Introspection/Retrospection (Very Long)

roshi

roshi

Joined
May 3, 2001
Messages
1,501
Recently my knife buying habits changed. A “life change”. I am zeroing in on what I like in using knives. I no longer need to be surrounded by a large number of knives. I went through the same metamorphosis with guns more than a year ago. As you get older you realize you can’t take it with you so you want to use and enjoy the items you like as much as possible.

I classify knife nuts as follows:

Collector: A person who buys knives in a specific niche or niches. The knives are never used but often displayed and admired. The true collector will share all the information he/she has and will often sell duplicates at reasonable prices to new collectors.

User: A person who buys knives strictly for use. Generally will only have a few knives, usually not more than two for any specific use (EDC, self defense, skinning, cleaning fish, box opener, etc.).

Accumulator: A person who wantonly buys knives because they are available for sale. Usually has more knives than he/she can afford, certainly more than can be used in a life time. Will buy a new knife sight unseen as soon as it is mentioned in the Forum. Will post about how great the knife is when he/she gets it but will not hesitate to trade it for something else. Usually is a knife user, may have a small collection.

My name is Malcolm and I am an accumulator.

I can write this post because I finally have my affliction under control after nearly 45 years since my first acquisition of a Cub Scout multi-blade at age 10. I must confess, sorry Dad, but I only joined the Scouts to get the knife.

I've learned more about knives on this Forum in two years than in all my years reading and talking about them. Special thanks and appreciation to Cliff Stamp and Kliff Stump.

In the past if I found I’d bought a knife I didn’t like, I’d live with it unless I wanted to taking a beating selling it. Forums allow for convenient buying/selling/trading with people who are knowledgeable and honest.

I may be lucky in that I’ve never been stung on a knife sale, trade, or purchase here on Blade Forums but I’d like to think that it’s because 99.9% of the members are gentlemen and women who prize their integrity and reputation.

The Forum hasn’t stopped me from buying from full time dealers and distributors. I’ve probably bought more overall since I know that I can sell or trade them on forums.

Have I made money? If you were my wife I’d say sure. Since I’ve committed to being honest (but opinionated) here I’ll have to admit to losing a bit over time. I rationalize it as the rental fee I pay for having a knife to hold, try, and test until I find a “keeper”.

I found my favorite fixed blade knife in 1966 just prior to having the opportunity for an adventure in a far off land, a Randall Model 1 six inch (purchased at the premium price of $ 45 including shipping). I still have it.

I have looked for other fixed blades over the years. The other keepers are:

Spyderco Moran – Perfect utility knife on kitchen patrol.

Spyderco Perin – Perfect all around kitchen knife sometime drafted for trail duty.

SOG NW Ranger – Great knife, perfect grip for my hand, mini van duty

Camillus CUDA CQB Jr. – Perfect paring knife on kitchen duty.

Swamp Rat Howlin’ Rat – Great handle, nice balance, car duty.

Katana – an unsigned authenticated blade from circa 1400 that I had refitted. It is my iaido blade.


Folders have been a tougher problem.

The ideal large EDC for me would be either a:

Plain edge BM 710 with a blade a bit thicker and wider, better thumbstuds, and a relief groove in each scale to make opening a bit easier.

Or

The Microtech Amphibian. It’s near perfect except, ….. I don’t know. Maybe the color, maybe I prefer G-10 to aluminum.

A stock green 940 is my office EDC. The ideal office wear EDC for me would be a BM 940 with something a little rougher than the current scales.

My other folders are:

Camillus Maxx – Self defense duty when I can’t carry my 1911.

Spyderco Civilian – Back up self defense to be used weak hand.

Spyderco Gunting – I’m trying to learn how to use it successfully. Will become my checked bag air travel self defense knife.

Spyderco Harpy G-10 – The ultimate box knife.

Microtech Dragonfy – Everyone should have a Balisong.

Spyderco Meerkat – An alternate office EDC taken on business trips to avoid losing the BM 940.


Here are my opinions on the knives I can remember while intoxicated by accumulation (I estimate this is about 70% of the knives I’ve owned):


Al Mar

Eagle – This large folder with white micarta grips was my EDC for years. Not a one hand opener. Blade was thin. Sold

Sere 2000 – Nice knife. Would like to see more blade in the same handle. Traded.

