Is it just me?

I am with Midnight Flyer/Robert ( and some others) on this one. The whole phenomenon of collecting is subjective. Personally, I don't share that fellow's enthusiasm for his gig. If you like him otherwise, show him your stuff. This could conceivably be an impetus for a thread on the subject of "friends."
 
Keeps Case alive, and provides work for the denizens of Bradford. A few bucks even go to the Wilfred Works!! And the local grocery stores.
At least it sounds like the money doesn't go off shore!
His grandchildren may retire on the proceeds!!
I can't cast stones, but I have my share of Safe Queens, though they are considerably older.
I may retire on them!!:D
 
Guys, I was not begrudging him his collecting, but I was mystified by his gloved caution for what I saw was the Smoky Mountain Knifeworks special of the month 29.95 rock/or country singer special edition's. I mean, the way he was acting, I thought he had a collection of Bill Moran Limekiln marked blades. Surgical gloves for stainless steel? Even though he's going to polish each and everyone before putting it back in the case?

I could understand if it were some of Tony's, or Reese, or Kerry, but a Johnny Cash special?

Heck, if somebody gave me a Bose, it's gonna be cutting something before sundown. It would be a cryin shame not to use such a good knife. I guess I just wouldn't have something I wasn't going to use.

Carl.
 
He may not appreciate cutlery the same way you do but at least the guy collects knives. Imagine if he collected antique dolls or carnival glass and you had to sit through a conversation about that.
 
Your new "pal" handles his knives much like a collector of valuable/rare coins.
He thinks they are rare collectibles, and who knows, maybe, just maybe, he might
be right in, say, a couple hundred years. And right, he keeps Case open for biz.
That being said .....
I must admit to handling about 20, old, mint knives in my own collection in a similar manner.
But, most are handled, fondled, and used without much regard, thank goodness.
Just looking and glove handling your knives would not be fun, at all.

Ray
 
Fair enough that he enjoys them, and I wouldn't stoop to judging someone harshly for doing something that they enjoy, but I look at that fellow and think "but why don't you use them?". ("But then they wouldn't be mint collectibles!")

On the other hand, I imagine there are people who use their cheap knives to open paint cans and cut wire, and wonder why I don't "use" (abuse) my knives, let alone why I buy such expensive knives.

It takes all kinds!

Granted, I think my position — use but don't abuse — is much more reasonable than that of a white-glove collector, but then I don't see much point in squatting over my horde like a dragon!
 
jackknife said:
Guys, I was not begrudging him his collecting, but I was mystified by his gloved caution for what I saw was the Smoky Mountain Knifeworks special of the month 29.95 rock/or country singer special edition's. I mean, the way he was acting, I thought he had a collection of Bill Moran Limekiln marked blades. Surgical gloves for stainless steel? Even though he's going to polish each and everyone before putting it back in the case?

I could understand if it were some of Tony's, or Reese, or Kerry, but a Johnny Cash special?

Heck, if somebody gave me a Bose, it's gonna be cutting something before sundown. It would be a cryin shame not to use such a good knife. I guess I just wouldn't have something I wasn't going to use.

Carl.
Click to expand...

Maybe he doesn't know much about steel and doesn't realize that Tru-Sharp won't turn green from finger oils. Next time you should pull out one of your carbon steel bladed treasures and show him the true beauty of a well-worn, cared for knife.

- Christian
 
It's odd, yes, But he is a knife collector. And a traditional knife collector at that. So he is allready up a notch with me. Second, He collects Johnny Cash knives, so if he is a fan, he is now up two notches in my book!

His gloves and wiping down are not neccessary but I can say I do things with knives that aren't neccessary too; like finding the best way each knife rides in my pocket or considering some knives weekend knives or out to dinner knives. We are all a little different and thats what makes things interesting.
 
kamagong said:
It's not just you, I don't understand that behavior either. Then again, he owns those knives so they are his to do with as he pleases. I don't begrudge him one bit for wanting to keep his collection pristine.

The way I see it, compulsive collector or not, that guy is a knife nut. I'd much rather deal with him than with the type of guy who freaks out about me carrying a pocketknife.

- Christian
Click to expand...

