Is a collection incomplete without a switchblade/balisong?

Charlie Mike

Charlie Mike

Sober since 1-7-14 (still a Paranoid Nutjob)
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Nov 1, 2000
Messages
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No wrong answer, just seeking opinions.
 
not incomplete

I wish I was good enough to ensure keeping all my fingers, which I'm not, so I stay away from them and go manual only.
 
I try to keep at least one balisong. As for autos, I just got a OTF and am on the list for a Rainy Vallotton D/A swing guard.
 
I think I depends on individuals' idea of a "complete" collection. If you are looking to have a "representative sample" type of collection then yes. If you collect a brand or maker then maybe based on their offerings. If, like me, you only want knives you can easily/legally carry then no not really. I can't carry either where I live and I don't frequent anywhere where I could so I'm am in no hurry to get either. If my local laws change I will likely get an auto or two( probably one regular and one OTF), but still probably not a bali...I'm not terribly coordinated and I like all my fingers where they are lol.
 
My collection will always remain woefully incomplete-- so long as I live in Canada, it seems. Damn shame. I would love to own a high quality balisong legally.
 
I primarily collect waved folders. I have 2 fixed blades, a SAK, a straight razor, one Ti credit card knife, 2 balisongs (adding a 3rd today)... and 4 waved framelocks.
 
If you like them or want an example of every type of knife ever made, and don't have an example, then your collection is incomplete. If you don't like them or have no particular interest in them, then why would you want one?

For me, they are kinda cool, I have neither, and I find that to be no big deal.
 
I think it depends completely on what you like to collect. I collect larger folders that I can use for EDC. I had no interest in autos, then recently when my state made them legal I bought one just for grins. I have no interest in a butterfly knife.
 
I say yes. After my long search for the perfect edc folder I have found at least a couple that are very near perfect for that role. I am to the point I REALLY don't need any more 3" ish blade length folders. I cannot carry a Bali or Auto legally but I own a benchmade auto and just purchased my first balisong (spyderco smallfly). I can't really say I know why I have bought them because I don't collect knives and not use them and neither will be more useful for any task I currently experience around the house. Regardless it is fun to diversify your collection, and you just might find something you'd been missing out on.
 
Depends on your definition of "collection". My collection is composed of all users. I would never "use" a bali, as I think they are silly (my opinion). I have one auto (BM 3550) that has had the crap beaten out of it, and had two OTF's that I just stopped carrying. Got tired of being told they were illegal, and they just aren't practical/reliable enough for my EDC needs.

Basically, if I won't use it, I won't buy/keep it.
 
No, not at all.
I, and most people wouldn't want/have either.

We aren't all the same though, and thats a good thing. I have nothing against any type of knife, but there are certain types I don't wish to own myself.
 
Of course not. I would hope we all collect knives we want, not knives we don't want.
 
My personal assortment of knives would be incomplete without my Bali-Song(BM 53). It flips great for me, but I don't do any tricks just simple open and closes. Its a user, excellent utilitarian blade shape.

As for autos, I haven't ventured into those yet. I've handled a few of my brother's, just haven't gotten around to getting my own yet.
 
No matter what type of knife, style, brand etc your knife collection will never be complete. Theres always guna be something new you want.
 
Mine is complete...without...
I have no desire to have those things. I use knives as tools.
 
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I dont think there is such a thing as an incomplete collection as long as the collection you have makes you happy. If the individual doesnt feel a void by not having one then I see no need to get one just for the sake of it.
 
The way i see it if theres a knife out there that you want that you dont have its incomplete. Theres always a knife out there you will want
 
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