Benchmade

Old pre BM Pacific Cutlery Balisong (small) – nice knife, gave it to my son.

42 Balisong – Didn’t really like the handles. Sold

330 – Too small. Daughter has it.

550 Griptilian – Great knife should have gotten a plain edge, gave to my son

690 Elishewitz – Great EDC for office work, doesn’t carry well inside waist band, not ambidextrous. Traded.

705 W&M – Too small a blade for handle, didn’t feel right. Sold

710 W&M – One of my favorite out of office EDC’s, a keeper.

730 Ares – Didn’t fit my hand well, seemed too thick. Sold

770 Osborne – Too small even for my small hands. Sold

905 Stryker – Nice but ….I don’t know. Traded.

940 Osborne – Great gent’s knife for office carry. A keeper.


Benchmark

Rolox – Novel idea for a one hand opener in the days when innovation was dormant. It didn’t work once grit and pocket lint got into the knife. Sold.

Blackjack

Small Folding Mamba – OK for it’s day. Sold

Fixed Blade Mamba – Too big for my needs. Sold

Trail Guide - Nice knife but heavy for it’s blade size. Sold

Buck

110 – Too heavy, too hard to sharpen for some reason, not a one hand opener. Lost.

Strider Spear Point – One heck of a heavy duty folder. Too heavy. Sold


Busse

Satin Jack – Loved the grip! Blade was too thick. Didn’t care for the thick coating. Traded


Camillus

Becker Brute – Liked the looks, too big and clunky. I prefer slicers not choppers. Returned.

CQB – Nice but didn’t like the way it cut. Sold

CQB Jr. – Great little trail knife. A keeper, my wife’s favorite kitchen knife.

EDC – Nice but too small in width. Too slippery. Sold

M3 – Bit by the Band of Brothers bug, not really into military knives. Sold

CUDA Claw – I like hawkbills but this one couldn’t be opened left handed. Sold

CUDA Maxx – The ultimate self defense EDC? A keeper. Heck of dynamic duo when paired with a Spyderco Civilian carried offside.

Arclite – Don’t care for skeleton knives. Traded.

OVB Fisk Bowie – Really nice bowie. Didn’t care for the slick wood handle. Sold.

Chris Reeve

Small & Large Sebenza – Large didn’t come real sharp. The small was a decent EDC but ergonomics weren’t great. These knives are over priced. I was always afraid of losing them. The myth exceeds reality. Both were sold.

Cold Steel

Trailmaster – Too big and clunky for me. Gave to a friend.

Gunsite Folder – Not real fond of lock backs. Don’t like the American tanto blade. Didn’t like the integral clip. Sold

Tanto – This six inch blade knife was great. Lost

Magnum Tanto – Used for martial arts for a while but reverted to my katana. Sold

Scimitar – Sharp but seemed cheap. Sold

Master Hunter – Not particularly sharp. Kind of clunky. Gave to brother-in-law

Columbia River Knife & Tool

Apache – The full size was my EDC for a long time. Didn’t stay sharp long. Sold

Point Guard - Nice little knife. Lost

Urban Shark – Didn’t like it. Gave it away

K.I.S.S. – Tried to make it a business travel knife. Too small. Traded

Crawford/Kasper Pro – Didn’t fit my hand well. Blade too wide. Sold

Polkowski/Kasper – Knife was so so, sheaths sucked. Sold

Crawford Falcon Large – Too heavy. Traded

Emerson

CQB7 – Excellent quality. Nice feel. Hated the chisel grind. Traded


Fallkniven

F2 – Sharp. I like VG-10. Just not what I expected. Sold to some one who appreciates it.


Gerber

Airframe – Nice but too expensive for what you get. Sold

Air Ranger II – Nice knife. Sharp. Grip a little clothing abrasive. Stolen.

Mk I, Mk II, Guardian – Nice but couldn’t really justify double edged dagger. Gave to son

Bolt Action – Was my beater for years. Lost interest in it. Sold

Walker – Scary sharp. Nice looking. Heavy. Not lefty friendly. Sold


Kabar

Lock Back – Can’t remember the name or model. Lost it.

