Just a couple of thoughts from an old poot.

GUNNER63755

GUNNER63755

Joined
Apr 30, 2012
Messages
222
Hi Guys. I am 67 and the wifey and I live on social security and we each have a little part time job. Not complaining, we are blessed. Here is my issue. I love knives. I can no longer afford the $100.00 up knives. My knife use these days amounts to collecting, EDC, cutting open a box or envelope, cutting string or rope, sticking someone that may decide to come in the house at 3 am. Oh, I don't guess that is politically correct. I pray it never happens but I would use one of my guns instead. Sorry. Oh well, I digress. I have found that I still like to look for knives that appeal to me with their looks. Tactical style folders and fixed blades. I am still like a kid when I get a new knife in the mail to put in my man cave, even if it is a cheapo. I love the cheap Mtech, Colt and S&W knives, and when I want to buy an expensive knife I usually go for CRKT, Kershaw, Schrade, Buck, leaning to the CRKT. That is sad isn't it? LOL Heck, even the so called big boys in knife manufacturing are having them made in China now. Is the metal as good? Probably not. I don't have a clue. Fit and finish is pretty dang good though. I can still get a pretty good edge on my knives. Every cheap knife I have purchased has come from a USA seller, so I still feel like I am doing my part. If I was betting my life on a knife, I would save and buy the best I could afford. Military, and first responders deserve the best. They are on the front lines daily. I'm not. I'm watching fishing shows and movies on the TV. I know that it rubs against the grain for many that I like some of the China made knives, but they have served me well for the things I need a knife for in my everyday life. I still like to get these cheap knives out and fondle, clean and polish them. Don't get me wrong, I am very happy if you can afford the more expensive knives, and I am not jealous. If you would rather have 1, 2 or 3 high price knives to my 30 cheapys, I am super happy for you. When I get a new cheapo, I am just as happy as you are when you get a new knife. Well, almost anyway. Yes, I could save up and buy a $200 or $300 dollar knife, but heck, at my age I guess I am just trying to see if I can die with the most knives, not the best. It is a ball looking on the internet sites for used knives and the newest, greatest of the cheap knives that are being offered. KBH syndrome. Knife Bargain Hunting. I am guessing that some of the high end collectors have run across a cheap knife they liked a few times in their life. I got bad mouthed awhile back on another forum for liking these junk knives. I guess what I am trying to say is "Enjoy your knives, there is room for all of us." Have a safe happy life folks. Now, I feel better. Thanks. Mike in Missouri
 
Good post mike, as long as your happy with what you got that's all that matters.

Thanks for taking the time to post. I don't believe anyone here will knock your style, to each their own.
 
Hi Guys. I am 67 and the wifey and I live on social security and we each have a little part time job. Not complaining, we are blessed. Here is my issue. I love knives. I can no longer afford the $100.00 up knives. My knife use these days amounts to collecting, EDC, cutting open a box or envelope, cutting string or rope, sticking someone that may decide to come in the house at 3 am. Oh, I don't guess that is politically correct. I pray it never happens but I would use one of my guns instead. Sorry. Oh well, I digress. I have found that I still like to look for knives that appeal to me with their looks. Tactical style folders and fixed blades. I am still like a kid when I get a new knife in the mail to put in my man cave, even if it is a cheapo. I love the cheap Mtech, Colt and S&W knives, and when I want to buy an expensive knife I usually go for CRKT, Kershaw, Schrade, Buck, leaning to the CRKT. That is sad isn't it? LOL Heck, even the so called big boys in knife manufacturing are having them made in China now. Is the metal as good? Probably not. I don't have a clue. Fit and finish is pretty dang good though. I can still get a pretty good edge on my knives. Every cheap knife I have purchased has come from a USA seller, so I still feel like I am doing my part. If I was betting my life on a knife, I would save and buy the best I could afford. Military, and first responders deserve the best. They are on the front lines daily. I'm not. I'm watching fishing shows and movies on the TV. I know that it rubs against the grain for many that I like some of the China made knives, but they have served me well for the things I need a knife for in my everyday life. I still like to get these cheap knives out and fondle, clean and polish them. Don't get me wrong, I am very happy if you can afford the more expensive knives, and I am not jealous. If you would rather have 1, 2 or 3 high price knives to my 30 cheapys, I am super happy for you. When I get a new cheapo, I am just as happy as you are when you get a new knife. Well, almost anyway. Yes, I could save up and buy a $200 or $300 dollar knife, but heck, at my age I guess I am just trying to see if I can die with the most knives, not the best. It is a ball looking on the internet sites for used knives and the newest, greatest of the cheap knives that are being offered. KBH syndrome. Knife Bargain Hunting. I am guessing that some of the high end collectors have run across a cheap knife they liked a few times in their life. I got bad mouthed awhile back on another forum for liking these junk knives. I guess what I am trying to say is "Enjoy your knives, there is room for all of us." Have a safe happy life folks. Now, I feel better. Thanks. Mike in Missouri
 
shinyedges said:
Good post mike, as long as your happy with what you got that's all that matters.

Thanks for taking the time to post. I don't believe anyone here will knock your style, to each their own.
Click to expand...
:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
 
Nothing wrong with your philosophy at all. The nice thing about the economy models is that it allows guys like us to indulge our knife interests, but maintain a budget where we need to. A Smith & Wesson 'Homeland Security' model is the knife that got me started back in 2006-07. I still have a drawer full of "El Cheapos" as we called inexpensive things growing up.

