Is it the knife or the chase?

RJ · Mar 19, 2001

I have been pondering a question lately.

Is it the physical knife or the chase that is more thrilling?

I recently found a custom Phaser that I had been "chasing" for several years. Now that I have it, it seems different. I really like the knife but it is different than I thought it would be.

I have purchased/traded for knives that I was not active searching for but took as part of a deal and they have turned out to be great. This is what happened with my Vindicator. I really never thought to look at it but once I got one, I loved it.

Maybe it is human nature to pursue what you do not have, or maybe I am just nuts.

Has anyone else experienced this?

Rich

[This message has been edited by RJ (edited 03-19-2001).]

John Hollister · Mar 19, 2001

That's a pretty good question RJ.

I like the hunt. My "quest" for 98 Commanders comes to mind. But do they live up to my expectations?

Yea, they do. So far at least.

There was a particular custom that I hunted for years. I even called the maker to see if he'd make me one, no dice, he prefers to make his newer designs and didn't want to get "trapped" into only making his older designs. I asked if he knew of anyone that had one and might be willing to sell it, no dice. Then he tells me that he only made like a dozen or so of that model when he was making them. Damn!

One of his buddies has one, but it's his carry knife and favorite knife ta' boot. Great, now I'm down to a possible freakin' eleven!

I searched shows for just shy of six years before coming into that knife for sale on the forums. I snatched it up without a moments hesitation and still count it among my collection today.

Is it all the knife I built it up to be in my desperate search? No, it's not. Is it a nice knife and worth the sum I paid for it? Sure. Will I ever part with it? Nope, now there's ten . . . go find your own!

John

[This message has been edited by John Hollister (edited 03-19-2001).]

dwenslen · Mar 19, 2001

I'd say it's the hunt, for me at least. I'm still at that stage where I tell the wife "If I get this one, I won't ever need another one."
She does not buy that any more and neither do I, I guess.
Then again, I ownly have 1 custom, a terzuola atcf, and it was cheaper than some production knives.
So far, my hunt has been limited to production knives at good prices. Hell, I gotta start somewhere.
cheers,
Derek
Birmingham, AL

Dirk · Mar 19, 2001

I think for me it has to be the hunt. especially with Emersons. I've wanted an 8 for so long and missed several chances at some good deals. Then, when I get one it's not quite what I expected. In some aspects it was better, but overall not what I built it up to be. Now that I am without an 8, I get to enjoy the hunt all over again.

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If ignorance is bliss,
why aren't more people happy?

nowhere fast · Mar 20, 2001

It's definitely the chase. I can't tell you how many times I have searched for a knife only to get it and hold of it for a day or two and then just get bored with it and sell or trade it, then start looking for another.

I have also noticed that it not only applies to knives but in my experience it has also applied to women.

Donald.

Sniper308 · Mar 20, 2001

As a "hunter" I particularily enjoy the chase! Since I only seriously collect Emerson Customs, and have narrowed it down considerbly to the early Emerson "Pre-tacticals" due to the scaricity of them I spend lots of time looking for these particular knives. The few that I have been able to acquire have more than surpassed my expectation.

I have been able to acquire most of the more readily recognizable customs, however they are, as I would say. . . . . "tactical"

Now, the "pre-tacs" are a completely different animal! They have life of their own! They shine, they are almost alive. It is somewhat difficult for me to see that the same individual made both the "pre-tacs" as well as the "customs" that most of us are familiar with.

Fortunately for me, there is only one other "suspect" who I know is also seeking the same type of knives. He is a admirable person, someone who I have a lot of respect for, and the person whom I would hope to get the knife should I not be able to acquire it. I believe for both "Jackstaw" and myself, the hunt for these is what drives us.

See2 · Mar 20, 2001

I dunno - for me, since I have 0 customs, but am "in line" right now for a few, it's the anticipation of ownership. the customs I'm getting aren't scarce (Elishewitz, Lightfoot, Weiland - and soon Ryan and Boguszewski), and they're "normally" priced, compared to Ernie's. I love the designs, and the fact that someone's making it for ME, right now, as I type, is mucho cool. I can't wait for 'em to show up!