USMC – Good knife for the price. Didn’t use it. Sold

Kershaw

Avalanche – Nice knife. Good steel. Hated part serrations. Sold

Leek – Too slippery. Sold

Masters of Defense

CQD I & II – Great quality, too big and clunky for me. Sold

Tempest – Great knife. Nice EDC. Became an extra for some reason. Sold

Microtech

Hawk – Loved it. Moved to a state that doesn’t allow autos. Will buy a manual if they ever make one. Sold

SOCOM – Nice knife but didn’t like the way it fit my hand. Traded

MiniSOCOM – A lot of knife for it’s size. Probably should have kept it. Sold

LCC – Great knife. Believing it too heavy for EDC I sold it. Bought another one. Sold it. Again decided while a great knife it was too heavy, sold it. This could be my perfect EDC if MT redesigned it with cast aluminum or G-10 eliminating the separate bolsters and using the Microbar lock.

Amphibian – Great knife. Sharpest knife out of the box I’ve ever owned except for a Dragonfly. A keeper. This could be the ultimate EDC for me until Camillus makes a 4 inch Maxx or MT makes a lightweight LCC.

Kestrel – Love hawkbills. Didn’t find a good spot in my EDC use. Rear of handle is a bit sharp for inside the waist wear. Sold

Dragonfly – Every one should have at least one balisong. This knife was great for the price. The sharpest knife out of the box I’ve ever had.

Ontario

Bagell Gambler - The handle was too slick and didn’t fit my hand well.

Bagwell Hell’s Belle – The handle was too slick and didn’t fit my hand well. Why didn’t I learn this the first time?

Outdoor Edge

Paragee – Like the Camillus EDC I didn’t care for the way it fit me. Gave it away.

Magna – Nice self defense knife. Too heavy for my tastes. Sold

Randall

Model 14 CDT – Too heavy and not balanced well for me. Sold

Thorp Bowie – Why did I buy it? Sold

Model 1 – This six inch standard Model 1 that I bought for Nam is still with me. This is the one they will have to pry from my cold dead hands. No fixed blade knife has ever measured up to this one. I did make some slight mods to the guard and butt plus roughening the grip.

RKS #4-8 - This Randall Knife Society repro of a WWII combat knife was somewhat disappointing in quality. It was also easy to see why the Model 1 quickly eclipsed it for combat/utility use. The new Randalls benefit too much from the myth created by the old ones. Probably selling this one.

REKAT

Carnivore Cub – Didn’t fit me. Sold

SIFU – Nice big knife but not really ambidextrous. The rolling lock wasn’t entirely reliable. Service sucked. Sold

SAK

I owned several types of Swiss Army Knives when I worked in the Middle East since other types of knives were seen as weapons. I just don’t care for a compromise tool that does everything at a mediocre level. I find multi-tools more practical for my use.

S&W

FL1 – The large Darrel Ralph EDC collaboration. Didn’t feel right. Maybe I don’t like frame locks? Sold

SOG

Northwest Ranger – Great medium size trail knife. Love the grip. If it was available in plain edge I’d buy another. A keeper. Now has “car knife” duty in the mini van.

Pentagon Elite II – Too much of a dagger not a slicer. Sold

Tomcat – Nice knife. Too heavy for it’s size. Sold

Tiger Shark – It didn’t balance right for me. Sold

Spyderco

Calypso Jr. – Defies my stereotypical tastes. A small liner lock. Traded it on a whim, probably should have kept it.

Civilian – What can I say. Impressive but not a using knife for normal mortals. I didn’t care for the carbon fiber version but found a used G-10 that’s a keeper.

Merlin – Didn’t like the feel. Sold

Harpy G-10 – Love for quality hawkbills overcame my distaste for fully serrated liner locks. Lots of power in a small package. A keeper.

Shabaria – Sharp. Impressive. Ergonomics were horrible for me. Sold

Native – Just didn’t like it. Sold

Salsa – Didn’t care for the Cobra thingy or the compression lock. Traded

Zowada – Just didn’t care for it. Sold

Native – Just didn’t care for it. Prefer flat grinds.