My problem with it is, I'm not so sure he is a knife nut in the same sense that most of us here are, and he might freak out even worse if he discovered you were carrying around a limited edition or one-of-a-kind custom knife, using it and getting it scratched up. As someone else pointed out, it sounds like he handles those objects in the same manner he would coins, or stamps, or any other collectible objects. I suspect that they are merely shiny objects with certain marks to him, rather than man's oldest tools as they would be to us. On the other hand, anyone who is preserving specimens of cutlery in pristine condition can't be all bad. At least you know where to find a new knife if you need one. ;)
 
I don't enjoy a blade unless I use it. Whenever I get a new knife I use it right away to get a feel for it. Only time I use gloves to handle my knives is when I get to hard work with em
 
Interesting - I'm not sure I've ever met anyone who was that obsessive with their collection.

I carry everything I buy - I picked up my first real "slipjoint" - a custom from a maker here on BF - and it's been in my pocket and used since opening the package it came in.

I prefer my knives to have a little character - which means they need to be used.

Like others have said - at least he collects knives. Can't be all bad.:D
 
Bad Monkey said:
This.

I've never really considered myself a collector though i suppose a dozen knives qualifies as a collection, but each one gets used - that's what i bought them for - to me they're just tools.
Click to expand...
I buy some knives to look at,or invest in, and, I buy some to use. I use some that I'm sure should be stored away, but I use them anyway. I have a pretty large amount of Case oldies and newer ones that I pluck out of the collection to carry, minus the gloves though. I have no problem with someone you described, because I can be pretty "anal" myself. Bottom line is, Its all in how your "wired".:D
 
Jackknife, it could have been worse. Imagine visiting this guy and his collection.
page26-06.jpg
 
Different strokes for different folks. As for the gloves, would it draw such a reaction if he were showing you a collection of stamps. This guys knives are like a album full of 44 cent postage paid markers. They'll never be used, always be pristine, and in 100 years have gained next to nothing in value. But it's what he likes so more power to him. And if the op is just a ruse for profiling obsessive compulsive knife collectors, all of my blades are dirty dull and happy.
 
Interesting,

Knife collecting, wonder how that gets started.....

I would call someone who has a few or a couple dozen knives they use and have because they like knives, they like to use knives, they feel good carrying a nice or unique knife, they enjoy the feel and sound of the steel on stone.....as a knife enthusiast.

A collector is one who (of three)..... displays some knives in your home sorta like a trophy deer head , that is level one. Collecting to make 'A' collection that actually shows a history or progression of a particular company, era, model or maker is level two. Building a collection AND a display to show those knifes at knife events or someone who out-sources the photos and shares their knowledge on those particular knives by writing or talking, is level three. (I may be hugging this level, but its funny I never intended to be)

The line between the enthusiast and the collector is clouded. Sometimes they go together. (me)

To what degree you take care of your knives is relative to how YOU feel about them. The guy Jackknife talks about LIKES Elvis knives. I don't care a twit about a Harley, but I think they can be made to look cool and I appreciate the work and care cycle guys put in to their pets. That guy wanted his knives to be important so he acted like they were, rubber gloves and all, and who knows someday he may cash in big time.

I have been around all levels of knife people all the way to climbing the holy mount of the 'Blade Show'. (Anyone want to see my Blade Show trophy.....ha.)..some are like the guy in question and some are more like say me....where I have to clean stuff piled on my keyboard in order to type......One knife or thousand we should welcome them all if they like traditionals. I have standards of what people should collect, too much of certain things can't be good for you, so far I have never heard of anyone suffering pain or kicking the bucket for owning too many knives.......just my thoughts.....
300Bucks
 
Last edited:
Carl, you are bot alone.:D

While I understand that people like this guy are big supporters of Case pocket knives, I have to wonder if they are supporting something that is entirely artificial...:o

Did you ask if he had any used knives or ones that he carried regularly? Did you show him yours?
 
Case XX loves this guy and SMKW has blue stag built for him.:DIm also glad there are many like him.I have some of that in behavior me also although im quite disorganized and cant understand neat freeks like this anymore than they understand my poor habits.I would have loved digging through his knives,but he would have booted me out of the room in five minutes im sure.The celebrity and ad knife handles and etches are a total turnoff for me.But i like all the different bone jigging and patterns.I do really love and miss ole Johnny Cash though.:)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top