Made in China is not necessarily bad. I've had several college courses on modern culture & anthropology, and our world is well-entrenched in a global economy now. My best advice is research any brand you like, and watch out for some of the less-popular brands here. Sanrenmu, Ganzo, and a few other Chinese manufacturers directly rip off designs from legitimate companies, like Spyderco, Benchmade, Buck, and others. Each of those domestic mfrs. (Spyderco, Buck, etc.) make their own imported economy line of knives, that are every bit as good as anything the imitators import right now.

Top knife is a Lionsteel SR-2A (made in Italy), that I just sold for $65., and the other two are a Spyderco Wings Slip-It (China) and Bladetech Pro-Hunter Junior (Taiwan), both under $50.


There are a lot of great knife designs out there - these are Colt Anaconda models (made in Solingen, Germany) that I've collected over the last several years, most for around $20.:


Kershaws - Rake, Thermite, and Volt II stainless. The Rake (made in the U.S.) was $60. IIRC, the Thermite & Volt II (both China) were under $30. each


The S&W (China) that started it all for me ten years ago for $12. at Big 5, a Spyderco Endura user for $25. and a Kershaw Blizzard for $60.


A bunch of modern tactical types; the two Benchmades were around $80.-$100. each, but the rest were under $60.; two S&W's on the end were $15. apiece at Big 5 Sporting Goods. The M-Tech Balisong at the end of the top row, and the S&W at the end of the bottom row were both designed by Darrel Ralph.


So, showing off a little of my collection :D but hopefully I've given you some inspiration for new directions for your collection. If you have pics, post 'em up.

~Chris
 
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Mike, I think that as knife fans it almost does not matter what price it is. I am just as excited about my 14 dollar machete as I am about a 500 dollar custom.
 
Buy what you like and can afford. Don't worry about what others think. If the knife works for you then use it and don't worry about it. I could say more but will refrain from doing so.
 
I love inexpensive knives. While I primarily carry ZT's, Spyderco's, and GEC's, most of my collection are made up of RR/Colt, Taylor brands and the like. The best way to try out lots of variation.



•••••••••••••••

Sent from my mind....using Tap-a-Thought. (tm)
 
Hi Mike and welcome to BladeForums! Collecting knives is great fun and it doesn't matter how much you spend per blade! Some of the most satisfying additions to a collection are the ones that show the highest value. I have a couple of suggestions for your collection:

I know you mentioned you preferred modern folders, but Rough Rider traditionals are great fun to collect. They're so inexpensive, yet well made. You can get a new one each week on a fixed income and still get totally stoked with each addition.

SanRenMu are made in China (like Rough Rider) but are good, modern knives for a few dollars, many less than $15.

If you don't have an Ontario RAT Model 1 and Model 2, they're must-have knives for $25-35 each.

Finally, RealSteel knives are at the top of the food chain, but will push your budget to $35-55 per knife.

It sounds like you've already found Kershaw and CRKT, and they're great options although CRKT are a little overpriced for the sum of the parts. Don't be afraid of "made in China", they can be a great option, sometimes the only option at a bargain price. Made in China can still be a responsible purchase, just make informed decisions.

Good luck and enjoy retirement and lots of low cost, great knives!
 
colt jungle commander. Very tough blade

s2DWK3P.jpg
 
Check out kershawguy.com.

Dave is a well respected member here, and a great guy to deal with. He ships free and fills orders amazingly quickly. His prices can't be beat and he sells discounted models, discontinued stuff and "blems" that I swear you'll never be able to figure out why they are listed that way. Also sells first quality knives for the best prices. I've bought a bunch of stuff from him over the years and like most folks around here can't say enough good things about him. His import stuff is some of the best you'll find for the money.

Welcome, Mike.
 
As the others have said, whatever makes you happy is all that matters. I own and enjoy knives of all types and sizes, and prices I paid range from $1 to $300.

Knives are meant to be used and enjoyed. If your knives are meeting your needs as tools, and providing you with enjoyment as well, then they represent good value.

NOTE: Just realized this is a duplicate thread.
 
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If you're happy, Mike, then I am happy too. :thumbup:



It's not about the money or which brand, it's all about the happyz!:D


1234,,,:D
 
Mike, what a great post. I'm like you, I like inexpensive to somewhat and very expensive knives. Those are my tastes and I've been at this a long time. I've carried a pocket knife since I was seven years old, still have the knife, a CASE #62087. My preference is for American made knives but I have other foreign made knives as well. I don't care what a person carries, I just appreciate that one carries a knife. I'm actually puzzled that many people don't but that's fine too.

It bothers me when people rail on others because of what they carry or what their knife looks like. I guess I don't get it, then many band together like 12 year old girls and make fun of or make sarcastic remarks about one's carry or what adorns one's knife. Hell it's his or hers knife and guess what they're on a knife forum!!!

Then they'll even complain, make fun of how that person takes pictures of their knife or how many pictures are taken of it??? Guess I'm an old ornery sob:D if you don't like it chose the high road and move on but that's hard for many adolescent minded people to do.

Good on you brother, show and carry them with pride:cool::thumbup:
 
Welcome to the forums, Mike. Like many have said, enjoy the knives you have. Mine range from $50 up to $600, but to be honest, the less expensive ones get the most pocket time. Post a picture of your collection when you get a chance. :)
 
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