Q – Too breakable when twisting. Stuff got stuck in the lattice work. Sold

Cricket – Too small. Seemed cheap. Sold

Lil Temperance – No better G-10 grip exists except I think I’d sand off the finger grips. My jury is still out on the compression lock. I think I prefer liner locks. The clip is a solution to a none existent problem. I finally decided the grip didn’t fit me so I traded it.

Military G-10 – A really nice large Spydie. A bit too large for my hand. Traded it.

Moran – Really nice kitchen knife. A keeper.

Perin Bowie – The ultimate small 5 inch blade fighting knife. Will likely get a better sheath and sharpen the clip point. A keeper.

Jot Singh Kholsa – Actually works better than it looks. Became an extra. Traded

Goddard Lightweight – Nice knife. Slim, sharp, good lock. Became an extra. Sold

Gunting- You can’t find a better made production folder. Interesting concept. Works well as a utility knife but rides too high. Keeping it to see if I can learn how to use it. Again my jury is still out on the compression lock, novel, strong, not terribly ergonomic for me.

Meerkat – Cute, novel, well made, useful, sheeple friendly office EDC.

Swamp Rat

Howling Rat – Nice knife. Great handle. Don’t care much or the coating (works great don’t like the looks or thickness). Sheath is too flexible. Has “car knife” duty in my Mustang.


Timberline

WORTAC – Flimsy liner lock. Didn’t fit my hand. Sold

Vallotton Chameleon – Nice $ 30 knife. Became an extra. Sold

TiNives

Small Stars & Stripes Manual – Grip was a little too small for me. Found my thumb on the unlock button during use. Sold


What’s in my knife buying future:

A small fixed blade EDC. Leading is the Spyderco Ronin.

Still searching for the elusive perfect production EDC. The Microtech Amphibian is the closest. Interested in the Buck Mayo, would certainly go for a Camillus Maxx four inch. I suppose I should think about a William Henry T-12 but I much prefer micarta and G-10 to carbon fiber. I think (opinionated remember) the WH’s are overpriced, another knife line where the myth and hype exceed the value.
 
Roshi,

My experience mirrors yours. Chalk it up to a 'senior moment' in your collecting spectrum. I've talked to many collectors and hobbyists about their involvement in a sport, and most of them relate the same growth. They struggled as the young and the poor. Their disposable wealth increased and they spent like drunken sailors. Their taste improved and they no longer jumped at every new wrinkle in the sport, but bought quality. They took a big sigh when 'drawer space' ran out, and all of the junk went over the side. They have a few excellent examples which fit their needs and they don't much care what the public thinks. Congratulations, you're an adult.

I'm at the stage where when one knife shows up, three usually go. Here's an example. I have a Strider SnG ordered, and it should be here in about a week to ten days. A good friend, L.O. Little, handles my on-line liquidations. I'm thinking that he should help me sell at least a Microtech aluminum bolster LCC (bought as an EDC, but not carried much) and a 970ST. I'm thinking of adding a Buck 403 Big Sky. I like the looks of the Buck, never use it and feel guilty about a 'drawer queen.' Let's face it, the SnG will easily replace all of these knives, surplus is a guilty pleasure, and these queens total somewhere between 400 and 500 dollars, depending on the market at that time. (This estimate might be way over the top. I just read a post that claims that the price of LCC's dropping (?) I just sold two of them a few weeks ago and they held their value. The market might be changing.)

My dad had one jackknife his whole life. It was a three inch, bone handled slip-joint he won at a county fair in the 1930's. Any Kershaw is better than that knife.
 
Originally posted by Ichabod Poser
My dad had one jackknife his whole life. It was a three inch, bone handled slip-joint he won at a county fair in the 1930's. Any Kershaw is better than that knife.
Click to expand...

Well, there's a lot to be said about one knife standing the test of time like that jack knife did. I mean, it didn't even have the super steels of today, and is still working . I bet that knife has more character than any knife I own, or will ever own.

Mike
 
Whew...

I like this type of post, since I'm a user. I try to find the "best" for the "job" and price and stick with 'em... Though the temptation is there.

