Is this an addiction ?

I have been collecting knives for over 40 yrs.
I never really considered it an addiction but more of an infatuation with edged tools,
The different sizes shapes finishes, sheaths etc are interesting to me.
Every time I acquire another one I say that it's the last one.
Over 5000 knives , over 100 swords later.....
Now I look at it as an investment to leave me kids as an inheritance...
I have done some trading with members of this forum so the count changes either way accordingly..
 
Thanks you all......I feel like I am not alone. I don't have an issue with affording the knives (luckily), but I already have over 30......half of which are just custom collectables (non-users). Just went to the East Coast Custom Knife Show this past weekend and came home with 4 knives.......when I had said I would only buy one ! I love knives, but I am glad to see many share my love....or additions :) But at some point enough is enough !
 
Knifenutty said:
I have been collecting knives for over 40 yrs.
I never really considered it an addiction but more of an infatuation with edged tools,
The different sizes shapes finishes, sheaths etc are interesting to me.
Every time I acquire another one I say that it's the last one.
Over 5000 knives , over 100 swords later.....
Now I look at it as an investment to leave me kids as an inheritance...
I have done some trading with members of this forum so the count changes either way accordingly..
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You currently have over 5000 knives ????
 
Buy one for each use you need it for, ie: fixed blade, folder, multitool, machete, axe, filet knife etc. That is your limitation. When you actually USE it for a while and are starting to get bored, or break it, buy another to fit that niche. That way, you use the knife as intended instead of buying it and basically putting it on a shelf. I don't apply said rules when it comes to things like Mora, Tramontina, Swiss Army Knives, Svord, Condor etc, because I can easily gift myself with one of their products without making a dent in my pocket. That doesnt mean I buy a bunch at one time. Seems like people sometimes buy knives just to look at and fondle. This is a product of our materialistic, spoiled society, and knives are in reality tools meant to be used.
 
mley1 said:
I don't know about an addiction. Like any hobby, it feels like an addiction. When something is pleasing to you, and gives you pleasure in handling, visually pleasing....etc, you tend to want more. So, you collect more.....Knives PLEASE me.
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Exactly how I feel when I get a knife I like. That pleasure thing is a definite factor. You get it, it fades, you want that feeling again. Hard to explain to a non-knife person, but familiar to anyone with knowledge of addiction.

Recently was prescribed a med for back pain. Two pills did nothing. Asked my doc and pharmacist how many was safe to take...they said up to about 6, so I tried 3. Along with taking care of the pain, it gave me a nice pleasant alls-right-with-the-world feeling...not exactly a high, but pleasant. After the third or forth time, that pleasant feeling went away. It was taking care of the pain fine, but part of mind wanted that pleasure feeling again, so I thought "why not take 4? its safe". Then I realized this was not a good direction. It would have been 4, then 5, etc. Made me see how easy it is to get hooked on drugs.
 
Simple answer is yes.

I ended my flashlight addiction buy buying the best, now I feel like I don't need anymore. So if you want to end it go and buy a hinderer.
 
whateatsrabbits said:
Simple answer is yes.

I ended my flashlight addiction buy buying the best, now I feel like I don't need anymore. So if you want to end it go and buy a hinderer.
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I agree with this completely. Once you decide on the best of knives, whatever that is in your opinion, there is no point in owning the rest.
 
I havent been to the forum in some while. I have found a few knives which I tend to carry for my day-to-day needs that serve me very well so I havent felt the need to go out and get more. At an earlier time, I went through various phases regarding the type of knives that interested me. I particularly enjoyed classic traditional folders. Now, its more about doing the tasks that I'm likely to face through the day. For around our place in the country and around town, Ive found knives that do the job for me. None of them are all that expensive, but they get the job done. I have expensive knives, but arent willing to work them as hard (or at all). If I'm up in the mountains doing outdoor activities, Ive found favorite fixed blade knives that I like. Some of these are production and some are customs.
I no longer feel the need to buy 'the next one'.