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Of course, that's just MY opinion - I could be wrong. - Dennis Miller

budrichard · Mar 19, 2001

For me it is the chase so to speak. It is not the hunt for a particularly rare model but working with the custom knife makers and the anticipation of the results. Once the knife has arrived, it's on to the next thing that I have on order or want to order. I never sell what I collect and don't purchase from resellers normally. As of this date, A Ryan #1 is imminent and a Lightfoot LCC in Dam is being made. I keep a list of what's on order, price and expectation for delivery. After a few years of doing this, things arrive at intervals that keeps life interesting. Dick

jackstraw · Mar 19, 2001

Sniper does me great honor. We did an acquisition of some pre-tacs together and I guess that his class just brought out the very best in me. Emerson customs don't grow on trees. These days I am focusing on Ernie's earlier work, pre-tacs, half moon and viper logos and fixed blades. However, thanks to the suspect community, I was able to acquire 2 Viper 4s within less than a month of each other. I had stalked the elusive V4 for over 3 years. One, a double ground Viper logo lives in my safe. The other, a Y2K, zero degree chisel grind lives in my pocket. I love the chase and the acquisition equally. They give meaning to each other.

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Once in a while you get shown the light
In the strangest of places if you look at it right.

[This message has been edited by jackstraw (edited 03-19-2001).]

NCBlades · Mar 19, 2001

I'll let you know when my 6 arrives

michael

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"For the Word of God is living and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword."
Heb. 4:12

Rest In Peace number 3 Dale Earnhardt
You will be greatly missed!

tattoo · Mar 19, 2001

Definately the chase. I have had some fine specimens go thru my hands and into other suspects hands. I kinda wished i had kept them all as with the prices to day i wouldn't need to finace my new harley this year but that is life. Sometimes when something is very hard to find and then you do get it it can be a let down because of the stuff you have created in your own mind about the knife, Micheal, if you got Jackstraws knife congrats as it is a fine knife and should have been mine but alas have to have some money for my downpayment.
The thrill of the chase can be both a rush and a bummer at times, especially when you miss a piece but by a few minutes. Guns,knives,harleys and women. Oh the things we go thru for the finest things in life, better add a fine cigar and great liqueor(bad spelling).

LTR

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Carpe' Diem
Usual Suspect AKA Tattoo

David T · Mar 19, 2001

I'm not really in the hunt for Emersons anymore. As a matter of fact, I may sell off a few in the near future. We'll see. The chase is definitely the part that I liked. Like all other things that I chase, watches, guns, they all seem less significant once I get my hands on them. Most of you know that I chased the CQC5 for a couple of years. I now have 2 of them. They've been sitting in the safe. I was thrilled for about a day. They weren't exactly what I expected. I handled Jackstraw's CQC5 once before I got mine, & man was it nice. G10 scales & really put together well. But that was probably 4-5 years ago. Both of mine are newer ones, I'm not too impressed. I won't continue with this old/new discussion as this has been discussed many, many times.

I think Sniper308 & Jackstraw have the right idea by collecting the rarer variations & pre-tacs. These will for sure go up in value. As for the other models they can be found quite easily. Funny story. My wife, asked me the other day while I was in my office rearranging my knives, "So, she says, let me get this straight. Most of the Emerson Customs are owned by the Usual Suspects, or, the Usual Suspects own the majority of the customs out there. Yup, I reply. Then aren't you guys hoarding the knives & driving up the prices of the customs. Ahhhhh, yeh, I guess so. Although this may not be 100% correct, it does have some truth to it.

Keeping with RJ's theme, The only Emerson custom which made me go wow was the Halfmoon CQC6 which I got from RJ. ( Tattoo, I'm not rubbing it in, I swear) Maybe because I was use to the new, or newer CQC6's, but this is one nice knife. I wasn't disappointed with this one.

Eric Blair · Mar 19, 2001

I try to maintain a healthy balance between "obtainable" and "difficult to obtain", therefore there is always a sense of satisfaction occurring at any given moment. I don't mind standing in line for months and months for a Custom Strider GB, or a choice Vallotton, but that's because meanwhile I'm obtaining quickie fixes with a nice Microtech or a vintage PC Balisong. In other words, I hate to wait, so I ease the suffering by ......not suffering.

Face it, we're all happily sick.