Mine:
EDC - BM710HS
Dress: BM690 - yes, it is a little thick.
Back up - rough use: BM551

Small pocket EDC kit (lighter, light and PE Delica)in a little leather "pouch."

Back-up/ SD - SE Native.

FB: Camp Tramp. Western Skinner. Soon to add HR or, probably the new TAK.
 
Outstanding post, Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences. I would defiantly say I am a Accumulator. With one exception. I do not trade away or sell to many anymore if I like it even alittle bit. Maybe the Buck/Mayo will fit the bill for you:)
 
I'm somewhere between a User and an Accumulator on your scale of Knutness. I'm always looking for that perfect user that will allow me to carry just one or two knives, but somehow I just end up with more blades...
 
Roshi,

Welcome to Accumulators Unanimous! I would venture to guess that accumulators can be further divided among those who are wayward users and sidetracked collectors. A sidetracked collector either has spread into too many niches or had to use some collector pieces in an emergency and developed a taste for making life easier with cutting tools. A wayward user would be a person who wanted something good and reliable, but moved into wanting whatever had the best and newest features. And thus we have people who will use a Sebenza to open a paint can and people who won't use a Schrade Sharpfinger to cut twine.
 
Roshi - great post! Really enjoyed reading about your evolution in all things edged :)

I don't mean to nit, but...

Originally posted by roshi
Calypso Jr. – Defies my stereotypical tastes. A small liner lock. Traded it on a whim, probably should have kept it.

Harpy G-10 – Love for quality hawkbills overcame my distaste for fully serrated liner locks. Lots of power in a small package. A keeper.
Click to expand...

...both of these are lockbacks, aren't they?

Can't say I agreed with all of your opinions (esp. the small Sebbie!), but your assessment of the Mini-SOCOM was spot-on. I owned one for a short while as well, and it nearly killed my interest in the Sebbie. It was the clip placement that made me trade it though - it was really awkward in my pocket :(

Thanks for sharing!

Matthew
 
You've certainly gone through a lot of knives in your search for the best ones ! Your retrospection is my 'pre'spection - I only own 2 knives so far (emerson mini commander and large classic sebenza) - but I'd like to avoid buying knives I don't want to keep. My aim is to have a collection of the 'top 10' tactical folders - each one from a different company. Your post helped me a lot :)
 
Yep, I am an accululator too.

I think that in my FIVE years of knife collecting, I have probably gone through close to 50 plus knives. Now I have found customs, still a bit of an accumulator though. I am hoping to figure out just what I use and dont.
 
Roshi, I am an accumuluser, I accumulate, and use, but with research, and discretion.

Confession is good for the soul and it's the first step to admitting you have a problem, just remeber your not alone there are more people like us than you think.

I firmly believe that someday we will rule the world, we'll buy up every available knife and than we'll show em, we'll show em all , ha ha ha ha ha ha ha...

I,m sorry did I write what I was thinking again? My shrink says I have to work on that, nevermind.:rolleyes:
 
I have been trying to cull out my collection lately but I somehow have more now than then. I keep thinking"ok I'll make a top 5 list" then I find a must have or 2 and think"ok, I'll just have a top7 list" then on and on, Im now at about 20 and don't want to lose any of them.:rolleyes: :D
 
but if I'm not careful I could easily be an accumulator. I tend to be a packrat. I too am searching for the perfect combo of blades that will do anything. And trying to figure out what to do with the ones that no longer get used or carried. Maybe sharpen 'em up and give 'em to a friend. I want more Khukuris but in all honesty I don't think there's anything that 18" WWII wont chop through. I'd like to have one bomb proof folder, maybe a SERE or a Chinook. One quality stockman a bit bigger than my Middleman. Where I get hung up is on a multi-tool. If it's too big it tends to get left at home or it sits in my bag with my pens and books and stuff. Maybe a Juice or an SAK. I don't know. Maybe one of these days...

Frank
 
You sound just like me SilverFox. I'm currently rethinking about my knife buying habits. I'm considering selling off some of my knive to purchase ONE REALLY GOOD KNIFE. I'll probably will give away some of the other knives to friends and family. I'm trying to decide if I use my Benchmade Forum knife as an EDC or do I purchase a Sebenza?
 
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