I recently came across an ad mentioning the re-release of the Spyderco Street Bowie fixed blade knife and I am excited. This knife had been discontinued and I had wanted one for a long time. They rarely showed up for sale, and were often at very high prices on auction sites. There was also the option of ordering a custom made by Fred Perrin, but he is outside of the US and its likely that if he were taking orders, the knives would be very expensive. So I am thrilled that Spyderco is making this knife again. I have ordered one and it will soon be here. I get to fulfill a knife dream at a far lower cost than I had imagined.
"Knives are about cutting stuff." is a viewpoint that might help prevent some from letting this hobby get out of hand. Find a knife that will do what you actually need it to do and you may find that this will cost less than you might have imagined.
 
Alann45 said:
Exactly how I feel when I get a knife I like. That pleasure thing is a definite factor. You get it, it fades, you want that feeling again. Hard to explain to a non-knife person, but familiar to anyone with knowledge of addiction.

Recently was prescribed a med for back pain. Two pills did nothing. Asked my doc and pharmacist how many was safe to take...they said up to about 6, so I tried 3. Along with taking care of the pain, it gave me a nice pleasant alls-right-with-the-world feeling...not exactly a high, but pleasant. After the third or forth time, that pleasant feeling went away. It was taking care of the pain fine, but part of mind wanted that pleasure feeling again, so I thought "why not take 4? its safe". Then I realized this was not a good direction. It would have been 4, then 5, etc. Made me see how easy it is to get hooked on drugs.
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Yeah those things have hooks.

It's funny, I was watching a video review of a high end knife. The person doing the video mentioned that he had bought several all at once. I didn't think anything of it until I saw a medication in the background that is used for treating certain kinds of chemical addictions.

The fact is that if you have had problems in the past with other things you need to be careful. That may seem obvious, but it is easy to slip.

Just friendly advice for anyone who cares to hear it. I know it is irrelevant to 99.99% of ya. ;)
 
Great words everyone! We all definitely LOVE knives but there are some out there who need to take a step back every once in a while. If anyone is finding themselves going down that road I'd seriously recommend taking a break from visiting the forums (hiding in a corner now so I don't get flamed). I know looking at knives and buying knives are two separate acts but I know personally just visiting here and seeing what is coming out, stuff I haven't even heard of, and seeing stuff I've been looking at for a while can make anyone want to take that next step and actually purchase it. Thankfully in my case I just keep adding to the list of things I'd like to acquire in the future, though you all are making it a longer list. :)
 
-NB- said:
Buying anything on credit you don't NEED, is something you really want to avoid. It can dig you into a deep hole very fast and sour you on what can be an enjoyable hobby.

Searching for good deals can be part of the fun and save tons of money. Also, the lower end knives have a lot of treasures...check out Kershaws for example.
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I appreciate the advise for sure. I've already traveled this road, and I don't plan on traveling it again. I was just referring to the last 2 knives I purchased for a couple hundred of which I'll pay off at the end of the month. I'm saving up my pennies for a one of those sweet backwood customs knives. Man are those sweet.[/QUOTE]


Exactly why I haven't gotten a credit card. I would just go into massive debt
 
There are also cheap ways to enjoy this hobby. You can learn all about steels, and sharpening, history, and design etc.
There are aspects of the knife hobby which are more about building skill than spending money (freehand sharpening, for example).

Years ago I remember a photo display that showed pictures taken by amateurs with expensive cameras versus pros with very cheap throw away, one use disposible type cameras. Of course, the pros easily left the amateurs in the dust. Its not always about how much you spend.
 
Compulsive buying is a genuine psychological disorder. If you can't figure out a way to control it yourself, then you may need to talk to a doctor. Oniomania is the name for it.

A couple of tips. Set limits: no more than a certain dollar amount or certain number in a particular time period. Limit your reading of forums and visits to knife stores or web sites. Another option is to buy more expensive knives that retain their value, then you can sell them and get most of your money back later to fund new purchases or if you finally get sick of it.
 
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