, I know, it's an abomination to some of you -- deal with it ), 2.) knives that I use when doing outdoorsy things like camping/hiking, 3.) gents knives that I take to work, and 4.) a whole bunch of lower priced production knives that I carry around the house and on weekends. Now, I have more than enough knives in segments 2 and 4. I find that my thirst for high end knives in segment 1 is never quenched, but I buy them less frequently now, not only because of price, but also because I'm starting to hone in (no pun intended) on exactly what features I really want. I will carry them occasionally, but generally just for special occasions. However, the segment 3 gents knives collection is growing the most rapidly. I came to the conclusion that I get the most "face time" and use time with these knives, and that's truly what it's all about for me. Also, I have not yet settled on any themes for collecting (e.g., certain brand, style, etc.), but I'm toying with starting a subsection of my collection dedicated to SAKs -- they're inexpensive, well made, and fun. We'll see.

- Mark

 

[SIFU1A]

has about 5 classes,1, knives i bought before i knew what was good (ie crkt/cs/etc) which i use mostly for trade fodder now. the second class is LNIB older BM and current REKAT and BM/protos/pre pros/ first runs,, i have a lot of the older models (ie spike, leapord, brend, first gen AFCK) and a small # of protos etc ( 710 and stryker protos, AFCK 806 pre/pro, AFCK 804 first run)and a couple of REKATs a SIFU BF spec edition and a carnivore, both LNIT, and they will remain that way. the third section are the ones i do carry a lot (ie AFCK 806SD2, BM 710 and 800S, darrel ralph mini maxx, crawford ti kasper, polkawski companion, cammilus cuda maxx, and spydie SS police SE, some of my more expensive knives. its hard tio carry a brand new crawford ti kasper, due to the handles scuffing so easy, but after carrying mine for 2 yrs, i sent it into pat and he rebeaded the handles/blade, and rebuilt the lock, and sent me a neat belt sheath - all for $25, including the shipping- i try to keep that in perspective, that most custom makers will refinish your blade at a nominal fee, so use them ya only live once- also love the mini maxx, the maxx 5.5 is only usefull to me in spec conditions, like biking - honestly, if i KNEW i was gonna need a blade, and it had to be a folder, i dont think ya can beat a crawford kasper folder - handle design has high ergos, for me anyway, just fits my hand well - # 2 in that regard is the BM AFCK (axis or liner lock) no matter how many knives i buy, i always end up back w/that 800S AFCK, just a good knife, and its light too - the fourth category would be knives w/sentimental value, ie my '68 model gerber mark 11 i carried a lot when i was younger(cost me $44.95 in '69 dollars, high in those days), my dads nazi SA party dagger he brought back from WW2, and a couple of old case slipjoints he carried all the time, he had about 3 diff knives in 20 yrs, they are all noticably worn from sharpening/carrying/gutting no telling how many deer/goats/rabbits/etc, never carry these knives but none are for sale/trade, use the SA dagger for my letter opener lol, but they, along w/the BM collectibles, are mostly locked up- then i have the miscallaneos stuff i picked up on a whim, and use occasionally when the situation warrants, like a spydie matriarch/gunting/G10 police, a crkt kasper i really like, best darned crkt i ever saw, excellent lock up, etc - got it when anothe rKFF i had broke, this one was the replacement, i guess i got a good one. also MOD razorback a good fixed blade imho, and the knife my son wants above all others, my CRK seb, if i sold/traded it he woul;d whip me lol - he will be 13 (gasp) in nov, i think i will give it to him then, if he can convince me he wont lose it, but he's pretty good about that so.....

i usually buy with carrying the thing the prime goal, but then got into the protos, etc and now going into customs, gotta get an emerson cqc6, i will carry it too!!!!

really, i just like knives, some people collect windchimes, some collect die cast stock cars, some albums/CD's, i collect knives, and love it

sifu