How Many Knives Do Ya Really Need?

J

James Y

Joined
Feb 18, 1999
Messages
6,504
I've got more knives than I actually use. I buy knives because I always think the next one will be "it." Meaning the knife to end all knives. In truth, there's only a few knives I work and carry repeatedly. But this may sound funny, but my knives *almost* seem like my "children."

Ironically, from 1987 to '97, I carried one knife...an SAK that I had bought in 1981 for $5. It was a Spartan. That $5. knife did everything I needed as far as an everyday urban utility carry. It still walks and talks and works fine.

Realistically, for a lifetime of typical urban daily-use cutlery, one could go to a Wal-Mart or a Sports Authority and probably spend under $50. or $60. buying one Buck Stockman plus maybe a 110...or go to a Target store and spend $40. on a couple SAK's, and have enough utility to conceivably last for years, if not decades. (not counting hard users like many farmers, some outdoorsmen, etc.

I guess my purchases have also been teaching me what knives I really do like, and teaching me to be more choosy.
Jim
 
If we only bought what we really needed then we would probably see the next Great Depression in about a month.

I always think the next knife is going to be "it" also. But when the endorphins dissipate and we come down, we start thinking of the next one to get.

What else is interesting is how some knives you open the box and a half hour later they are in the closet, but others you play with for days.
 
Knives? One is the answer, unless you are ambidextrious and can use two at a time, which I don't prescribe to.

It's an age old question, I've resigned myself to not buy another knife, exception of the Cetan I currently have on order! but that's due in the year `01. I'm trying to be content with the Pearl William Henry Lancet and let it rest at that as my last buy, but it's going to take a village to help me through this!
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I think that the knife you reach for without thinking, just instintive, is really THE knife? isn't it? or shouldn't it be?

G2


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If you can't be kind,
at least have the decency to be vague. Stephen Wright

www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Cabin/7306/blades.html

Gillett PA

 
....OK, maybe two??



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Dwight
Metro Atlanta Area

This post is a natural product.
The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.


 
Maybe a better question is, "How many knives do you really WANT?" Followed by, "What are you willing to give up to get them?" And, finally "When, if ever, is it enough?"
 
A parallel question is often posted on rec.guns ... my answer is the same for both questions: how many do you have room for in your house?
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-Cougar Allen :{)
 
Always just one more...

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James Segura
San Francisco, CA


 
I only NEED two. I've come to that conclusion at least. One for light duty work, and one for heavier work. The reason we are all on bladeforums is because we WANT more knives. I often rationalize to myself why I "need" that new knife. I don't...what I need is some kind of patch or something. I'm a darn addict...but there are much worse things out there.
I have not come to terms with the fact I am now a "collector." Before I only bought what I needed, now I buy what I WANT. Like collecting art, or vases, or anyother fancy gaget, we collect knives. I get drawn not only by aesthetic, but also mechanical genius. One of my prized knives, while not "valuble" by anyone elses standard is my Mini-Task Lefty. Soon I will have an Axis-lock, then maybe start getting into customs (if my wallet can hold up).

The affliction goes far beyond need, I'm affraid. It's more about some mystical force that drives us to keep collecting what's new and out there, and finding out what our personal tastes are.

Sorry for being so long.
~Mitch

 
Hey James Y.....its been awhile......As far as your question..I'll let you know when I stop buying, tradeing, and fantasizeing(spell check)...They just keep getting cooler, and theres so much to choose from! Some folks I know have no idea there is so much technology in knifedom....great hobby I say!!
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One of each will be OK with me.

I really enjoyed getting ready for work today. First, is it an automatic day? Naw, so which one do I want to carry? I took them all out and lined them up on the desk and had to pick one. Oh well... one for the pocket and four for the briefcase. HEHEHE!
 
I don't have that many knives (yet), but it seems that it could become a terrible dilemma in the morning. Like CAL says, he lines 'em up in the morning to pick. It's worse than trying to match clothes, now I have to match my knives for the total ensemble!?!??

I love these topics, because people ask me about it all the time. One day I'll think of a really clever cute answer...or will that search be as hard as the search for the ultamate folder? Geez, I can't win.

~Mitch :-)
 
About as many as a guy that collects coins needs another coin or a guy that collects baseball cards needs........ you know how it is
 
In the style of our great president-
That depends on what the definition of knife is. You see I have 2 multi pliars which I don't consider knives. Which means I have to have at least one more in order to actually have a knife. And because it could be used in a survial situation then it also technically cannot be considered a knife when its really a survival tool, so I need at least one more.And because it could be used as a hunting/skinning tool then I don't consider it a knife either because it is really a tool necesary for hunting. In conclusion it would be politically incorrect and a LIE if I were to tell you a definite number as an answer to your question and I will not tell a LIE.

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Fix it right the first time, use Baling Wire !
 
James,
Like you, I got by perfectly fine for more than a dozen years carrying only one knife; in my case it was a Gerber Paul. To paraphrase those who've posted ahead of me, it's not a matter of need, but rather one of want.

On the other hand, I do need the enjoyment and stress reduction I get from owning, using, and caring for my sharp little friends.

Dave

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Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of More Knives


[This message has been edited by dsvirsky (edited 07 December 1999).]
 
All of them. Since no one makes the one perfect knife I want (and can afford), I'll just have to keep on looking. Darn! Maybe that Marble's Fieldcraft will be it...
 
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